Smoke In The Clouds

Chapter 1

The light from my spear dimmed and faded as I put it back into its holder. Over the churches loudspeaker, a deep voice as hard as a blade spoke to the hundreds of Angels crowded into the small space.

"My children, my faithful warriors, you serve me without hesitation, and for that, you are constantly rewarded with everlasting life and prosperity. I ask you once more, to aid your father in the exasperating fight against those from hell, despicable demons with nothing to live for-" small noises of disgust surrounded me at the mention of demons, blocking out some of his words. "It is our turn to attack, and free heaven as well as Earth from the torment that they have caused. When you draw your weapons, draw weapons for those who cannot fight back, draw them for a freedom that can only be attained through action. Draw your swords for a better future, and keep yourselves laced with my spirit. Prepare yourselves my young, for this will not be simple."

"Yes Father, we are eternally grateful for all of your gifts and protection. We will fight in your honor." The crowd grew monotone, saying the same line after every speech that he gave. Many of us have never actually seen God himself, but we serve him without hesitation. He is understandably busy, organizing Angels to fight constantly, and doing who knows what.

When the ceremony was over, angels left in every direction, taking to the sky and sprinting to the door, eagerly making preparations for the next battle. It was white as far as the eye could see, clothes, buildings, and even the hair of the majority of angels was a glowy white.

"Lily! Do you mind if we spar for a bit? I think I want to get some extra practice in before the attack. You're quite the partner." I turned to find Amythest staring at me with the most brilliantly hued eyes I had ever seen. She was a healing angel by birth, but over time evolved her skills as a swordsman, making her a cross breed and giving her access to her sacred weapon, a bow of justice.

"Not at all, I was just going down to the arena." I plastered on a smile as the result of her presence. One of the perks of being a healing angel was a buoyant personality.

"That's great!" The feathers of her wings began to ruffle as her face lit up even more. She brushed a lock of her lilac hair behind a pale ear.

We reached the arena in almost record time, due to Amythest's enthusiasm. It was crowded with large men, with bulging muscles and toxic masculinity. They're the regulars, only coming here to show off and boast. I try to align my schedule with theirs, just to spar for a bit and knock them down a few pegs.

The two of us started with warm-up activities, a few sloppy practice rounds, building up an audience before we began the real practice.

Demons were dirty fighters, unexpectedly pulling hidden knives, or ganging up on angels. In traditional "role play" practice, one of two angels will pretend to be a demon for the sake of practice. In a more modern practice, both angels will go all out, in an attempt to do as much damage as possible to their opponent. Most angels prefer the former method, but for a realistic experience, being brutal is the best way to go. We aren't complete savages though, in every corner of the dome, there is a healing angel on duty, ready to interfere if anything were to go wrong.

She took to the opposite side of the arena, quietly chanting until her thin bow materialized out of the light around her. She swiped it once, twice, then a third time through the air, testing its weight and movement. Her arrow shone lavender, dimming, and brightening until is stayed at one shade of purple.

I took it as my cue to begin. I strengthened my stance, pressing my hands together and chanting until shards of moonstone landed around me, forming a circle. My vision began to blur, wind and sparks invading my vision. Red marks were left on my skin by dark strands of hair as my power increased rapidly. I could faintly hear the grunts of the men surrounding the arena as the wind from my performance threatened to blow them away.

My spear forced my hands apart, stretching my arm's length and then some. I maneuvered it expertly, twirling the heavy blade between my fingertips as a show of agility. As an ending to my performance, I stabbed the tip of my blade into the concrete floor, cracking the arena.

"Impressive, you almost had me scared there. Almost." A sly smirk came across Amethyst's face as she tossed her bow from hand to hand.

She lunged at me, a flash of purple hues against the clear blue sky. The clash of our weapons was a blinding white, with a blast of heat and wind, my blade overpowering her arrows . She came at me with everything she had, leaving her in a breathless trance, once again at the edge of the arena.

"That wasn't smart, you think demons are one hit fighters? That they waste their energy on a single shot?" She dropped her weapons and cast a healing spell in the air in front of her.

I took it as a go-ahead to strike the weak. I lunged towards her, my blade ending up at her throat, as she put her hands up in defeat.

"Not a good fighting day? I've heard the stories about you." I tilted my head, extending my arm towards her to aid her as my spear disappeared into the air.

"It's hard to stand against a legend, I got excited and went all out."

"I'm a legend? Amongst who? The children? I am nothing but a humble soldier." I feigned surprise. I knew I was above average, but not to the point where rumors had begun to circle around. It was an obligation to stay humble, as a soldier, I was taught to be selfless, and never to indulge in pride regarding anything other than my faith.

Or seeing a demon kneel at my feet, begging for its life.

We walked side by side out of the arena, making small talk about battle techniques and such until horns of messenger angels sounded.

"Every angel to the large chapel now! This is an emergency, not a drill!" I recognized the frantic voice belonging to the messenger angel, Haru.

Before I turned back to talk to Amethyst, her wing-dust taking her place.

I arrived at the chapel, smothered by other angels and their chatter. A distinct voice came over the loudspeaker.

"My children-"

In the distance, black smoke tainted the pure white clouds.

Hiii!! I'm Mya, your author for this possibly horrid book. I'm probably saying hello to like two readers, by welcome anyway. I'm a new writer and I know my stories are bound to have grammar mistakes, so don't be total douches and point them out multiple times. Ok, I think that's all, have a good day babe!