Enchanter

Chapter 33

"NO," Cas screamed as he ran toward her. As he removed the shackles from her body Alistair ran up and tried to help, but Cas violently shoved him away. "Stay away from her!" Tears began to streak his face as the burning sensation upon his ribs intensified.

"We need to get her out of here," Alistair begged. "At the moment we're only going to get in the way of their fight Cas!"

It was true Cas looked over to Jaxs and Eli. They were only trying to defend, making sure that Alistair and Cas were not harmed in the battle. "Get us out of her Alistair."

Complacently Alistair swept them up into the wind and places them on a roof top. Cas still held her in his arms, cradling her. "Do something," he shouted at Alistair. "You must be able to do something." The burning in his ribs only began to magnify. It was as if someone was placing hot coals on his side, but it only gave him hope.

"Cas, I can only heal things that aren't dead," Alistair said genially. "I'm sorry but you need to let go."

"No," Cas said touching his ribs. "My ribs still burn, they only get hotter." He was rocking back and forth. "She still alive!"

"It's over Cas." Alistair did not know what to say. He felt helpless and began to touch his own mark hoping that he would not have to go through the same pain.

Cas felt as if he was on fire and then looked down to see that Cia was in flames. He did not care and he held her tighter even as Alistair tried to rip him off. "No, I don't want to do this anymore."

Finally, Alistair was able to remove him from the burning corpse. "Stop it," he said shaking Cas. "You're only acting like this because of the mark."

"So what if I am?" Cas punched Alistair and began to run toward Cia only to be tackled to the ground by, Alistair. As they rolled around fighting each other the burning only kept becoming hotter and hotter.

Alistair pinned Cas and looked down at his mark. It shined as bright as the sun itself. "What the hell?"

As if it was waiting to be acknowledged by another being the mark began to form an orb of fire that shined like a thousand suns. A phoenix the size of an average bird came soaring out and spoke to them as it hovered Cia's body. "Those who rise from the ashes will only come back stronger."

As the fire faded Cia's eyes flicked open flashing a light and delicate lavender. Abruptly, she stood up and clenched at her neck. Cas knocked Alistair off of him and ran to Cia embracing her in his arms. "I knew that I couldn't give up on you," he said only holding her tighter.

"We look after each other," she said smiling.

The bells on the towers began to ring. "Somebody finally was able to sound the alarms." Alistair looked overwhelmed with Joy. "We can finally rest."

"No we can't," Cia said letting go of Cas. "The balance that you guys trust in so much is the one that's leading to your downfall." Cia began to look down at the street, still overwhelmed with demons. "This is our fight and I want my vengeance."

"I can't help, but agree with you Cia." All three of them turned to see Michael approach them. Seeing their aggression he stopped. "Calm yourselves, I am no longer a demon." He pointed at the dagger that had fallen out of Cia. "When the phoenix purified Cia, it also happened to purify my dagger which I am connected to spiritually."

"I don't believe you," Cas said.

Flashing his lavender eyes at them he said, "Do you believe me now."

"I suppose," Cia said. "But what are you planning on doing for us."

As the dagger flew in the air into Michaels hand he looked at them courageously. "Stand beside you and fight with my new honour." He looked at Cas. "First, however, I think that Cas, the bringer of light, has something for you that might be able to help you get out of those scorched garments."

Pulling the hilt and ring from his inventory Cas gave them to Cia. "Jeramiah, the first encoder, thought that you might like these."

Place the ring on her finger the armour formed to her skin. It was the type of armour that was not meant for looks but complete practicality. Still Cia looked at it with amazement. "It's like I'm not even wearing a complete outfit," she said as she looked at the gauntlets strong steal."

"May I see that hilt," Michael inquired holding out his hand.

Looking for Cia's approval he handed the blade to Michael. Casually he held the dagger close to the hilt and the merged forming a valent sword. "This is the blade of the angels. A long time ago I used this blade to defend the mortals from demons and as I split so did it," Michael said. "Please bow before me Cia."

She did as she was told and took a knee in front of him. "I am proud to learn that this blade has fallen into good hands." Slowly, Michael touched the tip of the blade to her shoulders. "I now announce you to be Cia, the knight of angels." Slamming the blade into the ground in front of her he continued, "Now stand and fight for your people."

Taking the blade into her hand, her hair began to shine in the colour of lilac and her eyes shined brightly. "Thank you," she said.

"Do not thank me," he said. "I am only atoning for my sins." He looked at Cas, "I apologise, but I must use this body for just a moment longer."

"Of course," Cas said. "Just make sure he comes back alive."

"You have my honour as a warrior that I will do as such." Michael bowed in respect.

"Brother," said Gabriel in disbelief. "It can't be."

Grabbing, his brother's shoulder he led him to the edge of the roof. "Come now Gabriel, we have much to discuss. Perhaps over the slaughter of a couple thousand demons." With one last look at the group they jumped of the edge and fell into the pit of demons beneath them.

"I swear," Alistair said. "Hanging out with you guys and your strange associates is going to get me killed."

Slowly they all began to laugh.