The Rise and Fall

Merciful Angel

Chapter 9

As soon as the final chime officially faded out, Angel got up the nerve to start looking for a place to hide, however, he was stopped in his tracks as angelic being after angelic being landed on the concrete streets and on buildings that surrounded him.

Quickly turning into a twisted alleyway, the spider made his way deeper into the city and to a completely new section, the coat that draped over his form flowing behind him as he ran. The likelihood of a door or window to be unlocked was next to none, and a lot of the windows were unbreakable glass, so there was no point in struggling and wasting valuable time with that nonsense.

This wasn't at all what he needed; to be killed off just as he regained his freedom back. The timing for all of this couldn't have been worse.

Angel kept running, looking behind him as he saw the exterminators continue to rain down from the sky above, only to be suddenly stopped as one of the masked beings landed right in front of him, causing the spider to run into them at full speed.

This angel was strong and unmoved as Angel fell back into the pavement, eyes wide as he looked to the being as they raised their angelic spear to him.

Angel's breath became heavier as he tried to stumble away from the masked being; the coat causing him issues as it restricted his movement.
"Wait-"
The arachnid pleaded, continuing to shuffle back, the exterminator quick to follow, its weapon still raised.

"You don't understand, please wait!!"
Angel cried out, not expecting it to work at all.
But, to everyone's surprise, it did.

The exterminator was about to make the strike but tensed and stopped as soon as the arachnid made his plea, slowly yet hesitantly lowering their weapon and their wings.

Angel, now holding a set of arms up to shield his face, was expecting the hit to happen already; but when it didn't come, his eyes slowly opened again as he looked up at the masked being, his chest rising and falling rapidly with his heavy and labored breathing.

"Anthony...?"
The being questioned with a distorted voice thanks to the mask, as they took another small step forward, their head tilted to the side.

"W-Who wants t'know?"
He questioned through breaths, his attempts to get away seeming to come to a stop.

Without another word, the exterminator brought a hand up to their face and started to pull the mask free.
There, in front of Angel, stood a familiar face accompanied by well-groomed brunette hair and shining hazel eyes that were filled with a mix of different emotions.
"James..."
The being stated, dropping his weapon.

Angel blinked a few times, processing the unbelievable bullshit that had just unfolded.
"James?"
He repeated, eyes starting to fill with a different kind of tears. Ones of pain as memories began running through his mind. Seeing this man's face again bringing all of the lost and forgotten feelings back.

James gave a slow nod, stepping closer as he held a hand out to the spider, who hesitantly took it, and pulled him up.

"James I'm so sorry I-"

"Anthony, please. There isn't much time. Just know I forgive you for everything. It wasn't your fault. Please, do not blame yourself."

Angel was quick to wrap his arms around his first fallen love, being careful of the wings on his back as tears streamed down his cheeks.

James was quick to follow, embracing the spider.
"Our time was short, and I know everything now. I've known since the day I died that nothing was fair for you. I'm not upset nor mad."