The Gyfted

Memories I

As Aistel was watching herself, she realized that her past stare couldn't see her. Past Aistel stood up and fluffed up her wings. All over her body were intricate gold lines that seemed to glow. She sat at a vanity and began to do her makeup. "I hope I can go to the god realm. I need to see Vish." She said in a strange language that Aistel was able to understand.

"Can you see and hear? Good. Just observe. This is how I knew you... little one." Said a disembodied voice that sounded like Aedrofer. Aistel did as he said.

"Aistrel! Are you awake, little one?" Said a male voice through the door.

"Do not enter Aedrofer! I am getting ready!" Aistrel called out. She went to her closet and dressed herself in a white dress that looked similar to a toga.

Aistrel opened the door and was suddenly wrapped in Aedrofer's arms. "Dear sister. You best not be going to see Vish today. Lord Michael is looking for you. Do not encourage his wrath. Also, you need to go down to Faelandra. Prince Fisle wishes to see you." HE said as he brushed Aistrel's hair from her face.

"I can not go to Faelandra or speak with Lord Michael. I must go. I have promised the Asura to see him." She said as she pushed past Aedrofer. He looked different. Clearly happier but his hair was long and tied at the ends. His eyes were brighter and hair more vibrant. He also had a two sets of wings. They were just white.

"If word get's out that you are dating that Asura. It is going to cause problems. You are so close to being an arch. Why risk it?" He said. He seemed to be pleading with Aistrel.

"As long as no one knows, me and him will be alright dear brother. Plus, at least he is the son of Vishnu, so maybe they won't be that mad." She said with a smile and a shrug.

Aedrofer shook his head, and then he opened their front door. "You can cancel on Fisle but not Lord Michael. We shall go to him now." When he stepped outside, he stretched his wings and shot up into the air.

Aistrel groaned and followed. Aistel was watching in complete interest. If she is me, then why can't I remember this? Aistel thought to herself. Other than being more emotional, there was not much of a difference between them.

After flying for some time, they reached a temple with a forty story tall statue of Michael. Aistrel glanced at it and then looked away. They both landed on the deck and large golden doors flew open. Out walked the leader of the Arch's, Michael. Michael glanced over to the floating Aistel and it was as if he sees her. Impossible. Thought Aistel.

He then looked at Aistrel and opened his arms. "My apprentice. There you are. I am glad you have arrived on time. For once. I thank you Aedrofer, though you may be on your way now." Michael said as he waved Aedrofer off.

Clearly insulted Aedrofer begrudgingly bowed and flew up to leave. He quickly sent his sister a wink and a smile. 'See you later, little one.' He sent to her thoughts.

Aistrel watched her brother leave and felt her heart drop. She turned back to Michael, who was watching her intently. "What is it, Lord Michael? Why did you send my brother away?" She asked, concerned.

Michael gently took her hand and lead her into the temple. There were other Arch's standing around watching them. More so Aistrel. There hadn't been another Arch born in thousands of years. Aistrel could hear the whispers all around her. She decided to try and ignore it. She did this so they wouldn't get to her.

"Aistrel, you know Lord Gabriel, correct?" Michael stated waving his hand at a large man who was leaning against a pillar. Gabriel smiled sweetly at Aistrel. 

"Of course she and I know each other. Why ask her? Before you took her from me, she was my apprentice. I still think she would be better off with me as a mentor. She may pick up on your hate of all things not divine." Gabriel said as he pushed his hair of the way.

"Come now, Gabriel. You were gone for nearly three hundred years. Someone had to train her. The only person capable in your absence was me." Michael said with a smirk. He was gripping Aistel's arm tightly.

Aistrel pulled her arm away from Michael and shot him a dirty look. "Lord Michael, please do not harm me as a result of your sibling rivalry. I will not be used in a tug of war." She stated loud and clear.

Michael was annoyed at her defiance whilst Gabriel chuckled. "As feisty as ever, I see Aistrel. You never cease to amaze me as well as some of the others." Gabriel laughed as he came to pat her on the head. Aistrel was Aistel's height but Gabriel, Michael and other men towered over her.

Aistrel swatted Gabriel's hand away. "Do not treat me as a child, Lord Gabriel. I have not worked this hard to be recognized as anything less than an Arch."

"To be an Archangel is no joke. You would be our first line of offense if any of the other divine races tried to overtake us. As well as when we go to the mortal realm." spoke Azrael. He glanced out the door and back to Aistrel. "Why is Aedrofer not here? He is to run the heavenly guard one day. I need to begin his training."

Michael cleared his throat and smiled at Azrael, a very fake smile. "I told him he was not needed today. I thought this meeting was about my apprentice, Lady Aistrel." He sneered at Azrael.

Azrael's wings opened. They were largely black with a few white spots on top. He walked to the door and took off.

Michael's smile went away, and he turned to Aistrel. "Now my dear apprentice. Tell me about this Asura you keep seeing." He said as he was staring at her with fiery in his eyes.

Aistrel was shocked but quickly tried to hide it. "I have no idea what you are talking about, my lord. My interacts with the Asuras has only been when you introduced me to Vishnu and them. I have no way of contacting one of them." She said with a smile. She was trying hard not to show her emotions.

Aistel could tell that Michael did not believe her. I wonder why she lied to him. Why was it a problem? They are all divine beings. She thought to herself, confused.

Michael gently placed his hands on her shoulders. "Sweet Aistrel, sorry I doubted you. I had heard rumors that you were seen flying towards the neutral lands of the gods. It is certainly not like you to break our rules. Go now. Report back to me tomorrow." He said, once again with a fake smile.

Aistrel smiled a bright cheery smiled and flew off. Michael's smile dropped and his face filled with rage. "Joel, follow her. Do not get caught. Just follow her and see where she is going. Find out who she is talking to. I can not allow her to be sullied."

Joel stood up and stretched out his wings. "Sure thing, boss. If I see her with the Asura?" He asked as he checked his blade.

"Nothing. I will confront them myself. I just need you to summon me there." Michael said with a cruel smile.