Disclaimer: All chapter titles and portions of songs belong to Nightwish

A/N: This is the only part of the story that is in first person POV. The rest shall be in third person.

Prologue: Angels Fall First

Sing me a song
Of your beauty
Of your kingdom
Let the melodies of your harps
Caress those whom we still need

Yesterday we shook hands
My friend
Today a moonbeam lightens my path
My guardian

xXx

Lying on the grass, I found my body relaxing peacefully even with my trident lying nearby. I was exhausted, and I merely wanted to rest. The last few hours had been hard on my body, but my heart felt free.

Opening my eyes, I saw the tall, massive form of my opponent towering over me. His skin was a dark copper color with even darker spots mottled along his arms, shoulders, chest and legs. He had been a formidable fighter and too much for my skills to overcome. I couldn't help but smile up at him.

He had removed his mask and now stared at me with green eyes filled with regret and sorrow. Sitting up, I remained on my knees before him, letting him know it was accepted. Death was a part of life, and all of my people knew and accepted it. I could be no different.

As he brought his spear back, my eyes went beyond him and met a pair of bright eyes so similar to my own. 'Kira…it is your time. Take your place as Guardian of our people…and his,' I spoke in her mind, giving a brief glance to my opponent.

Even from this distance, I could see the tears shimmering in her eyes as she clutched Ice, my son and her younger brother, to her. 'Do not be afraid, my daughter. I believe in you.'

Closing my eyes, I heard the swish of the spear, slicing through the air towards me.

xXx