Chapter 25

Kk, I finally gotten around to update this. Life has been hectic what with finals and end of the year projects. I'm still drowning in homework and quizzes. R&R?

Max

"Someone get him to a healer," I shout quickly and sharply, "I'll find my Watcher for help. The rest of you, suit up and get weapons. You too, Ari." I fly quickly to Saunders's office. He's not there and I panic for half a second before my mind cleared. Where would Saunders be?

Try the Library, the Voice advises and for once, I'm thankful for it. Your Watcher is looking up the records from the last War, under "T" for "Tactics".

Thank you, I think back, already following the Voice's directions.

The moment I stepped into the Library, I smelled musty old parchment. Angels of Knowledge looked at me and dismissed me just as quickly, because I was guardian and considered to be a speck of dust on their immaculate feet. They all seem to rush around today, despite their usual slow, wise strides. They're all probably gathering information for the Throne.

The Library is huge. I haven't been in here, ever. I don't bother myself with things like this and the angels who preside over the Library would kick me out if they ever find me in here.

T, T, T, T, I scan the huge room. I fly up and down the ceiling high shelves, looking for Saunders. Come on, I urge. Finally, his brown haired mop appears. He studies the shelves, scanning for something.

"Saunders!" I cry, knowing full well that I should be quiet but failing in my attempt. He looks startled until he sees me. Saunders gives me a disapproving frown. I stop myself from rolling my eyes as I lower my head in respect, "Saunders, sir," I grit my teeth and bow. We were in a crisis. Was it really necessary that we go through the motions?

"What do you need, Maximum?" I hate how calm his voice is.

"A messenger was sent from 31. They're under attack, sir," I raise my head, which was supposed to offend him except for the fact that he looks like a ghost. I'd hoped he'd immediately snap into action and call for a messenger to the throne to get the forces ready now, but he began spouting "what-if" s and "how can this happen" s?

"What does this mean?" he ponders, dropping all of the texts in his hand.

Max, the Voice warns cautiously but I've had enough. My temper has finally erupted. My eyes narrow and I push Saunders against the wood of the shelf. Years of staying in Heaven and peacefulness made him weak and I despaired for a second for the rest of the angels before my impatience flared back to life.

"I could care less about protocol right now," I snarl into his face, "But our brothers and sisters are dying in 31 because we can't get help! I don't care if it's impossible! If a messenger came all the way from 31, it must be true. Stop thinking and start doing! Call the Watchers and gather an army, send messengers to the Throne and other districts. Now!"

Saunders seemed at a loss for words before he flies off to the Meeting Room. I lean up against the bookshelf and exhale, but the sinking feeling in my chest just didn't go away.

Fang

I couldn't find Max anywhere. Not at the Offices, not in Assignments, not in Training, no where! And it frustrated me. The Flock was already at the Emergency Militia quarters, suiting up for combat. How did these Earthborns learn to fight? Suddenly, Fable appeared at the doorway of the room, her eyes are intense and urgent.

"31 is under attack!" she cries, but then she sees us already in battle-armor. We all stare at her and she awkwardly nods, "Can you all fight?"

We smirk at one another and nod, even little Angel who smiles deviously. This unnerves Fable, "Our soldiers will all be here in a minute to help with tactics and strategy."

My smirk grows. What do a bunch of angels who have never been in combat, never been in Hell, and never even seen a demon since the last War know about War? The Flock is stronger than all of them combined.

Suddenly, Max's brown-blonde curls flashes in the doorway behind Fable. I resist the urge to wrap my arms around her and kiss her one last time.

She looks at the Flock, refusing to meet my eyes, "Ready?"

We all nod.

Max

21's army and the Flock flew into 31. I led the army, because Saunders requested it. That surprised me. Adrenaline pumped through my veins from the responsibility on my shoulders. I'd already sent a messenger dove to Rome for Titus. His army is being prepared as the army flies to 31.

I sneak a glance at Fang, whose eyes never leave my face. I look quickly away. I don't want to lose him. We've been through everything together. We survived the last War together, but it's different this time, and people are going to die!

No! I shake my head to clear out the foreboding thoughts. I won't think about this now, I chanted over and over.

It turns out that though 31 were under attack, the demons couldn't get in. I could see the demons try as they pounded against the portal. The portal is made to keep them out and it's doing a good job so far, I just wonder how long it can last. Groups of angels were already there trying to fix the portal as the demons broke it.

I see Lucifer, at the head of the attack, his magic and power swirling around him like a hazy, sluggish fog. It curls at the portal's barrier, poisoning it. I could almost see the barrier getting weaker and weaker. I fly right into fray, my face visible to Lucifer.

He seems surprised when he sees my face but smile and continues eating away at the barrier.

"Not here, Lucifer," I tell him firmly. This little girl has grown up. I'm no longer his follower, and he's no longer my idol and I won't ever fall into his spell again. Fang folds his wings behind me. I can now recognize his wing strokes. I smile in my head.

"Then, where, little rose? Tell me, where is a better place to attack than in the heart of the enemy?" Lucifer smirks slyly. That's a demon's inner thoughts for you, always cheating.

"I name the battlefield," I order. He raises an eyebrow but steps back. The demons around him notice and pull back immediately. He motions for me to go on.

"Kalnyem Plains," I close my eyes and think of the slightly mountainous terrain of a place I used to run away to in Rome. It was perfect for angels; we would have the advantage of flight, and flat enough for Titus's army to maneuver well. There were a few rivers than ran through the plains, and that would limit the demon's ability as well. I'd already told Titus to meet us there. Poor Andrea, I hope she's not too scared.

Lucifer studies me very carefully then grins. "Kalnyem Plains," he repeats and slowly, the demons dissipate back into the portal.

"Fix the portal," I say grimly, plucking yet another one of my down feathers from my wings. It turns into a dove and I send it directly to the Throne.

The last War wasn't quite so terrifying. I hover slightly in front of Titus, fully corporeal to him and his soldiers. The Roman Army was actually pretty impressive, for humans. Legions of angels from Heaven hovered above us and I could tell it gave the soldiers hope and a sense of tranquility.

"I hope you aren't scared, Titus," I whisper in his ear and he frowns at me. When did he become so serious? Where was the carefree boy that didn't want anything to do with the Empire? He grew up, just like me. He's too serious now.

Then the demons came. It wasn't like the last war, angel to angel. These were demons. True, pure, evil-hearted dark demons and they came in a swarm. A huge black billowing cloud signaled their arrival. In the cloud there were faces, twisted in rage, in anticipation, and in bloodlust. Some of the faces were too ugly to look at, and I saw the humans recoil. They were Rome's army, and they were scared. I've never thought I'd see this day. They shuffle uncomfortably as the demons grow nearer. The hairs on the back of my neck spike up too.

Something in the front and center of the cloud rises up before the others and the smoke swirls around him for a second. Lucifer's golden face appears from the darkness and then the rest of him until the fog around him disappears. Lucifer. He really knows how to make an entrance.

He winks at me. I stiffen and Fang drops down by my side, like he's my guardian angel.

"Maximum Ride," his booming voice calls from across the field, "We have come to take our rightful place."

I square my shoulders, "We are ready."

Behind me, the assembled armies of 31, 30, 25, 21, 17 and 14, the Roman army, and the Flock all cheered in unison.

Yes, no? Sorry I couldn't update, hope y'all don't hate me now. Love how I'm talking in southern when I'm not southern at all. And I'm sorry I disappointed everyone with the last chapter, I know it was short...Reviews? Thank ye! Nirringrazzjak (Maltese)