Prophets Don't Lie

The apocalypse is something that is always spoken about amongst humans. The war. The great war that would end it all, a war that would cripple each and every kingdom and bring the kings to their knees. Bring even the most powerful known mages to their knees begging for mercy. War. Something that has been fought amongst the humans since the beginning of time. Burning from the fuel that is offered by demons to the humans, run by their anger and greed. Humans were such a greedy creation, only thinking of how to benefit, how to push forward to better their existence. Though, the angels still protected them. The angels were there day in and day out to protect the fragile lives of the humans from the evils of demons and shadows. From the clutches of greed and anger. An angel Remiael, an angel that isn’t written of in the books of humans. She stood the test. She stood against the demons. She stopped what would have been the first war of time. Single handedly Remiael stood before the demon Lucious and with the power of her light she stopped him in his tracks and all of his lesser demons.

Though, such a feat would be applauded by the humans...the angels didn’t all agree with her tactics. Remiael nearly killed herself with the exertion of her magic. It was foolish. To save 100 lives? As the prophets told it. Once it is written by the prophets the angels are not to alter the timeline. Yet, this angel did…

It was a grave mistake to alter the prophecy in such a manner...foolish...as the Archangels had deemed her. Remiael stood before the five angels, her wrists bound by rope, her eyes blinked quickly as she fought back tears. She had beautiful hazel eyes with flecks of gold that seemed to swirl within them. A tear rolled over her cheek and fell upon the cold white marble floor. It splashed at her bare feet. She lowered her eyes. “Elijah...what...was I supposed to do?” Her voice shook. She wore white robes that were slightly tattered from her battle with the demons. A cut ran along her jaw from the slash of a demon’s claws at her face. “Let them die? We...are sworn to protect them...Elijah...how can I...just allow so many lives...so many souls...” Her body quaked as she lowered to her knees as the angel placed his hand on her shoulder.

The angel stood before her, he had crystal blue eyes and almost white hair. A soft smile curved up his lips. “If only it were that easy, Remi.” He spoke his eyes showed sadness as he looked over her. “You would have made an excellent Archangel.” His eyes didn’t leave hers as he too knelt before her, both hands on her shoulders now. “The prophet has spoken. I’m sorry, Remi.”

The sound of a blade drawing from the sheath echoed through the room. Remiael lifted her eyes to look to another archangel that was dressed much as the others in the room in flowing white robes. His beautiful white wings matched hers. The tips of her wings rest against the cold marble floor as she lowered her eyes away from Elijah. Her breaths trembled as she tugged against the ropes around her wrists. “Please.” Her voice shattered the silence. “Please don’t do this to me.” Tears streamed freely down her cheeks now. “Elijah...please….I...”

Her words ceased. She felt the hands of the other angels upon her wings. She couldn’t move. Elijah was holding her firmly in place now, though his eyes looked over her shoulder. In the reflection of his eyes Remiael could see the glint of the sword as it was brought down upon her wings. The pain...it was the worst pain she’d ever felt as the blade sliced through the bones and muscle severing the wings from her back. Her screams echoed through the heavens as she felt the heat of her own blood roll down her back. Remiael gripped onto the robes of Elijah as her forehead pressed against his chest now. He didn’t speak as time passed. The other angels nodded to him as they left the room. “I...jus.t..I...I just...I...wanted...t-to help...” Remiael choked out through her sobs. “Help….” It was more of a plea as the word came over her lips.

Elijah sucked in a breath, “Remi, we have rules...as much as I do not like the rules...we must abide by the prophet...” He loosened the ropes from her wrists and allowed the rope to fall to the floor into the pool of blood from her wounds. He took in a breath as he reached above her head then. His hands reached into what appeared to be thin air until his fingers curled around something.

“No...” Remiael choked out, she gripped onto his wrists. “Stop...” Within her grasp a beautiful golden halo appeared. “Don’t...take it...” She begged as she stared into his eyes. “Please...I’ll do as the prophet has asked...I’ll find the weapon...I’ll find...it….I….I will...”

Elijah grit his teeth as he released the halo and it once again disappeared. He bit his lower lip as he looked her over. “Remi, I’m sorry.” He whispered before in a swift motion he reached up and gripped onto the halo. His fingers curled around it and he jerked back. It sounded as though glass shattered beneath her.

Remi screamed as the halo was ripped from her being. Suddenly darkness followed. She felt the cool crisp air as it swirled around her. “Elijah!!” She cried but her voice was muted, it sounded far away. She whimpered as a cold set into her bones. A cold she’d never felt before. She’d watched the ritual before. Ripping the wings from an angel. She’d been forced to stand in on several excommunicated angels before. It was a right of passage. She was an Archangel, a young one...one of the youngest in fact. Maybe that was why she chose not to follow the prophet? Why she chose to save the humans? Something compelled her...something made her…

**

“Well, well...looky here….” A drunk held a bottle in his hands, a chuckle came over his lips. “How about you show me a good time lovey?” He grasped forward and his grimy fingertips curled around the red sash of a woman.

Suddenly the click of the hammer of a flintlock pistol echoed through the air. The gun was pressed against the drunkard’s temple. “Release me or I’ll splatter your brains against the wall there, eh?” The voice was strong. Her eyes were a lovely hazel. Her strawberry blonde hair hung down around her face as she stared into the man’s eyes, no fear behind her actions.

The man snickered, “Oh ho ho, I do love a fire in a girl’s soul.” He snickered as he took a swig of his drink and released her. “I’d be careful if I were you girl.” He looked her up and down.

She wore clothing that fit well together but it was evident that she’d collected the pieces along the way. A grey corset that accented her figure with a long sleeve black blouse beneath. She wore knee high leather boots and black hose beneath. A red sash around her hips moved with each step she took. “Hm, I’ll take that into consideration. I’ve survived this long.” She raised a brow before she turned and stepped from the alley.

It had been well over a thousand years since Remi had lost her wings. She didn’t look a day older. She was a fallen angel. Deep scars lined her back where her wings had been cut away...a reminder of her past mistakes. She had been searching since the day she woke in the icy cold of the mountains, nearly frozen. She hadn’t stopped. She’d moved from town to town, city to kingdom. The prophet spoke of a weapon to use against the demons to hold them at bay. Though with each day she searched she’d found that she believed less and less in the words of the so called prophet. Her young mind turned cold in a way as she would intervene and save the lives of humans who were mugged by bandits….or even drunkards in the bars. She was a hero of sorts. An unnamed unknown hero...to most…

Remi walked through the city and stopped at one of the taverns. She slapped a coin down on the old wooden counter and gave a smile to the barkeep. “Give me a full bottle, Eddy.” She searched his eyes a moment before he nodded and left to another room.

He returned with a dark blue bottle of liquid. The man looked to her with his grey bushy brows. “Fresh, just for you, Remi.” He spoke with a chuckle. “I knew you’d be back in town sooner or later.”

She grinned as she took the bottle, “Ah, you’re too good to me Eddy. Tell your wife I said hello, would you?” She giggled as she turned and stepped from the tavern. She glanced around and clicked her tongue before she pulled the cap from the bottle and took a swig. Crisp, bitter...smooth...just how she liked it. She smirked as she walked toward the port. Her eyes caught an interesting sight. A woman walked into the port area, she seemed lost. Wandering perhaps. Though, the port wasn’t somewhere for a woman dressed...well...the way she was...even Remi’s jaw dropped slightly to the beauty of the woman. She tilted her head slightly as she watched the captain of the St. Claire speak to the woman. She could see the eyes of the other men upon the woman already. A brow raised. What was a woman like this doing boarding such a ship. She stepped forward quickly toward the ship.

“Remi! Good of you to finally show your face. What rock were you hiding beneath?” One of the men from the deck called down to her.

Remi shot a look up to him her brows tucked together slightly as she boarded the ship. An arm bared before her. “Not so fast there.” The captain’s voice spoke. “You disappear, and then you just show back up?” He questioned as he looked down to her. “Nearly 15 years, Remi.” His eyes searched hers. “I thought they’d taken you back.” A smirk curved up his lips though then he frowned when Remi didn’t return the smile. “You don’t look a day older.” He noted.

“And you’ve salt and pepper in your beard.” Remi replied, a smile finally curved up her lips. “I’m a passenger Captain.” She pulled coin from her pocket. “I’ll pay my way.”

The captain chuckled as he looked to the coin. “Remi, you’re never a passenger among my ship, once part of the crew, always a part of my crew.” He pulled her into a hug. “I’m just glad you are alright.”

Remi hugged him back, the embrace was familiar. She’d traveled the seas with the crew nearly 10 years before she’d disappeared when a war broke out in a city they’d docked in. She’d thought she found the weapon. But, it turned out to be just a sword. Just another damn human weapon. Nothing powerful about it at all. “Me too. It’s good to see you.” She searched his eyes a moment. “Who’s the girl?” She asked then knowing she didn’t need to speak much more.

The captain grinned to her and shrugged his shoulders. “No idea. She’s a beauty though, isn’t she?” He raised a brow as he looked to her. “Poor thing doesn’t realize you can’t dress that way around pirates.” He snickered. “Cast the lines, Remi. Your room is still where you left it.” He pat her shoulder before he stepped off to the wheel.

Remi stood for a moment, she watched as the men rushed about the decks. Her eyes moved between the men as the captain began to shout orders. Like a well oiled machine everyone began to move. Including Remi. Like she hadn’t missed a day. She loosened ropes, tied off others and adjusted the sails. Remi ran about the decks moving faster than most of the the other hands on deck. Once they were out to sea a burly man rushed over to her and wrapped his arms around her. “Remi!!!” He exclaimed as he kissed her forehead. “God we’ve missed you!” He lifted her from the ground in his tight hug.

Remi choked. “Jon….Jon….” She struggled against him. He was a massive lug of a man. Strong as they come. “You’re crushing me...” She wiggled in his arms.

Jon released her suddenly. “Sorry, Remi!” He chuckled. Others had gathered around them. Murmurs from the old crew speaking of Remi and the new crew wondering just who this woman was.

Remi stood and gathered herself. She brushed off her sleeves and smiled. “It’s good to see you all.” She spoke, “I’ll catch up later.” She nodded as she slipped through them. She was small enough to weave through the men. She turned as her hand was grasped by someone, a familiar touch. Her eyes softened as she looked into the eyes of a man. “Fin.” She gazed into his emerald eyes. “It’s good to see you.” She turned as he brought his hands to cup her cheeks. His gaze was intense.

“Remi I thought you were dead.” He whispered softly. His eyes were soft now as he released her. “I thought you died...” He drew his brows together.

“Death isn’t something that comes easily for me, Fin.” She spoke as she gazed up to him. She cupped his cheek and ran her thumb over his skin a moment. “I have to refill my drink, hm?” She smirked as she lifted her bottle. The dark glass hid that only a few swigs had truthfully been taken from it. Remi turned and slipped from his touch, her eyes glanced over her shoulder to him a moment before she slipped beneath the decks. Remi made her way to the bar where she paused.

“How much?” A man asked his eyes on the young woman. “How much do you want?” His hand ran down her back. “I’ve got plenty of coin for a beauty like you.” He snickered as he placed his hand on the counter before her. The bartender must have stepped into the back to grab a refill on a bottle or two, Remi could bet that the man had sent him to gather whatever it was to get him away from the bar.

Suddenly a dagger came down on the counter into the back of the hand of the man that was harassing the young woman. The man let out a yelp. Remi stood close to the woman, just on the opposite side of the man, her body brushed against the woman as she leaned into the attack. Her brows tucked together. “She’s not for sale you scumbag so fuck off, yeah?” She twisted the blade as she pulled it from the back of his hand. The man staggered back holding his hand, cursing and spitting words at Remi, though she seemed unfazed by this as he walked away. “Can’t have a drink without being solicited hm?” Remi looked to the woman a moment as she wiped the blood from the blade and slipped it back into the sheath on her thigh. She leaned her back against the counter and took a swig of her bottle. Suddenly her bottle shattered and the liquor inside splashed to the floor. “Oh….really…?” Her jaw tightened. She looked to the man that stood a few paces away with his pistol drawn.

Remi waltzed over to him, the barrel of his pistol pressed against her chest. “What makes you think I won’t kill you? Hm?” She reached up and ripped the pistol from the astonished man’s grip. She tossed it onto the floor. “Make you walk your filthy ass into the ocean to be food for the fishes.” She shoved her hands into his chest. He stumbled back. “Are you done causing trouble then?” She questioned and raised a brow.

“No, we ain’t.” The sound of a man cracking his knuckles came from behind her.

Remi turned her eyes to see two other men, one had a dagger pulled the other had brass knuckles upon his hands. A smirk curved up her lips. “Now, would be a good time to give in.” She spoke as her hand gripped around the cloth of the tunic of the man before her.

“You think we should back down?” The man chuckled as he gripped her wrist. “Oh we will have fun with you.” He snickered as he pulled her in close.

Remi looked up to him, the smirk never left her lips. “I think I may have more fun than you.” She spun quickly then. Her leg kicked into his shin as she ripped him forward. He was tossed into his friend as the other sliced his dagger forward at Remi. She dodged to the side and ran his face into a barrel that toppled to the wooden floor and rolled across the room. She moved with precision as she struck the men, her elbow into the back of one, her knee into the side of another. It wasn’t much of a struggle as Remi took a step back a chuckle came over her lips as she looked to the three that lay unconscious on the floor. She shook her hand, her knuckles were bruised and cut slightly from the force of her punches. She made her way back to the bar as the bartender came back out front.

“Remi?” He asked, his jaw loose. His eyes fell upon the three crumpled men on the floor. A sigh came over his lips. “Remi...”

“What?” She giggled as she picked a piece of glass from her corset. “They started it. The filthy bastard was trying to hit on this lady here. Isn’t that right?” She smiled as she looked to the woman. “And then, you wouldn’t believe what he did. He shot my bottle of rum right from my hands.” She placed her hands on her hips, as she put on a distraught face. “Animals.” She then let out a playful laugh as she took a seat next to the woman at the bar.

The barkeep chuckled as he shook his head. “Good to see you too, Remi.” He spoke as he poured her a glass. “You’re favorite.” He winked.

Remi grinned, “Ah yes, good to see you.” She downed the glass before she looked to the woman. “So, you’re not the type to usually ride aboard this sort of….vessel….” She smirked. “Why this ship? You clearly have more money to afford something more….” She paused as she thought a moment, “Fancy?” She leaned against the counter. “You have to be careful, is all.” She spoke her voice a bit more quiet then. “Those goons would have had their way and then some.” She nodded to the barkeep as he poured her another glass of liquor and she lifted it to her lips. “The world isn’t safe.” She downed the glass then as she looked to the woman with her hazel eyes, the golden flecks seemed to glow as she gazed over her. There was something alluring about her, something that drew Remi’s attention. Something she didn’t quite understand. This caused her brows to tuck together slightly a moment before she looked back forward. She set her glass down on the counter.

Remi looked to the bartender as he gave an explanation before the woman could. She raised a brow and gave a nod. Understandable. She’d seen so much in her years. The nobles, no matter how well off seemed to be the most miserable of the lot. Even those in the slums seemed to find more happiness without all of the possessions and planned outings that the nobles had to endure. “Saint Clair has quite the history.” Remi chuckled, “But you didn’t know that, hm?” She gave a gentle smile, she wasn’t being sarcastic or smart with Delilah. Just making simple conversation. “If they won’t notice you’re gone until tomorrow you’ll have quite the lead on them….what’s driven you away?” She questioned softly.

“Father troubles.” The barkeep spoke up as he poured her another glass.

“Don’t we all have troubles.” Remi sighed softly as she ran her fingertip along the rim of her glass. It was then that Delilah grasped her hand. Remi turned slightly, her jaw loosened as she watched the woman tend to the small cuts on her knuckles. Remi gazed to her a long moment, nearly missing her name when she’d spoken it. Though she raised a brow to the last name. She knew it. Who didn’t? When she spoke of Lady Viviane, Remi’s eyes moved to her glass of liquor on the bar. Her fingers curled around it, the smile on her lips softened. “Such a compliment to hear that name mentioned. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard her name.” She let out a breath.

A chuckle came over the grassy knoll as the clouds of a storm brewed in the distance. “Viv.” Remi stood at the crest of a hill. She wore thigh high leather boots and black leather pants beneath with a blue and white tunic upon her top. She had a sword at her hip and a pistol on her thigh. She wore a musketeer hat upon her head with a beautiful white feather in the folded side.

A woman with fiery red hair stepped up to her side. A long captain’s jacket swished behind her. “Ah, we should get moving before the storm, hm?” She spoke as her eyes looked up to the swirling clouds.

Remi glanced to the woman a smile upon her lips. “If we want to make out out to sea alive, yes.” She chuckled, “I can’t have the sea claiming your life today, Viviane.”

Viviane reached forward and grasped her hand quickly and tugged her back. Her eyes gazed into Remi’s a long moment. “The sea won’t claim me, not with you by my side.” She kissed her cheek before her fingers laced into Remi’s. “Come on.” She smiled, her cheeks a bright pink.

“Remi?” The barkeep waved his hand before her eyes. “Are you in there? The dollface next to you is trying to carry on a conversation. Hello?” He snapped his fingers.

Remi sucked in a quick breath and sat up slightly. She gazed into the barkeep’s eyes a moment. “Sorry.” She muttered it was then that the ship rocked to the side. The loud sound….it was an explosion. Remi’s hazel eyes moved to Delilah. “We shall carry this on later then?” She questioned as she downed her drink and ran off. “It sounds like we’re being attacked.” She called over her shoulder as she nearly fell against the wall to another harsh rock of the ship. “Benny, show her to my room, she’ll be safe there.” She called before she disappeared up the steps.

Remi rushed up the stairs swiftly. As she came onto the deck the screaming of the men filled her ears. She glanced up to the wheel where the captain stood, he cranked it to the right harshly. Remi rushed up the stairs to him as her eyes fell upon the ship in the distance. “Who the hell is that Marcus?” She spat as she gripped onto the railing as a cannon ball hit the side of their ship.

“Load the fucking cannons you idiots!” Remi ordered. “Well?!” She glared to Marcus.

The captain chuckled as he looked to her. “We’ve been busy making enemies since you’ve been gone, Remi. We didn’t have you to smooth talk everyone.” He winked as he adjusted the sails and called out a few more orders. The ship was upon them now. “Time to fight, eh?” He glanced to her a moment then.

Remi pulled her pistol. “You can’t blame my absence on these bandits.” She fired. “Besides, what did you do before me, huh?” Another shot. “You’ve grown reckless since Melinda's passing, Marcus.” She shot again. The air was filled with yelling and the sound of guns firing. The cannons of their ship fired into the hull of the other ship making contact and inflicting damage. “You’re going to get your crew killed.” She spat as she rushed down the stairs. Remi raced up one of the masts and she grasped onto one of the ropes.

“Remi!” The captain called as another blast from the cannons echoed through the air.

Remi glanced down as she cut into the rope and she swung across the gap toward the enemy ship. She landed with a roll and had her sword pulled swiftly. Her sword locked with one of the pirates as he shoved her backward into a mast. She winced as his weight bared against her. Remi gasped as his blade sliced into her shoulder. Her knee came up between his legs then and she slammed him back. “Arrogant.” She snapped as she spun around and her sword lodged into the ribcage of another attacker. She was swift in her movements. Her eyes glowed as she moved. The golden color seemed to melt into her entire iris as she focused. The angels may have taken away her halo and her wings….but her magic was something that couldn’t be taken away, she was still an angel in any case.

Remi rushed about the ship and sliced through the lines on the masts as the ship began to take on water. She sprinted along the deck quickly before one of the pirates hit her over the head and shoved into her body. Casting her over the edge into the waters below.

**

“Remi!” Fin screamed as he saw her body topple over the edge. The enemy ship began to capsize sucking in the water around it as it sunk down beneath the icy waters. “Turn the ship around!” He called up to the captain.

Marcus cranked the wheel his teeth grit. “Good for nothin’ second hand hot shot.” He muttered as he shook his head. He adored Remi, but she was just a reckless as him.

Fin grasped onto a doughnut float as he leaped from the side of the ship. A few of the other men held onto the line ready to reel him back in. He splashed and bat his hands against the water as he submerged beneath the icy depths. His head broke the top of a wave, “Remi!” He cried out. “Remi!” He glanced around.

“There! She’s there!” A voice came from the ship.

Fin glanced to see a form in the water. He swam to her and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Remi?” he asked as her head lulled against him. “Damnit Remi.” He growled as he wrapped the roped around their bodies. “Okay! Come on!” He cried up to the ship.

The men heaved and pulled the two from the waters as others rushed around patching the holes from the cannon balls and quickly scooping water from the hull of the ship. Fin collapsed onto the deck with Remi water dripped from his body as he tapped her cheek. “Remi?” He questioned.

There was a small cut from where she was hit in the head on the right side of her head, blood mixed in with the water that ran down the side of her face.

“Is she breathing?” The Captain questioned as he rushed forward.

Fin leaned down and placed his head upon her chest. Listening. He paused a long moment and drew his brows together. “I can hear her heart...” He whispered softly.

“What….are you doing?” Remi choked out, she coughed up a bit of water.

Fin pulled back and glared to her. “You nearly got yourself killed!” He exclaimed.

Remi chuckled as she looked up to him, “But did I?” She asked as she rolled and pushed herself to her feet. She staggered slightly as she looked down to her soaked clothing. “Aw...” She ran her fingertips along a rip in the corset. “I liked this one.” She frowned slightly.

“Remi.” Fin sighed softly, “Let me help.” He nodded. “I’ll help.” He glanced to Marcus as he wrapped his arm around her. “Come on.” He walked her below the decks and down a hall to her room with sat at the back of the ship. It overlooked the waters. It was a gorgeous view actually. One of the best on the ship.

“I’m fine, Fin.” She brushed his hands away and gave a soft smile before she slipped into the room. Remi let out a sigh as she walked into the room she kicked off her soaking wet boots as she moved to the wardrobe. Her eyes moved over the clothing inside. The captain truly had left her room just how she’d had it. She reached up and brushed the bit of blood from the side of her head and frowned. Usually she wasn’t as clumsy. Perhaps spending all that time ashore had softened her? She grasped a dark blue tunic and a black corset from the wardrobe before she swiftly changed. She pulled her soaking wet clothing from her body. Her scars upon her back were pink, still as fresh as the day she’d lost her wings. A few tattoos ran up her side, a tree without leaves, another was a swirling design that tied into the tree. Her arm held ancient ruins that were incredibly beautiful, the art was astonishing. She tied off the corset and pulled on a dry set of pants before she slipped into a pair of boots. Remi sighed as she stepped to the back window, her arms crossed over her chest. A thousand years and she still hadn’t found what the prophet spoke of….She closed her eyes to the thought.

As the adrenaline began to lower Remi’s teeth began to chatter as she stood before the mirror. She brushed through her wet hair and pulled a long jacket from the closet. Viviane’s captain’s jacket. She ran her thumb over the thick material for a moment before she slipped it on. “Remi.” A knock at the door.

Remi turned and walked to the door and opened it. “Fin.” She spoke as she looked into his emerald eyes. “I’m okay.” She fought against the shuddering of her body.

“We need to get you warmed up.” Fin pushed the door open. He was in dry clothing now as well. “Are you alright?” He reached toward the cut on her head.

“Fin.” Remi grasped his wrist, she drew her brows together slightly. “Not now.” She brushed passed him. She walked up onto the deck and looked to the debris. She crossed her arms over her chest as her body shivered.

“Remi! Hey!” Marcus called from the open door of his chambers.

Remi glanced to him a moment before she walked over. She walked into the room and her jaw loosened as she looked to Delilah covered in blood. “Oh...that’s where you disappeared to...” She muttered before she looked to the man with the piece of wood sticking from his chest. A sigh came over her lips as she saw the small shadow that was hovering about his body. She rushed forward and knelt at his side. She took her cool hand and pressed it against his forehead. “You’re going to be alright.” She spoke she glanced to the shadowy figure that hissed at her. A reaper. Sent to reap the soul from the body. The reaper wouldn’t take his soul so long as she was present in the room.

Marcus nodded before he rushed off and began calling orders from above, directing the men which ropes to tie down and what to do.

“This is incredible.” Remi spoke as she looked over the other men that lay on the floor, groaning in pain but otherwise she’d saved their lives. She looked to Delilah a moment a smile curved up her lips. “If you’re running away, the best life is a pirate’s life.” She winked and a chuckle came over her lips. “Believe me, I’ve been around the world a time or two. Some of the best times I’ve had are at sea.” She glanced to the shadow that sat across from her now, a low growl came from the creature. Remi tightened her jaw. “We can’t save him.” She spoke, her voice soft. “He’s lost a lot of blood, you can see it...” She looked down to the man, his body was trembling, his eyes fluttered. He was fighting to stay awake, to stay alive. But death was knocking on the door. Death sat across from the angel. “I can’t stop him from dying if his death has already been written.” She didn’t remove her hand from his forehead. So long as she had contact….so long as she was there the reaper couldn’t touch the man.

“Let him go feathered friend.” The reaper hissed. “His soul was assigned to me. You’re stopping me from doing my job.” The reaper’s skin was thin and his figure was gaunt, he looked like a walking bag of bones. His eyes were nearly all white as he glared to Remi. Still only she could see him.

Remi sucked in a breath as she looked down to the wounded man. “May you pass peacefully, without pain and may the angels cast their light upon you.” She shivered. Her lips were nearly blue from the cold that ached to her bones. She closed her eyes a moment as she took his hand into hers, a tear rolled down her cheek. This was the hardest part for her. Letting the soul be reaped. After the reaper took his soul, she had no control...she couldn’t help him any longer.

“I…..will be okay….Remi..” He choked out, blood bubbled over his lips. “I’m...lucky….to have you...here….” His body quaked as he looked up to her, he could see the wings that were once hers, the halo above her head. He could see the reaper sitting next to him. A smile curved up his lips as he relaxed his head back. He gave a gentle squeeze to her hand. “It’s….okay….”

Remi sucked in a breath as she released his hand. She sat there, almost frozen for several minutes before she finally removed her hand from his forehead. She watched as the Reaper reached forward into the man’s chest and pulled an orb of bright glowing light from him. The reaper looked to Remi and grinned a toothy smile. “Thank you angel.” He giggled before he disappeared into a rush of shadows.

Remi sat back, her body quaking. Hypothermia. It was a silent killer. Truthfully. Her breathing had quickened in the time that she was knelt over the man. She stood slowly and stumbled using the wall to balance herself. “I’m sorry...” She whispered. “You….you did everything.” She nodded as she looked to Delilah. Her skin had grown pale as her vessels constricted to warm her internal organs. “You did well.” Remi nearly fell.

Fin’s arms rushed around Remi and he caught her. “Hey….” He looked to her with worried eyes. He glanced to Delilah. “What’s wrong with her then? Is she alright?” He asked.

“Fin….I’m fine...” Remi pushed against him. “I’m just tired...really tired...” Her eyes fluttered slightly. Blood leaked down the side of her face from the wound from the harsh blow to the side of her head.

“I’m fine….Fin….” Remi spoke as her head lulled against his chest. “Just tired...I am just fine...” She let out a soft chuckle. “No hypothermia here….just tired...” She was rambling, muttering at that point, a sleepy smile upon her lips.

Fin let out a breath as his emerald eyes fell upon Delilah. “Yes, a bath, we can do that.” He glanced to one of the other men that stood in the room he gave a swift nod and rushed off to gather the hot pales of water. He shifted Remi so that her back was against his chest, her knees had given out and her head leaned to the side now, her eyes fluttered as she fought to stay awake.

“Fin...” She breathed, “Stop...just...let me rest...” She pushed against the blanket but it wasn’t much of an effort.

Fin shook his head as he sighed, “You’re so incredibly stubborn, Remi.” He nearly growled as he lifted her with a nod to Delilah. He moved swiftly and carried her down the stairs and easily set her in the tub as he was instructed. He raised a brow when he was ordered to leave. “I...” He drew his brows together as he looked to the now unconscious woman. He’d hovered for a moment before he stepped away, pacing in the room. He stepped over to the dresser and lifted a few trinkets. A necklace he’d given to Remi long ago before she’d disappeared. He looked around the room and crossed his arms as he waited.

**

Swords clashed. Lightning over head rumbled as a storm surged in the distance. Remiael rushed forward through the air, her sword drawn. Her beautiful white feathers fluttered in the heavy winds that came with the storm. She slammed into a demon, her sword clattered against his. A hiss came from the creature, his skin was charred and cracked, his eyes were a glowing red. His tongue was much like the tongue of a snake as he snarled through his bared fangs. “The new Archangel.” He hummed as a chuckle came over his lips. “I will savor every drop of your blood angel.” His voice boomed like that of the thunder. He slammed back against her causing Remiael to fly backward through the air, she slammed into the side of a building harshly. Her sword clattered to the ground. Around her an aura glowed slightly, a light in the darkness. The city around her was smoldering.

“Toying with time.” The demon snickered. He glanced around to the crumbled skyscrapers. The flames that smoldered. He stepped over to a piece of concrete and looked to the dead body of a human that lay beneath the huge piece of rubble. “You’re one of the most reckless Archangels I’ve seen.” He growled as he gripped onto the front of her robes. “You know…..Remiael….” He smiled as he gazed into her eyes. “I’ve got a secret.” He leaned in close. “A secret you just can’t keep.” He snickered. “The prophet….he’s dead….you’ll all be dead, the prophet is one of us.”

Remiael struggled against him, an overwhelming weakness overtook her. The glow from around her began to fade as she choked on the air. “No...” She spoke through grit teeth. “You’re….lying….the prophet...is an angel...”

“Aren’t we all?” He smiled as his features melted into that of the prophet. He stood before her the image of an angel, a grin upon his lips. “I’ve foretold thousands of years for the angels, Remiael.”

Black lines began to race over the angel’s skin as she writhed against him. “No….you….you’re toying with my head….this isn’t true...” She gasped for air. She couldn’t breathe….she couldn’t move. She was struck by him as if he’d poisoned her very being.

“Oh my dear sweet angel, this is the truth, you’ll see.” He smiled and ran his fingertip along her jaw. “In two days time, Lucious will lead a band of demons against the town of Argus. If you want to stop this future from happening my dear, you’ll kill him. You’ll stop Lucious from killing any of the humans.” He gazed into her eyes a smile upon his lips.

“Why….are you….telling me this?” Remiael gasped, her eyes had melted from the hazel color to black pits by then, only the golden flecks remained. Her light was nearly drowned out by this demon that stood before her. The prophet.

“Because darling, a future without humans is no future to have. What toys will I have then?” He snickered. “You’ll not remember this, Remiael. But you will stop the Ambrosius family line from dying out. It’s important, you see?” He gripped around her neck then tightly. “You will stop this future from happening. Stop Lucious, kill him and all of his demons, no matter how many tell you to stop. You will stop him and save the Ambrosius family.”

Remiael fought against him, writhing in his grasp. “I’ll….not listen...to a demon...” She choked out as her vision faded.

Her scars burned like fire upon her back. Remi took in a shuddering breath as her eyes fluttered open. The warmth of the water around her, she lifted her eyes to Delilah as she spoke, her voice sounded muddy and far away. Tears lined her eyes. “I remember all too much.” Remi spoke her voice a whisper, her hazel eyes looked up to the woman as she pulled her knees into her chest. Remi brushed a tear away as Delilah had stepped from the room. She drew her brows together as she thought of the dream, she’d not remembered it before. Was it the demon that drove her to act against the prophet? Had he placed a spell upon her….binding her to do such a thing. No. She’d always felt negatively against allowing humans to die...especially to demons…

Remi lifted her eyes as Delilah came back into the room. “Obsessed?” She smirked and let out a laugh as she climbed from the tub and stepped into the towel. Water dripped down over her body as she wrapped the towel around herself tightly. “He’s in love with me.” She raised a brow and smirked slightly. “He’s been in love with me for quite some time.” Her smile softened as she stepped out of the room. “Fin.” She spoke as she nearly walked into him. “Could I dress myself?” She looked up into his eyes.

“Are you okay?” He asked his eyes looking over her. He reached up and touched the bandaged cut upon her forehead. “Remi...” He sighed as his eyes locked on hers. “Okay...I’ll go get some food for you two hm?” He nodded and glanced to Delilah a long moment before he stepped from the room.

Remi reached forward and took the pile of clothes from Delilah’s arms. “Thank you.” She searched her eyes a moment, she seemed to be deep in thought. She turned and moved behind a partition. She tossed the towel up over the wood and let out a breath. She carefully pulled on the black pants and the dark blue corset and white tunic. “Could you?” She stepped out and turned her back to Delilah. She brushed through her hair carefully. “My scars...” She spoke and turned looking to Delilah her eyes serious. “Don’t speak of them, okay?” Her voice was soft as a knock came from the door. Remi sighed softly, she waited for the corset to be tied before she stepped over to the door. She gave a gentle smile as she looked to Fin. “Thank you.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek, her eyes searched his a moment before she took the tray. “We can talk later, okay?” She gave a smile to him.

“Remiael...” He spoke her full name, his eyes soft. “I just want to be sure you’re okay...”

“I’ve a medic in my room, I’m fine.” She chuckled playfully. “I lack my bottle of rum, but I’ll be alright.” She winked. “Thank you, Fin.” She shut the door then. She set the food on the dresser. Remi then turned to Delilah, “So, Ambrosius...that’s your last name huh?” She asked. “Your father is Argus...just like the city...” She paused then, remembering the battle with Lucious. She’d saved every human life in that city. Including a young child of the Ambrosius line, William had been his name. She remembered him, plain as day, he carried the same eyes as the woman that stood before him, the same shade of hair too even. A soft smile curved up her lips. “Such a long family line.” She spoke as she moved and sat down at the end of her bed. “Thousands of years old in fact. But you know that, I’m sure.” Remi crossed one leg over the other as she looked to Delilah. “So, you must have questions.” She nodded. “Just as I have questions.” She raised a brow. “So….why run?” She questioned softly, the ship swayed to the ocean waves. Remi glanced out the back window, nightfall was nearly upon them now.

Remi looked to Delilah her eyes curious as she began to speak. She was much more interested than most strangers would be. Something about this girl. It wasn’t merely the beauty that she held, no it was something more. She could feel something different about her. “No magic at all?” She pondered as she sat silently. “That surly seems like torture, to be surrounded by mages and forced to continue through the schooling like that.” She shook her head. “I’d run away too.” She offered a gentle smile though she still seemed to be thinking. “Yet being human isn’t going to be exactly as you’d dreamed it would be.” Remi chuckled softly, “It never is what you dream it to be, the grass is a greener shade when looking to the other side, isn’t that correct?”

Remi smiled as Delilah spoke of the life that she led. “You’ve yet to know me more than just a few hours and you’ve already drawn to the conclusion that my life is full of adventure?” She raised a brow, almost playfully. “That I’m on a mission? Possibly. A mission that I’ve yet to accomplish in such a terribly long time.” She paused then and gave a smirk, “Though that would be drawing pity upon myself, wouldn’t it? Such a lower self compared to the nobility before me.” She stood and bowed deeply as a chuckle escaped her lips. Playing along with the joke that Delilah had made about making herself seem higher up than her. “If you think I’m searching for something, you wouldn’t be wrong.” She raised a brow, but Remi didn’t continue on. Humans...shouldn’t know of the angels and demons, not in idle conversation like this. No, it was a forbidden thing. Much of the laws of angels Remi still followed...though her way had become lost...after so many years it was hard to not believe the memory that she’d only just remembered.

Remi’s eyes seemed to light up when Delilah pulled the small flask from her bosom. “Mage-wine?” A grin split her lips. “This stuff is untouchable, even for the most powerful of pirates.” She took the bottle into her hands. It was warm from Delilah’s body heat. She traced her fingertips along the flask. Her expression grew almost flat as she looked over the design. The Ambrosius family insignia. She shook her head then, “You’ve saved my life.” She raised a brow slightly and shook her head with a chuckle. “But, I’d never turn down the chance to get a taste of this wine.”

She twisted the cap with her fingertips and lifted the bottle to her nose. Remi took in a breath and a grin split her lips. “Ah it doesn’t disappoint.” She chuckled before she took a sip. “This...” She hummed slightly, “You’ve no idea...my vice, my favorite drink...” She closed her eyes as she took another drink. “I...can only afford it every now and again, it’s quite an expensive taste, but a taste that you cannot deny.” She took another swig. It didn’t take long before her cheeks had turned pink. A giggle came over her lips, she’d barely even tapped into the flask. It was potent stuff.

Remi took another sip almost instinctively, a smile plastered on her lips. “You know what….Ambrosius girl…?” She looked to Delilah with her hazel eyes. “You wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for me.” She giggled then. “Isn’t that an interesting thought?” The golden flecks in her eyes seemed to glow as she looked to the woman next to her. Another sip. She was under the spell of the liquor by that point. It would be a wonder if she would even remember anything after the second sip…

The angel looked to the beautiful flask again. “There is much more to this world than any of the academies could teach, even that of the most notable family.” She chuckled. “Funny, isn’t it? You’ve learned nothing of the true world, no one knows of the true world around them.” She sighed heavily, “But, lucky for you...” Remi raised her eyes with a huge grin. “You get to explore the true world, you get to take it all in, bask in it.” She lay back on the bed then as she let out a happy sigh, another giggle escaped her lips. Drunk as a skunk from only a few sips of the flask. She was high as a kite. “A beauty like you though...” She hummed happily, “You’d better watch out, Delilah. There are demons to this world that would love to get their hands on a catch like you.” Literally. She meant literal demons. Though, that wouldn’t be the case of what came across. She was just speaking at this point.

A soft knock came from the door then. “Fin….” Remi grumbled as she stood up. She sauntered over to the door and leaned against the wall, a giggle came over her lips as her fingers laced around the door. She pulled it open and looked up into the eyes of Marcus. “Ah Cap-ey-tahn.” She saluted, her other hand held onto the flask. Remi laughed happily as she looked to him with rosy cheeks. “How can I help you sir?”

“Remi...” Marcus looked her over with soft eyes. He then looked to Delilah a brow raised slightly. “I was looking for someone to take over the wheel for the evening.”

Remi followed his gaze and a giggle came over her lips. “The royal? Really? Come on Marcus, she barely has her sea legs yet.” She placed her hand on his chest. “Don’t you worry, boss, I’ll man the wheel.” She grabbed her belt off of the dresser and cinched it about her hips and she stuffed the flask into the same holding place Delilah had kept it, her bosom. She then tapped the captain’s cheek. “Don’t you worry a little bit.” She pushed passed him toward the top deck.

Marcus stood a moment his eyes moved once again to Delilah. “Still glad you’ve run from home?” He raised a brow. “I’ll refund some of your fare if you’d keep an eye on, Remi for me. She isn’t any trouble or anything….just make sure she’s safe. Eh?” He slipped away then.

**

Remi stood at the wheel her hands upon the smooth wood. She began to hum an old pirate tune to herself as she leaned on the wheel, a smile upon her lips as the mist of the sea splashed over her skin. She’d missed the ship. She’d missed the men, the adventure. “What you’re gonna do with a drunken sailor?” She began to sing out loud, it was quiet at first, the men down on the decks chuckled as they looked up to the drunken second hand. This wasn’t out of character for her. This was her at her best. “Put him on a boat until he’s sober!” She sang out the lyrics to the old tune, the men began to sing in, the song carrying over the decks as they moved about adjusting the lines. “Hooray and up she rises! Earlyyyyyy in the mornin’! That’s what we do with a drunken sailor!” She giggled as the men sang along with her. Some swabbed the decks as they looked up to her. It had been a long time since such a light had been upon the ship. Remi had always brought smiles to the men, something that Marcus admired. He was stern, fun, but she had a way with the men that he’d never have. Even his late wife admired the woman.

As the song came to a close Remi held onto the last notes as she spun the wheel adjusting their travel to the light of the stars and moon. She knew the seas like the backs of her hands. She knew the seas better than she knew nearly anything else. She began to hum again, to herself as she steered the ship into a large wave. The ship rode the wave perfectly climbing to the crest as the booms moved easily.

Fin stood on the deck, his back pressed against one of the masts as he gazed up to her, his hands shoved into his pockets as he kept a close eye on Remi. To him, she was forbidden fruit. He wasn’t good enough for her and she’d never see him as such. He knew that, and yet he would never give up his courtship.

Remi caught his eyes a moment as she began to sing another song, a song that caused the men to turn and gaze up to her. Her voice was a sweet melody over the ship. The song was sad. She spoke of the seas, of love and loss. The men paused, though they still smiled, enjoying having Remi back upon the ship after such a long time. “Who the hell is this woman?” One of the newer men questioned.

Fin glared to him. “A better sailor than you’ll ever be.” He remarked with a scoff before he began working on the lines once again.

Remi made her way through the song as she leaned against the wheel. Her eyes moved and she caught a glimpse of Delilah, a smirk upon her lips as she returned her attention to the waves. A storm was brewing, it was going to be a big one. It was then that a wave of darkness washed over the ship. It stuck her and stole the breath from her chest, her breathing was as if she’d stuck her head into a furnace. Hot. Dry. She gasped as she fell to her knees, the wheel spun quickly and the ship tipped to the side slightly.

“Remi!!!” A familiar voice sounded. “Remi!” It was Fin. He rushed up the stairs and grasped onto the wheel to steady the ship against an incoming wave. “What the hell Remi?” He snapped quickly.

Remi held her chest as she pulled herself to her feet. Her eyes darted over the deck. “No.” She growled as she caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure. “You...” Her voice was low. She rushed down the stairs quickly, leaving Fin to man the wheel.

“Remi!” He cried, but she paid him no attention.

Remi raced toward the shadowy figure, tall strong….cloaked...red eyes glowed from beneath the material. “Delilah!” She shouted as the figure rushed the woman and she fell to the deck with a scream. Remi’s arms rushed beneath her, keeping her from injuring herself in the fall. Remi grit her teeth, she let out a painful cry. Her arms felt as though she was touching fire. Her skin bubbled and turned bright pink. She released Delilah and collapsed backward as she fought to breathe. Flames licked up around her. The demon stood before her a deep chuckle came from his chest.

“Remiael my favorite angel.” He reached down and lifted her up easily. “How long has it been dear?” He questioned. “I’ve been searching for you.” His red eyes gazed into hers. The world around her seemed to disappear. Only darkness and shadows surrounded them.

Remi fought against him, she felt something. Her wings. She could feel her wings again. “Let me go.” She cried as she pulled her dagger and sliced into his arm. She fell as he released his grip, though a cry of pain did not come over his lips. No. He laughed. A chuckle. Remi staggered back, her beautiful white wings curled around her body, almost shielding her. She wore her white robes again. She looked to her hands, covered in blood. “What….is this?!” She spoke through grit teeth. “What do you want?!” She snarled as she pulled her sword. It glowed a beautiful blue, her power. Something she hadn’t seen in such a magnitude since she was sentenced to be a fallen angel.

The demon snickered as he watched her. He snapped his fingers. “Remember out little agreement, Remiael?” He gave her a toothy grin, his sharp fangs clearly visible. “This is just the next step.”

A wave crashed into Remi, knocking her to her back on the deck. Her sword clattered across the deck. “Remi!” Fin’s voice. Remi’s eyes shot to the wheel, another man stood at the wheel. Fin gripped his arms around her. “What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to kill this girl?” He questioned. “You drew your blade, Remiael.”

Remi gasped as she looked to her sword upon the deck, just a foot away from Delilah’s unconscious body. She sucked in a breath. “I...” She shook her head. “I don’t...” She blinked several times. “We need to get her inside.” Lightening scattered across the skies followed by a huge roar of thunder. Rain began to pelt the ship. This was going to be a storm to ride out. Another wave crashed over the side of the ship.

“Heave!” A man called as they worked the ropes to keep the ship afloat.

The angel rushed forward and grasped her sword. The blue glow gone, for now. She sheathed it and stared to the woman that lay unconscious before her. Flashes of the demon passed through her vision and she shook her head. Remi grasped Delilah’s legs and nodded to Fin as he helped her lift her. “My room.” She ordered as she rushed below the deck. She pushed into her room and moved Delilah onto the bed.

“What were you doing out there? You ran from the wheel Remi….you could have gotten us all killed!” Fin snapped.

Remi locked eyes with him then. She stepped to him and gripped onto the front of his tunic. “Fin.” She spoke, her jaw tight. “I disappeared 15 years ago because I thought I saw something. I have been chasing after a ghost since the moment that I was cast from heaven.” She spoke quickly. “I’ve been chasing a dream of the prophet. A demon was aboard this very ship and it attacked her!” She pointed to Delilah. “Why her of all people? The daughter of Argus Ambrosius. Hm?” She drew her brows together the golden flecks in her eyes glowed brightly.

Fin reached forward and cupped her cheeks. “Remi.” He spoke, his voice calm. “There wasn’t a demon.” He nodded, “We’ve seen demons, remember? Do you remember 15 years ago?” He held her close, his breaths shook.

Screams echoed over a flaming city. Trivium. The last city she’d seen the crew in before she’d disappeared. Remi rushed through the streets. “Fin!” She called. “Fin watch out!” She had her sword drawn, blood dripped down the blade. Black thick tar like blood. Remi slammed against the muscular back of a man that was twice her size. She only caused him to stagger and roar. He turned and gripped her around her neck. The man had pitch black eyes and thick horns that curled from his skull.

“Angel.” He snarled deeply. “I’ll enjoy squeezing the life from you.” He snickered. “Powerless without your wings and halo. Aren’t you?” He gripped tighter.

Remi struggled in his grip, choking. She took her blade and hacked against his leg just before blood splattered across her face and she fell to her feet on the ground. She stood before the headless corpse as it fell to the ground. Her eyes lifted and she gazed into Fin’s eyes. “Fin.” She breathed.

“Thanks for distracting him.” Fin stepped forward and cupped her cheek, his eyes searching hers. “I’ll protect you.” He nodded. “Come on, we have to keep moving. We have to save them. We can do this.” He smiled to her then.

Remi let out a shaken breath as she rushed forward. “We have to.” She lifted her sword. She rounded a corner and her sword clashed against a demon’s blades. He snarled as he gazed into her eyes. Suddenly the blade began to glow blue. Remi took in quick breaths, her eyes swirled with magic. “I’ll burn all of you. Back to the pits of hell where you belong demon.” She shoved her blade back against him.

An explosion happened then. A huge wave of magic. Every demon within a 20 mile radius was burned to a crisp. Remi stood in the center of a small crater that had formed from her magic. Her chest heaved as she glanced to where Fin once stood. The world around her was silent. Ashes fell from the skies.

“You can’t save them all, Remiael.” A shadow spoke as it rushed away from her through the city. That was the moment that Remi took off. She ran and didn’t look back. The entire crew of the Saint Claire thought that she’d died in that explosion...

“I saw a demon.” Remi stared into his eyes. “I know what I saw, Fin.”

Fin let out a breath, “Then we need to keep our eyes on her. Hm?” He glanced to the unconscious woman. “What if she’s the demon after all? Didn’t you say they can shape shift?”

Remi pulled from his grip and shook her head, “She’s not a demon, Fin. I can feel it. The air around them. It takes my breath away. It is like breathing in fire...that demon...” She grit her teeth. “Just...make sure we keep heading toward our destination huh...” She let out a shaken breath as she looked to him.

Fin watched her with worried eyes. “Remi...” He brought his hand to his face a moment and rubbed the side of his jaw. “Where have you been for 15 years?….” He watched her a long moment before he shook his head and he left her room.

Remi closed her eyes a moment as a wave splashed against the ship, rocking it. She closed her door and leaned her back against it as she looked to Delilah. “What did he want with you?” She whispered as she stared to her for what felt like years. Remi eventually climbed upon the bed and lay down, her hands tucked up behind her head. She fought against sleep until it finally overtook her. Though it didn’t seem to be long before she was awakened by a gasp. Remi sat up quickly and scattered to the end of the bed. Her eyes fell upon Delilah. “Hey.” She moved forward. “Hey, shhh.” She took in a breath. “It’s okay.” Remi searched her eyes looking to the frighteningly familiar red hues. Her breaths shook as she fought back her own fear, though she shoved it away. Hiding it from the woman before her. “Who will you save?” Remi asked her brows pulled together. “What did you see, Delilah?”

Remi crossed her arms over her body as she stood at the end of the bed. Her jaw loosened slightly, the phrase. She took in a breath at the mentioning of the demon. Before Remi could speak Delilah had stood and suddenly she’d fallen into her. Remi reached forward, her hands gripped onto Delilah’s shoulders, steadying her, holding her up even. Though it was then that something happened. Remi let out a whimper as the power surged through her body. Her wings curled forward toward Delilah, the beautiful white feathers looked just as they had the day that the Archangel’s cut them from her body.

Then, it was gone. Remi gasped as pain racked through her body, the scars where her wings once were burned as though flames flickered beneath her skin. She fell to her knees as her chest heaved. The feeling of having her power again, such power. It was nearly overwhelming. Going over a thousand years without the power of an Archangel. Remi looked to Delilah as tears welled in her eyes. “No...it isn’t magic...not like the magic you know...” She breathed. Though Delilah was already gone before her words could escape over her lips. “Wait!” Remi staggered to her feet. She rushed from the cabin and to the deck just as the beam of light shot down from the skies.

Remi was knocked to the side as a wave hit the ship, she stumbled and grasped onto a mast. “Delilah get back!” She cried over the crash of the waves. But, her voice was drowned out by the storm.

“Remi!” Fin gripped onto her arm. “Remi what the hell is that?!” He pulled her forward as the claw came down on the ship.

The boards of the ship burst upward and Remi fell forward onto her stomach. Her fingers curled around Fin’s. “We need to move.” She choked out as she stared with wide eyes as the beast easily bat the other half of the ship. The boards fell down upon the front half of the ship. Remi scrambled to her feet as water began to over take it. She gripped onto the railing as she glanced to Fin. Rain began to pelt down then as she turned to search for Delilah. Her eyes fell upon her just as the creature stood above the water. “No!” Remi cried, her eyes glowed as her heart pounded within her chest. The ship jolted as the creature grasped onto the mast.

Remi lost her grip from the violent jerk. Fin held onto her his fingertips curled around her forearm. His eyes stared to her as he held onto the railing. “Remi...” His face was full of fear. “We won’t survive...” He breathed, his grip was slipping as he spoke. The rain made her skin slick.

Remi stared up to him her hazel eyes filled with an overwhelming sadness. “May the Archangels welcome you with open arms into the heavens, Fin.” Her voice trembled as a clash of thunder rumbled. She gripped on with all her might until she’d slipped too far. Remi let out a yelp as she fell from his hand, plummeting toward the raging sea beneath her. Her eyes stayed on Fin as he gripped onto the railing with both hands, screaming out to her. The end? No there wasn’t an end.

The icy waters rushed around Remi’s body. It stole the air from her lungs as she thrashed against it, kicking violently to get away from the sinking ship. A wave broke and crashed over her, pushing her beneath the surface of the water. When she came to the surface again, she pulled herself onto a floating plank. Her muscles were already tightening from the cold of the waters. She whimpered as she saw a mangled body floating near her, one of the pirates...his lower half was missing. “Delilah...” She muttered, she had to find her. Why had the demon spoken to her? What was happening? There had to be a reason...was Delilah the reason she had to save the village of Argus so many years ago? Did it all lead up into this? Was Delilah the answer to stopping the apocalypse? She would never know, unless she found Delilah…

Remi was pushed beneath the water again by a wave, her body tumbled and tossed as she fought against the waters. She kicked back to the surface and grasped back onto another plank as her eyes moved about. The mast. She kicked toward the mast it wasn’t too far off. How far had the waves thrown her? Remi glanced back to the sinking half of the ship, men yelled from the ship. Their lives...would soon be taken by the sea…

She glanced back forward. “Where are you….?” She questioned her body was already beginning to shake. She fought it back though, now was not the time to give in.

The angel caught a glimpse of something in the water then. She released the plank just as another wave crashed over the top of her spiraling her beneath the surface. She kicked forward and wrapped her arms around the figure and she toted it to the surface. Remi held on tightly as she reached up and held onto another plank from the sunken ship. “Delilah.” She spoke, her voice quivered. “Delilah wake up….come on.” She gripped onto her the best she could. She fought against the violent shivers that ran through her muscles as her body tried to fight off the cold.

You’ll never make it, not with the way you are.

The voice spoke within her mind. The demon. Remi grit her teeth. She closed her eyes as another wave crashed over them. The plank dislodged from her and she gripped onto Delilah, fighting to resurface. Suddenly something happened. A white light filled her eyes. They came to the surface of the water and suddenly they burst from the water, lifting into the air. Remi’s wings appeared behind her, glowing beautifully in the night like a beacon of hope. Remi hugged Delilah to her body, her eyes wide. It had been so long since she had flown...the feeling was unlike anything else. She beat her wings easily, just as if she’d never lost them. The storm raged around them, lightening flickered down into the ocean and thunder boomed, nearly deafening Remi. She flew forward though, for what felt like years…

Remi pushed forward as black lines began to trace along her skin. The glow in her eyes began to dull. Pain began to surge through her body, blood even began to drip from her nose. Holding onto the magic that summoned her wings...she was draining every ounce of magic left in her body to support this flight. Soon enough in the distance a shore appeared. Remi landed roughly. She coughed as she hugged Delilah to her chest. Her skin was deathly pale by this point, her eyes were nearly devoid of color...she looked like a ghost as the black lines rolled over her skin. Remi gently set Delilah down before she collapsed onto the beach next to her, her arm lay over Delilah’s midsection and her head pressed into the side of her shoulder. The glowing beautiful wings from her back disappeared, leaving bloody wounds in their place. It was as if the Archangels had just cut the wings from her back. Remi’s breaths were quick and shallow by this point. Her eyes fluttered as she fought to keep herself awake. “Delilah...” She choked out. “Delilah you have to be okay...you have to wake up….” She murmured as she tried to make sense of things. Though, before she could manage to move darkness consumed her, her body was unable to fight for consciousness any longer.

**

Warmth surrounded Remi as she came to. Her eyes shot open and she sat up to the sounds of a crackling fire. She fell out of the cot with her quick movements and she landed on the floor. She winced, her body felt as though she’d run 10 marathons back to back. Every muscles, every fiber of her being was exhausted. “Delilah...” She whispered. “What...” She sat quietly as she thought. “What...happened…?” Her mind began to play through the night, the monster...the powers...her wings...” She could feel fresh bandaging over her wounds where her wings had once been attached to her body. She shakily pushed herself to her feet. She leaned against the wall to steady herself before she pushed the door to the room open. “Delilah?” She questioned as she stepped forward, the smell of fresh food filled her nostrils. “Someone….?” She asked.

“You’re lucky.” A voice spoke. A man stood over a pot, stirring away. “A storm like that?” He clicked his tongue and shook his head. “I’m surprised you survived swimming the ocean like that.” He looked up to her, a soft smile upon his thin lips. “Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised.” He chuckled, “Not with the presence of an Archangel before me.” He smirked then as he watched Remi’s confused expression. “Don’t worry.” He set the old spoon down. “I was once a prophet. Before your time, Remiael. You were but a young angel when I was speaking for the future. Now look at you.” He stepped forward. “Hm, you really did yourself in, flying like that. How’d you summon wings? Hm?” He questioned and gazed to the blood that soaked into the bandages upon her back. “Why don’t you sit down, you must be exhausted.” He moved and poured tea from the pot he was stirring. He held the mug toward her. “Sit. Relax. I’m not going to hurt you, Remiael. I’m fallen too. Just like you.” He nodded with a smile.

Remi glanced around the room. “Where is she? Where is Delilah?” She asked as she refused to sit down. She spun but her head spun as well. She found herself sitting in the chair with the mug shoved in her hands. Her vision caved inward. “Where…..is she?” She felt blood drip from her nose. Over exertion. Her breaths began to shake.