Three Ghosts for Anastasia (Angels & Grim Reapers BOOK I)

Chapter 20: Ivan's plan and Marco's lament

The Grim Reaper with the topaz scythe stood before the blue haired boy, looking at him with disgust. Ivan knew that the only way to achieve his purpose was to cooperate with the Inspectors. And what was better than having the "right hand" of Lord Machias across him?

They were both standing on a cloud, but it was no ordinary cloud, like the ones the living can see on the sky. This one was white on the bottom but on its top, where the two were standing, a golden surface was formed, creating a golden-tiled floor.

Leito stood not close to the Grim Reaper but he kept his distance, as if he was having across him a piece of trash and not one of Death's Messengers.

"So, what is so important that a Grim Reaper like you would ask Lord Machias to take in mind?" Leito began with words like venom, still keeping his expressionless face.

Ivan was no fool; he did expect this kind of attitude. He lowered his scythe and pulled off the hood from his head, revealing his golden hair. His black eyes sparkled like onyx in the night and for a moment Leito thought that he could see the depths of Hell in them.

"This is really disappointing Leito, to think that the Fourth Division has lost its objectivity after all these eons of hard work."

The angel glared at the Reaper with anger and his grey eyes flashed with Ivan's words.

"Don't mock the Holy Divisions Reaper. And if you came here to insult our Lord and His Order then I have no reason dealing with you."

Ivan smirked and raised his shoulders, ignoring him.

"What I am trying to say is that the Inspector you sent to the girl hasn't given the right report."

Leito looked at Ivan and his expressionless mask disappeared revealing fear in the angel's eyes. Ivan had found his chance; he raised his right hand, offering his open palm to the boy.

"You can see what I saw, if you still don't believe me." He spoke with steady voice, confident for the honesty of his memories.

Leito didn't wait to be told twice; lifting his left hand, his fingers touched the black glove of Iva's hand. He closed his grey eyes and concentrated.

The memories consumed him, like flying images as Leito saw the pursuing of the fallen spirits, the fighting of the girl and at last the transparent golden wings on her back. But what made him stand in this last memory was her eyes; her eyes were closed, there was still time.

The boy stopped and he withdrew his hand from Ivan. He looked at the angel pleased and his topaz scythe glowed for an instant.

"How did those spirits escape the Death Inc.?"

"I gave them a hand on their escape." Ivan responded dryly and he smiled.

"Why? Why would you resort into such extreme ways?"

"Hey, at least I didn't send her the ghost of a demon. And don't deny this fact angel; I saw your lapdog doing the job."

Indeed, Ivan was a fearful Grim Reaper; nothing was escaping his attention. Leito had to report all these to his Lord but he knew that Lord Machias wouldn't send him into a meeting with a Grim Reaper without eavesdropping their conversation.

"State your request Grim Reaper Ivan." Leito finally spoke and Ivan smiled with the boy's tenacity.

"I wish to return home, back to the First Division."

A thunder shook the artificial cloud and Leito understood that his Lord was furious.

"Before your Lord hit us with his thunder let me tell you what you will get in return."