Fallen

1

      "This is the fifth one you have lost in three years, Avianna." Gabriel scolded.
      "It's not my fault. There are too many ways to lose them anymore. The only thing I am permitted to do is whisper in their ear and hope they listen to me or knock things around, which normally scares them more than helps them. They aren't the same as they were a hundred years ago. If we could just talk to them, reveal ourselves to them, maybe we could save more of them."
      "I do not understand your fascination with the mortals. You need to forget about your daydreams and focus on the tasks in front of you . Mortals are a selfish, destructive species that we need to try to protect from themselves. they are keeping a balance right now." He reminded me sternly.
   "I know this. I am doing everything I can, but there is something changing. They aren't listening anymore. It's almost like they can't hear me."
    "I understand, but you have to try harder. You had no power over the one you lost to the gunshot, but the two you lost to suicide and I can't even remember how you lost the other two, you had the power to stop them. "
"But I didn't! I don't know what happens to the last two and no one believes me when I tell them what I think happened. You all just accuse me of being irresponsible with my charges lives."
"I am not accusing you of anything. I just know the council is not happy and I am worried what they are going to do to you."
    "What they need to do is listen to me. My gut is telling me there are dark forces involved."
    "Demons? Are you seriously trying to tell me that demons are the reason you can't keep your charges alive?"
    "Yes. I have not been able to sense them in any kind of danger or distress and then  suddenly they are dead. It's like my connection with them is severed before they die."
     "No one is going to believe that. I don't believe that. Demons have remained dormant for hundreds of years."
     "Why can't you of all people believe me? You know how serious I am about my charges. Why else would I be losing so many?"
     "But where were you when they died? You weren't with them! I want to believe you, but you never saw anything because you weren't there. Where were you when they died?"
     This is why no one believed me. I wasn't with my most recent charges when they perished. I set up every precaution that was ever taught to to me, but I left them alone. They were sleeping. Perfectly healthy mortals that were happy with their lives and had no quarrels with anyone. I left them knowing I didn't have to worry about them trying to take their own lives. I left protective boards so that is anything unwanted crossed even close to them I would know. Only something or someone got passed them.
     "I did everything I could to protect them. I took every precaution we were taught."
     "But where were you ?"
     "Don't make it seem like I am the only guardian that has ever left their charge."
     "You are not, but you have had the most losses in the last decade. I really want to believe you, but mistakes happen and I think blaming demons is not the way to go."
     "I've been a guardian for five hundred years, Gabriel, and until now I have been one of the best. That is not a coincidence."
     "Never the less, the Elders still have to decide and they have requested me to be present for." He said before handing me a file. "If you are still a guardian tomorrow he will be your new charge." I took the file form him angrily before spinning on my heals. "Avianna," He called after me. Everything in me didn't want to turn back, but I did. "I will fight on your behalf, but I'm not sure what all I can do considering everything that has happened. I do not want anything to happen to you."  I nodded before leaving. I knew he would defend me, but it didn't feel right if he didn't believe me. He was my oldest and dearest friend and if he didn't believe me no one else would.
     It didn't take long before I finished the whole file on my possible new charge, Seth Brizzi. Although I didn't see what the point was. I knew the Elders were going to punish me for this. They didn't want to believe that the demons may be waking up. It would be easier to silence me than face the truth. They were so stuck in their old ways.
Within the hour there was a knock on my door that sent my heart plummeting to the floor. I took a breath and shook off the fear I felt. I would stand my ground against the elders. Standing, I was started when the door slammed open.
"Really? Are you that impatient you couldn't wait thirty seconds for me to open the door for you?"
"You are to come with me immediately." Rafe ordered.
"Really? I thought you were coming to kick back and tell me your life story?" He didn't take to kindle to that. Roughly he grabbed my arm and dragged me out of my room and through the halls to the gatherings chamber where the elders sat and judged. The few people that witnessed me being manhandled gave me sorry looks and then walked away. Everyone knew I was in trouble.
The minute we entered the room Rafe threw me to the floor in front of the elders and went to stand next to the doors with his brother Alfred. They were there to make sure I wouldn't run. Not sure where I would run to though. The elders had eyes everywhere.
"Do you know why you are here?"
"Do you want an honest answer?" I questioned getting to my feet. "Because if you want the honest truth it's because no one will listen to the truth because a lie is more comfortable to live in."
"No! You are here because you can not fulfill your duty and protect the mortals. You have let more die because of your fascination with them and you are  letting it distract you. We have given you many chances, but we can not be throwing away the lives of mortals just so that one of our own can keep their wings."
Keep my wings? What were they talking about? I glanced around looking for Gabriel. When my eyes landed on him he wouldn't meet my gaze. "What do you mean?" I asked locking eyes with Issac. He had a stern look on his face as he stared down at me try to make me feel small and powerless. Unfortunately it was working. My heart was racing in my chest and I was almost sure everyone could hear it.
"With great discussion we have decided your fate. For the lack of responsibility you have taken you will no longer be a guardian. You will be stripped of your wings and you will be sent to live among your beloved mortals."
Rafe and Alfred were suddenly by my side forcing to my knees and ripping the back of my top open exposing my wings. Everything faded out for me except for the agonizing pain I felt. They mutilated me. They used and angelic blade and clipped my wings. I could do nothing but feel the pain and scream. I could feel myself being dragged away and there was nothing I could do.
Pain and falling. That's the last thing I remember before everything went black.