The Wrong Side Of Heaven

Chapter 4: Broken Promises

All I wanted was to win a war. Not make it worse.

Two years ago, I thought that I could fly beyond my reach. But I guess some things are just meant to stay out of my grasp. My scars are all the proof I need. They tell a story, you know.

And it begins with a war.

"How's It looking, Sir?" Kendrick, one of the chiefs of the department, asked.

"Not good." Orin, another chief, said as he walked over to the meeting room.

"Is it really that bad? How many dead?"

"Too many, that's for sure. These demons, they're more powerful. They're corrupting the people."

"Sir," I walked in. "I request to go fight."

They stopped to look at me. 

"Peter? Aren't you from the guardian section?"

"Yes. But, Sir, I believe that I can do more down there than I can from here. We need all the people we can get fighting this war. I know things are looking tough for us, but every angel counts. I-"

"Peter, you're not a warrior. This isn't some fantasy where you can play hero, this is war."

"That's not what I-"

"Look, You're training to be a guardian angel, Peter. Guardian angels only fight when they need to protect their assigned person."

"Yes, I understand that, but I'm not assigned anyone yet, so that leaves only one thing to protect , and that's my home. I'm one of the most skilled swordsmen in my section, if you just let me-"

"Peter, I'm sorry, but we can't put everyone on the front lines. Now, please, get back to your section."

I bit my lip, closed my eyes, and nodded.

"And then he told me that 'not just anyone can be put on the front lines', or something like that," I said to Ren, my best friend, as I wacked another dummy's head off. 

"I think you need to calm down," He told me. "He was right you know. This is war, Peter, you have to save some of the good soldiers to back up the others in case defenses are breached. You're one of our best, we need you here."

I laughed. "You know, you used to think I would never become a good swordsman. You thought I was weird because I was the only left-handed kid in the entire department!"

He laughed right along with me. "Yeah, I remember that! I thought you were a bad omen for a little bit!"

"Utterly ridiculous." 

"Just like you," he gave me a noogie, and I pulled away. "I know what will make you feel better."

"Oh, yeah?"

"You, me, race around the department."

"You know I'm way faster than you, I haven't lost." 

"Well, then, challenge accepted!"

We smiled, and flew to the border. 

I won, obviously. Ren had to be called away shortly after, as well, so I was on my own for a little while.

I laid down on my bed, my wings spread out, as I stared at the ceiling as I always did.

The thought of losing the war haunted me. I felt so useless, being kept there to resume training as if nothing was happening. I hated it. There were people out there risking their lives, but we continued on as if they weren't out there.