My dearest guardian angel, to whom His love,
Commits me here, ever this day be at my side,
To light and to guard
To rule and to guide
After watching the angels fly away without any words, Malcolm was beside himself. Seething with anger, he allowed his demon side to take control and he released his demonic powers. Everything was going according to plan so perfectly until some idiotic pests came by and throw it all away. The irritated Demon Lord opened his wings to take flight, but his instincts shouted at him to dodge left. He almost got smacked by a flying hammer that belonged only to one person.
"Where'd you think you're going?" Lavi spat, retrieving his hammer and blocking the path. The Black Order clan stood closely by his side with their own magical weapons at the ready, their demon eyes was of rose-red.
Malcolm's animalistic urge to rip everyone and anything apart that stood against his way was overwhelming, but he wisely held himself back as he watched the Black Order clan revving for a battle that was –unfortunately- not to come. In retrospect, he was outnumbered, regardless that he knew that he could take everyone out in a single swipe of his demon sword. Yet, he knew that he had to keep to himself until the final act.
With a dark sneer, Malcolm enveloped himself in his shadows and vowed patiently to the growling demons before disappearing, "our fight isn't here. We shall meet again; you can count on that,"
Lavi stopped his demons' advance with a wave of his hand, knowing all too well that Malcolm's escape magic was unstoppable when initiated. The vexed Demon Lord glared at the spot where Malcolm had stood with disgust as if the place had insulted him personally, but his mind was thinking of somewhere else entirely different. He swallowed his demonic compulsion to chase after the escaped prey and spoke out his thoughts, "Why now? Why use children in the first place?"
Bookman stepped forward with an assumption, "since children are pure-hearted and untainted, they might have a direct link to the angels. So when Malcolm kidnapped the children, the angels would be alerted straightaway… Like beacons to ships,"
Lavi wasn't satisfied one bit, his frown not easing away from his darkened face. Something doesn't add up. Something that even I myself can't see.. Lavi walked around as he continued to ponder, his shadowy wings blurring in and out with blackness, "If that's the case… Why didn't he just kill the angels when he had the chance?"
Before anyone could answer, Lavi's mind was pierced with a screeching noise.
"LAVI!" Allen's alarmed cry shot through Lavi like a notched arrow. Through Timcampy, Allen's voice sounded distorted as if the angel was calling from a live warzone, "Come to the Church of Angels! Now! Quickly, the de-"
The abrupt ending of Allen's message snapped Lavi into two. With a mighty roar, he rose into the sky and flew straight ahead using all the speed that he had. He was comforted by the fact that his Black Order clan was taking everything in stride and followed his lead without doubting. But Lavi knew that it was only a miniscule comfort compared to the burdening worry that he now carried. Allen!
Even when they hadn't reached the main church, they could sense the enormous amount of demonic energy that surrounded the entire area like a black plague. The holy seal that covered the angels' territory was visibly shattered, the huge holes looked like broken glasses and the magical symbols were blinking out of existence. There were shrieks and cries of flying demons and the growling of charging monsters on the ground, their lust for battle and blood polluted the air heavily. It was a bloody battleground, and they weren't even inside the capital yet!
As Black Order flew nearer to their destination, they saw many beings locked in battle. Demons were fighting furiously with angels, their stance never backing down and never giving the other inches. The reddened sky was splattered with bolts of white and black, marking everything with their magical power.
Lavi and the others fought their way through, surprising some demons and taking out their lives without mercy. Seeing the familiar demons that stood by their side, some angels shot straight down and covered their backs with their own wings. "Get to the Church! We'll take care of things here!"
The demons didn't have time to say their thanks before they were shoved out of the way. Lavi continued to make his way to the Church together with his fast-paced clan, the angels attacking demons who wanted to stop their journey. He dearly wished to join the fight with the angels, knowing that his fighting skills would greatly lend a hand towards the holy beings. But he cannot concentrate in fighting because his spirit felt restless. There was only one balm of reassurance that could ease Lavi right now, and Lavi had to find him before he went insane!
Lavi pushed open the Church's massive doors to reveal several injured humans scattered on the tiled floors. Everyone able was rushing up and down the gigantic blue hall, carrying rolls of bandages or buckets of clean water and ragged cloths. The air of sickness was thick in the hall; the curtain of gloom covered the holistic area so dreadfully. The demons carefully walked their way along the hall, avoiding contact with the healer angels and murmuring priests.
"Lavi!" A musical voice called out, giving Lavi a sudden sense of calm and tranquillity.
Lavi turned around only to be attack-hugged by a small angel that only reached his broad shoulders, the angel's white wings curling around them both as if in disbelief that the person was physically here. Lavi felt his demonic rage melting like butter when Allen's sweet scent filtered his sense of smell and he returned to his normal form within seconds of the cool embrace.
"What happen?" Lavi spoke worryingly, unconsciously nuzzling Allen's soft, silver hair.
Allen released Lavi from the hug, but held loosely onto the Demon Lord's waist, "I don't know.."
Tyki made his appearance to the pair by explaining as clearly as he could, "As soon as we put our children down into Allen's territory, we sensed the seal here breaking apart. We came here as soon as we can, but there were already demons everywhere! We had to separate and defend against this invasion,"
Although Tyki looked as regal and noble as ever, a seasoned warrior like Lavi could see that the surprise intrusion of demons had taken its toll on him. Tyki's voice wavered just slightly, barely detectable to those who do not know what to look for. But Lavi knew that sound; whatever Tyki had faced out there in the battlefield, it had taken the angel hard. Not to mention that he, along with the spearhead angels, had just flown from Malcolm's paralysing trap without recuperating.
"But Lavi-" Allen's voice whispered. The angel looked down as if saddened by his silent thoughts, "-Father's people. Our children. They're…"
Lavi immediately hated Allen's tone. He had never liked the angel's helpless tone and he would never like it. He tilted Allen's downcast face upwards and pecked the shivering angel on the forehead as reverently as a priest kissing the cross, "It's alright. The Black Order is here to help. You guys heal yourselves first; we'll handle those demons!"
"Ah, Lavi!" Allen called out, but the tall Demon Lord had already made his way out of the church as he called out orders for his demon followers. He had not meant for Lavi to help them, but the Demon Lord took the responsibility smoothly. Allen couldn't help but feel glad that Lavi was here for them; having his best friend here was such a great comfort that his energy began reviving itself the moment he laid eyes on him. For the first time that night, Allen allowed himself to smile for himself before returning to work.
~.~
"Woah!" Lavi jumped backwards to avoid a slicing sword. With precise rhythm, he knocked the demon down and continued onto the next opponent. Row after row, Lavi and the others took down countless demons from his path. Alas, for every one that Lavi killed, three would take its place. It was beginning to get tiresome.
A booming voice that could shake mountains tore through the stricken battleground, "You're going to die here, Lavi! Bow down before me!"
Lavi instantly summoned his demon armour once again, feeling his wings covered with swirling shadows and his deep-dark halo floated above his head. Demon Lord Lavi burst out his demon powers as his hammer felled numerous demons around him. The newly awakened Demon Lord thundered out with an equally menacing voice, "Who's gonna make me? YOU?! Don't make me laugh!"
The Black Order clan doubled their efforts as Malcolm led another giant wave of demons of higher class to attack them. Lavi severed many as they tried to push forward, their backs facing the Church's ancient walls. He grunted when he felt a demon sword slicing through his wings, but the damage was minimal compared to the damage that he himself inflicted upon the unlucky demon. Any demons that stood too close to the wrathful Demon Lord Lavi and his Black Order clan were mercilessly cut down. The Black Order clan was infamous in Hell not only in name, but also in deed. To them, these oncoming demons were more of big nuisances than powerful challenges. Yet, they came in plentiful numbers.
Quantity soon overweighed quality as the Black Order clan began to realise that they were backing up against the Church's doors. Step by wicked step, the demons were advancing steadily towards the Church of Angels, their battle spirit rearing their ugly head and they redoubled their efforts. There was only so much that only a handful of experienced demon fighters can do to defend the wounded inside the Church. Lavi released a frustrated growl as he pushed stubbornly, not falling for Malcolm's victorious taunts and leading his clan confidently against the clash, "BRING IT, TRASH!" Lavi cursed as he waved his hammer to cast lightning, helping the fallen Lenalee up and closing in around his clan members. If I have to die here, I'll die fighting!
However, when the next demon attacked straight on, the demon was struck by an arrow fallen from the sky. A new voice echoed with nobility and determination, "JUDGEMENT KNIGHTS, ATTACK!"
Rains of arrows followed the air before a battalion of charging angels joined the fray with holistic weapons and hardened wings. With the added amount of power, the revived angels managed to push the shock demons aside and recovered ground. Saint Tyki Mikk shot through the sky and cut every demon's wings without wasting energy or breath, his angelic powers were too much for the weakling demons to handle. The Judgement Knights' black armour painted the battlefield black even more, but their beautiful white wings betrayed their position all too well. Judgement Knights were the very personification of mastery and warfare, their every movements calculated and persecuted without delay or hesitation.
Taking part in the assault once more, Lavi saw an injured angel charging towards a couple of readied demons. He wanted to shout out a warning, but the resilient angel attacked the demons full force and swung his righteous sword at the cocky demons. In Lavi's amazement, the sword shone brightly and killed the laughing demons right away.
Looking around, Lavi saw the angels being surrounded by shining light and glittering stars. Yet the angels continued their combat without batting an eye or stopping for a moment. Then, Lavi recognised the aura. The awesome aura was bursting with power and energy, making Lavi feel like he had just taken a cooling dip into a refreshing river. Everywhere, the angel warriors fought fearlessly as they were boosted by their angelic brethren. The healing magic rekindled the warriors' strength as they battled on. Then, Lavi saw them; the elegant Holy Guardians standing by the side while their healing powers worked miracles on the wearied angels. Their white armour glowed serenely as they supported the fighters without restrain, heightening their capabilities and skills to the maximum capacity.
As the Holy Guardians heal and protect, so does the Judgement Knights attack and guard.
Two sides of angels working together in perfect harmony to make the perfect symphony of God's seraphic army. Unstoppable, unbreakable, undefeatable.
Feeling revitalised, Lavi took to the sky and attacked the frenzied Demon Lord, "MALCOLM!"
Malcolm accepted the challenge right away, revelling on the bloodlust that was visibly in the very air that they breathed in. He swung his sword expertly, but Lavi moved to the back to avoid the deadly attack. He brought his magic hammer high up to send a blast of lightning against Malcolm's defenceless back, but the Demon Lord had anticipated the move and used his sharpened wings to slice Lavi's left leg, his powerfully black wings hard enough to break Lavi's armour.
Lavi jolted back as he felt his blood flowing free from his leg, but he kept his fighting stance against Malcolm in their sky battle. The wound was not closing due to Malcolm's malicious magic, but Lavi found himself not caring as he carried on his battle. He was losing a lot of blood as he swung his hammer to hit Malcolm in the arm. He quickly retreated a distance away, but Lavi held his ground as he defended against the now-attacking Demon Lord who was Hell-bent on sending him to death. Lavi had to do something fast, before he lost consciousness or be killed by Malcolm!
"Heavenly Scales!" Allen's voice shouted out in a passionate tone.
A golden magic circle popped from below Lavi and Malcolm, the duo taken aback at the intruding magic. Then, magic chains wrapped around Malcolm's body and the Demon Lord yelled in pain and agonising terror. Lavi's circle moved upwards as Malcolm's chains continued to absorb energy from him and transported the stolen energy into Lavi's own body. Lavi felt recovered as the magic circle finished its work, his leg was no longer bleeding and his spirit already energised for another round of combat. Malcolm's circle dissipated as soon as the Demon Lord had no more vitality to offer, leaving the Demon Lord weakened and distraught.
"You don't belong here, Malcolm. Leave this holy place!" Allen called out. The Holy Guardian was dressed in white armour with golden patterns from the shoulders up to the bottom toes, his silvery head decorated with a pearl head chain that had a small, delicate cross in the centre. Allen's wings were also covered with a light sheet of armour, the ends dangling with tinkling bells as the angel walked gracefully along the bloodied ground. Just the very presence of Allen gave Lavi renewed vigour and fire.
Lavi inwardly pumped his fist in the air before returning to fight against the Demon Lord once more. He felt Allen expanding his powers as he kept his attacks constant, giving him greater strength and defence that he had never had before. It felt like Lavi was in dire need of an upgrade and Allen was the key to his ultimate form.
Although Malcolm was heavily damaged by Allen's balancing spell, he vehemently fought with everything that he had. When he discovered that this restored Lavi was too strong for him at the moment, Malcolm fled away using the remains of his measly powers.
"Get back here, you scumbag!" Lavi hissed, giving chase to the flying Demon Lord.
"LAVI!"
Lavi turned back to see that he had left Allen alone and defenceless. There was a demon flying towards the angel, the opponent swinging his sword wildly. Allen tried to run away, but he tripped down and he hardened his wings for the sword attack that was to come his way. Lavi's mind came to a full stop as the demon charged at an unarmed Allen. With a burst of speed, Lavi tried his best to fly back and save Allen, "ALLEN!" But the demon was already bringing his sword down to end Allen's life.
The demon sword didn't make contact with the angel, but landed hard on a solid surface instead. Allen gasped as his golden gauntlet had transformed into a magnificent shield; the solid golden surface was small in size with a red jewel in the middle, but the glowing magic that surrounded the solidity was unpiercable. The shield itself was stunning as its intricate designs decorated its outer surface. What made Allen looked twice was that his newly-obtained shield had small yet dazzling wings that struck familiarity in his mind.
"T-Timcampy?"
Bet you didn't see that coming! haha If you want to see how Timcampy's shield!form is, just look for Mihile from Maplestory. I had inspiration from his shield, it's magnificent! I love writing about these kind of war scenes where both demons and angels take their place, it's breath-taking if you have the imagery inside your head. I'm trying my best to show you the said imagery, so I do hope I was successful! I love the Judgement Knights and Holy Guardians specifically, probably because they're beautiful beings in action. Here's what I thought about these angels:
Judgement Knights are the fighters of Heaven. To light and to guard is their part of the holy prayer (PS It's an actual church prayer and it's one of my favourite prayers to say during my troubled times). They have limited healing skills, but they're trained especially to fight and counterattack demons. They're more agile and powerful than their Holy Guardians brethren because they move around more often to avoid incoming attacks. They wear black armour not to show their past-rebellion against Father's wishes, but because they are able to camouflage better during the nights where they have to hunt down demons in the dark. But their killing intent has to be restrained constantly, in case they turn bloodthirsty and go rogue. So, to soothe their warrior souls, they depend on their Holy Guardians heavily.
This is where the Holy Guardians come in, with their prayer part as to rule and to guide. Unlike their stronger counterpart, the Holy Guardians emphasize their healing abilities much more than their fighting skills. As a result, they are able to cure even the most dangerous diseases and bring longevity to those who are blessed by their Father. They also have the power to enhance a person's current skills, maximising their power and utilising everything that that person has. Unlike the Judgement Knights who has a protective and strong aura, the Holy Guardians would make even the loneliest person feel happy just by standing next to them. They wear white armour, the original colour of the angels' armour in Heaven, to signify Father's generous mercy.
I really do appreciate everything you guys say about me and this story, I love reading all of your comments/opinions. Thank you for kicking my procrastinating butt into gear! Hopefully I can get another new chapter as soon as I can :P Thank you and have an awesome day! =D