“Stop,” she orders in a whisper of pure malevolence.
Every single Demon in the sky stands absolutely still.
“How the… did she…?” I begin.
“She’s more powerful than Miku. Miku needed a song, a melody, to make people obey the order given to them by her unnatural sadness. Redd is able to convey enough macabre sadness in a word or two,” Marcus concludes in amazement.
Marcus is right; the power of her words far exceeds that of any song.
“Blood,” she orders.
And without hesitation, every Demon in the sky begins to mutilate themselves in order to send blood to Redd. Some of them bite off chunks of flesh from their forearms. Some use blades to fillet themselves. One Demon claws at the side of his neck until a vein pops in order to obey. The Demons are wailing and groaning as they are forced to torture themselves.
Redd has even far power than Marcus first assumed. Not only can she cause damage in a word, she can control the very elements that make up her victim.
“Come,” she says to the blood, as it oozes from the Demons.
We stand in awe as the river of blood flows from each Demon and into the air, moving towards Redd. She drains Demon after Demon of blood. They fall from the sky and smash, lifeless, onto the ground.
On the ground, the Believers cower, fearing Redd’s wrath, but she does not allow them to get away. She looks down at the masses, running for their lives and she speaks again.
“Hearts.”
The massacre is unlike any I’ve ever seen. The Believers impale themselves on sharp rock edges, hurl themselves down the mountain and use their powers to slice into their skin. The screams coming from the air and the ground form a spine chilling chorus of terror.
“She’s killing them for us, that’s good right?” I ask as I flinch at the sight.
“No, it’s not,” Marcus says.
“Why?”
“Because now, she’s coming for us.”
And sure enough, Redd swoops down and aims for us. She doesn’t want to speak and cause our death. Judging from the look on her face, she wants to personally dismantle us using her bare hands.
“Take Bailey and go!” Marcus shouts to Rage. Rage picks Bailey up in his arms and takes off at record speed.
The team takes to the air and Marcus tells me to hide. Every single Demon and Believer has been killed. It’s only us and Redd on the mountain.
Redd sees Marcus flying near her. She is about to speak and end his life with a single word. But Jay flies behind her and tries to get her attention.
Jay begs and pleads with Redd to try and remember who she was before. It’s not working. Redd goes after Jay, now determined to feel his flesh between her fingers.
“Jay, she’s not gonna change,” Marcus shouts out to him.
“Miku’s in there, we have to find her,” Jay replies, dodging Redd in the air.
“It’s not working,” Ameana says, filled with regret.
“Ameana’s right. We have to take her down!” Marcus calls out.
“You touch her, I’ll kill you,” Jay vows.
Redd has had enough. She opens her mouth and calls for Jay to come to her. His body does as she asks; it cuts through the sky and stands, helpless, in front of Redd.
“Miku, you have to fight it,” he begs.
“She is gone,” Redd replies coldly.
“No, she’s in there. Miku, please, please, don’t do this,” Jay cries out.
“Blood,” Redd demands.
Without the slightest pause, Jay digs into his chest and blood spews out. He groans as he is dissected by his own hands.
Marcus moves to tackle Redd. Jay shouts at him to stay back in between screams.
Redd looks on as Jay continues to murder himself.
“We have to take her,” Ameana says to Marcus.
“No!” Jay roars as he uses both hands to split his chest open. He calls out for Omnis as the agony causes him to shiver. Jay’s blood drips down on us like rain. He’s starting to lose consciousness.
“We can’t just let her kill you!” Marcus says flying fast towards them.
“She’s in there,” Jay counters softy as he can no longer shout.
“She is gone,” Redd reminds him again.
“No…she can’t be gone,” Jay says as his hands fall helpless to his sides.
He’s not carving into himself anymore. The only thing he can do at this point is wait for death.
“But she is gone and I’m all that’s left,” Redd replies with a blood lust that rivals Lucy’s.
“No…she’s there…Miku…please…” Jay mumbles as his eyes close.
“I told you she’s gone!” Redd says getting more and more enraged.
“She can’t be…I need her,” he says as his head hangs to the side.
“Why?” Redd demands.
“I love her.”
That’s the last thing Jay says. The blood loss causes him to black out.
Marcus goes to tackle Redd.
“Marcus, no!” I scream.
He looks down at me, confused. I signal for him to take a closer look at what’s happening. Redd is studying Jay’s ravaged body. She gets this look on her face as if a memory has just flashed before her. She lightly touches his face with her fingers.
“Jay?” She says with a weak voice of a little girl.
The crimson in her wings slowly rescind back to white, though still with their red tips. Her wing span is decreasing back to its normal size. Her claws retract and are replaced by her natural nails. Her eyes are a beautiful grey again.
She looks like someone who has just been pulled out of a deep sleep. She looks around, fully aware for the first time of what has just taken place. She places her hand over her mouth in horror.
Marcus takes Jay down to the ground. Miku looks on helplessly as the Angel she loves clings to life. By the time Marcus lands, Jay’s wings have stopped moving completely.
“Oh no, please, no,” Miku cries. Ameana embraces her tightly as they look down on what could be the third Guardian death.
Marcus is the first to see her. She stands on the edge of the mountain. The wind blows through her hair. Her beautiful white dress makes her look elegant and ethereal. Missing a hand doesn’t diminish from Rahell’s beauty in the least.
She looks upon us with grave sadness and regret. Even through we already know Rio is dead, there’s something about Rahell’s presence that makes it official. I flash back to Reese’s Passing.
Rahell took his body to the house of fire and we stood by, helplessly, and watched. The grief and hurt that came with Reese’s death has returned.
“I thought you didn’t take Angels anymore because there are too many of us dying at once?” Marcus says in a voice dripping with sorrow.
“He’s not just an Angel; he’s a Guardian. He deserves a Taker,” she replies.
“Where are the others?” Ameana asks in a pained whisper.
“Normally, the Para would show up, but with the war…”
She is trying to say that she’s the only one coming to say goodbye to Rio. Everyone else is either fighting, dead or in hiding. It’s not fair that Rio risked his life so many times for us, he should be sent off by millions of Paras.
Warm tears make their way down my face. The all too familiar ache of loss wraps itself around me, yet again.
“We have to take Jay to a healer,” Marcus replies.
“No…gonna say goodbye,” Jay whispers.
We turn to him, shocked that he’s awake. He lifts his head and says he will not go until the Passing is over. He’s hurt really badly and can’t keep his head up without help. I go over to him and help him prop his head against me.
Miku goes over to Rahell and kneels at her feet, begging in a voice that sounds more human than Angel.
“Please, don’t take him. He’s all I have.”
She moans like a wounded child. She begs and begs Rahell to take her instead. She vows to give anything, everything, if Rahell doesn’t
take him.
I bite down on the bottom of my lip to keep from crying even more. I want to take her pain away.
I want so much to make Rio come back. But there’s nothing I can do. There’s nothing anyone can do. Rahell kneels down and takes Miku’s face in her hand.
“I’ll guide him. He won’t be alone. I promise,” she vows.
“He’s half of me.”
“I won’t take him until you’re ready to let go,” she says.
“Jay needs to get help,” Miku replies.
“You’re in love with Jay?” Rahell asks studying Miku.
“Yes.”
“Then go take care of him. And I’ll take care of Rio.”
Miku’s lips quiver as she nods and stands up.
She signals to Rahell that she’s ready. Rahell stands up, waves her hands and feathers from her third coat gather in the air and form a Reef; a bed of feathers that carry the body to the house of fire. She uses her power to place Rio on the Reef.
From the corner of my eye, I see a bright light. I turn and find a Para standing along the mountain range. Rahell was wrong; they do show up. In fact, in the minutes to follow, the mountain is graced with the presence of a few dozen Paras.
It’s not like Reese’s Passing, with hundreds of Angels in attendance. But any Angel who could come, did. Wounded Ground Walkers, and Travelers too. In addition, the Original Paras stand on the tallest peak of the range to pay their respects.
Rio’s body floats by us. We each whisper our goodbyes. Miku thanks him for taking care of her their whole lives. Jay thanks him for his friendship. I do the same. Ameana thanks him for his love.
Winter, who has quietly joined us, thanks him for saving her life and for the best kiss she’s ever had. Marcus passes up the chance to say goodbye. He shakes his head and walks away from the group.
The Original Paras begin to sing. The others join in. It’s a sad but beautiful melody just like the one they sang at Reese’s Passing.
Rahell stands beside Rio’s body and prepares to travel alongside it. However, the Reef does not move. That means someone is not ready to let him go. And until then, the Reef will stay where it is. Unfortunately, Lucy will come get what is rightfully hers if Rahell doesn’t bring it to her.
“I’m trying to let go,” Miku begs Rahell.
But Rahell tells her she’s not the one keeping the Reef from moving. The Taker looks around the mountain to find the source that loves Rio too much to accept his end.
“Marcus, it’s time,” Rahell says.
He is facing away from us. He shakes his head “no,” he won’t let Rio go. Miku goes over to him and takes his hand. Marcus bows his head and whispers something to her. She answers him in a whisper. He nods his head in agreement, but the Reef doesn’t move.
“Marcus,” Rahell warns gently.
Suddenly, the Reef begins to move. Rahell guides it gently across the mountain range. The angels and Paras slowly start flying away.
I flash back to a memory I had with Rio. I was at home and I was supposed to be staying away from Marcus. Back then, he and Ameana were together. But I just couldn’t stay away from him.
So, I rushed out of the house to go tell Marcus that I loved him and wanted to be with him. Rio was waiting for me at my door.
“I read your wave. It told me you were about to do something very brave and very stupid,” he said.
“You gonna try and talk me out of it?” I asked.
“Could I?” he questioned.
“No.”
“Then no,” he replied warmly.
I smile at the memory of his wit and sarcasm. The smile fades quickly when I realize I will never again see his face. He will never sit beside me and offer me ice cream because I’m hurting.
Looking around, I know I’m not the only one lost in memoires. The team is silent and pensive.
Winter is crying softly as I take her hand in mine. We look on as Rio and Rahell move further away. Then, all too soon, the Guardian whose love has always been eluded disappears forever from our view.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE:
REMEMBER
Jay loses consciousness as soon as the Passing is over. We take him back to Raphael, in the hope he can fix him once again. Raphael tells us what we already know: Jay is severely hurt and may not recover. Hearing the harsh reality of the situation, Miku runs from the room. Raphael assures us that he will try everything he can and says it’s okay to check on our friend.
She sits on the edge of the mountain, her wings hanging low and her head bowed. It’s hard to believe that just a few hours ago she was this massive force of nature. Now she looks like a lost kid. I so want to help her, but like the others, I have no idea how.
We all sit on the edge of the mountain with her. That’s nothing for the beings with wings but as a human, I have to tell you, sitting on the edge takes a little getting used to. I try not to look down and remember that if I should fall, there are Angels to catch me.
“It’s gonna be okay, Pretty,” Marcus assures her.
“How? Everyone I love is being taken away. And worse, one of them could die because of me.”
“You couldn’t control yourself. You had no choice,” Ameana tells her.
“It doesn’t matter. If Jay dies, his death will still be on me. And Rio, he’s really…” She whimpers and Marcus pulls her into his embrace.
“Why did he do that? Why didn’t he just let you guys kill me?” Miku asks.
“Jay knew you could fight against Redd. That’s why he risked his life, because he believed in you,” I reply.
“Yeah, and look what that got him. He’s half dead,” she replies.
“He did it because he loves you. That’s what brought you back and I know he doesn’t regret the risk he took,” Marcus adds.
“How do you know that?”
“You never regret saving people you love. When you save them; you save yourself,” he takes my hand in his.
“I know you guys are trying to help, but the fact is, Rio was my only brother and he’s gone. And now the only guy I have ever loved could be gone too. I don’t want to feel better. I just want to be alone. I’m sorry,” she says as she takes off into the sky.
The team and I agree it’s best to give her some time alone.
Marcus signals for us to look in the sky; Rage and Bailey are coming in to land. Ameana tells us she told him our location.
Ameana runs to Rage, wraps her arms around him and buries her face in his broad chest. He embraces her, his face filled with concern.
“Me, me,” Bailey says reaching her little arms out to be picked up too. Surprised, Ameana picks her up and cradles her in her arms.
We had never seen Bailey lower her shields for anyone besides Rage. Seeing her in Ameana’s arms, unprotected, caught us all off guard.
“No cry, be happy, like this,” Bailey says to Ameana.
She then displays her best grin so that Ameana had a visual of what happiness is supposed to be.
Bailey waits for her to smile. Ameana tries her best to do as she’s told. Strangely enough while the smile was sad, it was genuine.
Rage tells Bailey to go inside. Her face falls and she is about to cry. Rage looks at her sternly.
“Are you gonna cry?” He asks.
She shakes her head “No.”
“That’s right, because what did I tell you about crying?” He asks her.
“Crying is for punks,” she says, sounding very well trained.
“That’s right. Go inside and I’ll be there in a minute.” Ameana puts her down and she runs inside.
“Where did you take her?” Marcus asks.
“We laid low until Ameana called and said it was okay to come back. The mouse ate and asked about three thousand questions,” Rage replies.
“Good; as soon as Raphael treats Jay, we’ll head to Greenland. Redd was able to take out a large portion of Demons; the journey should be easier,” Marcus concludes.
“So is Speedy gonna die or
what?” Rage asks.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Ameana snaps, pulling away from Rage.
“What? I’m just asking,” he replies, surprised by her reaction.
“I could lose two friends today. Two members of my team and that’s how you…I swear sometimes you’re just such an Akon!” She shakes her head in utter disgust and flies off.
Rage looks at us, bewildered. But he remains where he is. He makes no attempt at all to go after Ameana. I roll my eyes and address the clueless Demon.
“I know you’re new to the whole ‘good’ guy thing, but when you say something reckless and awful to your girlfriend, you should probably go after her,” I advise him.
He turns to Marcus and he agrees.
“She’s right. That’s usually the next move,” he tells the Akon.
“I was just asking a question,” Rage argues.
“Look, we don’t have time to teach you how to be decent. Just think of it this way, every minute you stand here with us is a minute she’s rethinking her relationship with you,” Marcus warns him.
Rage walks towards the edge of the mountain but he doesn’t take off. Instead he turns back to look at us. The tone in his voice is strange. It lacks confidence. In fact, I’d say his tone borders on quiet desperation.
“What do I say to her?” He asks.
“How should I know?” Marcus replies.
“She needs like…Angel words…give me some.”
“If she wanted Angel words, she should have got with an Angel,” Marcus replies.
“If I say the wrong thing…”
“Rage, just go get her,” I push.
“She’s sad and stuff. I’m not good with sad.”
“I guess you’re gonna get some practice then,” I reply.
He looks down on the ground, and then takes off after the girl he loves.
For the next few hours, very little changes. Jay’s wounds are so bad that Raphael says he needs to apply layers of different mixtures, each one more potent than the next.
The longer we stay here, the worse things get with the world. All the networks and the emergency response systems are gone. The cell phone connections are spotty at best and the death toll reaches hundreds of thousands. The Goumy have laid waste to three continents and they have showed no sign of stopping.