Valentine's Day 7: Heaven's on Fire (Runithea)
The events of the last few days in Midgar were, to say the least, disquieting. People started locking their doors at night. They didn't want anyone coming in without a key. Bartenders began the practice of Last Call, shutting down at 2 am. No more late nights in Midgar... Hovering above it all was one of Gabriel's Archangels, called Vengeance by the mortals and Runithea by her counterparts in Heaven. The sudden emergence of the Demon of Destruction made her report to a church and contact Gabriel.
"What is it, my sister?"
"Gabriel, we have a bigger problem than those Arbiters."
"What would that be?"
"The Demons of Destruction and Discord are running around in human form. They've taken over the bodies of Vincent Valentine and his clone. But that's not all..."
"What else is there?"
Gabriel's face showed his anger at this development. Runithea quailed inwardly, always afraid of his wrath. But his anger wasn't directed at her for once.
"Sir, I'm afraid our intelligence units have failed us in regards to Lucrecia, Tseng and Dr. Hojo."
"How so?"
"The three of them are alive and well."
"What side are they on?"
"Apparently Tseng and Hojo are working with Vincent and Meris to clear their names. But Lucrecia works most intimately with the clone."
"Understood, Runithea. Is there anything else you want to tell me?"
"Yes, sir, there is."
Gabriel frowned. That was twice she'd called him sir... His hackles were raised. She only called him sir if it was important. So he was ready for whatever she had to say.
"The Arbiters have been positively identified as Retribution and Justice."
"Cancel the hunt. They're on our side."
"Yes, Gabriel. Hunt cancelled. Nemesis and Xanetia resuming normal duties."
"Thank you. Is that all, or is there more?"
"I wish I didn't have more, but I do."
"You always were thorough, my sister. Pray proceed."
"Thank you. The Demon of Chaos only has 19 days to capture Discord before he is destroyed."
"Help him as best you can without being seen."
"Yes, Gabriel. I have nothing further to report at this time."
"Very well. Resume your reconnaisance."
"Good day to you, Gabriel."
"Good day to you too, Runithea."
She left the church with a great sense of happiness. It was then that she spotted her undercover agent leaving the bar he'd reported from. She frowned heavily and landed in front of him.
"Why did you leave them?"
"Derek showed up."
"Oh, yes. Please be careful, Locke... I'd hate to lose you."
"I'm always careful."
He walked away with a cheerful whistle, but he was watching the area as he walked. She saw the telltale movements of his head and smiled to herself before moving on to find her next source. She found her sitting on a bench near the fountain.
"How goes the search, Grace?"
"It goes badly. I haven't been able to find a single survivor. They're all dead!"
"I'm sorry to hear that. But what about your sisters?"
"The clone left Trudi in the shower."
"Sloppy."
"Yes. That's why I want him so badly, Runithea... He killed both of them!"
"What?!? Even Erian?"
"Yes."
"That shouldn't have happened. Here, I'll set Nemesis on it."
Runithea closed her eyes and tapped Nemesis with her mind. Nemesis replied immediately, appearing beside them at the fountain.
"You wished to see me, Runithea?"
"Yes, Nemesis. Grace's younger sister is dead. The clone killed her."
"I'll take care of it at once."
"Thank you."
Nemesis nodded before disappearing in a flash of golden light. Grace gave Runithea a look of sheer gratitude before closing her eyes and sliding bonelessly off the bench. The poison she'd unwittingly ingested had finally taken effect. Grace was dead, leaving 14-year-old Erian alone. But she wouldn't be alone for long...
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My name is Erian, and I'm an Angel. It's not just a nickname. It's a fact. My sister Trudi had me killed because she didn't want me telling Mom and Dad she'd murdered her husband and blamed it on Cloud. I knew the guy wasn't Vincent Valentine... I'd seen him kill before, and it wasn't the same. All this guy did was stab me. Vincent usually guts his victims and leaves them to bleed. Wait a minute... Who's this? She's got golden skin and blue eyes!
"Erian."
"Yes, that's me. Who are you?"
"My name isn't important. What is important is that you weren't supposed to die."
"I know. I know something about Trudi that she didn't want Mom and Dad to know."
"Did you know she was one of Dr. Hojo's test subjects?"
"Oh, yeah. She practically shoved it in my face whenever I asked her to help around the house. She claimed she'd been traumatized for life and couldn't possibly resume her old life."
"That isn't important anymore. She's dead too. And, I'm sorry to say, Grace is too. Someone poisoned her."
I can't believe my ears... Grace, dead? Poisoned? I don't care that Trudi's dead. Knowing her, the bitch deserved her fate. The lady with the golden skin gives me a strange look, as though she can read my thoughts.
"Angels don't curse, nor do they insult the dead. Even if they did deserve it."
"I didn't like Trudi much. She was always so mean to Grace, even though Grace was the oldest."
"I came here to give you a second chance."
"You mean you're going to make me live again?"
"Yes, and no."
"What's the catch?"
"No catch. I just don't have the capacity to give you a permanent body. I'm afraid you'll be stuck as an Angel for the rest of time. Is that all right with you?"
I can't believe it!
"You make that sound as if it's a bad thing."
"I thought you'd say that. Take my hand, Erian, and be reborn as an Angel of God!"
I take her hand eagerly. I don't mind being dead. The body I had was pretty weak and useless as it was. Trudi kept beating me and forcing me to take drugs so I'd sleep with older guys and give her the money. But this way I can help others in ways I couldn't before... When I finally open my eyes, I'm standing in the middle of my parents' house, watching the coroner take Trudi away. My body isn't there. When I became an Angel, it disappeared. But there was still enough blood to tell them I'm not alive. My folks died some time ago, leaving Grace in charge. I'm all alone now... Which reminds me of something. I think of that lady with the golden skin and realize I never did find out her name! Laughing, she appears in front of me and her name echoes in my mind.
"Nemesis..."
I materialize in front of the officers on the scene. They see me and their eyes widen. They can see right through me. No surprise... I'm transparent. That was deliberate on my part. Then a lady comes in and I disappear. It's Lucrecia! Or is it?
"I know you're here, Erian."
I rematerialize, wondering how she could see me. I'm new at this Angel stuff, can't you tell?
"How did you know?"
"My name is Meris. A mutual friend of ours contacted me and told me to come here."
"Meris? The ladycop?"
"Yes. Would you care to come with me and talk?"
"Sure! But, um..."
She laughs softly. Hey, maybe this dame ain't so bad after all!
"Leave that to me. Arbiter!"
I get real disoriented and have to close my eyes. When I open them again, we're in an apartment. I don't realize it's hers till she sits on the couch. I make myself as solid as I can.
"So who told you to go there?"
"She wouldn't tell me her name... She just told me to go to your parents' house and find you."
"Did she have golden skin and blue eyes?"
"Yes..."
"That's Nemesis. She works for God."
"I see."
Then I get a really nasty shock when I see what appears to be the clone walk in from the kitchen. I fade out totally, which is easy enough to do when I'm scared like I am right at this moment. So I don't see them exchange a worried glance, or hear him swearing. Which is a good thing... Because what he's saying isn't very nice!
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Vincent blinked when the little girl in Meris's living room disappeared. When Meris looked at him, he knew. He started swearing, uttering some of the vilest epithets she'd ever heard. When he was finished, he sat down beside her.
"The clone did that to her... He made her afraid of him, therefore she's afraid of me."
Upon hearing that, the little girl reappeared, then moved closer. When she was about a foot away, she reached out and touched his face. Her touch was cool, but gentle and surprisingly solid. When she removed her hand, she solidified totally and sat on the floor.
"I'm sorry, Vincent. I thought you were the clone."
"That's all right. Everyone seems to think that."
Meris smiled, then made a gesture with her right hand. The flesh-and-blood one, that is... In the living room, two figures appeared, holding a third in their hands. Meris and Vincent both stood, horrified at what they were seeing.
"What happened?"
"Chaos met up with Discord. This is the end result."
"Can he be healed by mortal means?"
Erian stood and reached out toward Chaos's face. The rest of them held their breath, expecting her to be reviled by the injured Demon. But he didn't move or say a word. She lifted his chin and said something only an adult would ever consider saying. His eyes were blank...
"He's gone. Discord was able to siphon the kindness out of his soul. What he failed to realize was that good was all that was left."
"So what you're saying, Erian, is that Chaos is no more."
"Essentially, yes."
Another Demon manifested itself in the room... Large, black and ominous. It was Destruction. He took Chaos into his embrace and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, Chaos still hung limply. The once-fearful black wings hung uselessly down his back, raining black feathers onto the carpet. Then the body disappeared, consumed by a gentle red flame.
"He didn't stand a chance. Now Discord holds his powers as well as his own."
"That makes him twice as dangerous."
Erian stood in a far corner, not liking what just happened. Chaos was a demon, sure... But he didn't deserve that! Runithea, on the other end of Midgard, felt Erian's sadness. Summoned to her like a cat to a dying mouse, she made herself visible. Retribution recognized her.
"Runithea, what are you doing here?"
"What just happened?"
"We lost Chaos, that's all."
"What? How?"
Vincent spoke up, eyes red-rimmed from suppressed tears. He hadn't liked Chaos, but he agreed with Erian. He didn't deserve what Discord had done to him.
"Discord took the kindness from his soul. And since kindness was all that was left..."
"Chaos died."
"Right."
"Destruction, as Chaos's only brother, it falls to you to destroy Discord before it's too late."
"I accept the charge. He will suffer for what he did to my brother!"
Runithea nodded, then turned to Erian. Erian still had tearstains on her face. The only other time she'd cried was when her parents died. Even now, she felt sorry for Chaos.
"Erian?"
"I just wish..."
"What do you wish?"
"I wish there were something we could do for Chaos. Like you had Nemesis do for me."
Runithea stared at Erian in bewilderment. The child had a good heart. She was about to say that it was impossible to restore that which was stolen when she realized what Erian meant.
"Maybe there is, Erian... Maybe there is!"
The others turned to look at Runithea and Erian. Slowly, they gathered around the pair. Meris stood with Vincent, his arms around her waist. Retribution stood with Justice, Destruction in the background. Runithea smiled at the youthful Angel and turned to the others.
"Erian just gave me something I never thought to have on this mission... She's given me hope. Hope that we can do this."
"What did she tell you?"
"She asked if we could do for Chaos what I had Nemesis do for her. At first I didn't understand what she was talking about. Then it hit me. What if Chaos had LET Discord do what he did?"
"If Chaos let Discord siphon his soul, then..."
"Then he has a way to stop him!"
"Destruction, you know Chaos best... What would he have in mind?"
"I can only speculate and hypothesize. But I do believe he's planning to unleash Ragnarok."
"RAGNAROK? Are you SERIOUS?"
Destruction looked at Retribution and nodded solemnly. He'd never been more serious about anything than he was at that moment. Vincent and Meris shared a concerned glance, then she nodded. He kissed her briefly, then looked up to address the room at large.
"Meris is willing to contact the Ragnarok Demoness once she's been unleashed."
"Meris, you can't. You'll be killed!"
"Then I'll die knowing I saved the world from the likes of the clone and Lucrecia."
"But Meris... Contacting Ragnarok when she's at the height of battle rage isn't safe! The sheer volume of her power would rip you apart from the inside out!"
"I'm willing to take that chance."
Nobody had the chance to say anything else... A howling wind ripped through the apartment. Dishes rattled in the cupboards, cutlery shook in the drawers. Red mist seeped out from under the bathroom door. The lights flickered, then went out. When they came back on, Meris, Vincent and Destruction were gone! Chaos lay on the floor like some grisly sacrifice, then he opened his eyes.
"Did it work? Did they go?"
"What are you talking about, Chaos?"
"I sent them to Ragnarok... She wanted to meet the mortal who was willing to die to talk to her."
Runithea and Erian disappeared discreetly, leaving the three Demons to talk and discuss battle plans. This was not their place. Justice and Retribution were angry with Chaos, but were willing to listen. The Angel and Archangel manifested themselves where Grace's body lay. Erian lay one hand on her forehead and closed her eyes. The body disappeared, then reappeared in a local hospital. Grace was alive, and a note was pinned to her shirt that told of her being poisoned.
"Good work, Erian."
"It was a hunch."
"Always go with your hunches. Lesson One on being a successful Angel."
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Meanwhile, the Ragnarok Demoness snarled and paced impatiently. Chaos had freed her... Now this puny mortal female wanted to talk?!? When the fate of the world was at stake? She stopped in her tracks as an idea occurred to her. Maybe this Meris woman had an idea.
"What is it you wish to talk to me about?"
"I want to talk to you about Discord."
"I'm aware that Discord tried to kill Chaos."
"Are you also aware that he's learned the location of your Clock?"
"WHAT!?!?"
Meris stood there and watched as Ragnarok's face paled. That was quite a sight to behold... It went from red to pale pink in under 10 seconds. Vincent stood protectively near Meris, offering silent support. It was quite a while before Ragnarok was able to speak.
"You have my full attention, Meris."
"Good. I propose an alliance between us. You want Discord, I want Lucrecia and Vincent wants the clone."
Destruction had disappeared back into Vincent's body. Vincent's eyes took on a crimson sheen that Ragnarok had seen before. But now it took on a new, frightful, meaning. Meris didn't flinch when she felt the difference. She now had the confidence to present her idea. Ragnarok waited patiently for her to speak.
"I propose... a Bonding."
Vincent gasped and Ragnarok flinched. A Bonding was unheard of! The last time someone Bonded with a Demon, the mortal went insane and the Demon was declared unfit for duty. That Demon was later destroyed at his behest. Ragnarok regained her composure first and asked the question on both their minds.
"Are you out of your mind, woman!? Nobody has ever survived such a feat!"
"Meris, what are you planning to do?"
"I'm planning to trick Discord into taking over Lucrecia and leave the clone vulnerable."
They both understood immediately. Meris was very clever...
"You may have just saved the world."
"Yes, I think she did."
"Meris, your proposal is flawed and fraught with danger. But on the other hand, it's the only thing I can think of that can stop Discord and company."
"So what are you saying?"
But instead of a reply, Regnarok stood with her eyes closed. Her wings flared, covering the ground with red feathers that burst into flames on impact. They made a circle around her and Meris, excluding Vincent from what was about to happen...
*She has accepted the proposed Bonding. She is initiating the Transfer.*
**Transfer? What Transfer?**
*She is going to transfer herself into Meris. But I've never seen the Cirle of Fire before...*
**Maybe that means she's going to do something to keep Meris from going insane.**
*That is entirely possible, my friend.*
Meanwhile, Meris and Ragnarok stood in the middle of what was now a towering inferno. The flames shot skyward, blending with the ruby-toned clouds above. A translucent green curtain surrounded them, making Destruction flinch.
**What is it?**
*That is the Transfer Curtain. It's used only when the Bonding Pair are of equal power and strength.*
**Then that means...**
*That means Meris was supposed to Bond with Ragnarok all along!*
**The Prophecy!!!**
*That's the only explanation for what we're seeing!*
Retribution, Justice and Chaos appeared beside Vincent. They could not enter the circle of fire without Ragnarok's permission. Inside the circle, meanwhile, Ragnarok and Meris took each other's hands. Ragnarok began to fade, and Meris began to glow. From Ragnarok's rapidly disappearing lips came a single line.
"Powers of Light and Dark, be as one!"
Then there was a blinding flash and they were knocked to the ground. When the light cleared, Meris was lying on the ground, and Ragnarok was gone. In Meris's right hand sat a red scroll bound with a white ribbon. Vincent was the first to recover, running to Meris's side, concern darkening his gaze.
"Meris! Meris, can you hear me?"
She groaned, then struggled to sit up. He helped her, slowly and gently. She leaned against his chest, eyes closed and panting heavily. They could all hear Ragnarok's projected thought.
*She'll be all right in a little while. She just isn't used to it yet.*
Vincent muttered something under his breath, but didn't repeat it out loud at Justice's curious look. Meris caught what he'd said and smiled.
"No surprise there, dear."
But Meris was in for an unpleasant shock when she woke up the next morning... She was in jail! Her first reaction was to shove at the door, hoping they'd forgotten to lock it. The door swung open silently, giving the impression that she wasn't a prisoner. Immediately, all senses were on alert. She proceeded cautiously, eyes darting to and fro. A groan from the next cell turned her head in that direction.
"Vincent?"
"What the hell happened? I feel like I got hit by a freight train!"
She helped him out of the cell, gasping in horror at a gaping wound on his chest. Instinct prevailed and she whipped the sheet off the prisoner's cot. With deft movements of her hands, she prepared a bandage that adhered to his skin on contact. He looked down, then smiled at her.
"Why didn't you let Ragnarok heal me?"
"I didn't even think of it. I just acted on instinct."
They proceeded with caution out to the main room. There was nobody there... But they were still careful. When they reached the outer room, Meris stopped short. There were bodies everywhere! She recognized them all with a loud gasp.
"Lacey... Chief... Delaney... Jameson."
"Your men and your CO."
"Yes. Vincent, they've been here. This is a warning for us to stay away."
"Are you going to?"
"Fuck no! I'm gonna string that bitch Lucrecia up by her short and curlies!"
Vincent laughed aloud at that absurd image. So did Meris, after a moment. The laughter was genuine... It was the first real release they'd had in the last few weeks. Then, linking arms, they walked out of the police station. Meris turned slightly and the structure burst into flames.
"An honorable memorial for those who died so gruesomely. May they all find peace in the Afterlife."
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I'm baffled. Why on Earth did Meris Bond with Ragnarok? Erian doesn't know either. She's as confused as anyone could be. We're just standing there, talking about my operatives when Erian lifts her head. There's a note of displeasure that wasn't there before.
"What is it?"
"Something's wrong. Xanetia's abandoned her post in the West."
"What could possibly have happened to make her do that?"
As if in answer, Gabriel himself appears in front of us. He has the same look Erian does. He doesn't like what's going on...
"Report."
"Meris has Bonded with the Ragnarok Demoness. The clone and Lucrecia murdered everyone in Meris's squad and her commanding officer."
"Who's this beside you?"
"Sir, my name is Erian. I'm Grace's younger sister."
"Ah, the new Angel. Welcome. I'm just sorry it had to happen the way it did."
"As am I, sir. But I was able to revive Grace."
We're talking about why Meris would do what she did when the subject of our discussion comes into view. She's holding Vincent up, and he has a blood-soaked bandage on his chest... Gabriel moves over beside them and heals Vincent with a pass of his hand. Then they come over to where Erian and I are standing. Erian gets a really strange look on her face, then fades from view. Apparently, she doesn't like what she just sensed. When she tells me what she sensed, I disappear too. That just leaves Gabriel...
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Meris and Vincent were standing with Gabriel when Runithea and Erian disappeared. Meris knew damn well why they disappeared. She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.
"They know why I Bonded with Ragnarok. And they aren't happy."
"Why did you Bond with her, Meris?"
"I did it to stop Discord and his companions. It was the only way."
"Logical solution to the problem, Meris. And you're right... It was the only way. But we have another problem."
"What would that be?"
"The Archangel Xanetia has left her post in the West."
Retribution appeared, having left Justice and Chaos elsewhere. She didn't seem happy about what Gabriel had just said. But they didn't know why she was upset. Until she told them.
"Xanetia would never willingly abandon her post. I have a bad feeling about this. It isn't like her."
"What is your stake in this, Retribution?"
"I've never really told anyone this... But Xanetia is my sister."
"That explains her willingness to accept that post. But why would she leave?"
"That's just it, Gabriel. She didn't leave her post. She was removed."
"By whom?"
"I think I can answer that."
They looked over at Meris. Standing behind and slightly to the left of her was one Dr. Hojo. He lifted his face to reveal sightless, bloody eyes. He'd been blinded...
"Oh, my God. Hojo!"
"This is important. Vincent, the clone and Lucrecia want you both dead, all right. But that's not all I have to say."
"What else is there?"
"They found Ragnarok's Clock and have begun its countdown sequence."
"I will not allow them to destroy the world I helped create!"
It was Ragnarok's voice, but it came from Meris's lips. Tseng and Locke emerged from the encroaching darkness. Tseng was holding Locke up...
"Not you too..."
"We got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. There was a shootout over in the East End. Locke here nearly bit it."
Hojo went over to them using the sounds of their voices. They kept up a steady stream of chatter so he could get there safely. When Tseng saw what had happened, he gasped.
"As to who removed Xanetia, I can only tell you that he isn't what he seems to be."
Retribution puzzled over that for a long time, then her eyes widened as comprehension struck her full force like a freight train.
"Diablo!"
*Who's Diablo?*
**Diablo is a demon sorcerer who claimed to love Xanetia and Retribution equally. But he chose neither of them because they share the same power.**
*I think I get it. He can't have their power, so they can't either.*
**Precisely.**
Meris shared her observations with Vincent. He nodded concurrence, then presented the hypothesis to the crowd.
"Meris thinks he's doing this because you two share the power he covets."
"That's impossible... He knows he can't get it if we're alive."
"Maybe he's found a way to get it and still leave you alive."
"What are you saying, Tseng?"
"I'm saying he might have found a way to strip you of your powers."
Runithea and Erian came back, only to remove Locke from the scene. They wouldn't come back again.
"They don't like what we're discussing."
"You mean Runithea doesn't like it and she's decided Erian doesn't."
Nemesis reappeared with Erian at her side. Erian gave her a grateful smile.
"Erian!"
"I wanted to stay, but Runithea said it wasn't a good idea."
"We'll tell her later."
"I outrank her anyway. This is important. Xanetia mentioned something unsually cryptic in her last report."
"What did she say?"
"She made repeated references to a Rosetta Stone."
"Old Earth legend. The Rosetta Stone was believed to be a key to untold power."
"Oh, no... She thinks they found the Armageddon Stone!"
"That may be what she was talking about. She also said "Ask Vincent. He'll know." I don't understand that one whit."
"Vincent's a whiz with computers."
"That's it!"
"What's it?"
"That's how we can win! Vincent can program the Armageddon Stone into Midgar's most powerful computer!"
Vincent was overwhelmed at the project looming before him... The Armageddon Stone was so powerful it could destroy all of Midgar with power to spare. Destruction felt his uncertainty. That uncertainty fueled something deep down inside, something Vincent thought was long gone. He had the capacity for feeling, but they wouldn't be as complete as the feelings of someone who had a heart. For that was Vincent's shame... His heart had, quite literally, been torn out. The only reason he still lived was that he now had an artificial heart. But now... That something deep down welled up until he was on his hands and knees, head hanging down. Meris watched in silent confusion, wanting to go to him, but afraid to. Ragnarok nudged her feet into action, sending her to kneel beside the man she loved. When his head came up, her breath caught in her throat. On his face were signs of someone who truly felt...
"Oh, my God. He's CRYING!"
He leaned back onto his heels and caressed her cheek with his flesh and blood hand. She turned her face into his hand, eyes closing against the upswell of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. Chaos made no movement, yet there was suddenly a thick red mist surrounding the couple.
"Why?"
"They need to be alone. That was the best way to do it."
"Ah. Come, let's plan for the end of the evil."
Inside the red mist, Vincent stood and looked around. His movements were slow and eerily distorted. Meris found herself in a similar position, feeling very awkward. But the minute they touched hands, everything returned to normal. They were able to move freely, their voices sounding normal and strong.
"What is this?"
"I think it was Chaos's doing."
"I'm beginning to like that demon..."
They had a good laugh, then he tugged her in against him. She looked up at him, short of breath at the mere contact. He looked into her eyes, drawn into the depths of her soul. It seemed like he was drowning, but he wasn't anywhere near any water! She felt the same, then had an overwhelming desire to touch his chest. Her metal hand crept up and rested where his heart now beat strongly. She could feel the rhythm of his heart, a lulling, soothing sound. His metal hand rested in the same place on her chest. They stood there for what seemed like an eternity, but was only a few moments. When their arms fell to their sides, it was as if they hadn't!
"Do you...?"
"Yeah."
Their respective Demons withdrew, appearing outside the circle. Meris had never felt so alone! But there was something to take the loneliness away... A soft, soothing presence in the back of her mind. It only took her a moment to recognize it. It was Vincent! From the look in his eyes, he was in the same boat. Then his arms wound around her waist and he kissed her. They shared their first truly passionate kiss since they met in the alley. Her arms curled around his neck and he slid his tongue in past her lips. If he asked her to undress, she wouldn't say no... He lifted his head and looked down at her. Her eyes were hazy with desire...
"Tell me what you want, Meris."
"You..."
"Then you can have me."
His hands wandered all over her body, caressing and cajoling. Her breath was ragged and shallow as he did what nobody else wanted to... Touch her and make her tremble. His hand touched her in that secret place and made her whimper softly. When he heard that sound, his heart soared. He stood back and let his hands drop to his sides. She took the initiative and brushed her fingers along his chest. His soft intake of breath was all she needed to continue her hesitant journey. Her fingertips brushed the juncture of the metal and flesh on the end of his right arm, halting when his arm jerked. That was when she heard the soft sigh... Gathering her courage, she put her hand on the front of his jeans. His low groan made her smile a bit. But even with this, she was still very nervous.
"Meris?"
"Yes?"
"We don't have to keep going if you don't want to."
"I... Would you think badly of me if I wanted to stop?"
"No, sweetheart, I wouldn't."
"I'd like to... But now isn't the time."
At her words, the mist dissolved, leaving them in the room with Demons and Angels. Ragnarok and Destruction could feel the throbbing urge within their hosts and did their best to keep those fires under control. They had too much work to do to give in to the desires of the flesh now...
The events of the last few days in Midgar were, to say the least, disquieting. People started locking their doors at night. They didn't want anyone coming in without a key. Bartenders began the practice of Last Call, shutting down at 2 am. No more late nights in Midgar... Hovering above it all was one of Gabriel's Archangels, called Vengeance by the mortals and Runithea by her counterparts in Heaven. The sudden emergence of the Demon of Destruction made her report to a church and contact Gabriel.
"What is it, my sister?"
"Gabriel, we have a bigger problem than those Arbiters."
"What would that be?"
"The Demons of Destruction and Discord are running around in human form. They've taken over the bodies of Vincent Valentine and his clone. But that's not all..."
"What else is there?"
Gabriel's face showed his anger at this development. Runithea quailed inwardly, always afraid of his wrath. But his anger wasn't directed at her for once.
"Sir, I'm afraid our intelligence units have failed us in regards to Lucrecia, Tseng and Dr. Hojo."
"How so?"
"The three of them are alive and well."
"What side are they on?"
"Apparently Tseng and Hojo are working with Vincent and Meris to clear their names. But Lucrecia works most intimately with the clone."
"Understood, Runithea. Is there anything else you want to tell me?"
"Yes, sir, there is."
Gabriel frowned. That was twice she'd called him sir... His hackles were raised. She only called him sir if it was important. So he was ready for whatever she had to say.
"The Arbiters have been positively identified as Retribution and Justice."
"Cancel the hunt. They're on our side."
"Yes, Gabriel. Hunt cancelled. Nemesis and Xanetia resuming normal duties."
"Thank you. Is that all, or is there more?"
"I wish I didn't have more, but I do."
"You always were thorough, my sister. Pray proceed."
"Thank you. The Demon of Chaos only has 19 days to capture Discord before he is destroyed."
"Help him as best you can without being seen."
"Yes, Gabriel. I have nothing further to report at this time."
"Very well. Resume your reconnaisance."
"Good day to you, Gabriel."
"Good day to you too, Runithea."
She left the church with a great sense of happiness. It was then that she spotted her undercover agent leaving the bar he'd reported from. She frowned heavily and landed in front of him.
"Why did you leave them?"
"Derek showed up."
"Oh, yes. Please be careful, Locke... I'd hate to lose you."
"I'm always careful."
He walked away with a cheerful whistle, but he was watching the area as he walked. She saw the telltale movements of his head and smiled to herself before moving on to find her next source. She found her sitting on a bench near the fountain.
"How goes the search, Grace?"
"It goes badly. I haven't been able to find a single survivor. They're all dead!"
"I'm sorry to hear that. But what about your sisters?"
"The clone left Trudi in the shower."
"Sloppy."
"Yes. That's why I want him so badly, Runithea... He killed both of them!"
"What?!? Even Erian?"
"Yes."
"That shouldn't have happened. Here, I'll set Nemesis on it."
Runithea closed her eyes and tapped Nemesis with her mind. Nemesis replied immediately, appearing beside them at the fountain.
"You wished to see me, Runithea?"
"Yes, Nemesis. Grace's younger sister is dead. The clone killed her."
"I'll take care of it at once."
"Thank you."
Nemesis nodded before disappearing in a flash of golden light. Grace gave Runithea a look of sheer gratitude before closing her eyes and sliding bonelessly off the bench. The poison she'd unwittingly ingested had finally taken effect. Grace was dead, leaving 14-year-old Erian alone. But she wouldn't be alone for long...
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My name is Erian, and I'm an Angel. It's not just a nickname. It's a fact. My sister Trudi had me killed because she didn't want me telling Mom and Dad she'd murdered her husband and blamed it on Cloud. I knew the guy wasn't Vincent Valentine... I'd seen him kill before, and it wasn't the same. All this guy did was stab me. Vincent usually guts his victims and leaves them to bleed. Wait a minute... Who's this? She's got golden skin and blue eyes!
"Erian."
"Yes, that's me. Who are you?"
"My name isn't important. What is important is that you weren't supposed to die."
"I know. I know something about Trudi that she didn't want Mom and Dad to know."
"Did you know she was one of Dr. Hojo's test subjects?"
"Oh, yeah. She practically shoved it in my face whenever I asked her to help around the house. She claimed she'd been traumatized for life and couldn't possibly resume her old life."
"That isn't important anymore. She's dead too. And, I'm sorry to say, Grace is too. Someone poisoned her."
I can't believe my ears... Grace, dead? Poisoned? I don't care that Trudi's dead. Knowing her, the bitch deserved her fate. The lady with the golden skin gives me a strange look, as though she can read my thoughts.
"Angels don't curse, nor do they insult the dead. Even if they did deserve it."
"I didn't like Trudi much. She was always so mean to Grace, even though Grace was the oldest."
"I came here to give you a second chance."
"You mean you're going to make me live again?"
"Yes, and no."
"What's the catch?"
"No catch. I just don't have the capacity to give you a permanent body. I'm afraid you'll be stuck as an Angel for the rest of time. Is that all right with you?"
I can't believe it!
"You make that sound as if it's a bad thing."
"I thought you'd say that. Take my hand, Erian, and be reborn as an Angel of God!"
I take her hand eagerly. I don't mind being dead. The body I had was pretty weak and useless as it was. Trudi kept beating me and forcing me to take drugs so I'd sleep with older guys and give her the money. But this way I can help others in ways I couldn't before... When I finally open my eyes, I'm standing in the middle of my parents' house, watching the coroner take Trudi away. My body isn't there. When I became an Angel, it disappeared. But there was still enough blood to tell them I'm not alive. My folks died some time ago, leaving Grace in charge. I'm all alone now... Which reminds me of something. I think of that lady with the golden skin and realize I never did find out her name! Laughing, she appears in front of me and her name echoes in my mind.
"Nemesis..."
I materialize in front of the officers on the scene. They see me and their eyes widen. They can see right through me. No surprise... I'm transparent. That was deliberate on my part. Then a lady comes in and I disappear. It's Lucrecia! Or is it?
"I know you're here, Erian."
I rematerialize, wondering how she could see me. I'm new at this Angel stuff, can't you tell?
"How did you know?"
"My name is Meris. A mutual friend of ours contacted me and told me to come here."
"Meris? The ladycop?"
"Yes. Would you care to come with me and talk?"
"Sure! But, um..."
She laughs softly. Hey, maybe this dame ain't so bad after all!
"Leave that to me. Arbiter!"
I get real disoriented and have to close my eyes. When I open them again, we're in an apartment. I don't realize it's hers till she sits on the couch. I make myself as solid as I can.
"So who told you to go there?"
"She wouldn't tell me her name... She just told me to go to your parents' house and find you."
"Did she have golden skin and blue eyes?"
"Yes..."
"That's Nemesis. She works for God."
"I see."
Then I get a really nasty shock when I see what appears to be the clone walk in from the kitchen. I fade out totally, which is easy enough to do when I'm scared like I am right at this moment. So I don't see them exchange a worried glance, or hear him swearing. Which is a good thing... Because what he's saying isn't very nice!
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Vincent blinked when the little girl in Meris's living room disappeared. When Meris looked at him, he knew. He started swearing, uttering some of the vilest epithets she'd ever heard. When he was finished, he sat down beside her.
"The clone did that to her... He made her afraid of him, therefore she's afraid of me."
Upon hearing that, the little girl reappeared, then moved closer. When she was about a foot away, she reached out and touched his face. Her touch was cool, but gentle and surprisingly solid. When she removed her hand, she solidified totally and sat on the floor.
"I'm sorry, Vincent. I thought you were the clone."
"That's all right. Everyone seems to think that."
Meris smiled, then made a gesture with her right hand. The flesh-and-blood one, that is... In the living room, two figures appeared, holding a third in their hands. Meris and Vincent both stood, horrified at what they were seeing.
"What happened?"
"Chaos met up with Discord. This is the end result."
"Can he be healed by mortal means?"
Erian stood and reached out toward Chaos's face. The rest of them held their breath, expecting her to be reviled by the injured Demon. But he didn't move or say a word. She lifted his chin and said something only an adult would ever consider saying. His eyes were blank...
"He's gone. Discord was able to siphon the kindness out of his soul. What he failed to realize was that good was all that was left."
"So what you're saying, Erian, is that Chaos is no more."
"Essentially, yes."
Another Demon manifested itself in the room... Large, black and ominous. It was Destruction. He took Chaos into his embrace and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, Chaos still hung limply. The once-fearful black wings hung uselessly down his back, raining black feathers onto the carpet. Then the body disappeared, consumed by a gentle red flame.
"He didn't stand a chance. Now Discord holds his powers as well as his own."
"That makes him twice as dangerous."
Erian stood in a far corner, not liking what just happened. Chaos was a demon, sure... But he didn't deserve that! Runithea, on the other end of Midgard, felt Erian's sadness. Summoned to her like a cat to a dying mouse, she made herself visible. Retribution recognized her.
"Runithea, what are you doing here?"
"What just happened?"
"We lost Chaos, that's all."
"What? How?"
Vincent spoke up, eyes red-rimmed from suppressed tears. He hadn't liked Chaos, but he agreed with Erian. He didn't deserve what Discord had done to him.
"Discord took the kindness from his soul. And since kindness was all that was left..."
"Chaos died."
"Right."
"Destruction, as Chaos's only brother, it falls to you to destroy Discord before it's too late."
"I accept the charge. He will suffer for what he did to my brother!"
Runithea nodded, then turned to Erian. Erian still had tearstains on her face. The only other time she'd cried was when her parents died. Even now, she felt sorry for Chaos.
"Erian?"
"I just wish..."
"What do you wish?"
"I wish there were something we could do for Chaos. Like you had Nemesis do for me."
Runithea stared at Erian in bewilderment. The child had a good heart. She was about to say that it was impossible to restore that which was stolen when she realized what Erian meant.
"Maybe there is, Erian... Maybe there is!"
The others turned to look at Runithea and Erian. Slowly, they gathered around the pair. Meris stood with Vincent, his arms around her waist. Retribution stood with Justice, Destruction in the background. Runithea smiled at the youthful Angel and turned to the others.
"Erian just gave me something I never thought to have on this mission... She's given me hope. Hope that we can do this."
"What did she tell you?"
"She asked if we could do for Chaos what I had Nemesis do for her. At first I didn't understand what she was talking about. Then it hit me. What if Chaos had LET Discord do what he did?"
"If Chaos let Discord siphon his soul, then..."
"Then he has a way to stop him!"
"Destruction, you know Chaos best... What would he have in mind?"
"I can only speculate and hypothesize. But I do believe he's planning to unleash Ragnarok."
"RAGNAROK? Are you SERIOUS?"
Destruction looked at Retribution and nodded solemnly. He'd never been more serious about anything than he was at that moment. Vincent and Meris shared a concerned glance, then she nodded. He kissed her briefly, then looked up to address the room at large.
"Meris is willing to contact the Ragnarok Demoness once she's been unleashed."
"Meris, you can't. You'll be killed!"
"Then I'll die knowing I saved the world from the likes of the clone and Lucrecia."
"But Meris... Contacting Ragnarok when she's at the height of battle rage isn't safe! The sheer volume of her power would rip you apart from the inside out!"
"I'm willing to take that chance."
Nobody had the chance to say anything else... A howling wind ripped through the apartment. Dishes rattled in the cupboards, cutlery shook in the drawers. Red mist seeped out from under the bathroom door. The lights flickered, then went out. When they came back on, Meris, Vincent and Destruction were gone! Chaos lay on the floor like some grisly sacrifice, then he opened his eyes.
"Did it work? Did they go?"
"What are you talking about, Chaos?"
"I sent them to Ragnarok... She wanted to meet the mortal who was willing to die to talk to her."
Runithea and Erian disappeared discreetly, leaving the three Demons to talk and discuss battle plans. This was not their place. Justice and Retribution were angry with Chaos, but were willing to listen. The Angel and Archangel manifested themselves where Grace's body lay. Erian lay one hand on her forehead and closed her eyes. The body disappeared, then reappeared in a local hospital. Grace was alive, and a note was pinned to her shirt that told of her being poisoned.
"Good work, Erian."
"It was a hunch."
"Always go with your hunches. Lesson One on being a successful Angel."
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Meanwhile, the Ragnarok Demoness snarled and paced impatiently. Chaos had freed her... Now this puny mortal female wanted to talk?!? When the fate of the world was at stake? She stopped in her tracks as an idea occurred to her. Maybe this Meris woman had an idea.
"What is it you wish to talk to me about?"
"I want to talk to you about Discord."
"I'm aware that Discord tried to kill Chaos."
"Are you also aware that he's learned the location of your Clock?"
"WHAT!?!?"
Meris stood there and watched as Ragnarok's face paled. That was quite a sight to behold... It went from red to pale pink in under 10 seconds. Vincent stood protectively near Meris, offering silent support. It was quite a while before Ragnarok was able to speak.
"You have my full attention, Meris."
"Good. I propose an alliance between us. You want Discord, I want Lucrecia and Vincent wants the clone."
Destruction had disappeared back into Vincent's body. Vincent's eyes took on a crimson sheen that Ragnarok had seen before. But now it took on a new, frightful, meaning. Meris didn't flinch when she felt the difference. She now had the confidence to present her idea. Ragnarok waited patiently for her to speak.
"I propose... a Bonding."
Vincent gasped and Ragnarok flinched. A Bonding was unheard of! The last time someone Bonded with a Demon, the mortal went insane and the Demon was declared unfit for duty. That Demon was later destroyed at his behest. Ragnarok regained her composure first and asked the question on both their minds.
"Are you out of your mind, woman!? Nobody has ever survived such a feat!"
"Meris, what are you planning to do?"
"I'm planning to trick Discord into taking over Lucrecia and leave the clone vulnerable."
They both understood immediately. Meris was very clever...
"You may have just saved the world."
"Yes, I think she did."
"Meris, your proposal is flawed and fraught with danger. But on the other hand, it's the only thing I can think of that can stop Discord and company."
"So what are you saying?"
But instead of a reply, Regnarok stood with her eyes closed. Her wings flared, covering the ground with red feathers that burst into flames on impact. They made a circle around her and Meris, excluding Vincent from what was about to happen...
*She has accepted the proposed Bonding. She is initiating the Transfer.*
**Transfer? What Transfer?**
*She is going to transfer herself into Meris. But I've never seen the Cirle of Fire before...*
**Maybe that means she's going to do something to keep Meris from going insane.**
*That is entirely possible, my friend.*
Meanwhile, Meris and Ragnarok stood in the middle of what was now a towering inferno. The flames shot skyward, blending with the ruby-toned clouds above. A translucent green curtain surrounded them, making Destruction flinch.
**What is it?**
*That is the Transfer Curtain. It's used only when the Bonding Pair are of equal power and strength.*
**Then that means...**
*That means Meris was supposed to Bond with Ragnarok all along!*
**The Prophecy!!!**
*That's the only explanation for what we're seeing!*
Retribution, Justice and Chaos appeared beside Vincent. They could not enter the circle of fire without Ragnarok's permission. Inside the circle, meanwhile, Ragnarok and Meris took each other's hands. Ragnarok began to fade, and Meris began to glow. From Ragnarok's rapidly disappearing lips came a single line.
"Powers of Light and Dark, be as one!"
Then there was a blinding flash and they were knocked to the ground. When the light cleared, Meris was lying on the ground, and Ragnarok was gone. In Meris's right hand sat a red scroll bound with a white ribbon. Vincent was the first to recover, running to Meris's side, concern darkening his gaze.
"Meris! Meris, can you hear me?"
She groaned, then struggled to sit up. He helped her, slowly and gently. She leaned against his chest, eyes closed and panting heavily. They could all hear Ragnarok's projected thought.
*She'll be all right in a little while. She just isn't used to it yet.*
Vincent muttered something under his breath, but didn't repeat it out loud at Justice's curious look. Meris caught what he'd said and smiled.
"No surprise there, dear."
But Meris was in for an unpleasant shock when she woke up the next morning... She was in jail! Her first reaction was to shove at the door, hoping they'd forgotten to lock it. The door swung open silently, giving the impression that she wasn't a prisoner. Immediately, all senses were on alert. She proceeded cautiously, eyes darting to and fro. A groan from the next cell turned her head in that direction.
"Vincent?"
"What the hell happened? I feel like I got hit by a freight train!"
She helped him out of the cell, gasping in horror at a gaping wound on his chest. Instinct prevailed and she whipped the sheet off the prisoner's cot. With deft movements of her hands, she prepared a bandage that adhered to his skin on contact. He looked down, then smiled at her.
"Why didn't you let Ragnarok heal me?"
"I didn't even think of it. I just acted on instinct."
They proceeded with caution out to the main room. There was nobody there... But they were still careful. When they reached the outer room, Meris stopped short. There were bodies everywhere! She recognized them all with a loud gasp.
"Lacey... Chief... Delaney... Jameson."
"Your men and your CO."
"Yes. Vincent, they've been here. This is a warning for us to stay away."
"Are you going to?"
"Fuck no! I'm gonna string that bitch Lucrecia up by her short and curlies!"
Vincent laughed aloud at that absurd image. So did Meris, after a moment. The laughter was genuine... It was the first real release they'd had in the last few weeks. Then, linking arms, they walked out of the police station. Meris turned slightly and the structure burst into flames.
"An honorable memorial for those who died so gruesomely. May they all find peace in the Afterlife."
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I'm baffled. Why on Earth did Meris Bond with Ragnarok? Erian doesn't know either. She's as confused as anyone could be. We're just standing there, talking about my operatives when Erian lifts her head. There's a note of displeasure that wasn't there before.
"What is it?"
"Something's wrong. Xanetia's abandoned her post in the West."
"What could possibly have happened to make her do that?"
As if in answer, Gabriel himself appears in front of us. He has the same look Erian does. He doesn't like what's going on...
"Report."
"Meris has Bonded with the Ragnarok Demoness. The clone and Lucrecia murdered everyone in Meris's squad and her commanding officer."
"Who's this beside you?"
"Sir, my name is Erian. I'm Grace's younger sister."
"Ah, the new Angel. Welcome. I'm just sorry it had to happen the way it did."
"As am I, sir. But I was able to revive Grace."
We're talking about why Meris would do what she did when the subject of our discussion comes into view. She's holding Vincent up, and he has a blood-soaked bandage on his chest... Gabriel moves over beside them and heals Vincent with a pass of his hand. Then they come over to where Erian and I are standing. Erian gets a really strange look on her face, then fades from view. Apparently, she doesn't like what she just sensed. When she tells me what she sensed, I disappear too. That just leaves Gabriel...
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Meris and Vincent were standing with Gabriel when Runithea and Erian disappeared. Meris knew damn well why they disappeared. She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.
"They know why I Bonded with Ragnarok. And they aren't happy."
"Why did you Bond with her, Meris?"
"I did it to stop Discord and his companions. It was the only way."
"Logical solution to the problem, Meris. And you're right... It was the only way. But we have another problem."
"What would that be?"
"The Archangel Xanetia has left her post in the West."
Retribution appeared, having left Justice and Chaos elsewhere. She didn't seem happy about what Gabriel had just said. But they didn't know why she was upset. Until she told them.
"Xanetia would never willingly abandon her post. I have a bad feeling about this. It isn't like her."
"What is your stake in this, Retribution?"
"I've never really told anyone this... But Xanetia is my sister."
"That explains her willingness to accept that post. But why would she leave?"
"That's just it, Gabriel. She didn't leave her post. She was removed."
"By whom?"
"I think I can answer that."
They looked over at Meris. Standing behind and slightly to the left of her was one Dr. Hojo. He lifted his face to reveal sightless, bloody eyes. He'd been blinded...
"Oh, my God. Hojo!"
"This is important. Vincent, the clone and Lucrecia want you both dead, all right. But that's not all I have to say."
"What else is there?"
"They found Ragnarok's Clock and have begun its countdown sequence."
"I will not allow them to destroy the world I helped create!"
It was Ragnarok's voice, but it came from Meris's lips. Tseng and Locke emerged from the encroaching darkness. Tseng was holding Locke up...
"Not you too..."
"We got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. There was a shootout over in the East End. Locke here nearly bit it."
Hojo went over to them using the sounds of their voices. They kept up a steady stream of chatter so he could get there safely. When Tseng saw what had happened, he gasped.
"As to who removed Xanetia, I can only tell you that he isn't what he seems to be."
Retribution puzzled over that for a long time, then her eyes widened as comprehension struck her full force like a freight train.
"Diablo!"
*Who's Diablo?*
**Diablo is a demon sorcerer who claimed to love Xanetia and Retribution equally. But he chose neither of them because they share the same power.**
*I think I get it. He can't have their power, so they can't either.*
**Precisely.**
Meris shared her observations with Vincent. He nodded concurrence, then presented the hypothesis to the crowd.
"Meris thinks he's doing this because you two share the power he covets."
"That's impossible... He knows he can't get it if we're alive."
"Maybe he's found a way to get it and still leave you alive."
"What are you saying, Tseng?"
"I'm saying he might have found a way to strip you of your powers."
Runithea and Erian came back, only to remove Locke from the scene. They wouldn't come back again.
"They don't like what we're discussing."
"You mean Runithea doesn't like it and she's decided Erian doesn't."
Nemesis reappeared with Erian at her side. Erian gave her a grateful smile.
"Erian!"
"I wanted to stay, but Runithea said it wasn't a good idea."
"We'll tell her later."
"I outrank her anyway. This is important. Xanetia mentioned something unsually cryptic in her last report."
"What did she say?"
"She made repeated references to a Rosetta Stone."
"Old Earth legend. The Rosetta Stone was believed to be a key to untold power."
"Oh, no... She thinks they found the Armageddon Stone!"
"That may be what she was talking about. She also said "Ask Vincent. He'll know." I don't understand that one whit."
"Vincent's a whiz with computers."
"That's it!"
"What's it?"
"That's how we can win! Vincent can program the Armageddon Stone into Midgar's most powerful computer!"
Vincent was overwhelmed at the project looming before him... The Armageddon Stone was so powerful it could destroy all of Midgar with power to spare. Destruction felt his uncertainty. That uncertainty fueled something deep down inside, something Vincent thought was long gone. He had the capacity for feeling, but they wouldn't be as complete as the feelings of someone who had a heart. For that was Vincent's shame... His heart had, quite literally, been torn out. The only reason he still lived was that he now had an artificial heart. But now... That something deep down welled up until he was on his hands and knees, head hanging down. Meris watched in silent confusion, wanting to go to him, but afraid to. Ragnarok nudged her feet into action, sending her to kneel beside the man she loved. When his head came up, her breath caught in her throat. On his face were signs of someone who truly felt...
"Oh, my God. He's CRYING!"
He leaned back onto his heels and caressed her cheek with his flesh and blood hand. She turned her face into his hand, eyes closing against the upswell of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. Chaos made no movement, yet there was suddenly a thick red mist surrounding the couple.
"Why?"
"They need to be alone. That was the best way to do it."
"Ah. Come, let's plan for the end of the evil."
Inside the red mist, Vincent stood and looked around. His movements were slow and eerily distorted. Meris found herself in a similar position, feeling very awkward. But the minute they touched hands, everything returned to normal. They were able to move freely, their voices sounding normal and strong.
"What is this?"
"I think it was Chaos's doing."
"I'm beginning to like that demon..."
They had a good laugh, then he tugged her in against him. She looked up at him, short of breath at the mere contact. He looked into her eyes, drawn into the depths of her soul. It seemed like he was drowning, but he wasn't anywhere near any water! She felt the same, then had an overwhelming desire to touch his chest. Her metal hand crept up and rested where his heart now beat strongly. She could feel the rhythm of his heart, a lulling, soothing sound. His metal hand rested in the same place on her chest. They stood there for what seemed like an eternity, but was only a few moments. When their arms fell to their sides, it was as if they hadn't!
"Do you...?"
"Yeah."
Their respective Demons withdrew, appearing outside the circle. Meris had never felt so alone! But there was something to take the loneliness away... A soft, soothing presence in the back of her mind. It only took her a moment to recognize it. It was Vincent! From the look in his eyes, he was in the same boat. Then his arms wound around her waist and he kissed her. They shared their first truly passionate kiss since they met in the alley. Her arms curled around his neck and he slid his tongue in past her lips. If he asked her to undress, she wouldn't say no... He lifted his head and looked down at her. Her eyes were hazy with desire...
"Tell me what you want, Meris."
"You..."
"Then you can have me."
His hands wandered all over her body, caressing and cajoling. Her breath was ragged and shallow as he did what nobody else wanted to... Touch her and make her tremble. His hand touched her in that secret place and made her whimper softly. When he heard that sound, his heart soared. He stood back and let his hands drop to his sides. She took the initiative and brushed her fingers along his chest. His soft intake of breath was all she needed to continue her hesitant journey. Her fingertips brushed the juncture of the metal and flesh on the end of his right arm, halting when his arm jerked. That was when she heard the soft sigh... Gathering her courage, she put her hand on the front of his jeans. His low groan made her smile a bit. But even with this, she was still very nervous.
"Meris?"
"Yes?"
"We don't have to keep going if you don't want to."
"I... Would you think badly of me if I wanted to stop?"
"No, sweetheart, I wouldn't."
"I'd like to... But now isn't the time."
At her words, the mist dissolved, leaving them in the room with Demons and Angels. Ragnarok and Destruction could feel the throbbing urge within their hosts and did their best to keep those fires under control. They had too much work to do to give in to the desires of the flesh now...