Disclaimer: (see chapter 1)

Chapter 2

"What the hell is going on here? Why isn't she waking up?! And who the hell are you?" The moment Father Keirnan entered the living room, Erik's questions smothered him.

"Erik, please…let the man sit down first." Marie scolded him.

"His reaction is perfectly understandable, Ma'am." Keirnan replied, but Marie corrected him. Instead of sitting, he knelt at Angel's form and proceeded to check over her, much to Erik's protests. "She is fine." Keirnan then proceeded to wake her while he addressed Meg, "Be a dear and fetch some day clothes for her."

"Is he still in there?" She apprehensively asked.

"No, child. He escaped out the window." Keirnan assured her and Meg left the room. Angel let out a moan as her eyes fluttered open. She didn't appear perplexed at the sight of the priest, but kept her gaze locked onto him. To Marie he requested, "I shall need a bit of juice for her." Marie nodded and quickly left to carry it out.

"Are you going to send me off to fetch something?" Erik chimed in.

"Very observant. But no." Keirnan chuckled. Angel tried to sit up and when Erik moved to set her back down, Keirnan shook his head at the man. "Hello, Angel. Do you remember me?"

Angel studied him for a moment and almost shook her head no. Marie returned with a small glass of orange juice. Keirnan took it and held it to Angel's lips. She eagerly drank a few sips before rejecting the rest. "Father…Keirnan?" She finally spoke, somewhat surprised to see him after so long. Keirnan nodded with a small smile. Angel then turned her gaze to Erik. "He's a friend, Erik. My friend."

"A friend." Erik dumbly repeated.

"I suppose I will have to explain things." Keirnan tilted his head at Angel. Meg returned then with some clothes.

"Sorry it took so long." Meg breathlessly interjected. Keirnan took the clothes and sent Angel off into the privacy of the dining room to change. The crowd in the living room was silent until Angel returned—with a bowl of cereal in hand.

"Sorry, I was hungry." She replied to the stares at her. She slid onto the cushion next to Erik, resting against him as she ate. Angel nodded at Keirnan to start.

"Angel's life was mapped out for her BEFORE she was born." He turned to Erik briefly, "The man in your room was Reece Atkins. When he was Angel's age, he stumbled onto the land of a foreign backwater tribe."

Angel spoke up then, "He was looking for them."

"What?" Keirnan glanced over to her.

"He didn't stumble." She shoved another spoonful of cereal into her mouth, chewed and swallowed before continuing. "Five years before then, he stumbled across information about them. He quickly took to their teachings and since then, he began his search for them."

Angel nodded then, for him to continue. "Well, when he found them, he learned of their prophecy."

Angel seemingly stopped eating then. If Erik didn't take the bowl from her and set it on the coffee table, it would have spilt all over her. "Basically, the prophecy was just bullshit about having power over celestial beauty. But what would you expect from a backwater tribe. Reece was the first in seven hundred years to obtain such a level. When I was born, I was gifted with the power of expression—whether it is my voice, my looks or my words. That is what makes me exceptional at my profession." She paused then, staring at Keirnan.

Keirnan misread the look as the cue to continue. But the moment he opened his mouth, Angel angrily stomped to her feet, grabbed her bowl and stormed from the room.

"What was that about?" Meg shyly asked.

"She still desires to deny it."

"The prophecy?" Marie asked.

Keirnan shook his head, "She was gifted and cursed."

Marie and Meg's eyes knowingly went to Erik. "Well, that's ironic." He replied.

"What's ironic?" Keirnan was the confused one now.

"I am gifted with my intelligence, and cursed with my appearance." He gazed away sadly before turning back to Keirnan. "What's her curse?"

"Reece has power over her. Say what you want, protest it all you can…but it is undeniable." Keirnan gazed off into the direction Angel stormed off, before lowering his voice, "A look or a touch between them, and everything else ceases to matter." He glanced at Erik. "I'm sure you noticed. You were completely forgotten in an instant. All she wanted was him."

"My god!" Marie's hand flew to her mouth at the horridness of it all.

"Exactly, Marie." Keirnan assured her. "The day she hit puberty, was the day she dropped off the face of the Earth. I'm sure Reece had a hell of a time trying to find her—or at least until she started appearing on public screens across the world." He sighed and stood up. "I have to cut this little revelation short, but I have to go and warn my fellow brethren." Keirnan bid his goodbyes and left the house.

"Wait, we still weren't explained just how dangerous her power is!" Meg chimed up after the priest left. Marie sighed, pushing herself to go about the day.

"Meg, my dear, you are going to be late for dance class."

"Ohmigosh!" Meg wailed and dashed up the stairs to get her bag.

"Erik…" Marie waited till she hand the man's attention. "Will you be fine while we're gone?"

He nodded, "I'll be ok."

"Don't forget, you offered her a ride to the studio." Marie reminded.

Erik sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I know." He exited the room in search of Angel. He found her sitting on the stairs. Erik knelt down to her, but felt her edge away from him. This was the only time he willingly discarded his mask—hoping that the action would calm her as it had done many times before. But she refused to look at him to see what he did. Feeling slightly annoyed, he deliberately set the mask in her line of sight. Only then did she blink.

Slowly she turned to him, reaching for him. Erik pulled her into his arms, loving her lips against his deformity. She only graced him with a few kisses before settling into his embrace. "We have to get going now, Erik. Mr. Pauline will be furious if I'm late again." Erik heaved a sigh in remembered the angered director and pulled away from her. Angel handed his mask back to him.

Andrew paced the hallway outside of the Chancellor's office. A whole five minutes ticked by before the Chancellor's assistant bid him entry. "Andrew. You've returned so soon?" Chancellor Araphim Cheyvon strode over to Andrew in surprise. Both men shook hands and Andrew sat in the chair offered to him. Araphim resumed his seat across from Andrew.

"He has already made contact."

"This is most upsetting." Araphim folded his hands together in distress. "You were there to intervene I hope."

"Of course. I know I was only sent to observe her."

"No. We are grateful that you acted the way you did, Andrew." Araphim stared deep at Andrew, hoping to convey the sincerity. "Can we trust the company she keeps?"

"I'm certain we can. The man she is with appears to care for her deeply." Andrew nodded.

"I can only assume they know now." Araphim sighed.

"Her lover was with her when Reece made his appearance. It was only fair that I should let them know."

"Oh good heavens!" Araphim exclaimed. "Well, we have no choice but to assign her guardians."

"May I request to be one of the guardians?" Andrew asked hopefully.

"Normally, I should deny such a request with your history with her. But I have a feeling that she will need the comfort of your presence Andrew. She did take an immediate liking to you when we first brought her here." Araphim thought loudly.

Andrew bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Your Grace." He raised his head, "May I inquire who the other two guardians will be?"

"I trust you enough Andrew. I was thinking I should assign Finn and Tobias. What do you think?" Araphim questioned.

"Finn and Tobias are excellent choices. We will not let you down."

"It is her that you should not let down." Araphim waved Andrew off then, "I shall leave it to you to inform Tobias and Finn." Andrew stood then to go meet with the other two men. He found them together in the mess hall enjoying a light breakfast.

"Father Keirnan!" Tobias exclaimed upon seeing the older man and calling out respectfully to him.

Andrew took a seat at their table. "I was assigned by the Chancellor to inform you that both of you will be joining me as guardians for our Little One."

Finn nearly choked on his drink then. "US?!" Andrew motioned for the man to keep his voice down. He nodded at them.

Tobias looked up gravely, "This means only one thing." Looking at Andrew confirmed it for him.

"Well I have been eager to meet her." Finn calmly added. "Where are we meeting her?"

"We will join them for dinner and explain your presence there at that time." Andrew rose from his chair. "Until then, you both should prepare. I believe there will be some roughage ahead of us, but we cannot afford to fail." Both men nodded, leaving the mess hall moments after Andrew.

Mr. Pierre Pauline clasped his hands together in delight, "Ah graciousness!" He quickly unclasped them in time to wrap his arms around Angel. "Angel, my dear, are you ready to start the day?"

Angel smiled, despite that she knew Erik wasn't by her side. He had hung back, still somewhat uneasy around the presence of others. Yet he remained close by in case of trouble. She nodded at the director, "I'm always ready, Pierre."

"Good…good!" He ushered her to the set. Angel glanced amusingly back to Erik, to show him that she was fine and well watched over. Erik nodded his consent and made his way over to the food table. She had eaten, slightly, but he had not.

Angel was quickly ushered through makeup and wardrobe before diving into the filming of today's scenes. She had read the script and this particular scene was recalled quite easily. Every single one of her lines was eagerly ready to be spoken. All of her cues and actions were itching to be shown. Angel was a well demanded actress by Hollywood and it was all due to her prophesized power. It had frightened her at first, but over time, using it for her profession quickly became second nature. Yet she had to remain careful. Too much of it and she could turn entire throngs of people at her feet, obsessively willing to commit such evil in order to please her. She knew that is what Reece wanted to bring her too. If he controlled her, then he controlled everything.

So lost in thought she was, that she hadn't realized that the filming day was nearing its' end. She shook herself free from the automations that she had slipped into. Pierre approached her in ecstasy. "My dear! Simply…amazing! You are definitely a gift from the Heavens!"

Angel simply smiled at him. She didn't have the heart to tell him otherwise. Erik approached her then. He was now aware of such a thing, after the conversation with the priest earlier that morning. "Angel?"

She turned to him. "It's alright Erik. There is no harm in using it just a little." He was confused by what she said. She just shook her head at him, realizing that Andrew never got to the part to discuss with them what exactly her gift was. "Let's just go home. Marie should have dinner waiting for us."

They quickly said goodbye to Pierre and the others and Erik led her back to their chauffeured ride. Once inside, Erik finally spoke again. "He is wrong." Angel had her head rested on his shoulder tiredly, but his words jolted her upright.

"Andrew?"

"Pierre." Erik corrected. "You aren't amazing. You're magnificent. And so in love am I that I just had to get you this…" Erik shifted slightly to reach for a small box on his other side. He brought it into view and held it out for her to take it.Angel eyed the small black carpeted box in wonderment. Finally she reached for it and eagerly opened it. The object inside brought tears to her eyes. "Oh no, don't cry yet my dear!" Erik alarmingly reacted. He took the glittering ring and set the box aside before reaching for her left hand. Gently he slid the sparkling diamond onto the appropriate finger. "It may only have been four years, but to me it feels like I've known you for lifetimes." He stared deeply into her eyes, "Angel, please do me the honor. Would you be my wife?" There was silence following his question. "Angel?"

"Yes…" She finally whispered. She brought her eyes to him and let the tears fall again. He pulled her into his arms, letting his own tears fall. A moment later, she leaned back, bringing her hand up to eye level. Angel rotated her hand slightly and beamed just as bright as the sparkles on the diamond. Her voice was breathless as she spoke again, "God, Erik…it's gorgeous." Her study of the ring was interrupted as his face drew near hers. Lips met lips in the most passionate of unions ever!

Meg was tired from rehearsals. Her legs slightly ached as she maneuvered closer to the door. "I'm coming!" She answered to the knocking on the door. Her mother was busy setting the table, leaving her to answer the door. Meg opened the door to find the priest from that morning along with two other men.

"Pardon the intrusion, M'lady, but we were wondering if we could join you for dinner. I apologize for such short notice." Andrew spoke. Marie came into the room then.

"Let them in, Meg. I'll set three more places. Please, gentlemen, come in from the cold." Marie waved them in before disappearing again.

Meg stepped aside and let them in, taking their coats in the process. "You can just sit at the couch. If you're here to see Angel, she should be home soon."

"Thank you, Megan." Andrew spoke again. Meg left the room to hang the coats up. Andrew turned to his companions. "Such a nice little family, wouldn't you agree?"

Tobias and Finn nodded. Marie entered the room again with a tray carrying three cups. "I thought you'd like some tea before dinner…to warm yourselves up with."

Tobias replied this time, "Thank you, Ma'am." They each reached for their respective cups, discovering that the tea was honey flavored.

They all then heard a car gliding up the driveway. Marie looked over to the window, "That must be them now." A ding from the kitchen pulled Marie's attention. "The roast must be finished." Just as Marie left the room, Erik and Angel sauntered through the front door. They were lost in a passionate kiss, not realizing the company they had.

Andrew coughed and got their attention. "Oh gosh." Angel blushed heavily. "Father Keirnan!" She disentangled from Erik and courtesly approached the priest. "Please forgive us for our rude display."

Andrew waved it off, "Think nothing of it." He smiled warmly at her before motioning to his companions. "Angel, I'd like you to meet Father Bennett…" He pointed to Tobias, then to Finn, "…and Father Rashad." Angel came over and politely shook their hands. But she knew why they were here.

"My guardians?" She glanced for affirmation from Andrew, who nodded surprisingly. "Araphim slipped once that I would have them someday."

"Oh." Andrew motioned for her to sit next to him. "Well then you know we have much to discuss." Before moving, Angel glanced to Erik. He saw in her eyes that this was a private matter and took faith that she would share with him later.

"I'll see how Marie is fairing with dinner." He announced absently before leaving the room.

Tobias leaned forward then, "Father Andrew told us that he made contact already." Angel grimaced. She knew this had to be done, but she hated how this intruded on her previous happy moment.

"Yes." She simply replied.

"Well, thank God that Father Andrew was there this morning…" Finn added.

"He showed before then." Angel interrupted.

"What?" Andrew shot in.

"Last night. Meg brought over a dinner guest…it was him."

Tobias motioned the Sign of the Cross and muttered, "Heaven help us." Angel shot a look to him but said nothing.

"I suppose you are now going to berate me for foolishly committing to my profession." She sighed.

"That cannot be helped. It is a much needed outlet for you." Andrew replied. "Chancellor Cheyvon told us early on that he approved."

"He did?" Angel was surprised.

"He mentioned that as foolish as it might be…that he was at least glad you had accepted your gift and sought to practice it."

Angel understood then. Better to master it foolishly, then to not master it at all. She was about to speak again, but Marie's voice interrupted them, "Dinner is ready!" Angel noticed the tray and grabbed it as she led her new guardians to the dining room. Once they were all seated, she introduced them to her family.

To Be Continued...