The Protectors

Chapter 44: Time and Date

Chapter 44: Time and Date

"Who says there's time to dilly-dally?

Gear up, cover up, the War is up."

—

Even though the War hadn't started yet, the Church boomed with victorious music as if we already won. The humans and the heavenly beings are celebrating as one.

The Cherubs played heavenly music. The Seraphim performed their battle dance. Some humans even did magic tricks and other little talent shows, which curiously, amazed the Angels.

It's a scene that I thought is cosmically impossible.

I could see Michael from my seat. Nakapwesto siya sa isang mesa kasama ang ilang mga Guardian. I couldn't hear them but I could hear the happy thoughts flowing in his mind.

Wala sa sariling tumingin siya sa pwesto ko.

You okay? he asked.

I nodded and gave him a small smile. He smiled back and continued interacting. Minutes went by like that. I did not talk to anyone. I just observed. Pinapanuod ko ang bawat masasayang nangyayari sa paligid ko.

I just want to savor a moment seeing them all happy.

Kahit ngayon lang.

Because we will have no other choice, when the time comes. We must all fight. We have to.

"I cannot find your Dad." It was Death's voice. Hindi ko siya tinignan at pinanuod na lang ang mga tao. I don't want him to see I was sad that he didn't. Mas madaming malaking problema ang kailangan naming solusyunan sa mga susunod na araw.

I sighed. "He still doesn't want to be found, huh."

Hindi na sumagot si Death.

"Hindi ba dapat nakikihalubilo ka?" he said as he sat beside me. Sinilip ko na siya. Tumaas ang kilay ko nang makitang may hawak siyang canned ng beer.

"Binigay ni Cupid," tukoy niya sa hawak.

I shrugged. Masyadong defensive eh.

Bumaling ako ulit sa harap namin. Raphael and a Seraphim are sparring now. Their spectators are betting who will win.

"Death," I called his name.

"Yes?"

"You gave answers when we thought we couldn't get one. You took a chance and helped me live. You resurrected High Knights to help us fight...." I trailed off, "Why are you helping us?"

Hindi siya sumagot muna. He sighed afterwards and took a sip from the canned beer he's holding.

"I bet with the wrong side and it took a toll on me.... Like getting trapped in a box for the last thousand years." Maliit ang ngiting ginawa niya.

Hearing him open up is rare. So does his smile. I didn't know Death could be charming. Nailing siya dahil siguro nabasa na naman ang iniisip ko.

"You always knew things long before it could even happen. But why didn't you tell us about Pandora?"

"It's for you to unfold. Kung mamamakailam ako, magugulo ang dapat mangyari. Destiny won't even permit it. If I meddle in that, mag-iiba ang mangyayari."

"What about you resurrecting those dead knights? Are those permitted by Destiny?"

He clicked his tongue. Pasimple ang ngiting ginawa niya. Pero hindi siya sumagot.