Ascension

Chapter 7.2

"All will be well, Ayira."

I blink up to Lael as we exit The Church, tilting my head in question. 

"In what regard, Lael?"

His face broke into one of his common smiles, a bit boyish and held a confidence I felt I could only emulate," I just assumed you were a bit nervous- perhaps going down to Earth and seeing everyone again. I know your mother-"

He cut off, and I smoothed my features, pulling my gaze from him to the bobbing shoulders of the departing crowed of Angels in front of us. 

I did not wish him to speak of my mother, or his opinions of her. 

Instead, I smoothed out my sweaty hands to my sides again," Yes. I am eager for a visit to my fathers grave."

I couldn't manage to say it.

My last visit.

I blink my eyes, swallowing hard.

My final day on Earth, I could hardly wait to enter the house of The Chariots. I flick my gaze to the white and glass sphere of a building, yearning.

Chariots rarely departed prior to midday meal, and only then had I ever seen Principalities and Dominoes enter. 

"An honor that I am glad to help you attend," Falak materialized to my other side and I relaxed slightly, smiling up to her. 

"You will be attend the Chariot as well?"

Her fiery read head gave a firm nod, her own grin in place, "Absolutely. I had prayed 'very' hard the past few days that- if it would be granted you attended this Choosing, that I would love to join. I thank God for my answered prayer."

I didn't think my face could split any wider with the smile.

While Lael did not like my mother, and the two were in a tense silence in the others-rare- presence, Falak saw no problem with her.

"An odd Sheep upbringing Lael," she had waved off his frustration the first time he had raised his ire over my and my mother's particular relationship.

"You forget," Lael ground out between clenched teeth," That 'I' too was once a Sheep. I am quite privy to 'Sheep' upbringing'."

"Privvy or not," she had waved his frustration off one might a bee to their bouquet," I was once a child, I too have parents. And even here in Heaven, those of us raised in the ways of Heaven from birth, I know that families differ. "

It wasn't unlike Falak and Lael to have disagreements. Though never with me in the middle. The particular grivence of my mother, someone that was so important to me, and Lael, someone who had become so important to me, was an unnerving one. I didn't know how to solve it. It was understood that Lael would very well travel to Earth again, it was a given ever since he became a Power, and given my mothers particular position within the town of Sheep, he would have to work with her.

Silence and acceptance had been my ending solution. I had stopped any further debate of my upbringing, requesting my life not to be questioned so.  It prickled my skin that something so important to me, someone in such a high position in my life, was so disliked by Lael. 

This was the first time Lael brought up my mother since that time, and I was more than thankful for Falaks positive intervention. 

 "I am glad, Falak, that I shall be allowed this glorious day with you in company. Please- perhaps visit my father with me?"

Something I couldn't read passed over Falaks face before she softened, taking my hand as we walked to the training hall," Ayira. All you need to do is ask, and I would do anything in my power to do the request. Yes, I would be more than honored to visit your father with you."

She gave a slight squeeze to my hand, and my heart fluttered with a lighthearted glee in knowing that I held such great friendships as that of the two that walked either side of me right now.

I would cherish their time with me, even if it was only in numbered days, and be thankful for every minute. 

As we approached the training hall, a long white brick building that resembled many squares formed on top of one long rectangle, Lael turned to me.

"Will you be watching me train today Ayira?" He cleared his throat, rolling his shoulder while looking away," I- I am to be presenting with my new augmentation today."

I blinked up at him," Oh! I would love to! Are you nervous? I have never seen you nervous for a presentation before? They must really be challenging you lately."

He shrugged nodding still not meeting my gaze.

I turned to look to Falak, heart picking up pace at the idea I could watch Lael train," I know I said I would run with you Falak, but maybe-"

"Oh no worries there. I am certain there will be plenty of time one Lael presents that we could run before midday meal."

"You're invited too, Falak," he returned our gaze finally, and my heart skipped a beat when he smiled down to me.

I couldn't be so distracted.

Nothing would come over such emotions. 

I was to become of the Seraphim. Then I was to overthrow them.

No small task, and with no promise of return. 

There was very little chance I would.

I could.

I wanted to try.

The thought sprouted into my mind with the feeling that had blossomed from my heart, having seeded there growing- I had no certian idea when it had been sewn. 

My hands clenched as I remembered the echo of 'that' door. 

"Ayira."

I blinked up and my two best friends, the two Angels I had grown the closest to once Ascending to the streets of Heaven. 

On both their faces I could read clear etchings of concern, their frowns and focused gazes drawing me back from my inner turmoil.

"Oh-" I blink, relaxing," yes. Yes would be nice if both of us attend."

At their lingering frowns, I begin walking to the the large double door entrance of the rectangle first floor of the building," Falak and I will watch you, Lael, and see you do the best work as always. No reason to be so nervous, you always get top scores and never disappoint the Powers that judge. After, Falak and I will do some running."

I was talking a lot. Nervous, probably.

"We're here, Ayira," Lael said, not rushing to catch up as I studiously looked to the door," we are here."

I gripped the door handle, nodding, inhaling deeply.

"Afterwards we all can have lunch with one another, before Ayira and I go to the Sheep on Earth."

Falak always was looking for solution, to move forward. There was something in her voice though- if words could become bridges between people, I felt as if hers had been filled with cracks, possibly ready to break. 

He took the door from the top allowing me to release the handle and simultaneously creating a sort of shelter over me," All will be well, Ayira. We are here. We have you. I have you."

I never so much wished to jump into his arms, to remain under him as I did now, feeling dwarfed by his size and oh so safe surrounded by it. 

Never had I imagined myself to begin wishing to run from the task given me, to escape my duty. 

But I stepped forward followed by Falak, nodding at him in a polite thanks.

"And you have me too," was all I could say as I ushered him to take the lead so he may check in to register for observation.

I wished to never lose Lael and Falak.

How unfair was life that must end, when such beautiful friendships existed.