Lore of the Angels Ch. 07

Once he disconnected the call on the communicator panel, he took off the towel and armored the lower half of his body. He disconnected the call with more force than necessary, almost snapping the switch of the communicator panel. He through his towel into a corner, as if it had personally offended him and armored himself.

"You're in hell load of trouble Valkyrie. What am I? A pity fuck?" Vaguely, he realized it wasn't becoming of him to be raging at thin air, but it didn't seem important enough to devote attention to.

He was in such a foul mood that he almost barked at his personal line when it rang. Zilarrezko never had private calls that weren't filtered by his secretary. What if it was Aria? Worry and curiosity made him pick up the receiver.

"Zilarrezko," greeted the gentle voice of Noor on the other line. "I waited as long as I could. I know it's slightly past dawn, but this is important."

"What's wrong Noor?" He tried to keep his voice calm, not wanting her to hear his disappointment.

"Yuki's navy has already passed the Indian continent and are reaching the Cape. My intelligence tells me that she will be refueling here and continuing across the Atlantic Ocean."

Zilarrezko kept quiet. Yuki had not even declared war yet but was already sending her fleet? Was she planning to station her troops surrounding his territory and force him to concede?

"What did you do Zilarrezko?"

"I went to see her at her palace and asked her to return my Valkyrie's wings. She refused, naturally."

"You know she would..."

"I had to try Noor," and he told her everything that happened since his trip to the heated argument they had in the ICU.

"I am willing to offer my assistance again but I suggest you ask Cyrus for help too. Even with the two of us, Yuki's troops are massive and can overwhelm us both."

"I will Noor. I thank you for your help... I am truly grateful for it."

Noor was silent for a few seconds but then she finally whispered, "It is what your mother would have wanted."

Then the line disconnected.

Zilarrezko put down the phone and walked back to his room, thinking about Noor's parting words. What exactly would his mother have wanted? To ally with Noor? To defeat Yuki?

He didn't get much time to ponder over the issue for his Ordinals were already knocking on his office door. All, with the exception of Lucian, were somber and looked worried.

"It seems that I'm always ordering you to find my Valkyrie."

"Did she run away again, Cardinal?" asked Lucian, immediately turning serious. Zilarrezko turned his head gently to his Ordinal.

"The fact that she's not here is cause for worry enough."

"Cardinal, if she had left this building on her own free will... then you shouldn't bring her back. She'll just run away again!" Lucian was adamant; his response shocking the other Ordinals in the room.

"Lucian!" hissed Julia, pulling his arm as a warning. Still, Lucian did not stand down even when his Archangel towered directly over him. His wings remained tucked behind his back, but a chill swept through the room.

"Lucian..." His voice was soft but his eyes were pure steel. "I have warned you not to put yourself in this position haven't I?"

Lucian stared up defiantly; his own eyes glowing bright in anger. "She is not a toy to be leashed!"

At that moment, everyone knew that Lucian had finally crossed the line.

A sharp slap.

Zilarrezko blinked. Lucian's face was turned away but he saw the glowing imprint of Julia's slap on his cheek.

"Forgive me Cardinal for I haven't trained him better," she said through clenched teeth. "We will find her for you. I promise. She is not in the best shape to be running off at the moment."

"Take him with you."

"Yes Cardinal."

"As for the two of you, I have another task for you."

That was a signal for Julia and Lucian to leave. Zilarrezko saw her grabbing Lucian's wrist before pulling him out towards the balcony.

"You really shouldn't let him get away so easily Cardinal..." Anthony's voice was a crisp disapproval. As the oldest and most senior Ordinal, he considered it his duty to discipline the others.

"Julia will take care of that," he reassured them. They didn't need to know about the conversation he had with Lucian. "We will take flight to Paris in an hour. I want to reach Cyrus's fort before dusk."

The two Ordinals exchanged looks but it was Anthony who spoke, "Forgive me for asking Cardinal..."

Zilarrezko raised his hand. "Yuki's fleet is planning to head this way. She has already passed the Indian subcontinent."

"I see... You are hoping for an alliance with Cyrus?"

Zilarrezko's lips thinned to a grim line. "I know he doesn't yield easy... that's why you're coming with me." A silent agreement passed between the Cardinal and his second in command. He might be grooming Marcus to take his place someday but there was no question that the two senior Ordinals –Anthony, followed by Julia –were his right and left hand. Anthony in particular, was more than just an Ordinal to him and Zilarrezko trusted and valued his input beyond purely administrative matters.

For a moment, when the Cardinal smiled, Anthony only saw a young Angel behind those silvery eyes –the same one he had raised and trained. Zilarrezko was asking him for something more and he understood.

***

Seeing that he only had an hour before their flight, Zilarrezko decided to make do with a shower instead of a bath. He wasn't pleased about making the journey for what he truly wanted was to search for his Valkyrie. Instead, he could only send two of his Ordinals to look for her.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" he slammed his fist against the bathroom wall.

He should be focusing on the impending war and all he could think about was Aria; along with the cascade of emotions he hadn't experienced since... his mother –

What was it again that Noor said about his mother? Right –that this was what she would have wanted.

Zilarrezko didn't think so. She wouldn't want to see him like this...

Apart from his mother, Zilarrezko never allowed himself to love anyone... until Aria. The truth of that admission made him go completely still under the pouring water.

"Oh god..." he moaned. This was exactly what he was avoiding his whole life. Love was irrational; it was unquantifiable and unstable... and it hurt. "It hurts mother..." he whispered.

As more water soaked his wings and skin, Zilarrezko closed his eyes and tried to recall his mother's lovely golden eyes. She was always smiling; her eyes twinkling each time she looked at him.

Sona had been the Archangel before him; the first Cardinal of the Metal clan and her powers were legendary. She had control not just over Metals but over the magnetic poles as well. Even Zilarrezko hadn't been able to achieve such mastery of his element.

To have such an ability was beyond comprehension. His mother had single-handedly reversed the North and South poles of the world, –bringing an end to the Ice Age.

But at a price.

Zilarrezko had remembered... he was clutching the hem of her dress one minute and the next he was flying through the air with her towards the endless mass of ice of the North Pole. Releasing her hold on both poles had caused a wave of rebound to hit her –the accumulating energies threatening to implode and obliterate her mind.

But he had seen her smile even as she struggled to hold on to her last vestige of consciousness; pressing a single feather into his palm –

A symbol of her love for him...

***

The flight across the Atlantic was not as exhausting as the previous trip across the Pacific Ocean but it was much more challenging due to the turbulent sea conditions. Flying against the strong Atlantic winds was slowed them down and it was already dusk when they reached France.

However, the party of three wasn't allowed to land and had to circle the capital waiting for the green light from the air control tower. The delay saw the Archangel fuming and Anthony trying to placate him.

Unlike Japan, France had a strict protocol for Angel flight and landing –they needed a permit to land in a specific zone and at a specific time. Archangel Cyrus was just paranoid that way although Anthony couldn't blame him. He may be cordial with his neighbors but Cyrus was aware that his lands were the smallest. As such, security had always been at the forefront of his rule.

These precautions were something that his Archangel would not understand. Being much older than Zilarrezko, Anthony had lived during the Ice Age and witnessed the humiliation brought down upon his own clan.

At the onset of the Ice Age, Yuki's forces had obliterated most of the Fire clan; reducing their population to slightly more than a dozen and banishing them to a small island located in the Mediterranean Sea. If that wasn't enough, they were abandoned by the Dark clan whom were their allies prior to the Ice Age. It was a sharp reminder that alliances don't always constitute friendship.

That was the reason why Anthony was here. Cyrus might not believe in friendship ... but he'd understand family.

One should hope.

Cyrus had been an Ordinal just like him then but when their Cardinal had died, it was Cyrus who took on the Archangelship. Their clan had been so small that the other Archangels had considered them too insignificant to be bothered with and allowed an Ordinal to reign as Archangel for the time being.

It was only after Cyrus reached his Cardinal status centuries later that Anthony left Europe to serve under Archangel Sona of the Metal clan. It wasn't a choice.

She had visited their slowly growing population to warn them not to encroach onto her territory for what is now Europe was then part of the landmass connected to North America. The two Cardinals had a long and exhausting private discussion for Cyrus was an excellent negotiator. He managed to gain Sona's permission to be the Regent over parts of Europe; administrating Portugal, Spain and France in her absence. But that would soon change.

When she came out of the meeting room, she was surprised to see a fire Ordinal playing with her son so comfortably that she requested to have him under her service. The two Cardinals renegotiated and Cyrus readily agreed to a trade –in return for his permanent authority on the previously agreed territories.

Anthony hadn't expected Cyrus to pawn out his own brother but he did... and that was how he came to be an Ordinal serving the Metal Archangel.

He had resented it at first but soon came to accept and enjoy his duties. In fact, his only actual responsibility was keeping an eye out for Zilarrezko who, despite his youth, was already reaching pre-Cardinal. He was his training partner, his mentor and now, Anthony would guard Zilarrezko not just as an Ordinal but as a friend.

And as his friend right now, he needed to keep his Archangel calm before their audience with Cyrus.

***

Archangel Cyrus's fort was impressive. The compound itself was carved directly into the granite and limestone of a mountain at elevations beyond the reach of Valkyrie or Human. It was further protected by treacherous canyons and mountains such that the only way in was by flight.

At such a height and away from the city lights; the last leg of the journey had to be done in darkness. Cyrus had built his fort to purposely tire his guests and enemies, setting them on such a dangerous path that most would turn around and give up.

And most would –especially when they had to walk through a low ceilinged path within a mountain cave to get to the gates of the fort. It was pitch dark and the ceiling was littered with stalactites. One wrong move and they could be speared to death.

"It shouldn't be very far out," said Anthony calmly. He was literally a walking torch at the moment, lighting up the otherwise dark pathway for the three of them.

"Perhaps I should consider such trouble for my guests," said Zilarrezko dryly. He had a feeling that he was being watched but he was too annoyed at the moment to give in to his paranoia. Besides, he knew that his two Ordinals were trying to cheer him up and he tried his best to relax. Marcus actually got him to smile.

"Cardinal... Should I be mentally prepared for... umm... you know?" he said with an embarrassed look on his face. "I know I'm not as pretty as Julia but I'm still prettier than Anthony right now."

The Fire Angel turned sharply to snarl at him.

Zilarrezko tried to hide his amusement. "Archangel Cyrus loves women..." At the relief in Marcus eyes, he continued, "Although... he has a tendency to gravitate towards serious and quiet males." He flicked his gaze to Anthony then laughed. "Well, Marcus, don't worry... I won't pawn you again. Cyrus is a hardcore negotiator. I might actually lose you and I can't."

Marcus was about to reply when Zillarezko went completely still. "Quiet..."

Anthony and Marcus stopped to look at him.

There's someone following us...

Anthony's fire extinguished immediately.

Cloaked in complete darkness, the three angels gathered back to back and kept their senses on high alert. Zilarrezko could faintly feel footsteps on the ground only because of the calcium compounds in the soil but he knew that Marcus could sense them even better. His Ordinal had an interesting gift of manipulating half metals –sand, limestone, cinnabar and even salt to some extent –and right now they were in a limestone cave.

Zilarrezko trusted his Ordinal's instincts.

The intruder has stopped.

Marcus was crouching down.The intruder is tall... I can feel hair brushing slightly at a stalactite.

Zilarrezko couldn't help but sense the same prickling awareness of another Cardinal in his midst. He had felt it earlier but dismissed it because the intensity was not consistent. It was as if the intruder could not control his or her Illusion...

"Aria..." he whispered. She must still be weak if her control is not perfect. "Anthony... light."

Light from the Ordinal fell on their immediate surroundings.Marcus, where is she?

Marcus pointed.

A silent instruction passed between Cardinal and Ordinals –then they moved. The limestone floor, infused with Marcus's power liquefied and flowed up around Aria's ankles, before solidifying again. Zilarrezko's only regret was that neither of his Light Ordinals was here. Only they could see through an Illusion.

"Aria?" he whispered slowly. Yes, he had thought it was her but he wasn't quite sure. He had caught a faint glimmer of gold where her head should be and while Aria had black hair, neither of the other Archangels had blonde hair either.

He narrowed his eyes and grabbed the intruder by what he thought was the neck. "Who are you?"

No response.

Anthony moved forward; a blazing palm rose threateningly. He didn't even need to say his intent for the Illusion immediately thinned.

Zilarrezko stared into the face of a handsome young boy on the brink of adulthood –golden tanned skin, golden hair with strands of aquamarine and eyes... swirls of black around blue.

"Who are you?" he asked but this time in a much gentler voice, relaxing his hold around the boy's neck. He looked hesitant so Zilarrezko let him go. "I won't hurt you... yet."

Those eyes blinked back in defiance but then he spoke up, "My name is Angelo... and I have come to see Archangel Cyrus."

Zilarezzko was impressed. The boy had spine and also stamina if he actually managed to get this far on foot for he was clearly no Angel. He might be brave but Cyrus will chew and spit him out in a minute. Cyrus held no audience for those he ruled. For a mortal to make it past all this natural defenses was clearly inviting death.

Zilarrezko bent down slightly; hands resting on his knees. "Are you a Valkyrie... like Aria?"

Again the boy's eyes lit up in defiance –a trait that seemed to run in the family –but Zilarrezko saw beyond that. The boy's eyes spoke of loss, death and hardship...

His penchant for orphans kicked in. It was his weakness he knew but this boy... had the makings for a good and loyal Ordinal if only he was an Angel.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. It's just that your eyes reminded me so much of Aria."

Those whirlpool eyes hardened. "How do you know her?" Such a demanding question from a small boy. Clearly he wasn't aware of who he was speaking to.

Tipping Angelo's chin, Zilarrezko looked straight into his eyes. "Who are you to my Aria?"

Those whirlpool eyes widened in anger. "She's not yours!"

Zilarrezko raised his eyebrows at the spirited response and stepped backwards. This boy was clearly too young to be her lover –but those eyes...

Her brother.

He spread his wings out; every blade flickering with reflections of fire. It was an attempt to intimidate but also to make a point in his introduction.

"I am Archangel Zilarrezko of North America... and I am pleased to meet you, Angelo, brother of Aria."

Angelo's eyes widened in shock at the knowledge that he was in the presence of an Archangel but Zilarrezko still caught the slight look of defiance in them. Apparently his status was not enough to subdue the boy.

"Have you taken her prisoner? Are you the one?" Angelo stared directly at the Archangel; a smug expression on his face. "Aria doesn't like you very much."

Zilarrezko vaguely heard his Ordinals trying to stifle a laugh. They would pay for it later.

"Why don't we talk about this later," he offered. "I have a meeting with Archangel Cyrus and I would be honored if you'd like to join my party."

The defiance immediately subsided to be replaced with something...

Pride.

It was the pride of a young man being given his first important task. "Yes."

Zilarrezko smiled and motioned for Marcus to release his ankles. "But you mustn't say a word until we leave. Not a word. Whatever you have to say to him will be for my ears only. Can you do that?"

Angelo gave him a fierce, determined look. "Yes Cardinal."

***