Part 6: Betrayal

Silently, Shinichiro Tachibana patrolled the stretch of hallway surrounding the hotel room where Chiaki was being held. Suddenly, he turned a corner, and there she was. "Sub-General Azariel Celeste." He acknowledged her presence warily.

Though he had always found Othello's second in command rather attractive, with her long auburn hair, slim figure, and deep, cobalt blue eyes, at the same time, something about her had always troubled him. Something in the back of his mind always seemed to go into a panic when she was around. Still, he couldn't help staring at her as she approached.

"Ah, Minister Tachibana, good to see you." She smiled that strangely seductive smile and looked him in the eyes, "You still watching the child?"

Tachibana squirmed, he hated that smile; so seductive and sly all at once. "Yes, why?"

Nodding, she produced a small tray, "I'm to give her some food."

Sighing heavily, he stood aside and gestured down the hall, "Sixth room on your left, number's 777."

She smiled again, "Thanks." Turning away, she started down the hall until she finally turned into Chiaki's room. As she disappeared, Tachibana breathed an involuntary sigh of relief.

Stepping into Chiaki's room, Azariel breathed a sigh of relief, the hardest part of the mission was already over. She had gotten into the room. "Now for Phase Two," she muttered. Making a small incision on her finger, she watched as the blood came first in droplets, then in a steady stream as it formed the small summoning circle she needed. As the last drop of blood hit the ground, she began her incantation:

"I, Azariel Celeste,

daughter of the blue flame

call to my side

Ororon, King of Shadows,

Keeper of the black flame.

I call thee to my side

through bond of blood

and likeness of mind,

Ororon Gem Farrele."

Suddenly, there was a flash of black flame, and Ororon appeared, "Azariel, what are you doing?"

Azariel gathered her sister up in her arms and passed her to Ororon, "I said I'd do everything in my power to protect you two, but do me a favor."

Ororon tilted his head, "What?"

The fallen angel sighed, "Do not leave until five minutes after I am gone, and when you do leave, make it flashy. If you leave too soon after I do, they'll know I helped, and I'll be executed."

Ororon nodded, "Very well, good luck."

Azariel smiled painfully, "You too." And with that, she was gone.