Prophecy

Chapter 9: Hesitation

*Xavia's POV*

The following day arrived much faster than either Raziel or I expected. The vast difference from night to day proved more difficult. Many more people were walking about, and fewer shadows slowed us down more than I would have liked to admit.

As we waited for another safe moment to move, Raziel asked, "Don't you think we could search better if we weren't always hidden and waiting around to move?"

I could hear the slight teasing tone in his voice, though he was correct. The duration we spent searching could have been used better as the effort of having to move through shadows wasn't worth it. I knew it was time to change things around. We had been on the trail of the angel's aura for a few hours but hadn't found her yet.

I discovered a secluded, shadowy area behind a large building, so we moved to that spot.

I replied to my friend, "Yes, I suppose you make a point." I paused, making sure we couldn't be seen, phased back into my human form, and added, "I'll stay like this while the sun is out, and we can use the shadows better at night. I'm sure we can cover more ground this way; if anything, it'll be a nice pace change, too."

"See, that's more like it!" Raziel said as he transformed into a medium-sized cocker spaniel with jet-black fur that mirrored my own hair color. He stretched and got a feel for the environment.

We walked down a street together, and occasionally, I would glance at him while he happily trotted beside me. I had to admit that it was quite adorable to witness. His enjoyment was infectious; he'd wag his tail when kids and adults would give him attention. He would often stop and sniff items that piqued his interest. Sometimes, the people we passed would approach me and ask if they could pet him. Those humans were harmless. Either way, I was there to help if something happened.

"I'm glad you're having fun, Razy," I commented once we took a break and sat at a bench nearby.

He jumped up, got comfortable while lying on my lap, and replied, "Thanks, it's nice here. Do you think one day we could stay longer?"

"As long as my father rules, I highly doubt it. However, I would love to spend more time on Earth; I've only been allowed to be here a few days at a time, and... that happened when I received a mission..." I started saying. As I watched everything surrounding us, I felt I had more to say, "The people here, so many, are innocent and just live their lives to the fullest before they die. Yes, some, like last night, are evil, but this place has more good than bad. I wouldn't mind being able to explore everything this world had to offer, to see what adventures we could find ourselves part of, and honestly, find our true home," I revealed.

Raziel lifted his head to look at me before he responded.

"I think you're onto something, Xavy. There's something about this place that I can't put my paw on, but... I think this was meant to be. We were meant to be here. Right here. Right now. Regardless of what our mission is... You feel it, don't you?" Raziel said, and he was absolutely correct; I did feel it.

Instead of replying to what he asked, I answered differently by placing my hand on his soft, furry head. His eyes closed at the contact while I mimicked what the humans did by calmly petting and scratching him. It appeared he favored a nice scratch behind his ears the most. I opted for physical touch in that manner to allow him to feel and see what I was feeling.

I agreed with Raziel.

Wholly.

What is it that humans say...? Seeing is believing, I think.