Worst Cupid Ever

Please, Help Me

Luke cleared his throat, seeming to gather his wits. "I fear these are nothing more than speculations. Is there evidence for your claim?"

"The One Up High informed Adarosa on the day of Haruto's trial."

Ada's brow climbed up at Teddy's claim. The only Helmet she told about the conversation with the One Up High was Maya. Ada looked at the Helmet in question. She sent her a conspiratorial wink.

Luke's scowl returned. "That's not—"

"Are you implying a cupid can lie about what their creators said to them?" Teddy asked in a dramatic, aghast voice.

"We received evidence of this before this trial," the Retired seated to the left said. "We wish to know what the defence plans to do with this development."

Ada watched, surprised at what she was hearing. What evidence? Who gave the evidence? The One Up High.

"That was why I invited the guardians." Teddy gestured in their direction. "Guardian George has honoured my request to give expert evidence regarding Ada's behaviour on the field."

At the Retired's nod of assent, the guardian strolled to the stand.

So cool. Ada watched him, transfixed. Those magnificent wings. It would take years and years to grow that tall. Could a Rollick even grow? Bo was maybe eighty and still small.

"I'm George, Lead of the Western Shields." He had a smooth, booming voice, the type that instantly triggered the hero-worshipping part of Ada's brain. His face was friendly, though. Would it be possible to approach him after the hearing?

"According to Guardian tenets, were Ada's actions wrong?" Teddy asked, his voice back to a professional tone.

"No, they weren't. In the course of carrying out our duties as guardians, such instances occur, and what we aim for is to avoid death."

Teddy nodded. "Would her actions be deserving of punishment or praise?"

"If she were a guardian, she'd be commended and not punished."

"We seem to be forgetting an important factor," Luke said dryly. His composure had returned, as well as that infuriating, assured air. "Ada was on duty as a cupid, not a guardian. And I am certain the cupid in question wasn't even aware of her guardian origins when she went about flinging humans several feet through the air."

"I merely stepped forward to share my view, and I have done so." He faced the Retireds. "I wish to leave the stand." After receiving a nod from Retired Remin, the guardian returned to his seat.

"We'll be taking a thirty-minute recess," the third Retired announced. "Teddy, Luke, approach the bench."

Ada fidgeted as a murmur broke out among the gathering. She watched as Teddy, Luke, and the Retireds talked. Both Teddy and Luke appeared displeased. What did that mean? From what she understood, a closing statement from both sides and her Contrite Statement were all that was left before judgment was given.

"Adarosa."

Ada looked up and sprang to her feet when she noticed who stood beside Maya. The cool guardian.

She offered an awkward bow and glanced up at the sound of a chuckle.

"We don't bow to other guardians. You can relax." He looked even more awesome up close, and he was head and shoulders taller than Maya.

"Oh." Ada straightened and still offered a half-nod-half-bow. "Nice to meet you. Your wings are so cool!" Eyes widening, she covered her mouth. "What I mean is... um... my wings. Your wings..." What's this? Why is my brain malfunctioning?