Asylum

Angels

Amber

I dig my nails onto my skin. The skin around my nails turned pale, then turned red when i took my nails off. My nails marked my skin. This is probably the only thing to keep me from boredom.

I look ahead. Jake's messy hair flowing with the wind. I start to feel cold. Goosebumps showed and I started to shiver. I wrap my arms around my upper torso to try to keep myself warm. Wearing a ripped dress that cut off halfway of my thighs did not really help. I turned my attention to the tree to the right of Jake, who was a few feet in front of me.

"Jake." I sounded like I found a mysterious jewel.

He stopped on his tracks to turn around. "What is-" he did not finish his sentence. He looked to where I was staring.

We both stared at the enormous tree. Its body was probably big enough to make a two-way traffic tunnel. Its color was a radiant chestnut brown, lighter than all the other chocolate-colored trees. It seemed to have intricate designs on its body. Unlike the other trees, this one looked as if it had a pattern.

I opened my mouth to say something as I turned my attention to Jake, but stopped when I saw his expression. He looked more amazed than I was.

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Jake

I could not believe what I was seeing. I felt like I'm dreaming.

Am I high? No, wait. I haven't smoked this whole trip. Am I drunk? Didn't drink either.

The tree that stood in front of me glowed a radiant white. Many creatures with white feather wings sat on the branches. Some type of bug, glowing a bright white, flew around the tree. Its leaves were a soft gold, shimmering in the light.

I blink my eyes a few times. Still, the same image projected. I look up to see some of the creatures whispering and giggling to each other. They looked at me... amused of what they see. When one creature wearing a light blue bow saw me, she gasped and flew up to the top of the tree - or so it seems.

I still couldn't get my eyes of the tree. What were these?

Angels.

The angel with the blue bow was again in sight. Another angel followed. He looked much older. He was bigger than all the other angels.

"Ah, young Sariel. Welcome to the guardians' tree." The man spoke to me. I did not move. The man saw the confusion in my face. "Forgvie me, I am Eleazar. I am the guardian of these angels."

"Angels? A-am I-"

"Oh dear heavens, no. You are most definitely living. He, Almighty, have informed me that you do not know yourself." Know myself? I know myself better than anyone.

"Wait, you called me Sariel. My name is Jake. You must be mistaken." I had doubt in my voice.

"Sariel, you are the angel of guidance. And this young lady right here," he gently puts his hand on Ambers shoulder - who seems to be asleep while standing up. Shit. forgot she was there. "is the one who needs your guidance and protection." He continues.

"Wait, so I'm..." I was still processing the new informationas I paused, "...an angel?"

"Yes, son. Now keep her from falling into the devil's hands. You're her best hope." He said as he started to levitate again.

"Wait... I don't even-" my mind went blank and I close my eyes.

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"Jake! Jake!" I heard Amber screaming my name as she hits my chest with her fist. Desperation in her voice. Desperate for my reply.

I open my eyes to see her crying on my chest. I place my hand on her soft, delicate hair. She quickly looks up with a gasp.

"Oh my god, Jake." She said pulling me into a hug.

"What happened?" My voice sounded tired.

She pulls away and gives me a worried look. " We were looking at the tree. Then you just fainted. Are you okay?"

I was still processing everything in my head. "How long was I out?"

"Just a couple minutes. Why?"

I gave her a smile as if not to let her worry. "I'm fine." I got up slowly while Amber still sat on the ground. I reach my hand out for her. "Let's keep going."