Feathers & Scythes (Angels & Grim Reapers BOOK III)

Chapter 6: A familiar and the trip

                       Heaven, Fourth Division's HQ

Ivan stormed into Machias's study with rage flaring him and his new wings ready to spring open from hatred. Being called from his battle with the Grim Reapers and ruining his fun and his revenge was one thing, but the emergency Machias had on his voice made him curious.

He stepped in without waiting for his name to be called. Machias was sitting on his desk, his face, the face of a man on his fifties, was looking tired and for a reason angry.

Ivan placed his topaz scythe on his back and smirked. "Already tired of your duties Machias?'

"Shut it Ivan." Machias spat and got up. His grey eyes moved to the golden walls, where the liquid silver was moving slowly, giving to anyone the sense that the whole room was spinning.

Ivan followed his gaze and then he looked back. "What was so important that you had to pull me out from the battle?"

Machias didn't speak. His long grey wings fluttered and his opened his left hand, palm up to Ivan. A row of letters, golden and ancient, appeared, forming the text in front of Ivan.

He read it once and then he turned to the Lord of the Fourth Division. "Is it true?"

"Leito would never lie!"

Ivan's hands tightened together. "They both fell! I saw them myself!" he roared and the silver liquid on Machias's study started to move faster. "They should be dead by now! How did they return?"

"I suspect Death helped them. I was sure that Gedo had gotten a good hold on the Fallen."

Ivan left a harsh breath and looked at the glassy dome above. It was already night but the stars couldn't be seen. In fact, since the war began eight years ago, two years after Machias's attempt to "correct" humanity, the sky had grown silent. As if He wasn't listening to the prayers of the Angels anymore.

And the other Three Lords? Ivan had made sure himself that they wouldn't be able to escape the Garden. They were finally out of his and Machias's way. Yet, he couldn't forget Uriel's smile, neither her words.

She will come and bring the light to the Heaven Realm. And he will be her sword and courage. And you Ivan will perish.

If Anastasia and Marco were coming they had to be stopped. And soon. Ivan turned to Machias who was again watching the liquid on the wall. When he turned Ivan saw what the Inspector was watching.

It was the image of a man and a young woman flying together on the clouds. Their bodies were made of silver but their faces were crystal clear.

Anastasia. Marco! Ivan thought and in that moment the faces of the flying figures turned and looked at them. They opened their mouths and left a scream which made the ground shake and Machias shouted the words.

In an instant the liquid silver on the golden wall became solid, unable to move.

"Deal with them Ivan. I want them out!" Machias snarled and walked back to his office.

Ivan left a groan and exited the room. "If they are coming then they have to visit that place first."

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Anastasia

The crows were many; too many for normal ones. The moment Tomo shouted, Feith and Marco had already drew their weapons, swords and scythe and I joined them, shouting at Kyoko to get inside.

"I will help! I can exorcise!"

She pulled out from her jeans pockets 4 pieces of paper with kanji written on them and began praying. The paper flew to the sky hitting the crows who had just begun diving to our direction.