The Three Dark Angels

"To my further astonishment, I was told that what I saw were all human to start with. But the deformed mutations that I saw were nothing I would have ever called human had I seen them elsewhere. Some of them had gone wrong, with various limbs and bones not aligning properly and such, others faired better, and resembled something of a figure aside from the fact that large chunks of flesh were missing, almost as though they were dead creatures that walked the world. To describe them with words is near impossible, and you're only getting a small fraction of the picture."

"At the time, no one knew what we were seeing, but it was decided that it was too monstrous to even speak of. The carcasses were later burned to ashes, and the ashes were buried several feet underground at random locations."

"I was questioned extensively. Everything I knew of Balnakaru from top to bottom, from the first day I met him until the last day I had seen him. I myself was detained as a suspect while I was questioned, and thankfully, Senior Rezkar, my commanding officer while I was detained, believed that I wasn't involved and wanted to use me in the search for Balnakaru."

"Myself, Senior Rezkar, Junior Shlav, and Junior Ester eventually found Balnakaru. Or rather, he was waiting for me. He fought all four of us, killing both of the Juniors, disabling Rezkar, and had me on the ground, all while wearing the same blood red eyes that I saw in two of you tonight. And here's another interesting fact. Those masses and carcasses I mentioned, those that did have eyes, whether they had been relocated or not, all have the same eyes that you and Balnakaru do."

"What!? You're fucking with us right!? I am not-"

"Graduate Angelus!" The Grand Dragoon said in a deep and threatening voice, a voice that was still powerful enough for Angelus to fear, and he went silent.

"No, I'm not 'fucking' with you. All of the evidence is there, with the single connection being your eyes. Balnakaru also explained to me on that day we had found him that the creatures we saw were full demons, demons that yes, have touched this world once before. How he knows this for certain, I do not know, but the story of Nirvana is true in this respect, and was destroyed during the ancient invasion of demons which ended the Golden Age of Humans. And now he is trying to blend demons and humans together, and I daresay that you three, like him, are what he is looking for. The power you three demonstrated during your fights was clear for all to see."

"Now, if I may, I would like to make a bit of a stretch. Yes, the story of Nirvana is true, then the story synonymous with Nirvana, the White Angel Garserimos, may also be true as well, and that just might be what Balnakaru is truly looking for."

Silence filled the room for several moments before the Grand Dragoon began speaking again.

"Those who had witnessed these events have long departed this world, and only I and the other Masters present know of all of this. Before we continue, I would like to ensure that you three do not speak of this. Nothing good will come of it. Talk it amongst yourselves if you must, but, and I repeat, do not speak of this to anyone else. Understand?"

"Yes, Grand Dragoon." All the Graduates responded as they nodded.

"May I speak, Grand Dragoon?" Aegis quickly followed with.

"Yes."

"My significant other, Sabrina, is aware of our condition. Our son Benjamin may also have to know about it one day, or may learn it due to unforeseeable circumstances."

"I see, that is understandable. And I wish your family well in these dark times."

"Thank you, Grand Dragoon."





and we all set out to track him down. I had personally found and confronted him, and when I did, he revealed his blood eyes to me. He explained to me that the blood eyes are the mark of a human that had been infused with demon power. The same 'demons' that had invaded the world according to the tale of Nirvana."

"You mean Nirvana is a true story?" Angelus blurted out, and Aegis elbowed him hard. "Sorry, Grand Dragoon, sir." He said after giving Aegis a quick glare.

"Yes, the tale of Nirvana is real, though exactly what aspects of it, I do not know, and most of the records of that time have been lost. For some reason though, Balnakaru seemed to possess knowledge of that history which had somehow been secretly passed down for the past two millennia. Truth that perhaps has never seen the light of day."

"Now, we fast forward ourselves twenty years after my confrontation with Balnakaru, which we both escaped with our lives, to the day that Overlook was burned. As it is known, the Techs were responsible for this incident. The real reason for why they had burned Overlook, however, was never discovered. No Tech nation or Magi had claimed responsibility, and the identity of those who had burned Overlook remains unknown. It was generally believed that it was a prelude to an invasion, and the reason why the Wisemen went with the decision to strike first and launch the invasion ten years ago. My gut feeling had told me that something else, or more specifically Balnakaru, had a hand at Overlook at that time, but we had no evidence of anything other than the obvious, and my gut feeling just wasn't enough. The passages, along with all possible evidence underneath Overlook had been destroyed, leaving no credible evidence as to what had been happening and why Overlook had been burned."

"And that brings us to today, which is you three. From what I understand as far as demon power is concerned is that it is very destructive to those who receive it. For most, the power simply mutates the human body into an unrecognizable deformed mutation. For others, they keep their normal bodies, but their mind is completely broken beyond repair, driven insane by that power. And lastly, there is Balnakaru and yourselves. Say what you will of Balnakaru, but he exercises control over his power, not the other way around. The same way you three have control over yourselves, though tonight has shown that you don't have full control, is that correct?" The Grand Dragoon asked.

Aegis nodded and raised his hand. "May I speak Grand Dragoon?"

"My apologies, Graduate Aegis, but I would not like to get sidetracked until I am finished. Can you remember your question until I finish speaking?" The Grand Dragoon asked, to which Aegis nodded.

"Thank you. Now, of all of this, what do we really know for certain? One, Balnakaru possesses information of an ancient past that is long lost, and was either born with or was able to acquire power not of this world which should have vanished along with that ancient timeline. Two, you were born and raised in Overlook in your early years until the day Overlook was burned, and you have the same demon power that Balnakaru possessed. I think it's safe to say that he was attempting to raise a force of human/demon hybrids such as himself, and I personally believe he is still out there somewhere, but that is uncertain."





"Yes, you are correct, we do not have full control of this power. There were small contained incidents during the time we were in Overlook, but most of those were fuzzy. The first real incident took place shortly after we had left Overlook, and this incident taught us the dangers of this power. Other incidents have happened over time, but not anything truly detrimental and our experiences have taught us little of what this power is. But, I have made a couple of observations."

"This power seems to possess some level of intelligence, based on the way it strikes and how it is able to manipulate our minds at various points. Most of the time, we 'hear it', which is the closest way I can describe it, and we are able to maintain control and not fall victim to it. But, when it came to a number of incidents, such as tonight, it can take full control without us even realizing it and we require assistance to be brought back. I have also noted that the longer the incident, the more difficult it is to bring us back, and only if the person trying to bring us back is someone we know, or at least emotionally relate to. The stronger the connection, the more effective. That's all I have Grand Dragoon."

"I see...in that case it will be better to keep the three of you together at all times, but I'm afraid that is all I can do to help in this regard. Concerning the matter of Balnakaru...unless he shows himself, there is nothing that can be done. We can't go around telling the world of demon infused humans who live among us and a renegade who vanished forty years ago when he defected has suddenly appeared. As I said when we first began, nothing of what has been said in this room shall be repeated. For the time being, we will...go with the flow, I believe is the saying? It's important that we don't raise suspicion, so others must see you being punished for what happened this evening, and there is no way out of that. So, I ask you to go with the flow, and act just as you have before. I can trust that you won't look to...curry favors?"'

The three Graduates shook their heads.

"Good. One last thing, is there anyone else who knows about your condition? Anyone at all?"

"Yes, that would be Sabrina, my significant other, Grand Dragoon. She has known for a number of years now."

"I see...very well, that is all I have. You three are dismissed for the night, and come for your orders with the rest of your class tomorrow. Your punishment will also be dictated during that time."

"Yes Grand Dragoon." The three Graduates bowed and spoke in unison before rising and left without a word.

"I don't understand how I never saw it until now. I was with them for the nine months of Candidate School and never have I had witnessed such an incident." Phoenix said as he stared at the closed door, deep in thought.

"Do not strain yourself too much, how would you even have known to look for it in the first place? Look at it this way as well, the fact that you hadn't noticed anything shows that they have good control, excluding tonight's events. Now, let's go over a few things."



"What the fuck happened out there guys? We haven't had a problem like this for years, so what the fuck was that!?" Azreal asked, breaking the silence that had hovered over them like a really bad odor as they walked down the stairs.

"I thought Aegis wasn't fighting me seriously. At least, that's where I think it started, and I just, I wasn't expecting it at all. I didn't feel anything at all tonight, not one sign or anything. That shit just came out of nowhere." Angelus explained.

"Same with myself. I was caught completely off guard." Aegis answered.

Azreal sighed. "It's just fucking bullshit you know? One fucking thing after another. First we have the fight at that bar, which we still have to answer for, and now we have to pile this on top of it. Is there anything else you'd like to add to the fucking list?" Azreal asked, looking up to the ceiling, which did not answer.

When they reached the first floor reception area, Aegis noticed that a familiar individual was sleeping on the couch near the exit.

"Sabrina..." Aegis uttered upon seeing her.

"Sabrina? Why is she here?" Azreal asked as they walked over to her.

Aegis knelt down before Sabrina and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Sabrina?" Aegis said as he lightly shook her awake.

"Mmm...did they let Aegis and the others out yet?" Sabrina asked groggily.

"Yes, and we're fine." Aegis answered, and Sabrina's eyes shot open as she stared into Aegis' eyes. Neither of them moved for several moments until Sabrina threw herself off of the couch and on to Aegis, throwing her arms around him.

"What in the Abyss is going on!? Is it true what everyone is saying!? Is it true that you lost it and really began attacking each other!? And what's going to happen now? Are you going to be thrown into Confinement, or worse!?" Sabrina asked frantically and practically all at once.

"S-Sabrina, calm down-"

"How the fuck can I stay calm after what I heard tonight Aegis!?" Sabrina shouted as tears filled her eyes. "You said...you said that wouldn't happen again, you promised to never let it happen again!"

Suddenly Aegis could no longer met Sabrina's eyes. "You're right...I did...and I'm sorry I broke that promise."

"Ah, I apologize for my rudeness, but I could not help myself and had to introduce myself to such a nice young lady." Sabrina's eyes rose to find an all white robe and the Grand Dragoon's smiling face. Sabrina's eyes shot open as her mouth fell to the floor.

"G...G...G-" Sabrina's voice also failed to function, then her eyes suddenly shot down to Aegis and she jumped off of him, embarrassed at causing such a scene.

"Again, I apologize, but you are Sabrina, correct?"

"Y-yes, Grand Dragoon." Why would the Grand Dragoon know her name?

"I wish to say something to you for your ears only, may I?" The Grand Dragoon asked of Sabrina while Aegis stood to the side with Angelus and Azreal.

The Grand Dragoon brought his face to Sabrina's left ear. "You don't need to worry, young lady. I am aware of their...condition, and I promise to do all that I can to ensure that they do not fall prey to their condition."

Hearing that first brought a sense of dread in the fact that the Grand Dragoon knew about that, but was immediately followed by a sense of relief. There was one more person who knew, and if there was anyone who could help them, it would be the Grand Dragoon.

"T-thank you." Sabrina whispered as she smiled at the Grand Dragoon, who smiled at her in return.

"Ah, it always feels nice to make such a lovely girl to smile. I hope you are treating this nice young lady as she deserves, Graduate Aegis?" The Grand Dragoon asked Aegis, who nodded.

"Good. Believe it or not, caring for others can help through harsh times. Now if you'll excuse me, I must be going. Miss Sabrina, the pleasure was all mine." The Grand Dragoon said as he offered a hand to Sabrina, which she shook lightly.

"Likewise, Grand Dragoon." She answered.

The Grand Dragoon then turned to the Graduates. "Have a good evening, Graduates." He nodded at them.

"Good evening, Grand Dragoon." They responded in unison as they bowed, and the Grand Dragoon turned and walked off, and their eyes followed him until he disappeared back up the stairs.

Sabrina then suddenly began giggling a little, and three sets of confused eyes turned to her.

"I'm sorry, it was just kind of funny seeing the three of you bow and respond all at once the way you did. Now I have seen everything."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, we're well trained. Can we go home now?" Angelus asked.

"Relax and be thankful we get to go home at all tonight." Aegis answered as he led the way, with Sabrina catching up to his left side while Azreal and Angelus were on his right side. Sabrina's right hand immediately grasped Aegis' left as soon as she caught up.

"Where's Benjamin? Was that girl...Leslie working with you tonight?" Aegis asked Sabrina once they were in the massive hall, who nodded.

"She offered to stay with Benjamin overnight if we didn't come pick him up by closing. I don't know how long I've been asleep, how long were you guys up there?"

"Not too long, I think the bar should still be open. We were there about an hour to an hour and a half at best."

"What the fuck are you talking about Aegis? We were fucking waiting for fucking hours up there." Angelus exclaimed.

"No, it only seemed like that because we waited in virtual silence. In reality, it wasn't that long."

"You're so full of shit. I bet you everything's closed by now."

"Chill out Hothead, I'd like to get home without hearing your bitching all night. Or should we take the time to clean out your vagina before we go home?"

"Fuck you Azreal."

"Azreal! That is so rude!" Sabrina exclaimed, which echoed clearly in the hall, causing her to cover her mouth.

"That did not just echo, that did not just echo. By Osirus I wish a had something to cover my face right now." Sabrina told herself as she closed her eyes.

"So what? There's no one here anyway. Echo!" Angelus demonstrated, and the word 'echo' clearly repeated itself twice before fading.

Aegis sighed and shook his head, as did Azreal and Sabrina.

"Who wants to take bets on him never growing up?" Azreal offered.

"What bet? It's a sure thing, and that is never." Sabrina answered.

"I concur with Sabrina."

"Fuck you guys! You know, just for that...BALLSACK!!" Angelus shouted with almost all of his might, and the word 'ballsack' echoed a number of times in the great hall. But then, new words suddenly echoed back at them.

"GRADUATE ANGELUS!!" Angelus immediately recognized the owner of the voice, and turned to see that to his complete horror, that Master Phoenix was standing just outside the door behind them.

"COME HERE RIGHT NOW!!" Phoenix screamed next.

"Fuck me...yes Master!" Angelus answered as he ran over to Master Phoenix.

"Is this what Angelus was like as a Candidate? Did he really do stupid things like that all the time?"

"Yes. It got so bad that it started becoming a part of our morning ritual. We would wake up and be assembled, Angelus would be called up, and we would have what was called the 'Angelus hour' where Master Phoenix or someone else would beat Angelus for a few minutes in front of us all, and then we would begin our morning routines."

"So, thought it would be funny to shout obscenities in our great hall!? How many times did that word echo, Graduate!?" They heard from Phoenix, and Angelus uttered something they did not hear.

"Good, that means I can make up a number! Seven!" Phoenix said as he punched Angelus in the gut, causing him to fall to his knees as he grabbed his stomach.

"That's one! Stand, Graduate!" Phoenix commanded, and Angelus stood once more.

"How did Angelus survive?" Sabrina asked, marveling at the sight. She felt bad, but at the same time, it was actually nice to see Angelus actually get punished for being the idiot that he was. She couldn't count the number of times she had wanted to strike him in the way that Master Phoenix was doing right now, and that included for what he did just now.

"Two!" And Angelus was on his knees again.

"It's one of the mysteries of our class. None of us know how he survived it. But one thing is for certain, no one can question his durability." Aegis answered.

"Three!"

"You know what's sad is now that I think about it...he's not quite as bad as he used to be. He's actually gotten better since coming back." Sabrina pointed out.

"Four!"

"Yeah, he stopped being retarded as frequently as time went on, but he didn't stop being retarded altogether, unfortunately." Azreal said next.

"Five!"

"Six!"

"Seven! Now get out of my sight!" Phoenix commanded, and Angelus bowed and ran to join the others.

"Fucking stupid ass bullshit cock sucking mother fucker. 'How many times did that word echo Graduate' how the fuck am I supposed to know!? I fucking can't stand that cock sucking little prick." Angelus was grumbling as approached, rubbing his stomach in pain.

"Well...to be honest Angelus, you deserved that. Even I can't summon sympathy for you." Sabrina said, causing Angelus to grumble some more.

"Yeah Angelus, she's right, you did deserve that."

"Can we just fucking go please!?"

Of course, that wasn't the end of Angelus' misfortunes, for they discovered that Aegis had been right when they returned to the bar, for it was still open. They took Benjamin and went home, choosing not to speak of the real topic at hand for the remainder of the evening.