Hello everyone!

The reason I stopped posting this story was because I felt it wasn't getting enough of attention or love. I have already finished and it is under major editing process for my website, but I decided to share with all the lit community the last of this story here.

Again, these are the last chapters and there will be many grammar and spelling mistakes, the full story is still under edits.

It is a long one, so I hope you feel happy with having the last part finally here.

Enjoy :)

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Chapter 51

"Awakening Powers"

As the private airplane started to descend, Caliope could see the area clearly; large rice fields, small houses, at the distance there were bigger buildings though she couldn't see quite well yet. Ever since she heard about the strange destination, her curiosity picked its highest point.

"Are we there yet?" Vanessa giggled.

Pronab shook his head and held a laugh.

"Burma is known as one of the poorest countries in the region, which is why at first this construction caused a great commotion worldwide. But after a while people forgot about it, and they all thought their Great General was delusional spending the little money they had. Most of what you see around is still the real poor areas, very few fairly decent ones, and their workers. Naypyidaw is still under construction, adding more hotels and residences." Elaine sighed as she saw in the distance their new destination. "A lot of projects are being built... slower than when it started, but still on the works. The Meng Generals are expecting us at the airport."

The private plane started to descend and Caliope could see a big building with a turquoise roof at the middle of large landing lanes. She laid back on her seat and took a deep breath, a new city that promised to be an important destination.

Once the plane finally stop moving, one by one they headed towards the exit. After a comfortable ride on a private limousine that was expecting them at the foot of the airplane, they walked out and into the turquoise shielded building. There were only a few customs officers inside of what Caliope could describe as a huge house adapted for public purposes.

Leaning on one of the inside arches they found General Meng Yi smiling at them. Before they could even greet, he gestured some of the customs officers and they rushed towards them with folders and pen in hand.

"Welcome to Naypyidaw Ladies and Gentlemen, please enjoy your stay!" was the repertoire from a female officer as a male one with a huge smile handled Pronab and Elaine the folders and pen. General Meng Yi approached them with a grin. "You only need to sign and we can all go to the residence. How was the trip by the way?"

"It is nice to see you again, General." Caliope whispered as the officers perked ears near them.

No need to say more, it was clear neither of them knew much about them and some sense of deja'vu creeped inside her; it was normal to have people who didn't know about them in different areas, yet used as pawns for speeding things up in the human world.

After a rather quick exchange of signatures and papers, they left the building and jumped into a larger limousine where they found Meng Tian waiting for them. Caliope smiled at him and he returned the smile almost shyly.

"Princess, you bring a pleasant view. Welcome to Naypyidaw."

"Thank you General."

"Please, call me Tian, we are among familiars here." he said with another smile.

"I will remember that, thank you again."

A quiet Amra sat next to her in the car; she wanted to seat at the window but he quietly refused, putting himself in that place and with an arm tightly around her. The car started moving as soon as Pronab closed the door.

"Are you ok? You look, and feel tense."

"I will be ok once we arrive to our destination."

"Are you worried?" Elaine asked him.

"I just feel something strange; I am not sure if it is the city itself, or the people around."

"The people here are extremely kind, they don't see many visitors so they extend their kindness well."

"It is not that, is not kindness or curiosity." he sighed. "I will feel better once we are all in safe land."

Vanessa was static as they saw the ghost road leading them to the center of the City. It looked as if they were in the middle of a movie, several car lines completely empty and the view of the city getting closer and closer resembled to any ordinary first world tourist destination; this one was desolated.

Caliope looked closer to the window; everything was clean and shiny. The city was alive, but dead at the same time. The driver gave a few turns and they finally arrived to a large hotel where an entourage of their own awaited them. Pronab and the twin Generals where the first ones to get out of the car. They greeted them and exchanged a few words, followed by directions for them to take their luggage inside.

"It is safe, we can go out now." Amra said.

"They open the hotel just for us?" Caliope asked.

Amra shook his head as he opened the door and stepped out of the car, he offered his hand for her to take and come out. The air was fresh, she could feel the soft breeze and clean atmosphere. Elaine followed her and last Vanessa joined them on the stairs of the hotel's entrance.

"Baby, this is incredible. I have never been here before, and never in a million years would I have thought this place could look so amazing."

"Trust me Nessa, I wouldn't have dream about it either. It almost looks like out from the movies."

"Where do you think movies take inspiration from?" Pronab added with a smirk.

They walked into a large and elegant reception and moved directly to the elevator. Caliope stopped in front of the open doors and Amra turned around towards her.

"What is wrong?"

"Bad memories." She paused. "I am not sure, didn't we had a major incident at a hotel before?"

Pronab chuckled and Elaine sighed. "Darling, we had something happen but it was in a different place and with a different scenario."

Caliope nodded and walked in. Pronab introduced a card-key and then punched a number. "Your room is 368. Elaine's at room 578. Maxwell will be arriving in the next couple of hours and has room 408."

The elevator moved silently yet fast, by the time it open they were at the top floor. "By the way, the number on the room has nothing to do with the floor. The top 2 floors were specially designed for us. A middle living room with all the personal rooms and bathrooms around them." Pronab walked in and put his bag on the floor. Caliope walked out of the elevator and felt as if she had been there already. "This places looks familiar."

"My dear, I am glad you think so. The architect of this building is none other than the same one who made our house in the skies, back home."

Amra leaned close to Caliope behind her, resting his chin on her shoulder and with a smile he planted a kiss right below her earlobe. She closed her eyes and sighed; her memory returning more and more every day. Amra's arms wrapped around her as both stood to watch everyone else finding their rooms. He brushed his lips against her and felt her shiver.

"How do you feel?"

"I am feeling excited, anxious, and happy. But right this moment I feel blessed." She tilted her head to give him a kiss.

Elaine winked at them and put their door key in their hands, then moved to pick up her bags and walk into her own room. In the movement of people, Amra pulled Caliope's hand gently and led her towards the door with their key's number. The key was a simple card, the magnetic sensor beeped and the door opened for them both. He walked in first, his eyes scanning the area. There was no danger, of course, but he wanted her to feel safe and this always made the trick. He invited her in and she followed, her eyes feasting on the beautiful yet simple elegant suite.

"All of this is ours?"

"It has always been. But when this is over, back home, we will have something new, I already talked with Elaine about this."

She tilted her head and looked at him unsure of what he meant. "Something new? Don't you own enough already?"

He chuckled and left the bags on the side of the couch, walking to her to gently caress her cheek. She sighed and blushed, the exact reaction he was looking for. "A new home just for us; I thought you would want something you were involved with decorating and such, so the land is all I have, the design and decoration will be under your supervision. Did I do it wrong?"

She bit her lower lip and smiled wide, he didn't do anything wrong, he did everything right.

"You are too good to be true... I think that is why this is taking so long, for me to recover my memories... everything seems like a dream... and you are my perfect prince."

Amra laughed joyously, her blush deepened. "I am what you make me be. I could become a monster if that would make you happy."

"At some point, you might need to become that monster." She became silent, a soft deja'vu sensation again taking over her. "A beast of justice?"

He nodded, this time more serious. She closed her eyes as flashes of memories from a time not long ago came forward in her mind. She stumbled and he put an arm around her waist immediately. "What is wrong?"

"I think I am tired, I thought my sleep in the air was enough."

"Let's get you to bed, get some rest, this place will become crowded soon and you will need your energy." He pulled her up in his arms and led her to the bedroom, a luxurious place just as the previous room. He gently tugged her in the bed and she yawned. "Will I ever be like you and Elaine?"

"What do you mean?"

"You never seem to need sleep, and I feel tired too often for my liking."

He frowned and shook his head. "It is only until you are completely recovered, then you will no longer need this much sleep. I promise." He leaned closer to her and kissed her forehead, he wanted to do so much more than kiss her, but now he was worried about her.

When he was sure she was finally asleep, he got up and walked towards the living room. There, Vanessa and Pronab were cuddling watching the television, only Pronab acknowledged his presence with a nod as he walked towards Elaine's bedroom. Once he found her room, he knocked once.

"Come in darling." Elaine's voice invited.

He opened the door and found her sitting on the couch with a book on her hand.

"I know something is troubling you, what happened?"

He frowned, more out of frustration than out of anger. "She is still feeling tired and needs to rest. She should be almost healed by now."

Elaine nodded and put the book on the table, she took a deep breath and looked at Amra. "I think we will soon find out more about her, there are more arriving tomorrow, and we will have to start testing her to see her real powers. Once we find out what exactly she is, we will know how to heal her better."

"Shouldn't we know by now what she is?"

"It isn't easy, Amra. The moment you awakened her, she opened the door to that hidden power inside of her. The power coming from non-other than her father, who was one of the strongest and deadliest enemies we ever had. We don't know what her true nature power is due to the hidden powers her father left inside of her. She is not a healer, so far she hasn't presented any healing abilities. She does seem to predict the future at some level; the only time was when Vanessa was involved. So perhaps we just have to run some tests. She has the gift of having us all puzzled that is for sure."

He nodded at each of her statements. He looked outside the window and sighed. "She is nervous about been surrounded of them all, she hasn't said it but I can feel it in her."

"We both know there isn't a place safer than with us now. But I will consider an alternative. Perhaps is for the best. For now, take care of her, be with her, you both complement each other so well. You would be lost if it wasn't for her. And she already was until she found you."

"Let's hope The Fates come too so I can thank them."

Elaine chuckled. "Oh, knowing them, they are probably soon going to arrive. They love adventures of epic proportions."

Amra thanked Elaine for her words, and went back to his room. When he entered he stopped, he took a deep breath and sensed something was different. He could smell something was inside the room that wasn't before. He rushed to the room and stood shocked at the sight; Caliope was resting naked on the bed laying sideways, her lower arm stretched above her head with her fingertips reaching the head of the bed and there, her thorn ivies were growing around. This didn't surprise him as much as her body did; she was covered of something resembling liquid latex, it moved slowly around her and covered her from the ankles to her shoulders. He started approaching her slowly; he wasn't scared, he knew whatever was covering was from her own creation as well as the thorn ivies were, she mentioned this similar fabric from her mind. But he was still worried.

When he reached her side, he knelt and approached her shoulder. As his hand came closer, the liquid fabric retracted to let him touch her. He took a deep breath, it recognized him and allowed him to be close, which was good. He started to shake her gently. "Love... please wake up."

She was in deep sleep, his words not reaching her yet. He shook her again a little more firmly, and noticed the ivies slowly drying and falling. She made some noises, slowly waking up. "My love, I need you to be awake... please... listen to my words... come to me." He begged to her. She yawned and opened her eyes half way, smiling.

"I was having some lovely dreams... why did you had to wake me up?" She asked as her eyes closed again. He looked at her body and saw the liquid blackness retract and crawl on her skin, heading to her back, where they sunk in her skin and became part of her. He shook her again in silence, and she opened her eyes a bit worried on his reaction. She followed his gaze and gasped, giving a jump. Just as she did, the last of the fabric was absorbed inside of her. "What was that?! It's inside of me!"

"Calm down, love." He asked her as his arms wrapped on her trembling body. "I think it is part of you, and not a bad part either. The darkness remember? You mentioned that darkness inside you that reacted to you."

"It... it came out of me? How?" She asked still shaken. He lifted her in his arms and took her to the bathroom; a large bathtub was warm and bubbly waiting for them. He shook his shoes off and walked inside with her in his arms, she yelped and giggled "What are you doing?! You still have your clothes on!" But he chuckled and kissed her as both became surrounded with the comfort of the bath.

"I am not letting this worry me. Soon more of our kind will be here and together we will figure out your mysteries, love. I was worried and scared for you when I saw you... but it moved away from you allowing my hand to touch you, which is how I knew it was safe. If it lets me reach to you and comes from you, it must be good."

She blushed and held him tighter to her. "How can you make a scary situation like that go away so easily?" She chuckled.

"I almost go out of my mind at first. But it was part of you, and whatever comes from you should be embraced."

She sighed and leaned to his lips, kissing him lovingly. He tensed his arms around her and she deepened her kiss. It had been too long since they were both together intimately; perhaps only a couple of days, but for her, that was more than she would have wanted. Her lips locked around his, and she felt some hesitation from him. She didn't let go, she wanted him then and there. Her hands moved slowly, undoing his shirt with one, as the other caressed his stomach as it reached lower. He pressed her tighter to him, his fingers tense but clawing at her back pulling her more. He moaned when she started kissing his neck and felt his pants being pulled down. A low growl escaped his lips and he tore the rest of his clothes out of frustration, pulling her head up to kiss her hungrily. She giggled trapped in his arms and kissed him back with passion. She had won.

--

Chapter 52

"Gabrielle"

"Hurry! You don't want to miss this!" Elaine said excited as she rushed through the stairs that led them all to the rooftop.

It was a place staged to be a heliport, the perfect area for what was to come. Elaine was the first one to be outside; the Meng twins were already there, though. Everyone followed and saw the sunrise in its full glory.

When Elaine earlier started talking through a speaker, she brought everyone to the center living room area, and invited them all to follow her to the roof. She didn't explain more, but all knew it was something worth it if Elaine was excited.

The sun rising gave them all a wonderful sight of the colorful view; everywhere the sun touched became alive. Then at the distance, a mass of some sort started to approach them. Caliope squeezed her eyes trying to decipher what it was.

"Are those clouds forming up?"

"No darling, that is what I brought you to see." Elaine replied with a smile, leaving everything in suspense.

Caliope stood looking at the shapeless mass forming in the distance, and after some minutes she felt Amra's arms wrap around her. "They are coming to our Gathering, love. There's nothing to be scared of."

She nodded and relaxed on his arms; there was nothing that could scare her as long as he was with her. He rested his chin on her shoulder and brushed his lips on her earlobe. She felt goosebumps arise all over her arms, and she giggled blushing.

"What on earth are those? Birds?" Vanessa asked, still rubbing her eyes as she was slowly waking up.

"Nothing from earth, for sure... more like heavenly. Those are angels' hun." Pronab nudged her then wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to his side.

The mass took shape of something that Caliope already saw once, was it in her dreams? She had a sense of deja'vu as she watched them approach. They started landing on the rooftop of different buildings; and the sight was magnificent. Each angel had a different landing style, and the variation of wings was delightful to watch. There was one young woman with loose hair standing in the air near them, she was watching all land and kept giving orders with her hands. She was dressed in ancient clothe; a tunic that resembled to old Greek Gods. After most angels landed, she gave a spin and flew straight to them, aerobically landing in front of Elaine.

"You haven't lost your magic, darling." Elaine said to her with open arms.

"Mother, I inherited that from you..." The girl hugged her tight.

"Mother?" Caliope almost gasped. Elaine turned around and smiled at her.

"Caly my dear, meet my daughter Gabrielle."

"I didn't even know you had a daughter." Caliope replied still in shock. An awkward silence before she added. "It is truly a pleasure meeting you Gabrielle, you have such grace in the air, I was really impressed."

Gabrielle smiled at her almost giggling, then she exchanged a look with Elaine and finally returning to Caliope. "I have been on the hiding for some years, so probably mother hasn't talked much about me. Please don't hold that against her. I asked her to hide me for a while."

Caliope blushed. "Oh I won't, I was just surprised." And she smiled to affirm her statement.

Elaine chuckled then continued. "I am sure you know who Amra is."

Amra gave her a smile, Gabrielle replied with kindness. "An honor to serve you, Amrafel." And she bowed her head.

"It is nice to finally meet you, Gabrielle. Elaine has only greatness to speak of your name. Well, back when she was allowed to talk about you." He finished teasingly.

Gabrielle giggled and Elaine tried to hold a laugh, she rushed introductions with the rest of the people and finally led them inside the hotel.
When they were all in the gathering area of their floor, Elaine took a seat and smiled as Gabrielle sat next to her and gave her a hug. Caliope and Amra sat in the opposite couch and she kept staring at Gabrielle with pure curiosity, she turned her head and caught back her glare.

"I am sorry Caliope, I know it is hard to believe but yes, Elaine had me long time ago." Gabrielle said with a grin.

Caliope frowned and shook her head. "At first, I was really trying to figure out if I knew it already and had just forgotten. But I guess I really didn't know about your existence after all."

Gabrielle turned to look back at her mother surprised. "Forgotten? What happened to her?"

"There is plenty that happened and I couldn't fill you in by 'our' phone. She lost her memory but is slowly getting back."

"Fine; But you will tell me all about it later, please?" Gabrielle smiled at her mother. Elaine chuckled and nodded. "Of course my dear."

"So why was she hiding?" Vanessa was the one who started the questioning that Caliope already was dying to begin.

"I asked mother to hide me." She grinned as she eyed Vanessa. "About twenty five years ago, we heard rumors about the dark angels planning a big hit on us, something like we've never seen before. I went hiding underground with the fallen ones in order to spy them. Years aren't really a big thing for us once you are in our world." She winked at Caliope when she finished in that statement.

"What have you found out?" Pronab encouraged her to talk.

"Well, I was going to wait for all of them to be here but since you ask." She adjusted herself in the couch and sat straight before continuing. "Through all this time, I had always been in contact with mother; she and I have a special way of communicating, Astral Projection. I know there was one high rank General in their forces who was personally responsible for Gaius disappearance. However, since I had only been with the fallen ones, I couldn't reach that high to find out who it was. One of my connections though, found out he was missing as well, ever since Gaius disappeared. So they are at least in search of where this General has gone. Also, mother told me about what one of the sub's thoughts were about his disappearance, and am inclined to believe it seems to be true, whatever they did to capture him, it was done without real knowledge of them doing this."

"Sub? Are you referring to the other Elaine?" Caliope interrupted her.

"Yes darling, she is. It is a bad habit of her, and she will have to re adjust and get used to call them by their proper rank, which is Second in Command." Elaine replied and gave Gabrielle a stare; she giggled and nodded without wanting to get into arguments.

"Well, the Second in Command Elaine Warrick. Happy mother?" She teased Elaine who couldn't help but laugh and nod. "Yes, I was surprised we never thought about it before, but it looks like it must be true, they took courage now though, and are starting to push us over with more attacks since they haven't seen any actions taken yet against them. I personally wish we could throw Amrafel at them and let him vanish them all for once." Gabrielle sighed and leaned on the couch.

Amra shook his head "I am not a dog to be thrown into the hunt field, thank you."

"She was trying to be funny, dear. Don't take it the wrong way." Elaine tried to ease Amra who was taking a defensive position.

"What would the world be without some bad to balance the good? I believe God doesn't want them to be completely vanished. Even though the idea to end this war quickly before it even begins is appealing." Caliope said as she looked down to her hands. She didn't even notice how everyone was staring at her until the awkward silence made her look up.

"You are wise beyond your years Caliope, definitely a smart cookie. I like you already." Gabrielle smiled at her and Caliope blushed. "I was only teasing of course, and I think it would be impossible to live only in goodness. We tried once, for a couple hundred years, it was a disaster as well." Gabrielle finished.

Caliope perked a brow and showed interest. "You tried it before?"

"Yes we did an experiment. We had humans living in peace and harmony with Angels around to guard them. They fell into slumber; numbed in emotions. Everything became monotonous and simple, almost like machines that did what they were supposed to do and nothing else." Elaine said with sadness. She sighed and continued. "Even though our Father had warned Us that -that- was not the way, we had to experiment on ourselves and see why. He was right and we saw it. Without the bad or negativeness in things, there was no way to ponder the difference and strive for betterness. They became people who didn't even want to think anymore, not even love. Life without some 'bad' in it was impossible. It became inevitable to let life follow its course without our full interference."

Caliope nodded, she could see how they would have wanted to experience on their own and see for themselves what they were told, something humans do constantly. She saw how angels too have curiosity and try to see things happen even after they were warned.

They exchanged a few more words then finally Elaine guided her daughter to her room so she could rest. Vanessa and Caliope went to get breakfast and were caught by surprise when Pronab already ordered room service for them all; waiters brought cars with different kinds of food and left them at the entrance.

Once they were enjoying their food, Caliope couldn't help but to let her curiosity speak. "Pronab, who is Gabrielle's father? Where is he?"

Pronab almost choked after hearing her question, he coughed briefly then took a sip of his juice before formulating some words. This reaction alone made Caliope more than interested in what he could say. "He was a Greek philosopher, a man who fell deeply in love of Elaine and she of him. He transcended to be the male version of what you are to Amra, but it is a process that takes some time, as you might know by now. And dark angels caught him and killed him before he finished his process. It was very hard for Elaine, and it became hard on those dark angels as well. Those were ancient times, a lot of revelry and not many rules were made yet in this earth. The pain of Elaine was so deep, so strong, her cries reached even them and they felt it in their skins, since her power is to manipulate emotions, it made the pain stronger. They were surprised of the effect it had in her and them so much, they gathered and decided to establish no one would ever try to do harm into another's loved one. They agreed in spoken words, the way things were done back then. Very few rogue one's ever tried to break this rule since."

"I never thought there was such a sad story behind her life, she always seemed so happy, bright, and sunny." Caliope said after some thought. Pronab nodded.

"It was a rough time for her, the hardest one ever I believe. I was in the other side when this happened, I remember the nights of agony it brought to me, and I wasn't even one of those rogues who attacked her loved one."

"Was his name Gabriel?" Vanessa asked.

"No, actually I don't remember his name, Elaine never mentioned either. But Archangel Gabriel took care of her and her daughter, he became like a big brother to Elaine and guarded her until hundreds of years passed and she finally moved on. In his honor, she named her daughter Gabrielle."

They all nodded in agreement. Amra was silent during all this time, much of what was being said was new to him, and the thought of losing his Asteria made him feel bad for what Elaine went through. It only made him promise himself to never let his guard down, to always protect Caliope.

At noon, Elaine and Gabrielle joined all of them in the living room while they waited for the lunch to arrive.

"Why don't we go out to eat? I mean such a big city all for us, full of angels, completely safe supposedly, and we stay locked here?" Vanessa said almost frustrated. She was used to always go out to explore new places, and staying inside was killing her.

Pronab smirked. "You don't want to go out right now."

"Why not?" Vanessa asked while frowning at him.

"They have just arrived. You haven't seen angels on the loose before. They are getting familiar with the city and taking over by now. We are better here for another day at least."

"Are they that wild?" Caliope continued while she chuckled.

"Oh you have no idea." Pronab laughed. "They have been mingled with humans for centuries; many of them haven't spread their wings in that long as well. They are in a city built for them with no danger to show themselves as they are. It is like dropping a kid in a candy store and tell him everything is free..."

Vanessa and Caliope looked one to the other and started laughing at the analogy; inside her, Caliope remembered a carefree Pronab jumping into an abyss in one of their trips.

Hours later, Gabrielle was leaning on the window of her room as Elaine knocked on her door and came in.

"Everything ok?"

"Yes mother, thank you."

"Were you able to see anything dark inside her?"

"It felt strange; I couldn't really get into her mind at all. I will need to make her aware of what I want to do and try some experiments with her, but for now it is all in vain. Why didn't you want me to tell her on the first place?" Gabrielle turned around to face Elaine.

"I wanted to know if you could get through her and read her, that way I would know if any other tries to and can be successful. If you failed, then I have nothing to worry about. We will talk with her tomorrow and begin some tests."

"I am more than curious now though; they called her their Morrighan."

"The one from the myths?" Elaine asked a little concerned.

Gabrielle nodded. "Yes, but I think I know what she is. I will be surer about it tomorrow."

Elaine took a deep breath and pondered what Gabrielle just told her; something as simple as a name became more than an inconvenience.

--

Chapter 53

"The Morrighan"

"So here is the deal Caly; we will run some tests on you. First me, then Pronab, then mother, and we will see how you react to them. This way we will have an idea of what kind of powers you have."

"Gabrielle, what if I don't want to know?"

Gabrielle frowned as she looked at Caliope, Amra standing behind her with both hands on her shoulders. A few moments of silence followed Caliope's words and suddenly she started laughing.

"I am joking, of course I want to know. Relax a little or you will make me start worrying." Caliope finally released the tension in the environment.

Early in the morning while they were having breakfast, Gabrielle suggested to gather in a room and start to explore Caliope's mysteries. She agreed immediately but Amra hesitated.

'Are you sure you want to do this?'

Caliope turned her head towards him and nodded.

'That means you won't have secrets for them any longer.'

She looked down and pondered, her only secret to everyone else was the one she shared with Amra, she finally got up from the table and took a deep breath before speaking.

"I really want to know more about my powers, but please understand if I need to rest or I don't feel comfortable at some point." She sounded firm and secure, Elaine nodded and gave her a smile.

"We will go as far as you let us."

Now, sitting on the only chair in the empty room, she felt a bit anxious and nervous at the same time; but she was trying hard to show courage and she knew Amra was not going to let anything happen to her.

"Go on, Gabrielle. You are the one starting? Will you explain to me what are you going to do?"

"That depends." She paused as she walked slowly from side to side in front of her. "I guess I will go easy on you since I like you and all that." Finally she smiled and winked at her. Caliope chuckled and sighed a bit more relaxed. "As you might know, our powers come in different ways, and we manipulate things differently. I am a reader. That means I can read people's minds."

Caliope was caught by surprise and opened her eyes wide.

"Dont worry, I haven't read you yet." Gabrielle tried to release her tension. "It's not like I go around hearing what people think, or a switch to turn on and off. I will it to happen."

"Ah, yes. Of course." Caliope nodded.

"A reader, as the name says, reads the mind of someone. So it is an art one has to master."

"And she excels at it." Said Elaine proudly. Gabrielle looked at her and giggled.

"Fine, go ahead, read me. Do it before I chicken out and run away." Caliope tried to tease and Gabrielle followed with a laugh.

There were only Elaine, Gabrielle, Vanessa, Pronab and Amra in the room with her, a wide living room emptied for a purpose. Her chair was comfortable but she wasn't really; she felt a little tensed but anxiety made it easier to cope. Her heart pounding a million miles per hour.

Gabrielle stood up and in front of her, she smiled kindly.

"Will it hurt?" Caliope asked suddenly.

"Hurt? Oh no, it won't darling." Gabrielle replied with a grin and stared deeply at her. The room filled with silence, one that seemed to trap everyone.

Caliope and Gabrielle stared at eachother for what seemed uncountable seconds; Gabrielle's gaze was penetrating and filled with intention, Caliope looked back waiting for the unexpected to happen. After some minutes Gabrielle's gaze started to change slowly, sweat would come out of her forehead if she were able to produce any Caliope thought. She started to worry.

'I can see her trying to get inside of your head but unable to. Are you blocking her love?'

Caliope heard Amra as clear as the breathing of everyone else in the room. She broke the eye contact with Gabrielle and looked at him shaking her head. "I am not doing anything to prevent her, at least not on purpose. I am not even thinking on what can she do to me, I don't know how her power works."

Gabrielle buffed. "I cant enter her head, as simple as that!" She turned around in frustration. Elaine rubbed her daughter's shoulder and smiled gently at her.

"Let me try it, before her transcendence I was able to affect her. Perhaps I still can." Elaine gave a step forward and Caliope looked at her.

"Yes, please Elaine." She answered, adjusting herself in the chair and relaxing.

Elaine walked to her and showed her hand. "This will be ok. I will just touch your face."

Caliope nodded. Elaine's hand reached to her cheek and softly caressed her cheek. She smiled at her soft touch and looked up at her. She remembered how once a very nervous version of her eased at Elaine's touch once before starting their trip and the new found memories made her giggle. Besides this, Elaine's smile faded quickly and she ended up stepping behind and releasing her. "I can't seem to have any effect on her. This is frustrating!"

Caliope felt nervous and started to worry; she never thought there would be so much difficulty in finding out what she really was. Amra was quiet but also nervous, he walked now next to her and put one arm around her shoulder defensively.

"Well, now it is time to let Pronab give it a try." Elaine said with caution, acknowledging Amra's new stance. "We are just going to try and see if you are immune to all kinds of powers, mental and physical. But if you are too nervous about this we can pass this test for now."

She shook her head and put a hand on the one of Amra's that was resting on her shoulder. He looked down at her worried but she smiled at him. "I will be fine, you are all here, nothing can go wrong for me when I am surrounded of the coolest angels on earth."

Amra smiled and leaned down to kiss her. It took her by surprise, but also she could feel the tension in the kiss. He was truly worried.

Pronab walked in front of her and lifted his hands, slowly some dark glowing chains materialized in them. The chains seemed to lose glow slowly, as he kneeled in front of her. "This should not hurt you, and you know how it works. The chains will react with your essence, if you tell a lie, they should restrain you tighter, if it is a true, it will slowly release you. I will just put them around your hands ok?" He almost whispered as Caliope nodded. Her hands, there was nothing bad in trying this just on her hands, she thought. Vanessa looked at the scene nervous for her friend, but also with curiosity.

She put both arms together and her palms up as if welcoming what he was going to do. He smiled comfortingly at her as he put the chain around barely twice. The chains seemed cold at first touch, but nothing different nor scary in her once they were around. After a few seconds, the chain acquire life on its own and adjusted itself around her wrists tightly. Not too tight, not loose either; just enough pressure, then they became lifeless.

He got up and gave a step back, looking at her with kindness. "Lets begin with a simple question, do you love Amra?"

Caliope chuckled and looked up at him. "I love him with all my heart." Amra brushed the back of his fingers on her cheek. She felt the chains give in smoothly and gently. She smiled wide and looked up at Pronab. "They work! they are reacting!"

Elaine and Gabrielle both jumped with joy and Pronab nodded, leaning closer to remove the chains. "We have what we need, now let me remove this thing off you."

He put his hands on the chain and it let her go instantly, as if they were no more than cold simple chains. He lifted his hands and the chains vanished completely.

"So this is what we know; you are immune to some mental powers, but affected by physical objects or manipulations." Gabrielle said as she walked around the room pondering out loud. "My contacts said the dark ones refered to you as their Morrighan; which at first didn't make sense."

"The goddess?" Caliope asked.

"Yes, the celtic Goddess, you are correct." Gabrielle answered. "But this a is tricky area, there are so many possible meanings."

"What do you mean?" Amra asked, he was now pulling Caliope up and in between his arms.

"You see; as a celtic Goddess, Morrigan was associated with death and I can't link her to anything like that." Gabrielle stopped walking and looked at Caliope who had gasped at her words. "Oh don't take it wrong Caly, I am starting for what I know for sure you aren't."

Caliope nodded at her but was still taken in surprise by what she said. Gabrielle gave her a smile and continued. "In one of the archetypes or forms, she is a wise old woman, the Crone. She is compassionate and a healer, but you aren't a healer. The negative mirror is the bitter old woman, you aren't that either." Gabrielle resumed her walk and moved around the room sharing more information as if she was a machine of pure knowledge. "Then there is the shapeshifter archetype, with the ability of changing as the name says, her appearance. You haven't change in any way so far, and throughout all the time you had been with them and myself. So that can't be either. Which leads us to the last one, the one I think is closer to you. The Warrior." She grinned and focused her eyes on Caliope. "Of course! physical strength it is only partly of what a warrior has, and you as an Asteria will learn to have more strength than ever in your past life." She walked towards Caliope smiling from ear to ear. "While there is a negative side of the Warrior, that of wanting to win at all costs including abandoning your ethical principles to prove you are supreme, you are a battle Goddess that feeds on those who have fallen. What this means is you will fight to protect your rights and your life, as well as the life of those you love. Am I mistaken with this?"

Caliope shook her head still not finding words to reply to all of what she was saying. Gabrielle giggled and looked at Elaine. "She is the symbol, the goddess they look, the stereotype of what they need in their side."
"It makes perfect sense, she is not a common Asteria, she is the chosen one to be at Amra's side." Elaine nodded.

"All this seems so unreal to me." Finally Caliope spoke. "I know, months ago angels were unreal to me too, which is why I am not discrediting anything of what I am hearing. But please let me sink in what I just heard. I am supposed to be a Warrior Goddess for the dark angels? How? with what powers?"

"Darling, you see; plenty of what Gabrielle is telling you is the interpretation of people about past figures. There was once a woman who fought at our side without being an Angel nor an Asteria. She was courageous and a fierce opponent to them. To humans back in those ages, she was like a Goddess; and just as myths and legends, her story was passed from generations to generations. She represents a powerful force, and that is what they see in you. They want you because you represent power. Might not be direct power manifestations of you, but your presence, what you represent, that is what is most important to them."

Caliope nodded slowly. "The one who woke up Amra, and gave him a reason to fight."

Elaine nodded. "We still need to find out what specific powers you might hold. Usually Asterias, as they were once humans, have subtle powers such as healing certain kind of wounds or a kind of telekinesis. You haven't presented any of these manifestations, but if what you mean to them is this, the Warrior Goddess, then your powers will certainly be physical manifestations; it is what belongs to your name, to what you represent."

There was silence after what Elaine said, and Caliope lowered her head almost ashamed. Gabrielle interpreted this act as a sign of worry. "Caly, you will be ok, don't worry."

She nodded and lifted her gaze to give her a smile. Amra squeezed her tight in between his arms and he brushed his lips on her earlobe. She shivered and blushed. 'When will you let them know of your powers?' She heard him whisper in her mind.

"If I have no mental powers, why I was once available to communicate mentally with Amra? Although right now I seem to be incapable of this."

"That is completely normal to you both, a unique way of communication between the two of you. Even while you were human this happened, so you should not worry about it either. In time it will come back to you as well as your memories are." Elaine reassured her. "Anything between you two is not in the books, is unique and different." She chuckled.

"Ok, thank you. I really appreciate all the effort of you to help me. But I need some fresh air if you don't mind." She said attempting to move towards the door. Amra stopped her by not releasing his grip on her; when she turned to face him he kissed her lovingly. 'You will be ok. I promise.'

Caliope blushed and smiled. "I love you too." she said at him and he chuckled. A storm of thoughts and questions arose in her head, a new way of living was just beginning.

--

Chapter 54

"A New Horizon"

"Why can't I just dress up normal?"

"Because it will be fun, trust me darling."

"I dont think it is funny to be trapped in this asphyxiating clothing torture device." Said Caliope taking a sharp deep breath. "But I admit, it does make me look nice." She chuckled once looking at the mirror.

"Look nice? you look gorgeous!" Elaine smiled at her.

Caliope was looking at herself in the mirror, she was convinced by Elaine to wear a corseted dress to the meeting with the Angels; it would be a powerful statement, the visual indeed agreed with her.

"How will I be able to sit on this? I can barely walk without gasping."

"Oh darling, you will not need to seat, you are just thinking as human, but have you really felt the need to seat lately? or rest for that matter." She paused, letting Caliope slowly get in her system what she was saying. "Have you felt like you needed to rest or drink or eat?" Again silence, Caliope was looking at her through the mirror and pondering what she was saying. It was true, now that Elaine brought it to her attention; she had not felt the need to do neither of those things, she was just following what her rituals dictated; she would want to eat when the time would say it was needed for her human form, but she had not felt the need to eat herself. A wide smile was taking over her.

"So this is what being an Asteria feels like?"

"It is much more as you are slowly learning, but you are in fact, enjoying the best parts of it. Let's say, you had been enhanced." Elaine winked at her as she tied the last knot on the last part of her corset.

Later, when they walked down the stairs towards the ballroom and besides adjusting to her dress as she walked, she felt only slight discomfort but no real pain nor constriction around her body as she thought she would. She finally saw Amra, who was smiling widely as he waited for her at the end of the stairs, he was dressed in a white vintage suit, Caliope thought they both matched. She was so focused on him that she missed the room filled of people who were in return, staring at her.

'You look stunning, my love.'

She blushed and reached him, putting her arms around his waist and feeling his own ones wrap around her. "You do too." She whispered softly as she snuggled in his arms; only then she was able to look behind him and gasped at the sight of the room of people waiting in silence. She tugged his arm and he chuckled.

"My love, in general, meet the Angels. Angels, meet my Asteria."

She lowered her head in a gesture before working on raising her voice. "Greetings."

"Caly! I am so glad you are here!" She heard Gabrielle say as she lifted her eyes in time to reach to her. Her free spirit quickly made her smile and she chuckled amused as Gabrielle took her other arm and pulled her towards the middle of the room trying to rush, aware of Amra having her other arm, the scene of both walking at different rhythms made her giggle. Once they reached the middle of the room, She could see two elegant chairs waiting for them next to one with Elaine, another for Maxwell and two more for the Meng twins, Pronab was nowhere to be seen.

"Greetings, my dearest brothers and sisters." Elaine began as Caliope took her seat. "Thank you all for joining us here; I am aware many of your wish to be prowling the streets and playing games, enjoying yourselves, but we must remember the reason why you are here."

While Elaine spoke, every face focused on her, and Caliope took the courage to really look and study the room and the people around her. The ballroom was enough to hold them all comfortably in chairs, but the place was packed, it seemed not even one chair was left empty. Their faces were serene and in peace, they looked of all ages and ethnics; in fact, she would have thought of them as normal human beings if it wasn't that she was already aware of their true nature. She sighed, wondering when would she be able to notice the difference and be able to recognize one human from an Angel.

"...But the time has come for us to acknowledge the truth, this war has started with them ahead of us, and it has been seen and felt each of their moves touch us at different levels. They managed to reach to us into the closest circles, I felt tears pour from my eyes as I witnessed the depths of their hands reach and corrupt at different ranks."

Caliope noticed Pronab walking in quietly, behind him there was a shy Vanessa who looked half scared, half lost. She smiled at her as soon as their eyes met.

"We have been following the rules for too long, and after some discussion, we have reached to a possible next step for us to take. You are here to give ears and voice your opinions, and share what we decide after this meeting."

The Meng twins got up and walked to each side of the small center circle, then started to walk clockwise slowly. Caliope focused on them as Tiam exchanged a soft smile with her, and seconds later Yi gave her a grin. She felt goosebumps and Amra's hand reached for hers. 'What is wrong, love?' She looked at him and she leaned close to whisper "What is happening? I feel something strange." and she tilted her head towards the twins. He smiled 'They are getting ready for possible rogues who will object to what Elaine will propose. Earth Angels can be unstable sometimes.'

"What we will propose is a radical move, but one that will put us ahead of them for a very needed first time. We want to come out to the world, and we want to do it simultaneously with as many of us as we can, on a said day and time."

Caliope saw some faces expressing discomfort; most started to whisper between them and a large chantic buzz sounded in the room; a few stood up and one tried to leave the room, but froze mid way towards the exit. There was a sense of electrostatic around her, it was the twin's power and this was the first time she saw their combined power in a wider scale.

'Princess relax, everything will be fine, we are used to this.' A soft voice sounded in her head, she met Tiang's eyes who was smiling at her. She nodded and returned the smile, leaning on the chair.

"If you have opinions to give, we want to hear them. We will be here all day and more days if needed, but before you speak, I want you to hear everything I say with attention." Elaine smiled calmly, and looked at Caliope once, before standing up herself. The room went quiet, and all eyes focused on her once more. "We have studied the possible outcomes of this idea, we have seen the good and the bad possible outcomes. But we will be ahead of them and this will allow us a larger freedom to act in every way. Just take a moment to think about this; you will no longer have to hide, if you prefer so, no one will force you to come out. If you don't hide, you can act faster, you can protect more people, you can reach towards each other and not worry about the different reactions or how to hide what you are. You can walk or fly out of any situation. But more important, you can interfere directly when they are making a move. We had been target for the last couple of weeks at different locations, public places, with a huge danger to be exposed. They are losing the little fear they have, if they ever did, towards being seen or recognized anymore. If they want to affect us by toying with the humans, we need to be able to show no fear to react."

Elaine's words were having an effect on them, making them think. Caliope couldn't see yet how they would come out to the world and the images of chaos and panic flashed in her head, if this was their only way to fight back, things were really starting to get out of control.

"Let me hear your opinions, please." Elaine asked before taking back her seat.

Several in the audience raised hands, then some lowered them again. Elaine smiled and nodded at a young woman near the front line. She stood up and lowered her head in a gesture similar to the one Caliope made.

"Greetings, and thank you for allowing me to voice my thoughts." A soft and delicated voice that made Caliope smile. "I knew the situation was in a larger scale when we were invited to come here. This has always been a last option and many of us only dreamed to the day we would be able to come here. You wisely gave us a day to be around and have a taste of what you are promising; more freedom and less hiding. I personally haven't felt so comfortable in my own skin in a long time, and I could just fly and be myself all day enjoying this the last couple of hours. Which makes me consider your idea very appealing. I worry tho, to what could be some negative outcomes. Human laws, governments trying to experiment on us, movements to control us. I am sure you have thought about all these as well, but what were your thoughts on this? We wouldn't be anything different from what they call "aliens" if they landed on earth." The young one bowed her head again and took her seat.

Elaine smiled and waited a couple of seconds for the room to focus on her again. "Very wise of you Chandra, I am quite happy of the way you thought this through. It is true, we fear some humans, especially their government, to take a defensive, or better yet, a commanding standing point towards us. This is why we have several of you already inside their systems, and also many humans in our network, have very influential places. If you all let me be honest; we could spend a day or two discussing the pros and cons of this idea when it comes to how their government and their reactions could affect us, the truth is, that will only be certain if we do it and when we do it. What I really want to know and hear is what you feel about coming out, how do you think this will affect your life and the ones of those around you. Tell me if I am wrong Chandra."

The woman nodded and remained in her chair, some looking at her, others at Elaine. The room went silent and it was one made on purpose as Elaine let everyone ponder and think before she raised her voice once more. "I don't want to make all of you waste your time, I want you all to enjoy and have some fun, as you all deserve it. These times are difficult times, we need to stand together and strong. I want you all to trust in me, in us, and take a chance. I propose you all to think about this for the next couple of days, and we meet again to resolve it, before the arrival of the Illuminated ones."

Maxwell joined Elaine as he stood up to voice his opinion. "Let's go out there and have some fun, I want you all to think about this as you feel the breeze under your wings and sing under the storm."

Several cheered the idea and even though some went quiet, many stood up and went for the doors. The Meng twins both returned to their chairs and waited patiently. The sight was amusing for Caliope; as she saw several get up and different styles and types of wings being spread. She was entertained by their joyful spirit, but in awe to the extent diversity of wings designs.

After several minutes, everyone was gone, including those who left more reluctantly. Caliope squeezed Amra's hand and he smiled at her. "Now what?" she asked openly.

"Now we join them, you need to enjoy the day. No more worries, not today." Elaine declared as she stood up and walked towards the door. Amra chuckled and gave a nod.

As soon as Caliope reached the door, she hugged her friend tightly. She could also take a closer look at her dress; a very simple yet sophisticated lace and satin dress that embraced the contours of her body exquisitely. "You look gorgeous Nessa!"

Vanessa blushed and lowered her head, Pronab smirking quietly next to her. "Thank you, and you look stunning as well. Are you able to breath inside that?"

Caliope grinned. "That and more."

"Girls, let's go outside, we are missing the fun!" Gabrielle grinned as she put an arm around Caliope and another around Vanessa and walked out of the building with them. Amra chuckled as Caliope looked behind her half scared and half excited. 'I am not letting you out of my sight, don't worry.' He whispered into her mind.

They walked through the streets and watched angels fly graciously; they were playing games and simply enjoying life. Gabrielle giggled as she saw some fly close and wave, her friends inviting her to join them into the game. She would explain to them what they were doing, and every now and then she would just sigh and smile watching them. At the distance, Caliope saw Elaine take a seat at a restaurant with tables in the outside, soon she was joined by Wiltshire. She released kindly Gabrielle's arm and turned to meet quickly Amra's; he pulled her in, embracing her. She sighed and closed her eyes, a wide smile on her face as she snuggled in between his arms. He smiled and entangled his fingers in her hair, lowering his head to rest his chin on top of her's. 'This is the kind of days I am fighting to get you for life.' He whispered softly. Her arms wrapped tightly around him and she squeezed him. Finally she tilted her head up and looked at him. "I love you." she said firmly. He crushed his lips on hers kissing her with passion, making her gasp and blush. When they broke apart she was looking at him lovingly, he caressed her cheek. 'I am glad this part of you remains the same, I really like watching you blush.'

She giggled and pretended to hide her face as he chuckled. They walked by a park and separated from the rest, as he took her hand and walked slowly through the gardens. Some angels would fly around and see them, waving their wings and hands before leaving them alone. They found a spot that was surrounded by groomed green grass and had flowers close around as if guarding them; he sat on the natural blanquet and pulled her to sit on his lap.

"I could easily get used to this... Elaine is brilliant, she is making them all crave what she is offering."

"She has thought this through for a while, but it really is her last resource. She could keep everyone on the line and hold longer, but how many more casualties will we suffer while we try to find something else? Nothing that can convince everyone as much as this."

She nodded and sighed before closing her eyes. "She convinced me." She said before resting against his shoulder. He smiled at her. "That means she convinced me too."

The rest of their evening was uneventful; they spent it enjoying each other and talking about sweet nothings. He caressed her face and gave gentle kisses to different parts of her body, slowly awakening other feelings in her. She felt embarrassed of how far she went when she slid her hand inside his silk shirt and caressed his chest just to tease and hear his soft moanings. She giggled and gave him a deep and passionate kiss once he caught her wrists and gave her a hungry look. It felt right, it felt wrong, it felt wanted. But now was not the time for the level of intimacy they both craved. 'Tonight.' He promised her after watching her blush.

--

Chapter 55

"Latest News"

Caliope brushed her lips on Amra's neck and he entangled his fingers on her hair and pressed her gently more against him; she smiled inwardly and proud of the feelings she was able to awake in him. She licked his shoulder and he couldn't help himself anymore, pulling her gently by the hair and kissing her passionately. 'If you keep this up we won't get up today from bed.' He whispered into her mind and she giggled, making him smile at her. "I will always love that sound. Let's get a shower, shall we?" He said and she nodded.

When they joined the rest of the people in the large living room, Caliope noticed Vanessa and everyone else were looking at the big tv screen in the wall. When she followed their eyes she tensed and Amra's gaze turned from her to the tv as well. There was headlines and big colorful news flashes on the channel they were watching.

"What... what is going on?" Caliope finally broke the silence, Elaine turned her head to look at her with sad eyes.

"They are, again, one step ahead of us." Said Elaine as she pointed to the current home video recording that was being played on loop at the news channel; a kid trying to pet a wild cat in the playground park and being attacked by several other cats that in turn also attacked each other. Caliope gasped and Amra tensed, there was a dark shadow spreading its wings not far from them and at a certain moment, it waved to the camera then disappeared. The journalist was reporting that at first it was thought to be a hoax but then many similar events were being reported in the latest 24 hours all around the globe. There was some controversy as some were still thinking it was a publicity stunt for a possible new movie but more were going for the truth, as the videos were dated all from just the last hours and the amount of reports seemed to be too many for that purpose. Caliope looked at Elaine and then at Wiltshire who was next to her, shaking his head.

"Elaine..." Caliope began, and waited for her to look back, when she did, the words that came out of her mouth surprised everyone. "Make the call, this is enough, we still have the last step, coming out with everything at the public. Make a warning statement to everyone here and tell them they have, I don't know, 12 hours? to let the others know... then go at it, we need to make this as soon as possible, this is too much!"
Amra took a deep breath and nodded, standing right next to Caliope, he looked at everyone in the room and then at Elaine. "I agree with what she says, I was already with you on this from the start, I think we can't wait any longer. Make it happen Elaine."

Elaine nodded and sighed, shaking her head. "I didnt want it to happen like this, but they left us no choice. Generals? Any objection?" She stood up and headed to the wall where the tv screen was embeded, she clicked on a small panel entered what it looked like a security code, she looked once again back to the living room and all those in the room were quiet, Maxwell and the Meng Generals as well. "So we go for it." She asked once more in a way that sounded more like a statement than a question, they just nodded.

She cleared her voice. "Attention please..." She said and her voice echoed throughout the city, Caliope walked to the window and saw many angels stop in mid fly. "As some of you might have heard, and if you haven't, now is the time to turn on your tv's, they have gone out of their way to make their real identities known to the public. It has been just decided by the main Generals and our Arcane Guardian that we will go in public live in 12 hours. That is your time frame to let everyone else know and be ready. This city will remain as our sanctuary and head quarters from now on. We will meet in 24 hours. Until then, remain vigilant and report anything and everything." Elaine cutted the voice and closed the small panel, turning around to sigh again.

Caliope was angry, she kept watching the tv screen with several other homemade videos and phone recordings of events that were alike, a fight or some shadows, a break in or a car accident with violent outcomes, always the same apparitions. Amra looked down at her worriedly and put himself in front of the tv, cutting her view, she frowned and looked up only to meet his eyes and she softened her expression, he wrapped his arms around her and caressed her back. 'Don't let them affect you, dont let them turn you into what they want you to be.' He whispered into her mind and she realized how the rage inside her was slowly consuming her, her hands were squeezed into fists. She closed her eyes and nodded, pressing against his chest and letting him sooth her. "Thank you." She whispered and felt his lips on top of her head.

"Now? what do we do?" Vanessa asked nervously, Pronab took her hand in his and squeezed it. "Now we wait, and start preparing." He responded.

"I have calls to do and Magna is arriving soon, she will make this easier. " Said Elaine before she walked out.

It was noon when Caliope walked into the kitchen and saw Chef Remesch smile at her, she stood there a bit shocked but smiled back at him. "Chef, a nice surprise to see you here." She said and he grinned. "Ahhh but of course I would come, me and my Sou Chef are preparing a healthy lunch, so don't you worry bout a thing." He promised.

Caliope chuckled and sat on a chair watching him work his magic, moments later Amra walked in and stood next to her. "Hello Chef, thank you for joining us." He said and in return, Chef Remesch bowed his head with a smile. Tiam walked in and smiled shily, he was always the quiet one, and Caliope felt a special kind of connection with him.

"Did the smell of yummy food pulled you?" Caliope asked smiling.

Tiam shook his head and sighed a little. "I am tired of watching the different news network, my brother though, enjoys it. The food does smell delicious, no surprise from such an acclaimed Chef." He said in his usual soft voice and Chef Remesch laughed.

Later in the afternoon, Elaine was sitting in the living room with a notebook on a side, a phone on one hand and a cell phone on hold just at her side. Pronab was assisting her as Vanessa kept staring at the tv. Caliope sat next to her and took a hold of her hand, drawing her attention.

"How are you? besides this... crazy news. How are you and Pronab doing? We haven't talk much about it and I know you both have became close. Have you thought about what is happening?" Caliope took her by surprise, and Vanessa blushed, looking towards him on the desk while he was on the phone before returning to her.

"We are going slow, I think I am falling in love with him and it is a little scary. I mean... " She sighed and Caliope smiled at her, squeezing her hand. "I guess you know what I mean. The feelings are so strong. I feel different with him, he brings out a part of me I didn't even knew I had." She continued and looked again towards him, making sure he was busy before she went on. "We haven't even been intimate!" she whispered surprised of her own words.

Caliope giggled and held her friend in a tight hug, the joy in her heart became just enough to keep her both distracted. "It is not easy, but is the best ride you will ever have. Go for it Nessa, it will be fine as long as you remember to follow your heart. I did, and I am the happiest I ever dream to be." She said while squeezing her hand. Vanessa blushed but nodded, she knew well her friend's advice came from experience and she bowed to follow it.

The main door opened and Maxwell came in followed by Magna; Elaine grinned and stood up immediately. "Finally... I could really use some help here." Were here words and Magna smiled and nodded, both of them exchanging a look that perhaps only them understood.

As Magna walked in closer, she stopped mid way and locked eyes in Caliope, who in return smiled and waved a hand. But Magna's face was stone cold, she even gave a step back and hesitated to continue. This brought immediate attention from Elaine who turned around and walked towards Magna. "What is wrong?" she asked.

Amra walked in and frowned at Magna's presence, he stood in front of Caliope with a menacing look. "You better watch what you do to her." He threatened her as Magna gave him a brief look then returned her gaze to Caliope, who was now standing and peeking from Amra's side.

"Ok, let's calm down please. Elaine, care to calm your assistant please? then perhaps she can explain the meaning behind her reaction." Maxwell intervened before anyone else started to talk. Elaine nodded and put both hands on Magna's shoulders, bringing her attention to her. Caliope pulled Amra's arm and made him turn around to look at her.

"There must be a reason behind her reaction, a good one. Calm down please?" She begged him and he closed his eyes sighing.

Minutes later Elaine brought the attention of all as she cleared her throat. Amra remained vigilant, one step ahead of Caliope protectively. Pronab was standing next to Vanessa not far behind.

"It seems that Magna's dark nature caught her out of guard. Even though I kept her informed of how things were developing in general, some things are quite different face to face. Magna?" Elaine encouraged her to speak.

"My apologies Caliope, I was caught a little off guard. One of my abilities has been to see different versions of Angels, from either side. Their faces don't change but their looks do; reflecting their personality. When I walked in I saw you glowing softly with a dark matter covering you, liquid black gold embracing your body, and one single featherly wing at a side. It shocked me, it was a vision I never expected to witness." Magna finished, a little embarrassment in her eyes to what she was revealing of herself. Caliope's eyes widened at Magna's revelation, she squeezed Amra's arm and he put his arm around her.

"I think Magna is looking at a possible side of her. Should we be afraid of your visions?" Amra asked as he looked directly in her eyes, and for the first time Magna showed some fear at him. She shook her head and kept quiet.

Elaine took a look at them both before sighing. "She will be fine, she was just taken by surprise. Now let's all calm down and please remember the bad guys are on the tv now, literally, so let's not try to find them in here."

Amra nodded and turned around to pull Caliope with him on the couch, they both sat quietly, and Pronab shook his head before he joined the couch with Vanessa at his side.

'We will need to talk to Elaine, alone, later my love. It is time to let her know the latest advances and changes you have been experiencing.' Amra whispered in Caliope's head, she tilted her head aside and looked at him nodding. She wasn't afraid of sharing information with Elaine, she was afraid of what had been happening to her, surprise and confusion mixed in there as well.

The afternoon approached and Elaine was preparing to leave, she was going to meet some news reporters on a conference room at the airport. She was taking Maxwell and the Mengs with her, Gabrielle, Pronab and Vanessa to keep company at Amra and Caliope. There was tension and expectation all around, they were preparing for what it would be the most decisive time in their Earth's history.

"After the broadcast is done, we will rush back here and start a conference with the remaining Generals that will be arriving in the next couple of hours. Not much else can be planned, we will react according to what develops. We have made several contingency plans and prepared for them all, but in the end, very few can foresee what will really happen. Amra, we will need you for that." Elaine said as she looked at everyone before leaving. Amra gave a simple nod in response.

Elaine looked at them all from the elevator door, she smiled and waved. "Next time we see each other, things will be so different. Be sure to watch the tv, would you?" She grinned and let the doors close, a silence left behind them. Amra grabbed Caliope's hand and took it up to his lips, kissing it softly. "Do you want to rest before everything starts?" He asked her softly.

She looked up at him and sighed, shaking her head. "I don't think I will be able to rest even if I was human, this situation is life changing, it will be the beginning of the end." Amra pulled her into his arms and she just let him, taking deep breaths as her own words echoed in her mind.

The environment was tense, Amra sat on the living room as he let the latest news flash in front of him; 4 tv screens were now facing him, each split in half showing the 8 most influential news channels worldwide. Pronab was explaining to Vanessa what was going to happen, at least what he thought it might happen. Caliope walked to Magna while she carefully watched her moves, she didn't want to alarm Magna, but it was obvious the old woman saw more in her than any other did. "Magna... can I help with anything?" She asked, and it took her by surprise.

"Help? at this point, no. Things are set in motion. We just have to wait." The old woman said.

Caliope just nodded and looked towards the window. "I wish I knew what to do, I feel helpless."

"You? helpless? Far from it. You are too powerful to think of yourself as helpless." Magna replied and Caliope looked at her a little shocked.

"Magna, I have an idea of what you think you see in me, and I am very curious as to know what I really am... but one thing I know for sure, is the side I am with. I hope you, who has sided the good ones, and who was born being on the other side like Pronab, can be capable to understand the power behind one's choices. Since you yourself, have made one as well." Caliope said to her and it did its effect, Magna lowered her gaze and nodded.

"It might take me a while to get used to it." She admitted, to which Caliope smiled.

"Taking time to adjust is something I am mastering, so don't worry. Now lets just focus on beating the bad guys." Caliope said to her and she smiled with a nod in return.

"It is about to start." Amra said from the living room and Caliope rushed to his side. Pronab and Vanessa now watching the several reporters introducing new updates on the story while Chef Remesch and Magna were joining them as well. Amra pulled Caliope in his arms and she sat on his lap, unable to detach her eyes from the different screens.

"So as we promised you half hour ago, we have a huge announcement to make, in reference to the current world wide phenomenon of sightings. We have our news correspondents on a secret location with what promise to be the biggest revelation in history, so viewers, let's get into it. Connor, we are live and going to you my friend, what do you have?" A news reporter said and the camera changed to what looked like a busy meeting room with several other cameramen and reporters talking in different languages.

The person who responded to the name of Connor was now explaining the situation. "Thank you Garth, as you said it yourself, this promise to be of epic proportions. A small introduction to our viewers while people are preparing for the announcement here; about 10 hours ago we all had calls from an anonymous source claiming to know about the sightings and the promising to explain that and more in a live broadcast. Now you see, we usually don't take this things serious but we all got a plain ticket and a meeting point in less than 10 minutes after, and after we corroborated with other news networks, the same was done to all of them. For someone trying to joke or make a bogus story, it was a lot of money thrown on the tickets alone already, so we started to investigate about our destination and you would not believe were we are. We were asked not to reveal yet our location until the end of the announcement but you will be blown away when you see it. We are in a conference room at an airport, we have fellow reporters here from different countries and they all got here same way we did. We were told that... wait a moment, they are going out now, it looks like it is about to begin." The reporter said and turned towards there are were the cameramen was now aiming. A small stage with three chairs, and the Meng twins came out of the back stage followed by Elaine, Maxwell, Wiltshire and Falshore not far on a corner watching close.

There was a fuzz while all tried to rush to a seat and the cameramen tried to find the best aim to them. Elaine smiled waiting for all to settle and as they did, she waited a few more seconds until there was enough silence. She looked confident, fierce. Caliope took a deep breath, this was it.

--

Chapter 56

"The Illuminated Ones"

"Now, does anyone have questions?" Elaine said as the conference room was left in silence. It was one of the most unique and rare sights on television; not only the revelation of angels being real, but also journalists left without words.

Pronab's phone rang and he quickly picked it up. "Yes?"

Vanessa was still shocked as she stared at the screen and saw Elaine's flaming wings. It was af she was set on fire but never burning. Caliope was also shocked to see those wings for the first time, on live tv.

"Let them a little longer on the conference room and we will be down soon." Pronab finished as he cut the call. He then turned his attention to Gabrielle. "The Illuminated ones were watching all from the conference room as Elaine suggested, I think we should go clear some doubts before they panic."

Gabrielle nodded. "We might need Amra and Caliope as well." She mentioned as she looked at both of them.

"Lets all go down together. Elaine will join us once she arrives." Amra stated and took Caliope's hand. They all moved towards the same place where their big meeting took place before, this time they were going to face those who were chosen to be on their side and prepare the world.

As they open the door, the large number of people with cloaks focused their eyes on them. There was fuzzing and chatter but soon it died when Amra and Caliope walked first towards the center, followed by Pronab, Vanessa, Gabrielle and Magna. Chef Remesch stood at the door guarding.

"Who are you? what is going on?" A male voice started asking with an angry tone, Caliope stared at him with disbelief. "After what you saw on the tv, you still don't believe?"

The man stared back at her and frowned. "We have been in here for hours, how do we know you are not lying? or if that was just a movie?"

Caliope frowned even more and Amra pulled her gently into his arms before he whispered. 'Let it go love, they, just like everyone else, are having troubles to believe. We've let them in the dark too long, we promised them truth and we failed at giving them just that before we told the world. It was in part our fault.'

Caliope closed her eyes and sighed. She heard Pronab take the lead. "Welcome everyone, and we are sorry for the way things have evolved. I will make things pretty simple for you, so please take a deep breath and sit down, you will need it."

Amra sat down and got Caliope to sit next to him. They both locked their eyes on Pronab. Vanessa was now sitting next to Caliope and watching Gabrielle join Pronab for what they were about to share.

"First of all, everything you saw on the tv was true." Gabrielle began and the room burst into chatter, whispers and objections. Pronab grunted and raised his voice. "We are not going to held a freak show for your entertainment, you will shut up and listen before it is too late. Time is running against us." The warning did its effect and people became quiet, only whispers survived at just a few spots.

"We have failed you in keeping you updated and in constant communication with us, but most of this has been due to us wanting to affect as little as we could in your life. Our enemy has taken big risks into stepping out of the shadows and this had made everything blown out of proportion."

Caliope listened Pronab's words and saw the faces of every member in the room, they were a mix of disbelief and surprise. She felt helpless at first, but suddenly an idea occurred her and she started to ponder about it quickly.

"We owe you a long and detailed explanation, of who we are, what we are, how things work..." Gabrielle continued. Caliope squeezed Amra's hand and smiled at him, bringing his attention to her.

"I have an idea... Maybe I can help them understand." She whispered to him and he nodded.

'That is a good idea... you were once like them.' Amra replied in her head, and just a second later, Gabrielle stopped talking, both her and Pronab now looking at Caliope.

She blushed but took a deep breath and stood up. Now she was the center of everyone's eyes. "Hello everyone... My name is Caliope, and I was once human..." She paused and the entire room went mute. She felt goosebumps on her skin as she met their eyes. Then she continued. "Let me tell you that it is much easier if you set yourselves to believe rather than find objections or plot holes... Our father, God, is so great and wonderful, he created everything you see, including yourselves, out of love and passion. Like a father he watches over us. I won't tell you fairy tales, I will be honest with you, is not really that easy to cope with all of what is out there and you thought impossible, but then, you already know nothing in this life comes easy." She paused again, realizing she was perhaps ranting without aiming to a specific subject. She was letting her nervousness take over and so she shook her head and took a deep breath before she continued once more.

"So let's say you believe, ok? For the sake of it... Now let me explain to you all what you will face outside from now on, and that is several types of people and angels, from dark angels, good angels, fallen angels, and more. From now on everything outside these city walls will be different; you will now see the dark angels interact openly with humans, they won't hide their influence and power with you... and trust me, they are so powerful..." She started to walk from side to side and felt their eyes move with her.

"Each angel or dark angel has a gift, an ability that they can use it for either good or bad. They will be less afraid to use those powers against you for now, but you have to be ready. Some of them can manipulate objects, some of them can control minds, persuade, influence... they are manipulatives by nature, and won't hesitate to do something or react against you..."
"Why now?" A woman interrupted, a few faces turned to face her, others remained on Caliope.

"The truth is, a huge catastrophe is on the edge of happening, and I won't lie... I am scared..." She spoke with honesty, the woman was about to ask something else but remained quiet. "I wonder... Amra?" She turned her head towards him and he stood up immediately. "Can we show them?"

"What do you mean?" He asked openly confused.

"Make them see my memories..." She half smiled, the memory of how she shared her past visions was very vivid on her mind.

Amra looked around and frowned slightly before he spoke. "Humans with such little faith, they need something to either witness or touch in order to believe." He declared and they listened; a few lowered their heads with shame. "You shall hold your hands and close your eyes, whatever you feel or see, do not let go of eachother's hands, so you can share the visions."

Amra took Caliope's hand and walked to one of the many humans in the room. Caliope smiled shyly while she spoke. "I talked about powers but, I know how hard is to believe in something like that unless you experience it by yourselves. So I ask you to remain calm once you go through my own gift... There will be darkness... and then, you will see through my eyes, the memories I chose to share... I will show you the truth..." And just then, she closed her eyes and squeezed Amra's hand, who had taken already the hand of one of the audience. The darkness surrounded them and more than a gasp and yelp was heard.

A sight of Caliope walking with Amra at Central Park, wild cats fighting and a dark figure laughing at a distance; another dark creature being pulled through her single room apartment. Amra vanishing the first of many traitors; Pronab jumping into the abism with a smile on his face. A sea of cursed souls staring at her while she commanded them to leave. Caliope's memories rushed through her and everyone around. She fighted the tears as some of her memories started to be too personal and she struggled to push them away.

Finally she was able to release Amra's hand and she felt herself float briefly right before Amra caught her an inch away from the floor. She was shivering, her body and mind affected by the amount of energy she used to project the memories on everyone else. She felt Amra's arms hold her but she was unable yet to open her eyes; she felt drained.

A few voices whispered close to her while she heard Vanessa rushing to her side. "Baby are you ok? do you feel any pain?"

Caliope's first thought was to not be touched by her. She tried to raise her hand but her body felt unresponsive. So she pushed her mind to the edge. 'I can't control myself... stop her...'

Amra's arms tightened around her and she felt his lips on her forehead. 'My love... you did it!' Those were the last words she heard from him before she fainted.

"I am sorry, for doubting, for everything. What can we do to help?" The one who seemed to lead the humans spoke. Amra held Caliope in his arms, unable to focus on him as he worried about her. Pronab held a tight grip on Vanessa not letting her reach to her friend, and at the same time he spoke. "If you can wait here, Elaine will be back soon and we have some plans to address them with you all. Magna is going to handle you folders with basic information you need to have. Now please excuse us while we give her some space and room to recover."

Next thing Caliope saw was her personal space, the one with liquid black walls that seemed to respond to her. She felt as if the liquid blackness moved around her on its own; soothing her. She sighed and closed her eyes again, letting the darkness embrace her. Slowly she felt the liquid mater feed her with energy, her body relaxing and at the same time recharging. Why did sharing her memories drained her so much? On the other hand, pushing herself made it able for her to communicate again mentally with Amra, something she had been craving to do.

She opened her eyes and felt the warmth of Amra's body laying next to her on the bed; he held her with such tenderness, almost as if she was about to break. She found his gaze and hurried to touch his face. 'You look like you went through hell...' She told him and he sighed.

'I would probably go there for you...' He said as he laid his forehead on hers and breathed deeply.

She kissed his lips briefly before she pulled back. 'How long was I out?'

'It has only been a couple of hours, but any minute is enough to worry me... Elaine says your visions shared through so many was what did this to you. It also broke the last restrains you had apparently, since now you can talk to me mentally.'

She smiled and kissed him again. 'I think it was a fair price to pay to get back this... I missed it...' She whispered into his mind and he smiled back at her.

Just then some knocks on the door pulled their attention. "Come in." He said as he sat straight, pulling Caliope gently with him. Elaine walked in followed by Wiltshire, they were worried but smiling nonetheless. Elaine seemed serious, not her usual state. Wiltshire on the other hand seemed younger, if that was ever possible.

"Hello darling, how do you feel?" Elaine broke the silence and Caliope smiled at her.

"I feel ok, a little surprised but otherwise I am really well. I understand that you think me, sharing my memories to so many, drained me?" Caliope asked as she snuggled in Amra's arms. 'I think we need to tell Elaine now about my other... gifts... can we do it in front of Wiltshire?' She asked him privately.

"Yes, you see... my powers have influence on emotions, and each time one uses great amounts of power, there is a trace left, a signature energy print of some sort, that can be identified... I felt that energy signature, it was strong and emotional... you probably felt overwhelmed with so much going on at once. Probably new memories you recovered? All together, besides sharing it with so many, made this happen to you." Elaine nodded as she spoke.

'Wiltshire is a mysterious person but a very trusty one, you can share to both of them without worry my love.' Amra replied to Caliope.

"But since you are already becoming an Asteria, I would say you are almost fully one now, the drained energy did not affected you so long as it would on any other human or new Asteria... you were out only three hours..." Wiltshire added.

"That makes sense, I guess... but that is not all... I have been keeping something from you... Elaine and Wiltshire... Please understand I only asked Amra to keep quiet because I was both scared and surprised... but I found out more powers that manifest through me..." Caliope said finally, her eyes meeting Elaine as she stared back taken by surprise.

"More powers? what kind of powers?" Elaine managed to ask.

"Physical manifestations, isn't it?" Wiltshire added and Caliope looked back at him nodding, showing her surprise. He smiled gently at her. "My gifts are special... I don't read minds, but I read emotions and the secrets behind them... a strange, rare gift, very hard even to explain... If you are talking about it, and thinking about it, I can read it."

Caliope nodded, things making sense more about him now. "So I am not the only one with a rare gift." She said as she lifted her hand and pointed to the coffee table between them, Elaine and Wiltshire focused where she seemed to point, and out of thin air, vines started to materialize and grow slowly; Elaine gasped while Wiltshire put a hand on top of hers, containing her surprise in a certain way. Caliope lifted her fingers and the vines grew towards her directions, it grew steady and firm, then she moved her fingers to the sides, to show how versatile it moved. "I found out about this by accident... and it still hurts my hand a little bit after... but the more I practice, the steadier it becomes, and it stays that way. I think it has to do with my level of confidence and concentration, since both of them have grown ever since that first time."

Wiltshire stood up and walked towards the table; he carefully let his hand reach it and the vines pulled away from his touch. "I didn't do that..." Caliope rushed the words out just as her surprise. Wiltshire nodded and walked back to his chair. "I think it is a part of you on its own..." He replied.

"I don't like that... it is like someone else is living inside of me!" Caliope admitted with frustration. "I dont think it wants to harm me, but what is it? why can't I be alone like before?"

"Love, maybe... it is a side of you? That time I found you covered with the liquid blackness, remember?" Amra asked and Caliope nodded. "Like I told you, it reacted to me, it was never aggressive, it felt who I was and allowed me to touch you... To be honest, I was surprised but not afraid of it either... I think, really, it is perhaps a part of you... your dark angel half... maybe you should embrace it instead of rejecting it."

While Caliope pondered Amra's words, Elaine nodded. "Perhaps that is who you are in all this fight, Caly... you are the new race, the new angel, the evolution that it's needed in order to fight a new balance in the new world we have created... outside there is only chaos... I think you are the answer to find peace again. If not peace, perhaps, not the judge nor the executioner, you are the witness and changer of things... you are what we needed from the start."

--

Chapter 57

"Dark Messenger"

The sound of rusty chains woke Caliope slowly; the strange sound together with the empty space next to her in bed that became unfamiliar. She opened her eyes and saw the room was unusually dark. The sound of chains made her look around searching for its origin. She gasped and covered her mouth with horror; there was a dark bubble surrounding her, clouded spots of transparency allowed her to see that she was still in their room. The bubble was as big as half the room; at the other side, a glowing and angry Amra kept hitting the invisible walls without results.

She heard a laugh and looked at her left, there, standing only feets away from her, there was a tall and pale man, ice blue eyes, long grey hair, and a wicked smile. She was unable to move as the situation was still uncertain for her, but finally she saw rusty chains that came out of his back and floated on his sides as if they were resembling wings. A dark Angel for sure.

"Finally awake, aren't you..." The slim figure said and looked at her with a small but secure grin on his face.

She held quiet, she didn't want to respond or move at all. She looked towards Amra and tried to communicate with him. 'Amra... please tell me you can hear me...' She send to him and there was only panic in his face, he was angry and there was no reply to her pleas.

"He won't hear you, he can't reach you here... yet." The man answered her unspoken questions, yet she held quiet again, there was hope now as the man's words revealed a possibility for Amra to reach her, at some point.

The man walked around her slowly and with a hand under his chin he examined her. "Interesting... that is the word I think fits you best... Do you have any idea how important your role is in this battle? I bet you don't... everything started with you, and probably will end as well with you." His voice determined, the content of his words almost prophetic. Caliope sucked in air and held it as he sat next to her. "I was watching you sleep... not many Asterias do that, you know? sleep... it becomes a strange concept with the years... But it is kind of... cute? You still remain humanly innocent... Sleep is a gift, it helps you detach and dream..."

She was beyond curious, and thought of her best way to buy time, perhaps she could make enough so Amra could reach her. "Who are you?" She whispered.

He acted surprised, and smiled gently. "You ARE... cute. I like the pleasant sound of your voice, the notes seem in harmony with your emotions..." He chuckled as if he was holding a typical conversation. She kept quiet and he shook his head. "I am Angelus, a dark messenger... I came on my own, curiosity led me... that and, well... they had been talking about an immense power left inside you... I am very curious about what kind of power that is... your father's legacy holds many secrets..." He said with enough security for his words to be heard.

She tilted her head towards Amra and saw him glowing, his wings wide spread, the vision itself made her shiver. He was angry, there would be severe consequences. Angelus sighed and stood up. "He is upset I think... but you are all so naive... things won't change much even with the public knowledge..."

Caliope felt a little insecurity on the dark Angel and she finally took courage to speak more. "Would you help us?"

Angelus stood still, turning around slowly to look at her again and she saw in his face confirmation; he was uncertain, he had doubts. She moved to the edge of the bed and stood up looking at him. "You could help us tilt the balance. You would not be the first one who has moved to our side and help either. Pronab was once one of you, and he is now with us, his knowledge and expertise has helped in so many ways... and has saved me."

He chuckled and shook his head. "Save you? no one tried to hurt you... only take you... you are untouchable...now more than ever" He said and then he looked towards Amra, which made Caliope look as well. "He will break my safety, soon..."

"Then help us, I promise you he won't even touch you..." She said slowly, not wanting to sound desperate, but being honest at the same time. He looked at her with a little hope, but a lot of burden. She took a deep breath and walked closer to him; she reached to his hand and squeezed it. "Angelus, the way you spoke to me, it might be in riddles and I might not understand its full meaning, but what I did understood is that you are not sure which side you really belong... you are not sure what side is the one you believe anymore... and I am offering you a chance to be with us, be someone important, help us."

His eyes widened and he stared at her, with her free hand she made a stop sign towards Amra, hoping that he would understand she was asking for time, but her eyes never moved from him.

"You have such power within you... Morrighan, your father would have been proud." Were his words, and she smiled at him, which caused him to give a step back.

"Many have said the same... I am still understanding myself what it means." Caliope said with her head finally lowering, she felt embarrassed about it. "Even our Father has said it." She shrugged.

There was silence and Caliope looked up at him again and found him shocked in his place. "Angelus, are you ok?" She looked towards Amra for the first time in a while and saw him standing still, his stare deadly cold, but the dark bubble around them was still there. She looked back at him and saw his chain wings glow and disappear at his back.

"You... you saw The Father?" he barely whispered. She relaxed and smiled at him, her cheeks a little blushed.

"Angelus, if you promise to help us... if you promise to stay... I will share with you my encounter with Him... even more, I will let you see my memories as if you were there..." She offered him and he smiled innocently.

"You are telling the truth, aren't you... it is not in you to lie..." He whispered again, almost afraid to say it out loud. Caliope nodded and giggled, he instantly relaxed and looked towards Amra. "I would like to remain complete if possible, if he does want to harm me I will understand."

Caliope looked towards Amra as well, Pronab and Elaine were next to him, Wiltshire just joining them as well. She took a deep breath. "How does your protection shield work? Can you lower it at least for me to talk mentally with him?"

"I never tried, but I will now..." He said and raised his hands.

The shield became thinner slowly, Caliope focused on Amra and kept sending him the same thoughts. 'Can you hear me?' over and over again.

The bubble shield was so thin it felt as if it was disappearing when finally Amra replied. 'Are you ok?' were his words. She smiled and nodded. 'I am very well, I was just a bit surprised at first, but everything is fine... he will help us Amra, please do not harm him... he knows so much.' She sent back at him and he nodded. 'If he drops this shield I will try not to be angry.'

Caliope looked at Angelus and smiled. "He won't harm you but you better rush with your shield, he is not very happy with it."

Angelus nodded and dropped his hands, the shield disintegrating completely with it's moves. Amra walked slowly towards her while the rest approached with caution. As soon as he reached Caliope, his arms wrapped around her and he pulled her to him, he released a long time held breath and she could feel his body relax. 'I was worried at first, but his intentions were never of any harm, believe me love...' She sent to him trying to calm him.

"Give me a reason why we should not vanish you right now..." Pronab spoke first, there was contained anger in him and Caliope shook her head drawing his attention.

"His name is Angelus, and he is a dark Angel, he is a messenger, but is here on his own..." Pronab looked at her and had his doubts still, but remained quiet until he had more information. "Please give him a chance... to explain himself and to tell you why he is here."

Angelus gave a step back and looked around confused, Caliope feared he was regretting his decision. "Angelus, before anything else happens, I want to give you my word, in front of them, that if anyone tried to do you harm, I will take matters into my own hands." He looked at her and smiled softly, hope again flashing in his eyes.

"You are truly remarkable, Princess Morrighan... You barely know me and you are already protecting me." He said and to that, all agreed nodding. Caliope blushed and smiled.

"Angelus, whatever you said or do for her to be on your side, I would like to hear as well. If she is protecting you then so am I." Amra added, and Angelus was again taken by surprise.

"Maybe this is the right choice, to help you..." was all that Angelus was able to say before Gabrielle rushed to the room, her eyes wide as she saw him and it was clear to all they both recognized each other. "You as well? You joined their side?" he asked directly at her.

"Angelus? you... what are you doing here? oh no... what did you do?!" Gabrielle asked with a hint of panic.

He chuckled and smirked, the first real hint of his dark nature. Caliope perked a brow and looked at them both. "Gabrielle, he came to me, but didn't harm me in any way, in fact... he is choosing to side with us and help... I take it you both met before?"

"Well, I must say, this is becoming entertaining... Gabrielle is your real name?" Angelus said towards her and she nodded.

"Angelus was one of my contacts inside the main circle, but he knew me as Dakota, my cover name." Gabrielle explained and Angelus perked a brow.

"Contact... cover... you were spying?" he enquired her.

"I am sorry you had to learn about it this way, but to be honest, I looked for you before I left, and no one knew where you were... I wanted to say goodbye..." She blushed slightly. "But what are you doing here?" She added quickly.

"I was... curious... I wanted to see who was the Princess Morrighan that has caused so much commotion..." He said almost as if he was reading a script; Gabrielle perked a brow and walked closer.

"What are really your motives Angelus? I know you better than that..." She questioned him and he smiled, not worried for her insistent questions.

"Their last meeting, it was two days ago... they mentioned something, they were considering a mass kidnap wave, they were aiming Asterias, and that included her... my limits were drawn there, I am not an extremist like they are... I was indeed curious to see who she was, why everything changed since... her... that was not a lie." He admitted and Caliope widened her eyes at his revelations, Amra's grip tightened around her and he frowned.
"That is unthinkable!" Elaine exclaimed, Caliope could see there was a rage surging from her, something she never saw before. "This can't happen... no... not again..." she continued. Wiltshire put a hand on her shoulder and she turned to look at his eyes. "This is not happening... it can't be..."

"It might, but we need to stop it before they start... Young one, what can you tell us of who they are, where they have Gaius, anything..." Wiltshire asked just as Maxwell joined them, nodding to all as he was put aware of what was happening already.

"Where to begin... I wasn't prepared to give a report here... I was only going to come and go..." Angelus said with a small frown and a pensive stance.

"Please excuse us for being so eager, take your time... would you like to rest some? a room perhaps?" Caliope began, she felt responsible for his well being and she felt different towards him, there was something about him that made her feel she should look after him, even though he didn't look like a harmless soul.

Angelus looked at her again and half smiled, then Maxwell cleared his throat and drew his attention. "What made you stay? why you didn't... come and go... like you said you were going to."

"I was drawn to her, she has... an aura, something..." He replied without hesitation.

"If you try anything on her... I don't need to tell you what kinds of horrors I will put you through..." Pronab said almost without thinking.

Angelus became serious and stared back at Pronab in an unspoken exchange, probably something only those of dark nature would understand. After some time, he pulled his eyes away from him and looked at Amra. "I won't try to harm her... and even if... is not like she can be touched either..."

"What do you mean?" Elaine interrupted.

Angelus looked at her with confusion. "You don't know?" And perked a brow.

Caliope looked at him with the same confusion. "No, I think neither of us understands what you mean... will you please tell us?"

Angelus nodded at her and then looked at Amra. "Will you keep her busy? distracted... so I can prepare."

Amra hesitated at first then nodded, whatever he was going to try now, he was with her and would make sure no harm was done to her. Caliope looked at Angelus then Amra, and he smiled at her, caressing her face softly. 'I don't mind as long as I am with you... I won't let him or anyone harm you... I love you.' He whispered to her and kissed her lips softly, making her blush. Before she could reply she heard Elaine gasp and turned her head towards her.

She never expected in her wildest dreams to see what she saw; Angelus' chain-like wings were brushing her shoulder, or at least trying to, but from her back that liquid black was preventing from him to reach her. "My wings tend to brush things sometimes, and that is how by chance I felt it, I take it is the first time you all notice this?" Angelus said while retracting his wings to his back, where they easily faded from sight. At the same time, the black liquid mass from Caliope also retracted and disappeared.

"It is the first time I see it... but you have seen it before, Amra?" Elaine asked, slowly recovering from the surprise of the discovery. Caliope herself was still shocked.

"Yes, in my case, when I saw her covered by the liquid latex-like texture, it moved away and allowed me to touch her." Amra said while nodding, his hand gently caressing Caliope's arm as he kept her close.

"And it didn't show up when she herself grabbed my hand." Angelus added with a nod.

"It is as if it has life on its own and recognizes who is someone to trust or who I trust... I don't feel it as if it is me... I don't feel it at all, I see it, I saw it come out of me... but I don't feel it, not like my hair or anything... how can that be?" Caliope finally was able to speak after the first shock.

"Darling, it looks like you have nothing to worry about, relax... this is, strange, new, rare and wonderful at the same time... it actually makes me feel better about your safety. Don't get me wrong, we will try to find out more about what exactly it is, but knowing it is protecting you makes me feel a lot better." Elaine said with a smile, Caliope took a deep breath and nodded, relaxing and leaning on Amra. Then Elaine looked at Angelus and continued. "I apologize for the first... hostile welcoming, but you must understand we are surprised you reached this far in a city full of us, undetected."

"I am a messenger... I have ways not many have... If it helps you all feel better, I don't think anyone else could reach this far." Angelus said as he nodded.

"Thank you... for now, we will assign you a room, and give you some space to adjust... but we would like to know more when you feel you are ready to share." Said Elaine and he smiled at her bowing his head.

After that, Pronab and Maxwell stayed in the room while Elaine, Gabrielle and Wiltshire lead Angelus to a new room for his own. Caliope sighed and looked at Pronab before anyone spoke. "I feel I can trust him, Pronab... I really do... it is strange... it is a weird connection I feel with him, similar to what I feel with you... I think that we need to take advantage and ask everything we can when he starts to talk." And Pronab nodded.

"We will do that, and we also need to know more from Gabrielle, I will ask her myself. For now, you two rest, relax, and let's wait for when Angelus is ready to talk." Maxwell said as he turned around and headed out, followed by Pronab.

Once they were alone, Amra closed his eyes and sighed. "I felt like I almost lost you... I couldn't reach you..."

Caliope squeezed him tight and shook her head. "He said you were about to break his shield, so you were going to reach me soon... And you saw, I am not able to be harmed apparently... I have my own dark guardian for when you are not with me."

He looked at her and sighed again, holding her with a hand, while the other one was behind her neck, caressing her. He rested his forehead on hers. "That doesn't take away how powerless I felt. It doesn't take how powerless I feel..."

She caressed his face and he tilted his head towards her hand. "I never felt like I was in any danger, I was surprised but not afraid... Please trust me... you are far from powerless... now let's focus on what we know, and all of what we will know when Angelus talks."

Amra nodded and Caliope pulled him gently to follow her, she laid on the bed and he did as well, both cuddling each other, smiling while she spoke. "I love you, too."

--

Chapter 58

"Revelations"

"I want to start by approaching this weird connection you claim to have with him, and Pronab... I thought about it deeply last night, I think we have to talk to Angelus more about it but, perhaps your father left inside of you something else besides his blood." Elaine said as they were walking towards the gathering room, Caliope was listening closely as she followed a step behind. As soon as they arrived to the room, they sat in different chairs and quietly waited for Gabrielle and Angelus.

Amra closed his eyes as he stood next to the window, he focused on feeling the strings that tied him to the universe. In the silence of his own mind, he sensed each Angel's joy and tension around them in the city; he followed their moves and their thoughts. He pushed further and reached the borderline, the walls that were lifted in the past few days to physically limit them from the rest of the world, then moved further away. He felt the tension of his mind reaching so far yet contained so hardly. Once he was sure everything that far was safe he focused on the room he was in. The aura of energy in each person was different but reliable; they had their hearts in the task at hand, everyone was focused on helping and all were on the same side. As he finally felt he could let his own guard down, sighed and opened his eyes; Caliope met him with a smile and he put his arms around her. 'I love you'

She blushed slightly and leaned up to kiss him. 'I love you too... everything will be fine, I just know it will...'

Gabrielle walked into the room followed by Angelus; he greeted everyone's eyes briefly with a nod but remained on Caliope with a smile as he sat in a chair.

"Gabrielle, Angelus, thank you for joining us. I want to make clear this before we begin; we hold great power, but lack a lot of information... a key to unravel the mystery behind Gaius disappearance and how to end this war that has already escalated beyond anyone's dreams or nightmares. Your role will bring much light on those subjects Angelus, we don't take slightly either the fact you chose to be on our side as well." Elaine started without wasting a minute.

Angelus nodded at her and remained calm as she continued. "I will start by enlightening you about a few things. Gabrielle is my daughter, and she has been undercover working underground for years to gather as much information as she could. The more specific details of that, I am sure she will handle herself to you personally. Everyone in this room is to be trusted, so what you say to us will be highly guarded and it won't reach any other's ears. So please, let's begin if you are comfortable with this?" She finished as she sat on her chair looking straight on Angelus' eyes.

"Thank you, Lady Clark." He smiled at her and took a deep breath. "I gathered yesterday by your reactions that there is much you don't know; so please excuse me if I rush several things at once, I guess we will answer your questions in the process. To begin with the biggest question of all, no one even in the highest circles talk about Gaius' whereabouts; there has been whispers about this but to many, it is a mystery itself. A very useful mystery, since it gave them courage to act the way they had been... we had been..." he admitted as he lowered his eyes briefly. "I am a messenger, I was... so what I know is what Generals passed to other Generals and that included their admission of not knowing what happened to him. But there is also a key person missing, a bigger mystery into this story; someone who's absence or disappearance might had been passed as unnoticed or without importance until I pointed it out. A year before Gaius' disappearance I was tasked with delivering a package from the researchers to one of the higher Generals, but as he was in battle, my orders were to leave it in the hands of his second in command, Ignitious. He was eager to be left alone with it so I did, and as always, I rested a day before returning to my land. That very same day was the last day everyone saw Ignitious, and when I returned the next day, I was asked to report. This was new to me..." He stopped briefly as he saw confusion in their eyes and leaned on the chair as he continued. "I am a messenger; but not just any type of messenger. Due to my particularly unique ways of traveling and special gifts, my service is often asked. I have the privilege of being able to refuse some of them, no one, ever, asked me to report. This happens only when something went very bad. When I was asked to report, I was met by a room full of generals and they asked me details of what happened; I had nothing strange to report, I delivered the package as instructed, to whom I was pointed at in case of the absence of that General. When I was dismissed without explanations I got worried and decided to stay behind closed doors and heard their conversation. The package never got to the General's hands, and his second Ignitious had been missing ever since. Days later I found out everyone of the researchers was vanished, someone or something vanished them, and it had many on their guards as no one knew how or why. This was quickly forgotten when words spread of Gaius' absence. I tied the dots; whatever the researchers discovered ended up in the unprepared hands of Ignitious and he was behind of their deaths and Gaius' disappearance. Of course, no one paid attention to my words; to them I am the best at my job, but I am just that, a messenger." He finished with clear annoyance.

The room went silent for a moment, and the tension grew by the minute. Angelus began to grow uncomfortable with this and Caliope felt it as well. She looked for a sign of any word that would come out of any of them but everyone was completely immersed with their own thoughts.

She stood up and they locked their gaze on her. "Did they had any records of what were the researchers doing? did they do any kind of investigation at all?" Caliope asked at Angelus and he shook his head.

"As far as I know, they sealed their building and no one has entered there since." He replied.

"What ever they discovered must have been behind it. This guy, Ignitious, got a hold of something only he and the other General were expecting, or something that had to do with them, why else those researchers would send it to them? It must have been something powerful and dangerous, something that made probably Ignitious himself vanish the researchers so no one else could know. They did wrong in not taking your words serious Angelus, everything makes perfect sense." Caliope continued, exasperation in her eyes and tone of voice. "How could they be so blind?" She shook her head.

"Darling, you are receiving all this information in order and in a single statement, they had days and many events while getting all of these. It might be possible they were too caught up in many other things to see it so clearly as you and all of us are." Elaine explained to Caliope and she nodded in reply, sitting once more next to Amra.

"Explain to us what is special about your traveling ways, please..." Elaine continued as she looked kindly at Angelus, he in return smiled and pondered his words before replying.

"In a way, my walls turn me invisible... I move in this realm yet I am not here."

"But we saw you." Elaine interrupted.

"You saw me... because of her..." He pointed at Caliope with a grin. "Her presence, her essence worked as an anchor of some sort, to this realm... my basic shield remained strong, I was still safe inside of it, but I was no longer invisible... My guess is, her connection to him made it impossible. Or what is inside her and protects her, made it that way." He shrugged as he chuckled.

"Amazing... so I am being protected in many ways. I can sleep with that." Caliope added as she began to chuckle as well.

"It could very well be either of those options, you are right Angelus. Thank you, it does make us feel better as well about you transpassing our lines." Elaine added with a smile. "What can you tell us more?"

"Well, besides Gaius' disappearance and my powers, she is the biggest mystery either of our worlds have seen. Her father, to whom I had the pleasure to work with before, was one of the most valuable assets on our side. She has it in her, I can feel it, I can sense it... she has the bloodline that ties her with the dark Angels." He again nodded.

"What can you tell us about that? About what you know, what you've seen." Elaine encouraged him to continue.

"Her father was one of the most important and influential people on the dark side; he was feared in battle I know, but I met him several times as he requested my services often, and he was a very intelligent one. There was calculated moves and thoughts into every order he gave, perhaps that was the very same reason he was so effective. He was one of our good ones."

Caliope smiled as she heard the words that described her father, she felt pride surge through her. "I understand he was on the bad side, or well, for him, his side. But I feel some kind of relief hearing you say those things about him Angelus, thank you." She admitted.

"Relief for what? because he was a dark Angel and you are paired with a light one? That is one thing I never understood completely but neither let it bother me much; there is nothing wrong on being dark or light, I think it is in our natures and our ways of being. It is how we do the things we do and what we do in particular, what really matters." He said to her as he looked into her eyes.

"I agree, I guess I am just now finally accepting all of this. I wish I could have met him..." Caliope sighed.

"You just need to remember him, he was with you before he died, he and your mother both were very sad, but he knew there was a chance he might not survive the last battle ahead of him. I was appointed to take the message of you and your mother delivering you to a monk, and he made you disappear." He told her and she widened her eyes.

"So I... at some point... did lived with both of them?" She asked still surprised.

"Yes you were, he actually had retired from battle until he was called to stand with his people. To fight. Also another message I had to deliver." He admitted this with sadness. "I saw he didn't want to leave you and your mother, but he had no choice, we don't get to chose if either we stay or join a fight, we are forced to give our last breath for the cause."

"That is sad to hear, truly. I am sorry it ended that way. He was a great contendant, the one we feared the most." Elaine said with a string of pain in her voice. "But I am glad there was love there, and happy to hear she shared some of that love with them, even if shortly. I am also more convinced that when you parted from his side, he probably poured in you some of his powers, Caly... this might explain why he didn't endure enough the battle, why he succumbed to the final death, yet you survived all odds and are here being both feared and wanted."

"I want to know about the ones who met before you left their side, and the plans they were making." Amra interrupted Elaine as he looked at Angelus with a stone cold glare.

There was silence in the room, and Angelus caught his thoughts in order before he finally responded, seen no one objected Amra's question. "I was asked to deliver a message to the current highest in command, General Alexander. It was from Rome's outpost, a box locked inside another box, and the message was simple: 'When the time comes, open it inside the mind of the chosen one'. The General was not happy neither sad about this, he seemed actually... unaffected by it. But to me, it didn't mean good. After that he was called to a meeting and I was asked to remain there for another message when the meeting ended. I was in the next room, I heard about the suggestion of one of the elders to kidnap the Asterias and that way we would make a trade, all of the Asterias in exchange for Caliope. Force all Angels and Half Bloods to turn against her. That drew the line for me, as soon as I was told I wasn't needed, I left. I wondered for a while why was I so upset... It bothered me and I felt frustrated. I wandered many places until I landed here, I was caught up with the surprise that I was here... in her room, watching her sleep. The rest, is known by all of you." He finished and silence, again, took over.

"And then, there is a connection you feel with her, explain that to us." Amra finally spoke, his jaw tensed, he didn't even know why but anything about Caliope that he didn't understand felt threatening.

"I wanted to start this meeting by approaching that subject itself, but the conversation took a different course; either way, here we are, and now more than before, I want to hear that connection as well." Elaine pushed on the subject more.

Angelus looked at Caliope, a smile on his face. He wasn't worried about it, but he was aware he had to explain more. "To be honest, I was very confused at first. But I think I understand a bit more of it now. Don't get me wrong, I still am not sure of what it is exactly, but her father was a leader, someone who inspired confidence, trust, hope. I think he brings the same reactions in those who she meets now more than ever, since her awakening. She is a leader, she is inspiring, and that is what leads them to go to the extreme in order to get her. I don't want to be a part of their plans, I want to prevent the catastrophe they want to unleash. That is why I am here now, my loyalty to his father, and her personality itself, both convinced me to stay and help."
Elaine nodded, she stood up and walked to the special panel next to the wide screen on the wall; she hit a few keys and seconds after, she gave the order. "We are in lockdown, everyone should gather in the safe Havens near their location and bring with them their Asterias; there is an imminent threat to their safety. I repeat, from now on, we are in lockdown. Everyone, and I mean Every single one, should be in the safe Havens in less than 5 hours with their Asterias. Wait there for future instructions." She pressed another button and ended the communication, turning around with a sigh as she looked at those present in the room. "It is time to plan our offensive. We had enough of playing it safe."

--

Chapter 59

"It's hard to say Goodbye"

"I just want you to remember something..." Amra whispered into Caliope's ears as he held her from behind, both of them watching the sunset from the wide windows of their hotel room. "No matter what happens next, I won't let them take you... I will fight and die the final death just to keep you safe..."

She turned around and with worry eyes looked up at him. "Why would you say something like that?"

He tilted his head a little confused. "Because I mean it, I want only your happiness and safety."

She smiled at him and put a hand on the side of his face, gently squeezing his cheek. "Then stop with the apocalyptic daydreams. Amra, nothing has been easy since I've met you, but also nothing has felt as right and as good... Angelus was right in one thing, it is what we do and how we do it, what makes us who we are, on either side. I love you in a way it amazes me, I am caught in a world that has no limits so I refuse to put a limit to... Us..." She said as her other hand rested on his chest. "I want to go to this fight knowing you seek a tomorrow with me, without a death wish. I have trust in your powers, but above all, I have trust in you as the person you have become, one who cares and wants to win this because is the right thing to do, and because you want to wake up the next day with me."

Amra smiled and held quiet as he locked his eyes on hers, both simply holding tight to each other. He knew she was right, and she pointed out to him what he needed to remember; this fight was bigger than the both of them, even though he always pointed he was doing it for her.

Elaine knocked on the door that was half open and waited for one of them to invite her in. As soon as Caliope did, she walked in and closed the door behind her.

"Hi Elaine, take a seat." Caliope invited her with a smile as both her and Amra sat in the livingroom area as well.

"Thank you darling, it won't be long, and the others are waiting. But I had a thought and wanted to discuss it with you." Elaine said with a smile.

"Yes? We are listening..." Caliope gestured her to continue as she snuggled in Amra's arms.

"I think we need to prevent some things... I am going to suggest to have you and Nessa both together with Angelus, I want him to use his unique bubble to protect you both..." Elaine went silent as she studied both of their faces. Caliope was surprised by the suggestion, Amra not so much; he seemed concerned but not foreign to the idea.

"Are you sure? I can help Elaine..." Caliope began but Amra put his hand on top of hers and drew her attention.

"If they are counting on you being there and force some of us to give you in exchange of some of the Asterias they might have captured... you not being there will prevent that, even more, it will leave them without their main agenda." Amra squeezed her hand gently, then looked at Elaine. "I want more than that, I want Remesch to create a portal and then slide the 3 of them inside it."

Elaine nodded and then looked at Caliope. "I hope you understand our intention is to keep you safe darling."

She understood the risks but felt deep down a little disappointment, why would she have powerful gifts if she couldnt assist them in battle? "Yes, I understand, and I will tell Nessa about it too, she should not have a problem with it considering I am going with her."

Amra felt a shudder take over him and both Elaine and Caliope looked at him worried. "What is wrong Amra?" Elaine asked when suddenly a loud alarm brought their attention; Elaine stood up quickly and ran through the door towards the living room. Amra frowned and took Caliope's hand, taking her with him to follow Elaine. When they reached the living room, they saw everyone started to arrive.

"What is going on? What is that?" Vanessa asked while Pronab released her hand to aid Elaine; he helped her type a few commands in the wall panel and the tv screens revealed the chaotic view; many portals began to open close to the borders of the city.

"They are here, they have found us..." Amra said with contained anger.

Angelus opened his eyes wide and looked at Caliope with fear. "Caliope, we need to take you to safety, they can't reach you..."

Amra looked at him serious, but nodded. There was something in Caliope that inspired loyalty to who ever came close to her, either a dark angel who joined their side like Pronab and Angelus, or any other light angel; he understood that much and knew he could trust him.

Elaine tensed briefly and closed her eyes, she took a few deep breaths and then her flaming wings took shape behind her back. For the first time Caliope saw them close and felt the heat irradiate from her, the vision exceeded her expectations. When she opened her eyes again, they glowed briefly with fire as well, then recovered their normal shade. "Maxwell, would you please take the front to organize our people?"

Maxwell nodded. "I guess it is time for me to get back to battles, that is good, I thought I was becoming rusty." He chuckled and then looked at Wiltshire. "Shall we, my friend?" Wiltshire grinned and they both headed to the windows, opening them and letting a wild wind get in. Maxwell took a deep breath and then spread his arms slightly, from the center of his back some metallic pieces started to open in layers that laid one on top of the other, his perfectly symmetrical wings took form as well.

As Caliope looked with wide eyes, Amra pulled her to him tightly and forced her to look at his eyes. 'This is the moment I was trying hard to push, I guess it is partially my fault for not being interested on the fight until I've met you... I love you with every essence in me, my soul is yours, my Asteria...'

Caliope felt a lump on her throat and started to feel tears in her eyes sliding down; she couldn't hold for longer and started to silently cry, Amra pulled her even tighter in his arms and she pressed her face in his chest.

"Now that it is only us left..." Elaine's voice brought back their attention, Amra looked at Elaine but Caliope kept her place in his arms, her eyes closed as she tried to compose herself. "Pronab, I had an idea just before the alarms screamed; I want Caly and Vanessa with Angelus, inside his bubble shield. Amra suggested even more, he wants you Remesch to create a portal and put them both there. I hope you do not object to this." She looked at Pronab's face tense, but he nodded slowly, there was only pain in his eyes to let Vanessa go. "Thank you, Angelus, I need you to tell us the location of the building where the researchers vanished and where everything began, I want Remesch and Pronab to head there and find whatever they can, anything that could give us clues. We are running out of time, my dear ones, we have to fight now."

Angelus nodded as he started explaining Remesch and Pronab the location, Elaine walked to Caliope and Vanessa and smiled at them both. She didn't try to relax their emotions, she didn't want to affect them in any way. "It is time, I know it is not easy Caly, I know you want to be here with us, but some fights need a strategic place to be won."

Vanessa took Caliope's hand and squeezed it, she was trying to be tough and held back her tears. "We will have time to share with Angelus our adventures baby, we can bore him to sleep with our mischiefs." She forced a smile and Caliope started chuckling at her friend.

Pronab and Angelus walked to them after finishing their talk, Pronab took Vanessa's face in his hand, surprising her completely, and then he kissed her. It was a kiss filled with love and pain, she gasped as she felt her tears finally giving in. "I will come back for you, I promise." Were his only words and she nodded.

"Well, lets began, we can't waste any more time." Elaine tried to sound calm but she knew she was still sad by her own choices.

Amra leaned to kiss Caliope's lips softly, and he smiled at her. She tried hard to be strong, to show him she could do it, and the truth was that after seen Amra smile, she was a little more convinced that she could. He then released her and gave a step back, and so did Pronab and Elaine. Remesch gave a step forward and began moving his hands in circular patterns, the light forming after a few seconds grew wide and bright at his will. "Very well my ladies, and gent... get in. I will close this circle after you are in it." His always chanting voice guided them. Caliope gave one last look at Amra and her friends, the family she now adopted, and with a sharp pain in her chest she broke a smile and turned to enter the portal. Vanessa lowered her eyes and followed her friend quickly, Angelus didn't hesitate to enter last. Once the three of them went in, Remesch closed the portal and turned to Pronab. "Let's get going!"

"Yi and Tiam, please follow me and Amra, we need to start a hunt." Elaine said to the twin generals who were quiet from a corner watching everything. They grinned as they exchanged looks and moved quickly to follow them.

--

Chapter 60

"Thoughts come to Action"

"I will never get used to so much light and... well, nothing? Whatever this is..." Vanessa said after she released a sigh. She and Caliope were holding hands as Angelus took a look around them.

"I can help a little with that, I guess." Angelus said and he tilted his head up, closing his eyes and spreading his arms. A large dark bubble surrounded them and in contrast with the white place, now it was darkness around them; enough to make the space opaque.

Vanessa smiled at him. "Thank you, it is less eary this way."

Caliope sat on what would be the floor and sighed, Vanessa sat next to her and put her arm around her friend, holding silent. Angelus watched them both for a moment then looked away. "I know you want to be with him, with them... I want to be with them too... but if the other guys want to use you against them, maybe is not that bad that you are away?" Vanessa said.

"I know... I know... trust me Nessa, I know... is just..." She sighed. "I feel helpless... what is good of having powers if I can't use them? At least to help them..."

Angelus looked down on her and smiled with a hint of sadness. "Caliope, some of the most important battles have been won without a fight; you would be surprised how strategic is your place in all of this madness and how important your role has become. Right now, you are doing exactly what you need to do."

Caliope looked up at him and sighed, she nodded then closed her eyes. Vanessa on the other hand started thinking and then grinned. "You like to tell stories Angelus?"

He looked down at her and perked a brow. "Tell stories? What do you mean?"

She giggled and made Caliope open her eyes and pay attention. "You said some of the most important battles have been won without a fight, which ones? have you witnessed some of them? I would love to hear a good story... don't you Caly?"

Caliope smiled at her friend and shook her head. "You surely are good at thinking on new distractions Nessa."

Angelus laughed and finally sat in front of them. "Well, I can share a few, have you ever heard of the War of 1000 Nights?"

--***--

Pronab pushed the door open of the old building and heard the painful creak, he didn't wait long to notice no one had entered the location in decades; there were spider webs every corner and dusk on any surface.

"Ugh... I miss my pristine kitchen already." Remesch said almost to himself but Pronab heard him as well and chuckled.

There were a number of things out of place in the ruined location; the windows were twisted, the doors missing, the beds upside down and the tables floating; all clear evidence and signs of great power used and the residual energy left unclean. Pronab remembered the similar setting at their hotel in one of their trips, this made him frown. "So irresponsible of them to leave this place so obviously affected, any human would notice it if their ever entered the place."

"I think they were counting on them not being able to reach this far, it is not as if you could get here easily either." Remesch replied almost sarcastically as he kicked a ragged doll on the floor, the doll jumped on the floor twice and ended up floating towards the wall.

Pronab approached the tilted floating desk and studied the look; there was some faint burning marks towards the center. He pulled the furniture down and started to check the drawers. "This building is huge, but all one big room; it seems they didn't care for privacy from others once they were inside the facilities..." He sighed as he stopped for a moment and took a deep breath.

"She is going to be ok, they both are safe..." Remesch pulled his attention and he looked at him with resignation; there was nothing he could do about it.

"I am counting on that, I am putting my trust in your hands." Pronab said as he examined another set of flying papers. "Only you can access to them, right?"

"Yes, only me and... well, Amra has the possibility, his powers are greater than what we are used to, he has no limitations like we do, yet he limits himself to protect us. If something ever happens to me, he will be able to trace my energy signature and reach them." Remesch replied as he continued to look around for something to bring his attention. Pronab nodded, even though he was not looking at him, he heard him perfectly well.

--***--

"Amra, some of them will come straight at you..." Elaine warned him as they stood in the middle of the huge road lines that connected the city; at their sight in a far distance, creatures from nightmares awaited someone's order to strike.

"I am counting on them to do that." Amra replied, his jaw tense and his arms spread slightly, giving room to his wings and the aura around him that started to glow and grow.

Elaine sighed and nodded, she knew their enemies would not all be stupid enough to attack him but some, the wild ones, will be dumb enough to try; in the many battles she had fought, she witnessed this happen many times, no matter how strategic the generals were, there were always a few who would think they were smarter and more powerful and try to run alone.

Elaine's orders were simple; two fronts on opposite sides of the city, one led by Maxwell, the other by her. The angels presented a magnificent view of their power as they remained quiet and floating still waiting for orders; it was mandatory for them to reveal as little as they could of their powers. On the opposite side, the view of the evil forces ready to strike was the distinct contrast; they had every figure, shape and color, every possible way they could present themselves and inspire fear.

"What are they waiting?" One of the angels asked almost to himself but Elaine heard him.

"They are waiting for us to make the first move, but they know we won't. They are searching for something to trigger us. They want to push our buttons. I can only hope we were able to prevent any kidnappings of Asterias... or else, we would be having a different outcome." She replied for everyone to hear.

Suddenly, somewhere between both of the lines something sparkled; it was brief but bright, and it disappeared as soon as it came. Seconds later, a loud roar was heard and the darkness surrounding the dark Angels began to move and head towards them. Elaine looked at Amra briefly as she commanded everyone. "What was that?"

"Hold your positions... let them come to us." Amra didn't look at her back, but he remained in his spot.

'Amra... we need to find out what that spark was... and we need to find General Alexander as soon as we can... please focus on this... once we find him, we will let the Mengs do their job...' Elaine sent to him mentally. This time, he looked at her and nodded, he knew exactly what to do.

--***--

"This is useless, we are not going to find anything here..." Pronab said as he kicked another piece of broken furniture floating around; the piece hit an empty can that echoed through the entire room.

"I think I found something... these boxes on the corners... they are sealed..." Remesch tried to open a box half the size of him but failed. "Brute force might not be of any use either." He tried again using more force and gave up.

Pronab walked to him and examined the graphics engraved on the surface; there was no visual keylock nor point of entry no matter where they would look, and the symbols around them were repetitive. "Perhaps they work with magic, or angelic essence, maybe something to do with their investigation..."

"I think I've heard of these before, I had a fallen one show it to me once trying to convince me to buy it... a sealed container... but they work with dark energy... I don't know how we can reproduce that to open it." Remesch revealed as he kept examining the sealed object, but Pronab stared at him quiet, something occurred to him that could open it.

"I think I might know what..." Pronab replied as he pulled out something from his pocket. Remesch gave a step back and watched him reveal a pocket knife. He kept quiet as he saw him cut his arm and let his blood drip on the box. "Blood magic, the most powerful and the one that remains constant in the dark Angels, is the one they use for everything."

His cut healed quickly, so he repeated the cut and made sure at least a big part of surface was covered in his blood. When the second cut healed, he left the box on the floor and gave a step back, Remesch imitating him as well. Both locked their eyes on the box that started screaching and shaking. To human ears, the sound alone would make them shriek in fear, but to them, it meant answers.

The box finally split open and revealed what resembled to a human body in mummified conditions. "What the hell were they studying here?" Remesch scoffed.

Pronab moved closer and looked over the body; tattoos and symbols carved on its body any place he could see on its fetal position. "What the hell... indeed." He mumbled in agreement to Remesch words.

As he continued looking over the body, he saw the other boxes and quickly moved to the closest one; he cut his arm again and spread his blood on its surface, repeating the previous process for its opening. After he spread enough blood on it, the box made the same noise than the first one and on its opening revealed another mummified body.

Remesch frowned. "What can we get out of dead bodies? If only they could talk... we are on a dead end here."

Pronab looked at him as if something invisible hit him, he looked around in search for danger but found none. "What did you just said?" Pronab asked.

"What? That we can't do anything with dead bodies? They can't talk Pronab..." He replied.

Pronab pulled out his cellphone and tried to dial a few times but had no answer from the other side. He grunted in frustration and then sat on the floor in a lotus position. "What are you doing?" Remesch asked.

"I can't get Elaine, and I need to talk to Amra... if they are in the middle of a battle it would explain why she is not picking the call, but I have to talk to Amra... there is no time to waste."

--***--

"So you really met all those people? That is so amazing Angelus!" Vanessa clapped with excitement; Caliope laughed and shook her head at her friend.
"Well, in a way I did. I was not involved directly with their actions that defined their legacy in human History, but I was in the background sort of speaking." Angelus said amused.

"Ohhh! Did you met Queen Elizabeth too?!" Vanessa asked as her eyes grew wide with the possibility.

Angelus chuckled and shook his head, she pouted. "But I did met Columbus..." He said with a smirk, and she jumped with a squeal.

Suddenly there was a void near them forming, something was reaching to them and they were taken by surprise. Both Caliope and Vanessa stood up quickly and Angelus stepped in front of them in guard. The void grew and with it the tension as well; finally Remesch was able to peek from there and waved. "Uhm... hi there... Ladies, Gent... things took an unexpected turn, we need you Caliope..."

Caliope gave a step forward immediately but Angelus frowned and gently stopped her. She looked up at him confused. "What unexpected turns? Why do you need her now? This was not part of the plan, she is supposed to be here safe until things are over..."

Remesch nodded at Angelus, understanding his discomfort and disbelief even better than most. "I am with Pronab, we discovered something, I am not sure what it is but he contacted Amra to ask him permission for me to open the portal and bring you back... I guess it is important because he agreed..."

Angelus nodded, still frowning, but insisted on going out first. Caliope smiled at him gently and whispered a 'Thank you'. He went through the portal first, and seconds later, he moved back inside to nod at both of the girls and encourage them to follow him.

When Caliope stepped in the large concrete building, she rubbed her nose and held her breath; she felt a stench and almost made her puke, and Vanessa started coughing.

"Ah, there you are... thank you for coming, and sorry for being in a place like this... but Pronab should explain his wild idea to you as soon as he is done with that other box over there..." Remesch said to her as she looked around the place. "We are in the sealed building Angelus led us, after hours of searching we found these boxes that only open with blood magic... Pronab figured it out of course, and he had an idea apparently... Ugh I don't know much more than that." He frowned.

Caliope's eye widened as she saw herself surrounded by over a dozen mummified bodies, then felt Vanessa rush to her side and gasp. "OMG! Pronab what are you doing?!" She screamed and ran towards him. He stared at her with a faint smile and caught her in his arms, she shook him and checked his arm. "What is wrong with you?! Why are you hurting yourself?!"

Caliope walked to them both as she heard him chuckle. "I won't bleed myself to death, see? It already healed... I was born as a dark Angel... these boxes were sealed with blood magic, it is a kind of dark magic that makes the seal unbreakable... unless you use the same magic to open it... and no matter how much they tried to erase me from their records and history, I am still a dark Angel in blood and spirit, so my blood helps unseal the boxes." Caliope shook her head but sighed with relief as she stood in front of him. He smiled at her as he kept an arm around Vanessa. "Thank you for coming Caly, I thought you would like to know you can be of great help here... unless you want to go back to that white room for who knows how long, of course." He smirked and Caliope shook her head chuckling.

"Tell me... what are these creepy bodies? How can I help?" Caliope finally asked after she stopped smiling.

Pronab kissed Vanessa's head and held her tight to him. "It was what Remesch said... he said that it would be great if they could talk... so I thought... who has the ability to see what others have lived? I know it was only with living people... but we need to try it... Caly... there is an ongoing war and we need to find answers..."

Caliope swallowed hard at Pronab's words, she looked around her and pondered carefully what he asked from her. Why would she deny to try it? What harm could come to her now that she was one of them? What if she could really see what they lived and help them? She looked at Angelus who was still frowning as he studied each dead body on the boxes. "You have no idea what they were investigating... right?" He looked at her and nodded with sadness; making it obvious to her that he wished to know more. She turned around to face Pronab once more and nodded as well. "I have no idea how to do this, but lets try..."

Pronab guided her to the middle of the area where he and Remesch had pulled most of the boxes and then pulled one closer to her. "We have no idea how it is going to work, or if it even will, so do your best..."

She nodded at him and took a look on the body in front of her, she saw the tattoos and symbols as well, and the pose in which he was laid. She gave a step closer and carefully moved her hand to the mummified remains. She closed her eyes and finally touched it.

There was silence, and nothing else. After some seconds Caliope opened her eyes and looked down with sadness. "I am sorry... I dont have the power..."

"Hey, it's ok, we had to try right?" Pronab said to her reassuringly.

"I really wish I knew how to help... I wanted it to work..." She continued, her hand still laid on the shoulder of the body.

"Bullshit..." Vanessa said and everyone stared at her in surprise.

"What...?" Caliope asked almost shocked with her friend's reaction.

"I said... bullshit... You can do it... granted, talking to the dead is not literally on your abilities descriptions, I know, but if something has been clear to me from the start, is your ability to adapt and adjust to what it is needed from you or what you need to survive... you didn't want me to get any harm, bamb...! you suddenly could see the future and saw me dying, so you prevented my flight and death... you didn't knew that you were being separated from Amra yet unconsciously your body knew so it anchored you to the place and Angelus' super bubble didn't managed to make you invisible for Amra to find you... no matter where or what, you seem to acquire something, a power or whatever you call it, to survive and adapt... we need you to figure a way to see what they saw now Caly baby, so take a deep breath, walk around... sleep if you want to... but don't you dare to give up that easily..." Vanessa folded her arms and stared at her friend defiantly.

Caliope was now completely taken, and so were everyone else in the room. Vanessa didn't let that bother her, she had her eyes locked on her friend showing her she didn't regret anything she had said.

After a few uncomfortable moments of silence, Caliope swallowed hard and looked at the body in front of her. She knelt in front of it and rested both hands on its head. "Ok dead body... enough sleeping... time to wake up and show me what you got..." She said with conviction and rested her forehead against the mummy's one.

And then there was darkness; the familiar sign of something else about to happen.

--

Chapter 61

"A Step Closer to the Truth"

Amra set himself to the task of numbing his senses; he didn't feel pain nor could hear the roaring sounds of the war happening around him. His eyes were locked on the winged warrior that kept shouting orders and pointing other warriors in different directions. Pronab's words kept echoing in his mind. 'We need Caly... we need her to figure out what happened here, she is the only one who can get to the truth... something went very wrong here, we need to find out what.' The thought of risking Caliope's safety was killing him inside, but he also knew Pronab would never said something like that unless he thought it was their best option.

He spread his hands wide and a sword of similar material that the one of his wings started to materialize; he didn't hesitate to use it against a few more dark angels that crossed his path.

The general Alexander finally noticed Amra not far from him, and he froze briefly at the significance of his direct approach. There was nothing but rage and determination on Amra's eyes, and Alexander knew well what it meant to awake an ancient wrath. He did the only thing left to do; he held his own sword high and prepared for the strike.

But the strike never came, instead he was surprised by darkness around him and felt his body numb. Panic hit him hard as he could not even feel his own wings and felt himself as if he was falling in a deep hole with nothing to see or something to get a hold to. He started cursing and swearing, then held silent as nothing replied. He began shouting orders in many languages and again held silent as only the lack of sound came back.

Not far, Elaine's flaming wings burned everything they touched; she pointed her hand to a dark angel and her wings reached and burned the target. She spotted Amra reaching Alexander, and the Meng Twins were both with him, taking the General away from the main battle. If everything kept going the way it was supposed to, they would be able to hold until Caliope and Pronab found some answers.

--***--

"Caly! Baby answer me! Are you ok?!" Vanessa's pleading words barely reached her, she was kneeling in a fetal position, her arms around her legs holding them tight and whimpering. She didn't let anyone touch her, she screamed when Pronab tried to.

"Caly please, say something..." Pronab pleaded as he tried to hold Vanessa from getting closer, he knew well that with Caliope's great powers and current instability, the only one who might end up hurt would be her best friend.

Something else draw their attention; the building shook and everything started to tremble. Dust and small things started to fall over them and Remesch frowned. "We might have triggered some defense mechanism, or the place is finally giving up on its decayed state... either way we have to go."

Pronab looked again to Caliope who seemed still lost in her own state of sorrow, he studied the situation and felt Angelus' hand pull his. He stared back at him frowning. "I can keep us all safe in my bubble here, but if the building falls, it will bring attention to the place and we will be exposed to whatever or whoever can see us."

He nodded, turning his attention to Remesch. "Can you create a portal and take us through it? Then we can open it again in another place"

"Yes, I can do that, but better be sure where you want to open the new door next, especially with her state..." Remesch said as his hands were already into motion. He created light and from it shaped the portal to the safety only he could provide; he then moved it closer to Caliope, and carefully manipulated it to swallow her body. He finally rested it on an angle for all to use, Pronab didn't hesitate to push Vanessa in and then he waited for everyone else to enter. As he was coming in last, part of the roof started to collapse. He sighed and shook his head, looking around him to all the possible evidence they were leaving behind to be destroyed. He could only hope now that Caliope had answers that could help them all.

Once inside the white space Remesch created, Pronab approached Caliope slowly, yet keeping some distance. Vanessa rushed to his side and squeezed his hand. "Its like she has gone crazy, but that can't be... She needs to wake up from the nightmare... maybe that's what this is? A nightmare? Maybe she has fallen into a deep state of sleep and thinks she is in a nightmare... and we need to wake her up!"

"No baby..." Pronab replied to her and she looked at him with pain. "I think that... whatever she saw, must have really affected her in ways we could only imagine... I think she saw the researchers play their toys and experiment... I remember vaguely the stories... if anything I was told is true, the horrors she must have witnessed... well, give her time... she really needs it."

Angelus nodded and sighed, he sat on the floor near Caliope and kept his eyes on her as he waited with the others. "The horrors committed by those in search for power are sometimes even too much for our own kind... that is why their methods were never shared publicly. I wish I could have spared her from such sight, she doesn't deserve watching all the cruelties our people have made..."

"What can be so bad that would make it so different from what our own people have made through history?" Vanessa said to Angelus as well as the others. They all looked at her in silence. "I am sure you all know what other humans have done and I am sure we only caught half or less of the monsters we claim to have discovered through time. Hitler is not even on the top list... Influenced or not by dark Angels, our own people are not far from it either..." She moved closer to Caliope and knelt towards her. "Caly baby, I know you saw horrible things, but you also saw what really happened there and we need to know it too... remember Amra is fighting for you right now..."

Caliope sobbed and moved slightly, her eyes half open as she looked towards her friend. Vanessa continued, seen her words were reaching to her friend. "Elaine is giving her life and so are the others, Amra didn't hesitate to let Pronab take us back because he trusted you were going to be able to find answers... we know you are strong baby, we know you can overcome this... we know..."

"Stop... please... just stop..." Caliope's faint words interrupted Vanessa. Pronab rushed to her side and tried to reach to her but, again, she flinched and moved away. He was sad and slightly hurt as well, after all they went through, he was hopping she trusted him. She shook her head and covered her ears as more tears streamed down her eyes. "Give me... time..." She sobbed once more.

Pronab nodded and put his hands on Vanessa's shoulders, gently pushing her away with him. They all remained silent and gave Caliope the space and time she needed.

--***--

Amra thrusted his sword and vanished another dozen of warriors who tried to reach them and their General; to them it was confusing why he was not presenting any fight or objected to be with them. Inside his mind, Alexander was growing angrier and restless; he knew he was being manipulated against his will but there was nothing he could do to break free. His powers were aids in the battle ground, but nothing could help him fight his own mental prison.

'Amra...' Pronab's words echoed in his mind and he held still in mid air. 'We are going to attempt reaching to you but you need to secure the area... Remesch will open a portal for us to come to you.'

'Where is Caly... why isn't she the one contacting me?' Amra sent back at him.

'What ever she saw, it really affected her... she doesn't want to talk, she wants to come to you all and show you... us... what she saw... I've never seen her this bad, you must secure the area Amra, she is in no condition to fight.'

He closed his eyes and allowed his aura to expand. It began as a small glow that only those around him could see; Elaine rushed to his side and felt the urgency of his powers as they began to expand and grow. As his aura expanded, it became bigger and wider, those dark Angels who were reached by it felt suspended in mid air as if something froze them, the Angels on his side, remained still, waiting for orders on what to do. He landed on the middle of the road lines and the twins walked to him with Alexander. It became obvious for everyone now that something was happening and the battle itself seemed to lose its urgency, their mixed confusion and reactions gave room to a moment panic between the dark ones.

"Wake his mind up." Amra ordered and the Mengs nodded. Alexander opened his eyes wide and felt the panic strike him as he couldn't move while he saw he was surrounded. He saw Amra walk towards him straight and almost screamed but his lips could not move. "You better pay attention... all of you." Amra's words echoed the entire ground. Every Angel, dark or light, could hear him. "If we wanted to banish you... you would be already gone by now. Do you recognize this?" He asked and gave the Twins a sign, immediately after, Alexander could move his head and nodded. Then Amra closed his eyes and sent back to Pronab. 'Bring her to me... the area is secured.'

He gave a few steps back and with a gesture stopped Elaine to come closer to him. Seconds later, the white portal began to materialize right next to him and as it size grew, also did the expectations of everyone. When the portal grew wide enough, the first one to come through was Remesch, and quickly he was followed by Angelus. Alexander's eyes grew wide when he saw him, but Angelus didn't waste time and gave room to Pronab and Vanessa. With them, a gloomy Caliope was walked out; she was pale, sad watery eyes with dark shadows encasing them. Amra's eyes grew wide and he rushed to her in a fraction of a second, she whimpered and sobbed when she felt his arms around her. He crushed her to his chest and held her protectively, rage in his eyes as he saw towards Pronab. "What have you done to her?!"

"I will let her show you that herself... she insisted on coming here, right here, and show it to you all..." Pronab replied without remorse; he understood the anger of Amra towards him, after all it was him who asked permission to bring Caliope into action. He was responsible for the state in which she was now. But he also knew that, what Caliope had witnessed and was going to share, was of big importance.

Amra held Caliope tight, he kissed the top of her hair and ran his hand up and down her back slowly. 'I am sorry my love... I have failed you yet again... I seem to keep failing in protecting you...' He sent to her and held his hand in a fist, not caring of the crowd surrounding them, nor the fact they were in the middle of a war. 'I should have take you away as I said I wanted... away from all of this madness...'

"This madness has to stop..." Caliope replied to him out loud. She caught her breath a little and pulled apart. "This war is far from over... due to the sick mind of someone else..." This time she looked at him and then at the Meng twins and the person who was with them. She knew it would be the one they called Alexander. Amra allowed her to adjust in his arms and moved slightly to let her talk to him and everyone else. "What I've seen... no one should see but you..."

"Are you sure you want to do this... in this state...?" Amra asked her and she looked up at him with a nod.

"We don't have much time, Ignitious is going to show up soon..." Caliope replied and there was more than a gasp heard near them.

"Who did you said is coming?" Alexander spoke for the first time, his surprise mixed with his accent pulled Caliope's attention.

She nodded at him and took a deep breath. "The one behind all this..." She gestured all around them. "This chaos... have you ever thought why are you really fighting?" She grabbed enough courage to face him and slowly, with Amra at her side, everyone else did.

"We fight for our freedom, to be out of the shadows and chased down like we are scum that does not deserve to live... we belong to this world as much as you do." Alexander's voice boomed and brought many of his people near him as well.

"Well that is plainly stupid..." Alexander gasped as he heard Elaine talk to him. It took everyone for surprise as well. "When did we chased you and hunt you down? These are different times from those of the dark ages, we have kept some kind of balance and it has worked well until you declared a war." She stood firm in front of Amra and Caliope.

"That is nonsense, what kind of trickery is this? Have you lost your mind? You attacked us first!" Alexander growled and his warriors got on guard, yet didn't move closer as both Meng Generals were standing between him and them.

"That is exactly what I am trying to avoid..." Caliope sighed, a small tear rolling down her cheek as she shook her head. "If you please... stop arguing on who started this and let me show you who really was..." She whispered as she felt herself almost faint. Amra immediately grab a hold on her.
"You are not ready to do that my love..." He said to her as he kneeled on one leg and offered her his other for support, keeping an arm around her as she sat.

"This all started with one rotten soul, and should end with it as well. I have to show you all what happened, it is the only way you will understand and stop fighting." She said to him as much as to all that could hear her. "Gather them so I can share with all please?"

Elaine frowned but looked at Alexander straight in the eyes. "Pick a few of your most trusted men, she saw the real person to blame for this and apparently it is of most importance that we see it as well. She will share her sight with us, but I won't risk her life by sharing it with too many."

Amra closed his eyes as he held Caliope tight to him and sent to Elaine a simple but very meaningful. 'Thank you.'

The urgency of Elaine's voice and what it meant made Alexander consider his options. He wanted to know the truth as well, he nodded at Elaine and in return, she gestured to the Meng Twins to let him move again. As soon as he was able, he lifted a hand and pointed the number 4; seconds later four of his men landed behind him.

Amra helped Caliope stand back and held her close. The sight around them was one from fantastic tales; thousands of warriors waiting for something to happen. As Alexander walked to them with his men, he studied Caliope closely. She was a vision of pain and weakness in her state, yet she kept asking for more. He began to admire her.

"General Alexander..." Caliope began with a raspy voice, she paused to clear her throat and then continued. "I have powers... that I yet need to learn to control better... one of them is to see what others saw, what they are thinking about the moment I touch them... we found... mummies sealed in an old investigation facility of your people, left and forgotten... and I managed to see the last things they saw... the last things they experienced..." She took a deep breath before she spoke again. "We were there following our own investigation... and we found... I saw... how did all of this started... Amra will help me channel my visions to you, your men, and my friends and family around us... I have found experiencing on your own is better than words... and more believable... Will you let me show you what I've found?"

Alexander pondered her words for endless seconds; he studied what she said and how she said it; she saw behind her words also her intentions. In front of him there was a real victim of something that moved and affect her, it was evident and he didn't give room to deny it. Whether she was telling the truth or not, he would determinate it with what she promised to show. "Show us." He finally said.

--

Chapter 62

"Ignitious"

Seven scarred figures in hoods continued to poke instruments on the large machine; it had encrypted several symbols and it seemed to be built in pure gold. An anxious man kept walking back and forth as he waited for something to happen, or someone to come. Amplifying the vision, it was able to see the large room where they were at; a huge hangar-like building with several metal cages and people in different deplorable conditions, some even died and were left there for days, their skins already being sucked in and the bones were prominent.

When the vision was amplified even more, and sounds accompanied, screams, cries and moans of pain made their way. A tall old man walked in, he was dressed with gold armor and seemed to be ready for battle. He walked to the one leading the hooded figures and this one bowed at him. "Is this the machine? How does it work?"

The leader of the researchers nodded and pointed at the large circular hole in the middle of the big rectangular machine. "There is where you sit or stand, and then activate it. We have figured it needs time to gather the energy to be used, and we were able to charge it enough for at least four more tests, or trips. It can be used to create a portal as well as to use it to encase large power inside. What we have managed to recreate is just amazing. Where is the General? He wanted us to let him know what we found out as soon as we did."

The armored man was grinning as he walked around studying the machine. "Yes, he sent me to supervise it before he came... and you make it work like that? Just standing in it?"

The head researcher frowned but nodded, he seemed to find his answer odd. But he had to reply as it was his duty to the second in command of his direct leader. "It becomes one with the person and it reacts to his thoughts. We are about to test it if you want to see..."

"That won't be necessary... I know all I need to know now... thank you..." The armored man grinned and set the leader on fire, he screamed and the hooded researchers started to run and scream. It was futile, his hand ignited each of them before they could reach the door. In a matter of seconds, all it was left was dust from them. He walked to the machine and stepped in the middle of the circle; the carved symbols began to glow and he felt something connect him with it.

A large white winged man broke in and the armored man sent fire his way, but he was able to stop it with his shield and began to walk closer. "What are you doing here Ignitious, what have you done?"

"That is none of your business, but now that you are here, you can help me test this..." he grinned as he closed his eyes and the symbols started to shine. The white winged man rushed to him but something hit him and he couldn't move. Thin lines of shining power connected to him and they came from the now screaming caged victims inside the building. Ignitious opened his eyes and started to laugh. "This works wonders... and now is all mine... Finally I will be able to bring you all down and take over this world for our people... not even you can stop me Gaius... not even you."

The white lines that shot from the carved symbols on the people's flesh seemed to be fueled with their pain, and as they shouted and screamed, they grew brighter. Gaius was unable to move and panic filled his eyes. The last thing he saw was Ignitious grin and then he lost consciousness.

The dying people on the cages seemed drained, Ignitious laughed as he activated the machine once again. "Time to create some epic war..." Then he and the machine disappeared, taking the unanimated body of Gaius with them.

The vision didn't end there, most of the people in the cages had died, yet some still had a few breaths left, the one from whom the vision was being seen was one of them. They were left in pain and desolation, watching as nothing and no one came to rescue them. On his last moments, dark knights came to the building and between whispers and orders, sealed everything. They started to slid the decrepit bodies in cages and seal them. "What about this one?" One of the dark knights said looking at the person who was sharing the vision.

"Seal her as well like the rest, she would not last longer anyway." And like that, a darkness took over when her box was sealed.

--***--

Caliope cried as she opened her eyes and Amra held her tight. Elaine had tears in her eyes as well as she released her hand and started to cover her face. There was silence and commotion into those who witnessed what Caliope had shared; The Meng twins were looking at each other serious and shaken, they held each other in a tight embrace. Maxwell was standing still, his expression hard as he was still processing what he saw. Falshore seemed numb.

Pronab held Vanessa who was sobbing and shaking, he himself was tense and affected. Angelus had sadness and rage mixed in him, he gave his back to the dark Angels and kicked a rock as his fists tightened; he saw Gabrielle sobbing and walked to her and squeezed her to him. Remesch held his head in his hands as he shook it, while Wiltshire came to Elaine and she let him hold her.

Alexander exchanged looks with his men, every one of them shocked and without words. It was evident that what they had seen was not fake, it was too real. He finally looked back at Caliope and bowed his head. "I... apologize, in the name of my people." She looked at him and tried to talk but was unable, she was too weak.

Amra was focusing his rage into something useful, to protect and heal Caliope; he rested his head on hers and began to transfer some of his essence. She could feel the warmth from him fill her body, yet nothing he could do would erase what she saw, and as a result, what she was feeling. She squeezed his hand reassuringly, in her way, thanking him for his intentions.

She finally felt enough energy to continue, so she looked again at Alexander. "My guess is, that he had exhausted almost all the energy on the machine... he has one last use, and he will show up here. Before I touched the... corpse... I saw maps on the wall that were of this country, this city... maybe he was counting on the epic battle to take place here..."

"That light... Amra..." Elaine gasped and rubbed her tears away as she continued. "Maybe that is him about to get here, where was that?"

"Just behind us... right over there." Amra pointed with a hand towards an area not far from them.

"What... are you going to do?" Vanessa whispered as she leaned on Pronab's shoulders. They looked at her first, then at each other. Alexander turned his head to his men and exchanged some words then looked back at them.

"Amrafel... Caliope..." He said as he gave a step forward and extended his hand. "We will take our people and leave your land, Ignitious hasn't been a part of us in a long time, and now he will be officially casted away from our memories and records. You might do with him as you please." He held his hand in front of them as Amra looked at him. His words in front of his people and the promise that it carried were of the biggest significance to them all. He was about to take his hand when Caliope beated him to it. She took Alexander's hand and shook it once.

"Princess Morrighan... you are, without a doubt, the one who carries the change that it was needed in our world. My respects..." He bowed to her and his four generals did as well. He then turned around and walked away with his people. It was a slow procession of winged creatures and monsters, they left proud, without remorse, but knew this was not a war brought by them for the reasons they followed.

As predicted by Caliope, there was a big spark and from the air the large machine made its appearance with Ignitious. He was holding his sword in a hand, ready for battle, but he was caught in surprise when he saw his own people walking away, and him surrounded by the light Angels. What went wrong? What happened? Was he too late? A thousand questions crossed his mind but quickly fading to give room to the panic in his eyes.

The machine seemed to lost glow, and with that it and him both landed on the ground. Ignitious was about to make a move but Caliope raised her hand and with rage she made thorned ivies grow up from the ground and trap him, the thorns sinking on his flesh and bringing out a scream.

Amrafel walked with her to him and everyone else began to fly away. Everyone left, only the closest ones, Elaine and Wiltshire, Vanessa and Pronab, Maxwell and Falshore, Gabrielle and Angelus, the Meng Twins and Remesch, surrounded Ignitious who was left alone by his own people. From afar, Alexander turned around to look at him, then turned back to make it clear they were leaving him on purpose.

Caliope's ivies embraced Ignitious and slowly began to take his soul; it seemed to escape through his mouth as a fading ghost. They watched in silence, no one said a word and no one parted their eyes from him. 'I can banish him and end this quickly, my love...'

She squeezed his hand and shook her head. 'He doesn't deserve a quick final dead.'

They watch him squirm and saw his soul evaporate slowly, panic and fear took over him as he witnessed his own end without being able to move. He knew there was no escape, this was his doom, and they all knew everything was due to him.

--

Chapter 63

"Epilogue"

Caliope's POV

I wake up slowly, my mind at least does. I can't manage to open my eyes yet as I feel them almost glued. I must have slept for several hours. My mouth feels dry and realizing this triggers an uncomfortable sensation in my throat; I am so thirsty.

I feel movement near me, I panic briefly but then I calm myself as I sense Amra's aura; he will always be that warmth and peaceful presence that calms me down. 'My Asteria... you are awake, finally...' I hear him in my mind. I try to open my mouth and feel the horrible sensation of dryness, so I nod. 'Yes, I think I am'. I sent him back.

"Is she ok?" I hear Nessa now from not too far. My dear friend, she must have been worried.

"Yes, she is waking up slowly, I think she is thirsty..." Amra says to her and I nod quickly.

"I will go tell the others and bring her a big jar of juice!" I hear her enthusiasm as she runs away.

'Let me help you...' He reaches to me mentally but I feel him get away briefly. He comes back soon enough and I feel some wet piece of cloth rubbing slowly on my forehead and eyes. He moves it slowly as I sigh.

Last thing I remember was when my vines took away Ignitious' life, his soul, his essence. As the last energy I had, which was borrowed from Amra already, was drained from me. I saw the ancient evil machine crack open and from within, the body of what my visions told me was Gaius, laid unresponsive. That was all I saw until my eyes shut down, as well as everything else. I simply couldn't stand on my own any longer. I fainted.

I try again to open my eyes and this time I make it, the light slightly bothering me as I get used to it again. At first I see Amra a bit blurry, but then I can see him in all his glory with a bright smile. I can't help but to smile back at him. "You had me worried... it has been five days since you fainted..."

I gasp and my eyes widen. Five days? I have been out for five days? Why I can't remember even a dream or anything else? Was this normal?

Nessa walks in and she smiles at me. "Baby! Gosh you had me so worried! But the guys here kept saying you were fine, that you were just resting and recovering some energy..." She brings me a big jar of purple juice and a glass, I extend my hand to it and she pours me some.

I haven't felt so good in ages, the way the liquid refreshes my mouth and throat makes me sigh and smile. "Yep, she was thirsty all right." I hear Nessa giggle.

I open my mouth and extend the glass to her. "More... please." I whisper with a raspy voice and she grins as she fills my glass to the top. She makes sure I catch the big ring on her finger and I widen my eyes as I look at her. "Congratulations! I am so happy for you!"

She grins and smiles and twirls around with happiness. "Thank you, he proposed yesterday..."

I see Elaine walk in with a wide smile as she sees me drink my juice. She looks well, happy, different. Perhaps a bit aged as well; but then, everything that happened has made us all age one way or the other. "Darling, finally you are rested. How do you feel?" Wiltshire comes right behind her, always at her side.

"I feel ok, normal? I was just, very, thirsty..." I chuckle and Amra smiles at me.

"Yes, that could be normal, you were resting for long. Pronab wanted me to nudge your head when you woke up, something about you pushing yourself too hard when you had all of us to fulfill the task. Yet I am not going to do that, but at least I delivered the message." She giggled and that was a sign of the old Elaine I knew, sweet and loving.

I smiled at her and shook my head. "Thank you... Where is he?"

"Well, things have changed a bit... Hard to pick where to start..." Elaine began. "There is a pact between the dark Angels and us; Angelus and Pronab have volunteered to lead the new movement we've called 'The Vindicators'; they lead together with two of their side, a specific group who is in charge of closing every research facility they had. Long ago, there were leaders who agreed to give the researchers some free will on what to experiment with and where, as well as with whom. They only kept a basic record of locations, but nothing more, they were that free."

"So they agreed to close them all?" I asked, really surprised but not less happy.

"Yes, they did. Alexander didn't hesitate to agree when I presented him with the idea." Elaine nodded.

"So... what happened after I fainted? And the machine?... And... what happened with Gaius?" Suddenly my fears of us reaching him too late made me shiver. Amra sat next to me in bed and shook his head as he took my hand.

"I can answer that..." A strong voice echoed the room as I saw Gaius himself walk in tall and proud. He seemed normal, healed completely, and in full strength. "Hello Caliope, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." He bowed his head and I blushed.

"It is an honor to meet you, I am so happy we weren't too late..." I managed to voice out.

"Indeed, I am surprised to this, but thankful of it. I had been dormant and drained from all energy for decades, without knowledge of anything happening. To me, it was like I had just been awoken from a large uncomfortable dream state." He smiled sadly and I lowered my head, I could imagine how it would feel like for him and it really moved me.

"So now... what is to come? Or what had come since I was gone...?" This time I sat straight on the bed, eager to hear about the changes.

"Like I said, the dark Angels and us have come to an agreement, about the Vindicators and also about our Earth itself. We can't do much about the fact that everyone now knows about us, so we agreed to try and affect as little as possible in their lives. Similar to the unspoken agreement we already had going for centuries, yet this time is written literally in stone and paper, signed by both sides." Elaine filled me in details, I was excited to hear it. "As about us, we have made an important change in regards to the human world politics; a gathering has been created, of our people to aid humans in their social and political issues, we have all agreed to interfere as little as possible but offer them assistance if they seek for it."

"We will see how this experiment goes; so far in the bigger picture, no riots or large scale movements. Small groups complained about us and some even tried to initiate trouble by wanting to push us out, but it didn't grow big. It has been an interesting couple of days." Wiltshire added and I smiled at him.

I am really amazed by everything, and couldn't wait to be able to walk amongst people to feel what it was like now, with all the changes.

"It seems not only you have awoken, Caliope... but all humanity did." Gaius spoke and drew my attention back at him. "They have come to worry less about their skin color differences and worry more about doing the right thing, they are seen doing more social humanitarian activities; I guess that knowing we are real and we are here watching over them has made a great impact on all."

I nodded, he was right. I could see how the news and information about the existence of angels would force humans to double think their priorities and their actions.

"Well I have to prepare myself and I am sure this young Asteria has plenty to catch up with her loved one, so perhaps we shall meet again in another time. It has been the greatest pleasure to meet you Caliope, and trust me, the honor is mine. Your courage and heart had made the difference in the last battle." Gaius bowed to me and I was left without words. I was moved by him, touched by his words. He turned around and walked out followed by Elaine, Wiltshire and Nessa, leaving me alone with Amra.

"Where is he leaving?" I asked him as soon as we were left alone. "Isnt he going to rest? Is he going to be sent to another place already?"
"He is going to see our Father, and recharge his energies with him... he has been called back and in his place, I was appointed as the guardian of this Earth... temporally." He said with a grin and I couldn't help but to grin as well.

"That is fantastic! I am so proud of you! I don't think I was ready to know you were going to be called back now that all was over... I didn't want to hear something like that..." I admitted as I pulled him for a tight hug.

"I doubt our Father would do such thing. Gaius has been gone for long from events and incidents happening here, his heart is in the right place but he needs to go back to him to recharge and relive the faith. That is what we call it when someone is called back after a long time away." Amra laid in bed and pulled me in his arms.

"Can I ask you something about Elaine? I keep seen her and Wiltshire very close together but never came to understand what really was happening...?"

"We can only have one Asteria in our lives... they lost theirs, so they have a second chance with a companion... it is not the same as an Asteria, nothing ever comes close to one, but our Father would never let us suffer alone either... we are granted the choice of a partner for life, and they both mutually seem to fit and have chosen each other for that." He said with calm as he caressed my arm. I smiled, the fact that they were given a chance to be happy again was really beautiful. They deserved it. "Gabrielle has found the same in Angelus apparently, she traveled with him and Pronab and they had been together more in the last few days." That was also good news, I could tell something was going on between the both of them the day he came into our lives and she saw him.

We held silent for a while before finally he spoke again. "I was put in a place I am learning to love... Before you, I didnt cared for... anything... after you, everything changed... I wanted you to be safe, and with that, end the war. But with you I learned to love this earth, the humans in it as well... I respect their free will, I understand their difficult choices... I can see how they can be manipulated for either side, and how most of the time our side prevails... I want them to continue this way, and I am more than ready to learn how to protect them... specially since I have you at my side."

I kissed him, filled with love and touched by the meaning of his words. He has changed so much from when I met him long ago. He was right, these were new times and a new vision was required. Nothing could go wrong if our hearts were in the right place. We both were in love of each other, and in love of our home. This is a new age for humanity, and we are ready to live it together..

----***---

A very simple but meaningful thank you, to all of you who have read this story and allowed it to touch you. It is hard to explain, this story means a lot to me; coming from someone who has troubles in believing in God, I struggled with me most of the time to make this story believable. I wanted things to make sense, and that someone like me, that had a hard time in believing, could read and give a small room for believing in something when they read this.

I still have trouble believing, but after writing this story, I find myself with a more open mind and heart.

C.