Blood Stained Snow

Ch 13 Souls (unfinished)

I continue traveling in search of Aria's soul. She must be out here somewhere... but where?
I see the feather first this time, as he stops time around us and appears before me once again.
Death.
This time his hood is down, his face is smooth and young, mid-twenties appearance for a human. His black hair is cropped short, coming down his forehead midway. His eyes are pure black, like a bottomless pit.
"Hello once again, Kira." He smiles, as black air clouds his face. "Good to see you in one piece this time and not on the brink of- well you know- me." He throws his head back in laughter, but no sound escapes his lips.
"Why appear this time? There is no dead here. What do I have to offer you?"
He pauses, grinning as if enjoying a private joke. "Ah but is I who has come to offer you some information on the location of Aria's soul."
"Tell me, how is it you know?"
"Who do you think set it free in the first place? I told you it was futile to defy me." His grin is wicked and toothy.
Finally I see his game. "What do you want in return?"
"You're already heading the right way. Do you know whom you must serve now?"
"No. I know of no being I could serve in a world like this." Who could he be referring to?
"I see. How disappointing." He frowns, "but I think your journey will lead you to that answer. She is protected by the light. Find a city whose guards fight with the will of light. Then you will find the body holding Aria's soul."
"The will of light? Like that of angels?"
"Similar, but not quite up to par. You will see when you find them. There are few left in this world. Follow the legends and I am sure you will find her."
The black feathers continue their dance as time continues; Death disappears as his voice echoes in my ears, "good lunch." It is as if he wishes me to find her. Beings of light then? He couldn't be referring to the god of creation. His essence has nearly been wiped out of this world; only fallen angels exist now. And the humans he has forsaken.
Nonetheless I travel onward to the city in hopes of hearing of the legends Death spoke of.
Several days pass until I stumble upon a nest of Ancients. They speak openly with me; unusual since they usually detest demons.
"You seek the lost soul of your lover, Aria, is that correct?" The Ancients voice wheezes.
"That is correct," I tell him," I was told I could find her in the protection of a sort of light."
The Ancient nods, "There are a few lights left in this world, Lord Kira, your search should not be long. The first light is that of a fallen angel, trapped within a war of demons lying besiege to the cities of the north.
The second is that of a traveling priest wielding a sword of light, God has transformed his body into that of an apostle. He fights the darkness and traps whatever darkness he comes into contact with, within his own body; an attempt to purge this world of darkness. Perhaps he has come into contact with her lost soul upon his travels. He has been known to travel among the cities in the east.
The third is an artifact; a city has been built around it, protecting it from most demons. It holds up a purifying barrier and is worshipped by many humans within the city. Perhaps her soul lies under the protection of this artifact. It lies somewhere south of here.
The fourth is a sort of light that still exists. A nephilim, a human and angel hybrid; this nephilim has established a guard to protect his city to the west. He has corrupted his angel blood to try and harness it into a power for all that fights in his guard. They are formidable, so a must warn you to enter with caution. Perhaps her soul lies with their protection, as do thousands of human survivors holed up behind their city walls."
"So it comes down to four cities then?"
"As far as I know, Lord Kira, these are merely rumors I have heard in my time. But I do hope it helps you in your journey to find your lost loved one."
"Thank you, Ancient One. I must be on my way now."
"Good luck, Lord Kira."
With that I travel to the south.