When Angels Fall

Chapter 28

There's an audible silence as the fighting suddenly stops, angel and demon alike staring at me. My new wings are blinding white, and there are two pairs, a smaller set beneath the main set. And it feels amazing, like freedom.

The battle begins again in seconds, demons trying all the more to get to me. But the angels swarm to me, turning their backs and spreading their wings so I'm in a bit of a safe haven, for the moment. Iathoth lands beside me, staring briefly at my wings before looking at me.

"What is your plan?" he asks. He sounds like he's giving me command for at least the moment.

"I'm going to go down and kill the Colossus, and then I want you to close the portal."

Iathoth nods and quickly relays the information to the other angels, who are still fighting with the demons.

"We're not closing it until you're back safe," Kuzo says with a deep frown. I shake my head.

"Whether or not I'm back, I want you to close it. If you don't, more demons could get out and hurt people."

I don't give Kuzo a chance to argue, though I know he wants to, as I kiss him gently. The tracks of tears on his face are clearly visible through the dirt from the fight, and I know that, to him, it must feel like I'm dying again.

"I'll be back," is all I say, before stepping over the edge of the portal.

My stomach churns as I'm suddenly falling at a remarkable speed, my eyes watering as I look down. The smell is horrific, like rotting eggs and death, and the floor is fast approaching. Without even thinking, I spread my wings, easily slowing my descent.

When I land on the uneven ground, I see the Colossus for the first time. It's huge, like a giant clay creature with arms that drape the ground. From here, it looks at least eight stories tall. Its monstrous hands seem holding open two large stone doors that I assume are part of the portal.

I glare at it, taking my guns from their holsters before spreading my wings. Having them open like this makes me feel oh so powerful.

"Hey, Dumbo!" I yell at the Colossus, starting to shoot at its back. It roars from pain, the sound so loud it makes my head hurt. But I grit my teeth and continue firing, watching the bullets shred the skin of its back.

The Colossus tries to kick at me, it's huge foot missing me by only a few yards. It's obviously trying to hold the doors open at the same time as squashing me. I take flight almost without thinking, my wings moving of their own accord to keep me out of danger.

I continue shooting at the Colossus, and at the hordes and legions of demons that are pouring through the doors, killing as many as I can before they can climb out the portal.

Finally too pissed off to take any more, the Colossus roars again, letting go of door with one hand and turning to swipe at me. The door slams partially closed, crushing a few demons in the motion, but I don't have time to celebrate, because Dumbo, as I've named it, is still trying to kill me.

I flit out of its reach, its motions slow because of its size, and continue firing. It feels like I'm never going to get rid of it. I dive down and start shooting it in the face, watching ichor spray from the wounds as I fire.

Dumbo makes the mistake of grabbing for me with both hands, letting the doors finally close. I fold my wings and drop out of its reach, using the opening to concentrate my fire on its eyes. Bingo.

It roars in agony as it claws at its face, furthering the damage, and I fly out of its way as it collapses, dead at last.

I grin to myself and cheer, then realize that the doors are closed, which means the portal is starting to close, too. My eyes widen in sudden fear, and I holster my guns, wings frantically beating the air as I fly toward the pinhole of light above me, as it slowly gets smaller.

It's almost closed when I reach it, but I manage to shoot through the opening. I feel pinpricks of pain as it catches some feathers in my wings, yanking them out, but I made it safely as the portal finally closes.

I'm surrounded as soon as I land, all the angels cheering and congratulating me, patting my back and inspecting my wings. Kuzo pushes through and practically tackles me in a hug, holding me tightly, like he's afraid I'll disappear. I laugh and wrap my arms around him as the chatter continues.

"I told you I'd be back," I chuckle, smiling and Kuzo. He grins and nods, kissing me softly as his fingers trace over my wings.

We zap back to the Nexis after a few moments, everyone wanting to check on Mara and make sure she's okay. Kuzo is still tightly holding my hand, our fingers interlaced, and I couldn't be happier. Yes, my father is dead, but Mara is safe and I'm still alive, still with Kuzo. I'd say it's worked out well.

Kuzo stops me at the front door as the rest of the angels go into the infirmary, and he turns me to face him. He's got a small, proud smile on his face, but he still looks confused.

"How are you back?" he asks quietly. I stay silent for a moment, thinking, before I answer.

"I met someone, and he said my time here isn't over yet. Not even close. It didn't make much sense to me, but..." I sigh. "He said I'd owe him a favor someday, so he was bringing me back to life."

Kuzo nods, though I can tell that just confused him more.

"Who was it?" he asks, taking both of my hands in his. "Did he tell you his name?"

I pause, then smile and nod.

"Yes. His name was Death."