The Devil's Curse.

Chapter 13 | A distraction needed.

Short chapter, my laptops about to die. It's on 3%. 

Chapter 13| A distraction needed.

"You have to understand an angel's wings are not only the source of their power but their pride. Gabriel is mourning right now," Grey explained softly. I just nodded. It had been two days since I saw Gabriel and something broke inside me.

The image was engraved in my mind, the angel who once bathed in gold glory like a true pure and immortal god was now sunken in and defeated. His skin was greying, his eyes once gold now a dull yellow. Even his hair seemed to have given up turning a deep grey. The angel was destroyed and after what he asked for I didn't think he could recover. I don't think I would either. I needed to clear my head.

"Is Saanti around? Could you ask him to meet me in the garden?" I asked looking at her.

Lucas's mother wore an expression of sympathy then nodded. A gentle smile on her face. I had to look away from it. I would take today to ask Saanti about the book Johnathan had given me. It had sat under the mattress for long enough. It was the perfect distraction.

"Of course, I'll tell him to get his butt there right now," she said in a tone that matched her smile.

Then she was gone, walking briskly down the hall with a sass that Saanti would surely know. That made my lips twitch into an almost smile. It may be Saanti who was the king of hell but it was clear who the queen of Saanti was.

"Cloud?" The voice made me turn to look at Savannah.

Her odd blue eyes were slightly red – she had been recently crying. If I learned I had five months to live if I didn't leave a place I was stuck in I'd cry too. And suddenly I was wearing the same gentle smile Grey was once wearing.

"I was hoping we could get together and talk? I wanted to help in any way I could, not because I'm gonna die or anything! I just, I wanted to help out. And considering how much Sora and Lucifer love each other I figured us girls should stick together," she babbled on nervously wringing her fingers together.

"I actually agree completely, maybe we could meet up at dinner?" I asked hopeful. She nodded.

"That's perfect, Lucifer's guard dog was going to give us a tour, I'm sure it'll be done by then and if not I'll just leave it to Sora to be independent," she waved off.

I snickered at that.

"See you later Cloud," she giggled.

I waved her goodbye and made my way back down the hall into the bedroom. It was empty and I shut the door behind me to make sure Lucas wouldn't come in. It stung that I had to hide this from Lucas but I knew it was something I had to do. The risk of him getting prissy was all too scary in my mind.

I grabbed the old, worn out book and stuffed it under my dress just as the door opened. My body froze then tensed to see it was just Kit. She wore her normal light dungeon armor with her dark blue hair tied back. Remembering the way I had snapped at her I suddenly felt all too ashamed.

"Kit, I'm sorry," I whispered softly.

"I was being foolish but that's in the past now. Come the king is waiting for you," she replied turning away.

It was a little act like that which lifted my spirits. I followed after her, and we just talked about stupid things that in the end didn't matter. But that was what mattered the most, those stupid little things that made everything else bearable.

I paused before entering the garden, a table and chair were set up along with a chess table. Kit disappeared into a mist and I knew we wouldn't be playing chess. Not today anyway. I did hesitate, not sure about this. I knew the irony getting him here as soon as he could then I myself suddenly wanted to send him away. It was because suddenly the masked man wasn't so important. Not before Gabriel.

"Don't cry for me daughter, I knew some day my wings would be lost," Gabriel chuckled sadly.

My heart broke even more inside. I knew some way somehow I had to get his wings back. I didn't care, I would do the impossible for him. Tears now dripped down my face, I wouldn't lose him after just finding him. I wouldn't lose any more family.

"No."

I looked up at him, surprised at the strength in his voice. His eyes were soft even though his face had hardened into a stern look.

"You must listen now daughter. Do not try and save me because in a few days I will be dead no matter what you decide to do. Any other angel could survive without their wings but understand I cannot. Please just listen," he sighed pushing a hand through his hair.

I didn't trust my voice so all I could do was nod. He stared at me for a few seconds before moving to stand up. I itched to help but seeing he was steady on his feet I stayed frozen.

"Do not speak about this to anyone. Not even Lucas. Grey has filled me in about everything, the masked rotting blood as well as Ariel. After knowing who attacked me I know my time is over and it is the time for my child to bask in all the glory you can get. All the glory I can hope to give you. I cannot tell you who attacked me but I can say you will be the one to fix this," he paused to look at me then pulled me into his arms. I couldn't help the sob as I listened to his words, "this will hurt your heart but know I want you to do this. You must kill me my daughter – and soon. Once you do that you will absorb my own power, what is left of it. It's the only way you will defeat the coming darkness. Now go and think, you must make up your mind by the end of the week or it will be too late," he pushed me towards the door and I stumbled.

I blinked, looking back at Saanti sitting in his signature way and nodded before rubbing my face freeing my mind in this instant of my father. A distraction I needed to clear my head.