AN: Another long one, this is it good people. The last of the last… I hope this gives you some closure. Take a peek at ten years after and some glimpses of years before that. You'll know whose narration this is. I'll explain the timeline at the end in case you get confused but as long as you keep in mind that the present is ten years after Edward gets sent to heaven, you'll be fine.
Epilogue: Life in Technicolor ii
After ten years…
The wings were the first to burn, followed by the body as white light shoots through the body, and consequently, all that remains were ashes.
Ashes to ashes…
"Dust to dust," my partner muttered while crouching over the mound of dust. He took a handful and gently let them slip from his hands back to the pile. He stood up, dusted his palms, and faced me.
"That's the last of 'em bloody bastards," he proclaimed, his night eyes gentle.
I nodded at him.
He had a crease on his forehead, as he examined me. "What's the matter boss?"
I sighed, "Don't call me boss…"
He laughed and I saw his easy smile, his cocksure grin plastered on his face. "Anyway, the mission's done." He trailed off, waiting for an answer.
True. I just stared at him.
He stretched his wings and ran a hand on his shaggy dark hair. A habit of awkwardness, as I have learned through time with him. He could never really be so brash and cocky with me. The man fears me.
Then he let out a deep breath, "What now?"
I flew overhead and sat on a nearby branch. "We wait."
He scrunched up his face then flew on a branch opposite me. "Wait? That's it?"
I tilted my head, "Wicker said, Max was the last of them. We get him, we're done. We just got him. So we're done."
Then I saw panic in his eyes, and he looked at me intently. "What about me?"
As I looked into his black eyes that were usually brimmed with overflowing confidence, now devoid of them, I asked myself that question too. What about him?
My eyes darted to the edges of his wings then back to his eyes.
Could I still see the sharp edges of his wings or the reds in his eyes? It's been four years since we started the hunt, was he able to change?
Flashback to four years ago…
Darting in and out of the trees, he runs.
He runs for his life.
Or rather, he runs for their lives.
As if on cue, at least thirty men with guns and motorcycles go after him.
He smiles and licks his lips in anticipation. He lives for the chase.
He gains momentum.
Bikes roar in answer. They are closing in on him with bloodshot eyes and straining veins.
He stops. He has his back to them as they too screech to a halt.
"Give't up, boy," the biggest jeered. While the others grunted and laughed in agreement.
He remains stoic.
"S'te end o' the l'ne for yo'," the hook-nosed man added before spitting a wad of tobacco.
"Tch," he simply replied.
"Wossat eh boy?" the biggest asked in rage.
Then he started shaking.
The men grew agitated and looked at each other then back at him.
He threw his head back and started laughing.
The men took a step forward while locking their guns and aiming.
He shook his head still laughing and said in a voice that was deep but echoed like the feeling of being trapped in a deep dark cavern with coldness and darkness that know no sun, "I wouldn't take a step closer if I were you, kind sirs."
The men were suddenly stricken with fear that sent shivers through their spine, and made the hairs on their backs stand. The tables were turned, prey becomes predator.
He stopped laughing and glanced sideways at them, his handsome face obscured by his dark shaggy hair. "What's the matter gents? Feeling numb? Can't move? Do you feel empty?"
His words tumbled out of his mouth loud and eerily like thunder and ice that froze their muscles and sunk to their bones.
Fear replaced arrogance among the men. Soon after that fear was eclipsed with utter nothingness.
He chuckled darkly then in an instant his black eyes glinted like coals on fire as his face twisted into that of malice.
The men could do nothing but watch frozen as wings black as night with seemingly sharp pointy edges stretched from his back. He was devastatingly handsome, his face chiseled with sharp features and that devilish grin. The moon cast an iridescent glow on his already pallid skin, making him look less than a human, and more like that of an avenging angel.
With his eyes trained on them unblinking, he ascended.
"Soon your souls will be mine!"
The fire in his eyes burned harder, his handsome face brightened as he licked his lips. He pulled something silver on his back and once he did it extended into a giant scythe.
Poising to strike, he raised the scythe over his head and swung it.
But instead of hitting flesh it hit metal.
His eyes grew in shock as he struggled to gain control against this new attacker, then he sneered when he saw that straining against his long scythe was just a small silver dagger.
…My silver dagger.
We broke away from the clash and maintained our fighting stances, our eyes flashing – never faltering in contact.
He was bent a little, with his scythe ready whilst I was crouched with one hand on the ground, the other holding my upturned dagger behind me—both with wings ready for flight.
We held that position for a minute when he suddenly smiled and straightened up. I gripped my dagger tighter.
His scythe dematerialized and he held his palms up in surrender.
I craned my head at him in question.
He gave a shrug and crossed his arms in front of me. Waiting…
Fine. I'll play his game… for now.
With my muscles still tensed, I straightened up and though still on the defensive, I relaxed my position to match his.
"Well, well, well… my what a pleasant surprise!" He crooned seductively. "It's a little too late for a social visit doll, but a definite pleasure." He was suddenly behind me with his head near my ear, my eyes trained on his every move.
He sniffed the air before chuckling darkly, his sharp-edged wings brushing lightly against mine. Then he was in front of me, lifting my chin delicately with his long white finger. I glared at him.
He laughed then moved his face closer to mine. "Mmmm… it is true. You are quite the delight. I knew I heard those ominous bells of yours."
I moved my head away from him and grabbed him by the collar. He just laughed loudly and that brought peals of thunder through the forest.
He half-grinned. "Touchy are we?" Then his coal eyes turned red. "What are you doing here Black Bells?"
I gestured to the men who were still frozen. "Release them."
He shook his head then looked at me with his black eyes reverted. "I can't do that, love."
I shifted our position in that my arm was around his neck while with my other hand, my dagger was poised on his back. "Don't call me love." I said through gritted teeth.
He moved to elbow me in the chest to which I had no choice but to release my hold on him to dodge his attack.
He threw his head back and laughed some more before facing me mockingly.
"What have you become? Why have you allowed yourself to become this?" I asked him.
"This? This?" he spat then he laughed. He tilted his head and pointed to his body. "We're not exactly polar opposites, Black Bells. Or so I thought. But now I'm confused…"
I maneuvered my dagger with my wrist.
"Enlighten me, my sweet," he chuckled, his velvet voice transitioning into that of rough quality. "Because, news traveled not too long ago that you lost your wings. You were no longer among our kind. Yet you stand here in front of me, as if you never changed."
His eyes glinted, "Everyone knows the silvered ringing of both death and delight."
He ascended and swooped around me. "Ringing Bella…Bella…Bella… light and death Bella." Then his scythe came at me, with a loud clang and a flash of lightning I parried.
He recoiled at once and came hacking at me, his thundering voice nothing close to human. "The Black Bells that know light in death, light of death, life of death… Bella…"
I dodged and flew out of his reach, meeting his advances, our blades sparking upon contact again and again.
Enough is enough, I lunged at him and kicked him square on the chest and swooped after him, my knife at his heart as I straddled him.
"No, you're wrong Adam. I was never among your kind in the same way you never were. I was Death," I lashed out at him.
"And I'm not?" he mocked.
I shook my head. "You may have been created to be a Death but you've been taking more than your fair share, or more aptly, you've been reaping."
"What of it? Hmm? So I'm an impatient guy. Big deal. What about you Black Bells? Hmm? But you're right about one thing Bella, I'll give you that. I was never among the league of Death angels. No. I could feel. I could feel each death, each look of fear, each screams of terror and process it. I don't just know because of knowledge, I know because of experience." He said with that cocksure grin and arrogance, but something in his tone faltered… almost bitter.
My eyes grew in understanding. I almost softened my grip on him. So rumors were true… Adam was the Heart of Death… the only Death born with feelings…
"He among bearers of black feathers, who come 'cross the heart of death, will have full understanding of the lives they take through the heart's memories…"
He spread his arms wide, his wings flat on the ground, and closed his eyes. "Do it. Do it Bella."
"You didn't need to go this far Adam…" I whispered.
He chuckled softly. "I had to Black Bells. You knew what it was like, when you collected those last thirteen souls. You knew what it felt like to take each soul fully aware. But you haven't been doing that for two centuries."
I raised his collar and shook him over and over. "Why turn to be a reaper, Adam? Why didn't you seek me out? You should've tried harder!"
He didn't flinch and just continued smiling. "And what, Bella? I can't go through it anymore. No one welcomes Death. And if they do, they don't stay that long do they? I'm tired. And I had to find a way out… there was no choice but to be a reaper. And look, you're going to end this. My plan worked. It's ironic ain't it? I'm Death but I can't take myself? I'm a death-seeking Death."
I shut my eyes tight. "But you're not going to be left unpunished for a long time."
He reached out and patted my head. "I have been punished enough, Bella." he said in a tired voice. "The question is, why did you take on this task? If rumors are true, then the ringing of black bells signify the death of a reaper, whose scythe must lay to rest, whose soul must be purged. To kill a brother gone astray, why did you choose this?"
"Like you, my ex-brother, this is the only way I can stop my own suffering," I answered. "Now, it's time…"
"Wait."
I blinked. He held my wrist tightly, his eyes held warning.
"There are others who have gone astray for the sake of the high, Bella. They think it's the closest they'll get to feeling. That a multitude of souls could make them almost taste emotion. They don't know love, they don't know happiness. They only know intense fear. What you've witnessed of me was just that of a visage. I was the only one born of this who has the human's touch. I am the sole Heart of Death. There are others out there who are full-fledged reapers. While I have been reaping thugs and convicts, they do not choose their victims. You'd do well to remember that," he said in a serious tone.
I nodded.
Then he smiled. "You didn't come here to kill me, not really."
I released my grip on his collar, and he landed with a thud. I flew away and stood in front of him.
He grunted then sat up straight, loosening his tie.
"Release them, and we'll talk," I ordered.
He rolled his eyes and waved his hand at them then at once they collapsed.
I glared at him, he shrugged. "Will you relax now? I just erased their memories. They're sleeping like babies."
I took a deep breath. "Fine."
He grinned. "Now we're talking."
I looked at him warningly and showed him my dagger again. "No, I'll do the talking. Now listen, if you agree to this, it's only temporary."
He shrugged. "Still, I can have a lot less pain that I would have to endure, now, won't I?"
"That's not up to me. Anyway, I need your help in catching all those reapers you've mentioned. I know you were chums and rivals with some of them."
He chuckled, "Hmmm. But it'll take years Bella. It's not an easy feat. It's not a robber-and-police chase sweetheart. It takes time," he said, his tone serious.
My eyes flashed. "I'm aware. That's why I tracked you down. I need someone in the know."
"Well, you got the right gangsta alright, sweetheart," He outstretched his arms.
"Drop the mafia act, Adam," I muttered.
He shook his head once, "Can't help it. It comes naturally with my perpetual naughty bedroom voice," he winked.
I scoffed at him. True, he did have that deep raspy voice going for him but he's playful candor was annoying when I was far from funny right now.
End of flashback…
I shook my head at him. "To answer your real question, you can relax Adam. There's no need to cull you. Your wings are no longer pointed, and your eyes have lost their red in them. Unless, of course, you still want me to?"
He relaxed as he thought it through. "I think I'll stick around for a bit." He grinned, "Besides, now I can go see Grace."
Ah. I laughed. "Yeah, but you will have to continue your duties." I pointed out.
He cringed but then waved it off. "Yes, yes. I know. But because of these goons, it's going to take some time before balance is achieved among the living and the dead. I think I'll enjoy this… extended vacation."
I smiled at him.
He looked at me again, "How about you Bella? What's going to happen to you now?"
I pursed my lips. "I don't know. I'll wait some more, I think. After all, this was a voluntary mission. No guarantees… so I can't really say."
He flew to my side and sat beside me.
"You remember what I told you right? About how this started?" I asked without looking at him.
"Right-o."
"You asked me, why did you choose to get your wings back Bella?" I said perfectly imitating his voice. He cracked up and whistled.
"Then you answered—"
"It's a long story," I said hastily cutting him off.
Flashback from six years ago…two years before Bella met Adam…
"Is something wrong, Bella?"
My consciousness slipped into that of the present when I saw Jasper looking at me with concern. We were in Carlisle's study.
I shrugged. "I'm sorry Jasper, I drifted off there. I think we're about to have a visitor.
He emanated alertness and was quickly on the defensive. Who? How many? He asked through his thoughts.
The smell of soot wafted in the room.
"Hello Wicker," I greeted and at once he appeared in front of us with a bow.
"Black Bells. Empath." He said in his usual monotone.
I laughed nervously. He never was one for using names.
Jasper smiled and nodded at him.
"What brings you here Wicker, and how fares your master?" I asked.
With his stoic eyes he answered, "He is not among the waking, but he sends his regards. But that is not why I am here."
"We're listening," I nodded at him. His eyes trained to Jasper. Jasper got the hint and stood up.
"I'll rally the troop. We need to do some hunting anyway…" he trailed off then he was gone.
When we heard them all leave, Wicker beckoned me to go outside. I followed him to the porch.
"You… are doing well? These four years?"
"Yes, thank you for asking. The Cullens are lovely. We've been travelling so much… they love me. And I love them…" my lips trembled.
He tilted his head, "But?"
I closed my eyes and reveled in the rain. "I miss him."
Silence between us.
I gathered myself. "Why are you here, Wicker?"
"There… has been a great imbalance on some parts of the world among the living and the dead. There have been whispers of rising reapers," he said, his voice having an edge.
My eyes grew in alarm that I faced him. "My God."
"The reason I'm here is that, usually, reapers stop reaping, the moment their shadows gain some control. Or when their shadows are killed. Because it was once thought that the only Deaths susceptible to being Reapers are those who fell with their guarded… namely, guardian angels who fell, exactly like your case," he explained. "Not all turn out like you did, Bella."
"'Once thought'?" I asked, then that must mean…
He nodded. "Yes." He looked at me grimly. "Those like me, who were created to be Death from the beginning, are turning to become Reapers. For whatever reason, we know not. But whatever it is, they must be stopped."
"You're Death's Flame, and mostly, you're the apprentice of Dream. Can you not stop them?"
He shook his head. "My purpose lies elsewhere."
"What does this have to do with me?"
"It has everything to do with you, don't you see? Only death can kill death. But that is taboo. To do so has consequences too dire to be deemed unmentionable. No one will dare try," he said firmly.
"Then what of me? I am not death anymore," I said confused.
"That is true. But you carried the death touch, did you not?"
I looked at him. "I did. Just after I lost my wings the first time… when Midnight came for me…"
"That kind of power never leaves, Black Bells. It just lies…dormant," he said.
I was shocked. Dormant? "What are you saying?"
"You aren't obliged to ferry mortal souls anymore, Black Bells. And you have sent the only immortal you could send. In that, you aren't Death anymore. But you can still wake your dormant touch if the call arises. You were Death's Black Bells, whose ringing brings upon remembrance of light and life in death, but foremost, all who have heard, must quake in warning. You're Black Bells still… whose ringing can bear a new warning…" he explained thoroughly.
I looked down. No. I will not spiral back down to that dark path. No. Please don't tell me.
"We can't hunt another. Besides it not being an obligation, a call, to do so would be as if killing your sibling. The murder among murder. The first of its kind. Do you remember the first story among stories?"
I opened my eyes. "Cain and Abel…" Then I faced him. "So because I am not Death anymore, I just summon the touch and I won't have to suffer the consequences? What curse is this? I am not obligated to send any soul, mortal or otherwise. I have paid my dues."
He eyed me and shook his head. "Not curse, Bella." I stopped my ranting, surprised when he said my name.
"A blessing," he pressed. "A new purpose. Do this and you face not consequence but a possible reward. A possible opportunity. You have nothing to lose, only gain. Do you understand what I'm saying Black Bells?"
Could this be? Could this be my chance? I brightened at the prospect.
"Black Bells, you have been gifted with the touch and a medium to take control of it," he continued.
"Medium?"
"I'm talking about The Waking Blade," he said.
I averted my gaze. I knew which blade he was talking about. "It's not with me," I said flatly.
He took my hand and placed the exact silver dagger I threw out years ago. I pushed it away from me. No. That was meant to be used just once. Just for one. Just for him. I can't even look at it.
"My master has besotted you with the 'Waking Blade', the blade that was crafted in the realm of dreams, and brought to the waking world through a crossing dream. With this blade, it can awaken the power that sleeps in any bearer," he said slowly. "With this, you can use the death touch."
"I have no choice then, do I?" I said staring at the dagger.
Wicker actually gave a small smile. "It's not like before Bella. It's not an obligation. You can choose to walk away from this. Nothing holds you to it. No one is forcing you. This is but, a plea for help."
I half-smiled at that. "Then all the more, I have no choice but to answer that plea."
"Of your free will, Bella. Of your free will. No one will blame you if you don't take it," he added. "But… don't expect rewards just yet if you do. It is a voluntary mission. There can be other ways to stop them, but you hold all the cards that are most convenient without having to send for higher reinforcements. But one thing still holds true… it can still be an opportunity," he pushed his palm closer to me. "Who knows?"
I nodded at him finally. "So be it." I took the Waking Blade and held it to my face.
"I can't assure you that you'll be able to be with—
I cut him off, shaking my head. "No. I know that."
As I saw my eyes, both perpetually golden now reflected on the blade, I hardened my resolve. "But it's a start."
End of flashback…
Adam leant back on his hands. I watched him as he enjoyed the feeling of rain on his face.
"Hey Adam, do you regret it?"
He shook water from his hair and raised his wings overhead. "What? Becoming a reaper? Or helping you track them down?" he said nonchalantly.
I half-smiled. "Both I guess." I raised my wings, same as Adam's to shield from the outpour.
"Nope," he said, popping the 'p'.
"Really?"
His easy smile spread across his face again, "Really." Then he winked briefly at me.
I smiled, and remembered when he finally agreed to help me, that same day I sought him out, four years ago after telling him about my mission.
Flashback from four years ago…
"Quite the story, my dear," Adam said after a huff.
I blinked from my reverie. "So will you help me or not?" I faced him.
He stood up and stretched his wings, no longer sharp-edged. "Death touch huh? So that explains the flight of your black wings then? And the whole 'ex-brother' thing?"
I sighed. "Yes, Adam. I'm not death, I'm still a fallen with the ability to cast death, and apparently, wings come as an accessory. Come on, help me? The sooner I get them, the faster this ends."
"You really love this bloke, don't you?" he asked.
I gave him a look.
"What? Pretty face Grace James is a lovely fallen friend of mine, well, before reaping season for me anyway," he shrugged. "She told me some things… but then, there were whispers of Black Bells and how you've lost your wings. Twice."
"Fine, I'll do this alone then," I said irked as I started to walk away.
"Love makes us do crazy things, Bella. There's no shame in that," he said.
I stopped walking. "Have you ever been in love, Adam?"
He sighed. "I can feel Bella, remember? Love is a feeling too…" he said sadly.
I glanced at him. "What happened?"
"Circumstances… I loved her too late. You never really know when someone is due…" he trailed off.
I shut my eyes. He must've been watching her for some time, grew fond of her, but then the call came.
"Ha. You can't really fall in love with Death now can't you? Fatal attraction and all… kiss of death… ha." He muttered bitterly.
"How many souls did you reap, Adam?" I started walking back to him.
He wrinkled his nose. "Not much… but still a lot. Close to fifty. How did you track me anyway?" he eyed me suspiciously
I grinned. "Grace tipped me off."
He laughed at that. "That girl, I swear that chick's got the hots for me. Or maybe she wants my ass kicked for not giving her attention."
I smacked his head. "Don't be too cocky and be grateful for this chance."
"Fine, fine. It's an offer I can't refuse right? I won't get this chance again." His black eyes glistened. "But I'm merely the wingman, 'aight?" I cringed at his pun, he laughed some more. "I can't kill a fellow flier, reaper or not. Rules and all. I'll just be the tracker."
"Fair enough, but you will have to send them too after I kill them." He nodded, I nodded back at him and stretched my hand at him.
He bit his lip and stared at my hand reproachfully. "Do you think that's a good idea? Death touch and all?"
I rolled my eyes at him. "Haven't you been listening? A stab from the blade is what it takes."
"Hey, what of Wicker then? Can you ask help from me? Does he know?"
"There are no rules. I'm free. But I know there's merit in repentance. If I haven't talked to Grace lately then I would not have known about your plan of reaping. She worries about you, you know. She wants you saved. So you better be useful. Wicker…well, one way or another he will know and he… well, he never really minds." I shrugged.
"Okay, you cut a hard bargain, it's a deal. Let's go catch us some cullers," he shook my hand. "They won't come quietly, you know that right?"
I nodded. "I know…"
He stretched his neck and cracked his knuckles. "I'm ready when you are."
With a nod we both flew out into the night sky.
The faster we get them, the closer I get to you…
So just wait for me, Edward.
Wait for me.
End of flashback…
"Sparkling Bell?"
I wrinkled my nose. "Don't call me that. You can't call me that."
He chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, only Mr. McDreamy can call you that. And a-one and a-two… Dream, dream dream, dre-e-e-e-eam, dream. Dream, dream, dream, dream dreeeeam…" He sang.
I chuckled.
"Hey Black Bells?"
I huffed.
"O-o-kay. Wicker calls you that – er – him and all of Deathdom. Too formal, eh?"
I said nothing. He was trying to get a rise out of me again.
"Hmm… what do I call you then?" he pretended to think hard, tapping his index finger on his chin.
"My name, for starters?" I suggested. "Like you've been doing for like, five minutes?"
He shook his head. "Tut, tut doll. Everyone calls you something."
I sighed. "Adam, you have a nickname for me. Actually, you have tons. Enough with the games…" Doll, sweetheart, my fair lady, ex-sister….but his formal nickname was…
He shushed me. "Ain't no such thing as games but pure business," he hissed. "So where to boss?" His face brightened, his eyes glinting.
"Adam, what are you still doing here?" I asked him exasperatedly.
He clutched at his chest. "I'm hurt boss."
"No seriously. You did your part. You're free again. And from what Wicker told me, you'll be resuming your post as a Death angel, but that's just your secondary purpose. From the moment you chose to aide me, Adam, you were from then on known as Death's Watcher."
He looked at me, still with laughter on his face. "And will henceforth sound the call whenever a Reaper rises, or whatever disruption there is among Deaths. I know but sweetheart, you know I don't really regard this as a job eh?"
He elbowed me playfully. "I'm your friend Bella, and I know how it feels to have the love of your life die by your hands. So I want to make sure you don't lose this chance. I want to see this through."
"Thanks, Adam," I grinned at him.
He winked again. "Anytime, babe."
"I'm curious though, you love nicknames. What do you call Grace?" I poked him.
He laughed loudly before giving me a face. "That was foul boss. I won't dignify that."
"Okay, okay. None of my business. Gotcha."
We settled back into easy silence. The rain was still pouring steadily.
"Boss?"
"Mmm?" I adjusted my wings.
"Thanks," he said that I had to look at him. Adam has a good heart and is a gentleman at some times, but he could be quite the arrogant bastard who rarely expresses gratitude directly.
"What for?"
He smiled sheepishly. "Well, for picking me for this mission. Learned loads."
"Thank you too," I beamed at him.
He nodded at me then stood up.
"Leaving?" I said as I looked up at him, suddenly sad.
He stretched his neck and cracked his knuckles. "Yeah. It's about time I high tail this and anyway…" he trailed off laughing.
"What?" I asked.
He winked at me as he flapped his wings. "And…nothing. So here's lookin' at you sweetheart." He made a gun with his thumb and index finger, and then he made a clicking sound with his tongue as he mock-shot at me while he flew higher.
"It's time I blow this joint. Catch you soon Bella. See you boss!" And with a final salute and grin, he was gone.
I stood up and watched his retreating form. "Bye Adam!"
"Oh and one last thing… three's a crowd so… be happy Bella!" came his resounding voice, followed by his chuckle.
Three's a crowd? I gasped and turned around swiftly.
I looked around nervous and excitedly for any signs… any trace…when…
"Hello love," came a velvet voice behind me.
I almost didn't want to for fear that it might not be real but after gathering my courage, I turned around for one last time to face the voice and I had to shield my eyes from the blinding white light at the sight. Sunlight came bursting through the trees… surrounding me along with a flurry of white feathers. I almost fell on my knees from this ecstasy.
In front of me was the most glorious being I have ever seen, that I had to clutch at my mouth from screaming as I trembled.
With his crooked smile, his messy bronze hair, his green eyes so soft and loving, he stretched his hand towards me.
"You – you've come for me?" I managed to choke up, happy beyond words.
He nodded.
"Bella…it's time to go love. It's time to go home," he said softly.
I nodded at him and as soon as our hands touched, a bright light engulfed me and from that moment on, I knew I would not fall again.
I would never have to fall and leave black feathers after me. I was going up.
I was finally going home.
In our wake, a trail of white feathers spiraled down.
Now my feet won't touch the ground.
…and everything was white.
Oh love don't let me go
Won't you take me where the streetlights glow?
I could hear it coming
I could hear the sirens sound
Now my feet won't touch the groundTime came a-creepin'
Oh and time's a loaded gun
Every road is a ray of light
It goes o-o-on
Time only can lead you on
Still it's such a beautiful nightOh love don't let me go
Won't you take me where the streetlights glow?
I could hear it coming
Like a serenade of sound
Now my feet won't touch the ground
AN: Before anything else, I just want to make it clear that I really did change the status to Complete with the last chapter, chapter 32: Parachutes. It was purely intended even with the announcement of the epilogue. Why? Because I really intended to end the story how I ended it with the last chapter. This epilogue is merely a bonus… a glimpse for closure. What do you think? I'm sure you all know how it ended now. ^_^
So you won't be confused, this was the timeline:
The present takes place ten years after Edward goes to heaven - Bella and Adam met four years before and have been hunting reapers since - Two years before they met, Wicker presented the mission. Bella accepted and started gathering data - Four years before Wicker visited, Bella lived at peace with the Cullens, travelling and trying to blend in with humans. The last lines are lyrics from Coldplay's Life in Technicolor ii. Of course.
My sister made banners for this story it's so cool you have to check it out. Here's the link, just remove the spaces in between: http: / fayerunsthecircus . tumblr . com / post / 646086034 / poster-1
And here's another one: http: / / fayerunsthecircus . tumblr . com / post / 646103893 / a-twilight-poster-i-made-for-my-sister-for-her
I like Adam. I just love him. He's my fifth OC. I hope you didn't mind their additions but I hope you liked them. I love Midnight of course. He's my McDreamy. But I think I like Adam's character more. He has the bad-boy-but-inherently-good thing going for him. Ah.
Hmm. I'm feeling generous here so… Here's a short character list and a brief lexicon at that:
Purpose – this is the term used to mean the job, or mission every deity possesses.
Call – simply that of the feeling Dark Angels get when they are to send a soul, thus also called, "call of death/death call"
Guarded/Protected – the human assigned to be taken care of by Guardians.
White Angels – as mentioned in passing, they are divided into various classes depending on their purpose. There are five major classes:
- Guardians – commonly known as guardian angels. Their purpose is just that of their name, that is to guard each human soul they are assigned to. They are born and named the same time as the person they are to assigned to.
- Messengers – they are envoys sent to relay missions, warnings, and others as mandated.
- Retrievers/Seekers – they are dispatched to seek out deities or artifacts and at some times, ordered to fetch the item or deity.
- Warriors –they are Heaven's army.
- Chroniclers – they are also called the scribes or archivists that take into account reports of all kinds.
Dark Angels – most commonly known as angels of death. Some were born as death, some as a result of a transformation as in the case of Bella. Like White Angels, some Dark Angels are given special purposes as in the case of Bella, Wicker, and Adam as known in their names.
Reapers – Dark Angels that take any soul that wasn't called.
Celestials – Not much is known about the celestials, only that they are higher than angels among the deities and that their sustenance is the same as that of their given purpose. They are often anthropomorphic personification of aspects of humanity like dream and justice. Those mentioned in the story are the celestial of Dreams (Midnight Breeze) and Justice (Unnamed Blindfolded Woman with Orange hair).
OC's:
Midnight Breeze – The Celestial of dreams. He watches over the realm of the dreaming. He has complete power over dreams. He can create, destroy, project, and manipulate dreams. But his power over dreams have to be fueled by pure dreams, dreams he did not create or manipulate. That is the burden he must carry. He has raven black hair, startling midnight blue eyes, pale skin, and a physical shell that of a nineteen year old. He is often said to be often carrying a drowsy expression, through his half-lidded eyes and soft spoken demeanor. He walks slowly as if he was floating but it's his speech that sets him apart. He talks in a soft sing-song voice in long pauses, in his lulling voice. He talks in riddles and rarely says things directly as opposed to his straightforward mind. He is often seen wearing a top hat and he seems to enjoy human imagination.
Grace James – a fallen. She traded her wings for love of her guarded and led a human life with her guarded for five years until his untimely death. She tipped Edward about seeing Wicker before she moved for privacy's sake. She was said to have a relation to Adam and has seen Bella at some points.
Wicker – also known as Death's Flame. His task is to act as a reminder that Dark Angels were still angels in that they still carry light in them despite their life as shadows. He was also chosen to be Midnight's apprentice and assistant. He has pale blond wispy hair and aquamarine eyes. His physical shell is that of a lanky but lean sixteen year-old. He carries both a bored and serious expression, and rarely shows emotion. When on the defensive, he could easily be frightening. He is fiercely loyal to Midnight.
Justice – the unnamed blindfolded woman with orange hair appeared briefly to Edward to prevent Bella from completely erasing Edward's memory.
Adam – also known as the Heart of Death, the only death born with feelings to make it known among the deaths the knowledge of understanding the nature of the lives they take through his experiences. Because of his suffering from his fate, he had a period of rebellion wherein he became a reaper to lure out any deity that would end his immortality. Given a chance at repentance, he became Death's Watcher, tasked to oversee the balance among the living and the dead after joining Bella on her hunt for reapers.
There were those who wanted a sequel. I have to admit that I have entertained that thought. And this is the outcome.
I won't make a sequel.
However, if time allows, I'm cooking up a story that could stand alone, or be a spin off or a pseudo sequel of this story. If you go back to their last day together, Bella asked why didn't they meet as mortals. Well, now I'm entertaining the thought of exploring what would happen if they were given a chance to become mortals again? The story brewing in my mind is an AH one, meaning no ties at all to the supernatural. It's the complete opposite of Parachutes, wherein, in there life keeps separating them, but in this new story, life keeps throwing them at each other but to no avail. It's a story that answers the question, will they ever meet? Scenarios keep playing in my mind where there are loads of missed chances that make you cringe. Why can't they see that they're perfect together? If they do meet, how? When? Where? What will come of it? The working title is "Passengers." I have a synopsis written out but I need your opinion. If you're interested, I'll send you a sneak peek. ^_^
So that's all my loves. I hope you liked this story. I want to do so much more with it, like spin-offs of my OC's like what Midnight is up to, what is the nature of Wicker's work, really? Or explore Adam's character more. But of course, these stories will be posted on Fiction Press. Okay, I'll reveal my account there, though the only thing you'll see there is the prologue of Midnight's story. Haha! Chapter 1 and 2 have been sitting on my hard drive for ages. I really focused on my fanfics. But he does appear on my sister's story. Look it up, it's cool, just google "P.S. : I Bite: The Vampire Social Club." As for my account, my username over there is "Margaux_Incarnate" and Midnight's story is "Wednesday Nights with Midnight Breeze." We'll see if I get the time because right now I have thick hard bound books waiting for me to peruse and cadavers to explore. Gulp.
Until the next one then.
Much love,
Margaux