Chapter 41: Past Regrets
Shiro sat at the counter, reading a book while eating some of the delicious food that was prepared for her by her brother. He had made sure that she had anything she could want before going into his meeting with Ranni and Melina. She didn't quite know what to make of Melina, she seemed hostile to her Nii-san for no good reason, but she was rather fond of Ranni.
She remembered the conversation that had taken place in the Yokai Palace, where the Goddess had announced that she was a 'Princess of Caria', whatever that meant. After Damocles had left the room, Ranni had immediately tried to take control of the conversation, only to be rebuffed swiftly by CC.
"Who are you to order my Lor…" Ranni had said, before CC talked over her.
"His Queen. His most trusted confidante in this world." The green haired woman had replied, initiating a battle of wills between the two.
Shiro however, couldn't abide such a blatant lie, "Second most trusted."
CC rolled her eyes at her interjection, but didn't dispute it.
Because Shiro was right.
"I see." Ranni narrowed her eyes, "So Damocles hath taken thee as his wife?"
"No, Damocles remains unmarried. However, I am the leader of his Peerage, his family. His second-in-command." CC elaborated, "Let me be clear. What are you intentions here?"
"Amusing." The Goddess had answered, "I have nothing to hide. I have searched far and wide for mine Consort, all I wish is for us to have the time together that was stolen from us."
"Really, that's all?" CC was unconvinced, "Your arrival was very noticeable. You possess more power than I have ever felt. And you just want to be with Damocles? Forgive me if I find that hard to believe."
"Believe what you wish." Was Ranni's response, "My goals were accomplished, with the aid of Damocles. Now I wish to repay the favour. Thy concerns are commendable, as mine consort's companions, but I ask thee; Have I given thee a reason to distrust me?"
CC glared at the other woman, but it was Naomi who answered, "That's true. We just aren't used to someone seeking us out to make friends!"
Ranni looked surprised at the bubbly girl's attitude, but that surprise turned into shock as the blond leaned towards her, hand extended for a handshake, "I'm glad to meet you! Let's all get along!"
"I am… pleased to make you acquaintance as well?" The statement came out as a question as she shook the blonds hand delicately.
"All well and good, what about her?" Kasane tilted her head towards Melina, who had merely been observing up to this point, "What's her deal?"
"I can speak for myself." Came the stand-offish response, "As I said, I was Damocles' Maiden in the Lands Between. He robbed me of my purpose, I wish to reclaim it from him."
"My Lord saved your life." Ranni chastised, "Stop speaking of it in a way to cause misunderstanding."
CC's eyes narrowed at that, "If you become hostile, we will not show you any mercy."
Melina scoffed, "Is it wise to make threats towards one you know nothing about?"
"I don't care how strong you are, or how dangerous." Shiro spoke for the first time, staring seriously at the red head, "If you hurt my brother, I will kill you."
Melina seemed taken aback at the threat, but on the contrary, Ranni laughed at her words. Shiro bristled, thinking the Goddess was mocking her resolve, but was surprised by the next words coming from Ranni's mouth.
"Spoken like a true Princess of Caria! Thou remind me of myself, truly a remarkable resemblance. I approve of mine Consort's choice!" She smiled at the Peerage, looking at all of them with warmth that had been absent until now, "It heartens me that mine Consort hath gathered to his side such staunch allies."
Shiro didn't know what being decreed a Princess of Caria entailed, but Ranni had promised recently to teach her magic. She was looking forward to learning from someone so strong. Being cornered by Cao Cao and his group had shown her just how far she had to climb to not be a burden to her brother. She even almost had to use her secret in that fight, but thankfully she was able to eliminate the barrier master before it came to that.
The secret her Brother entrusted to her remained safe.
Her reverie was interrupted by the sound of Naomi talking to someone in the hallway, growing louder as they neared the kitchen, "And here is the dining room and kitchen, if you want to eat anything there is a store of food… Oh, hello Shiro!"
Shiro watched motionlessly as Naomi waved at her, Selene, the Vampire that her brother rescued following after her.
"Hello, Naomi." She replied, before addressing the Vampire, who had been eyeing her food, "This is mine. There is some in the storage if you want."
"Ah." Selene started, breaking out of her thoughts, "No it's… I can't eat that."
"The Evil Piece changed you into a Devil. You can eat more than just blood now." Naomi smiled at her causing her to shake her head.
"No, I could do that before. I'm just full right now." Shiro could admit to being slightly jealous, knowing just what she was full of.
She had researched Vampires ever since her Nii-san had told her that their next family members would be ones. She must admit, the idea of drinking blood did not appeal to her, but by all accounts the act was rather intimate and sensual between the Vampire and their victim. Having another girl sharing an intimate moment with her Nii-san that she was unable to…
Swallowing her jealousy with long practice, she noticed that the vampire was still staring at her, "What is it?"
"Damocles introduced you as his sister… I noticed it in the meeting but.." She sniffed, her nostrils flaring from the action, "You aren't siblings by blood, are you?"
Shiro's hackles were raised by that, "It's better this way. He chose me."
Selene's eyes narrowed at that statement, "I see."
Naomi, expertly sensing the rising tension, decided to divert the imminent collision, "I know! Why don't I show you the Gym? You should get used to your new Rook strength, Kasane would be happy to help you out with that!"
Selene stared into Shiro's eyes for a beat longer, crimson meeting crimson, before she looked away, "Fine. The sooner I can prove my usefulness, the better."
The Vampire turned and followed the other Bishop out of the room, therefore not seeing as Shiro rolled her eyes at Selene's retreating back.
'Prove her usefulness?' what utter idiocy. Her Nii-san had access to the entire universe, millions if not trillions of different planets. And he chose Selene. Just like he chose Shiro. To think that it was something that she needed to prove was beyond stupidity.
If she was not useful, Damocles-Nii would never have chosen her.
-XXX-
CC weaved around the blows, kicks and punches hitting nothing but air. Damocles had told her about the possible reasons for this woman's animus towards him, causing her to be reminded of the sensation of looking into a mirror.
She didn't appreciate the view.
Melina rushed into her guard, a purposefully left opening exploited, allowing her to respond by grabbing the other woman's arm and tossing her across the mat.
"I said it before, you are a coward." Melina sneered at her words, but that had all the effect of a puppy growling, "You are terrified to take responsibility for your own life."
"What do you know?" Melina snarled, her anger showing in the viciousness of her renewed attacks, "You have no idea what I've experienced, what I've had to endure."
"I have more an idea than most. The others are far too kind, waiting for you to enlighten yourself. I have no such hopes, so let me spell it out for you." CC Stepped into an attack, letting it land with reduced force as she grabbed Melina's collar and drew her face down into a knee, "Life has no meaning. There is no purpose for which we were born. The only satisfaction that we are able to experience is that which we forge for ourselves."
The Maiden stumbled, shaking her head and regaining her bearings, "It's not that simple, to be able to just make your own purpose. I did that! I had something I wanted desperately! The only choice I had been able to take my entire life and then…"
CC was incensed, "The only choice you were able to make? Really?!"
She rushed the red head, slithering through her defence and twisting their bodies together, tossing the stupid little girl to the floor, "This is why I said you are a coward. You have a choice."
Melina attempted to get up, but was stopped by CC's foot stepping down on her neck, the pressure lightly choking her into the floor, "You have the choice that I never had. You can die. You said that I have no idea what it's like? I've tried to die. Many, many times. Every time, I was only brought back into that hopeless existence."
She pressed down harder, causing Melina's eyes to widen as her hands leapt to hold her ankle as CC continued, "Are you that angry you are still alive? Are you that frustrated that Damocles stopped you from throwing yourself into that fire? Then die. Carry through with what you resent him so much from stopping."
CC's amber eyes narrowed, "But you won't. Because you want your death to have a purpose. To be meaningful in some stupid, abstract way. Get over yourself girl. Decide. Either live or die. No one will decide for you."
The anger building up in Melina finally exploded, black flames leaping to her finger tips in an instant. Reacting quickly, CC had slipped out of her grasp before they had even manifested. Slinking back, she dropped into her combat stance, watching warily as the woman rose to her feet.
Purple met yellow, as the two stared each other down.
"I'm not going to do it for you." CC spoke softly, her voice filled with disdain, "It's not going to be that easy."
"Do you really think you can stop me without doing so?" Melina asked, black flames burning brighter, "Besides, this isn't about that. You're wrong about it, about all of it. I will make you see that with my own hands."
"You're deflecting responsibility onto someone else again. I give up." CC sighed, before looking to her right, "Kasane?"
"Hai." The white haired girl who had been impassively watching from the sideline answered.
Suddenly, it felt like a mountain slammed into Melina's back, as she was forced to the floor, unable to even move as the force bore down on her with crushing intensity.
"I won't inform Ranni or Damocles about this bout of your stupidity." CC spoke down to her, face void of emotion, "Really, why are you even here? Do you think Damocles would just give you a purpose for free that you would be fulfilled following? Are you that weak willed?"
She shook her head, before turning around, "I don't care what you do at this point. You can't even answer any of these questions. Did they even occur to you? It's pathetic."
Speaking to Kasane, she spat out, "Make sure she doesn't do anything stupid. More stupid."
She then walked away, ripping open the door and leaving the gym, stalking passed a shocked looking Naomi and a curious Selene.
Naomi peeked into the door that was left open, seeing her sister looking down at a spread out Melina.
"What is this?" She asked, tilting her head.
Kasane sighed, "A mess."
-XXX-
"Absolutely not!" Uriel's voice was emphatic, "Have you taken complete leave of your senses? Do we not remember the last time Sagan was able to speak to Gabriel?"
Michael didn't reply, neither did Gabriel. She merely stared at him after stating her plea, waiting patiently for his verdict.
Raphael was the visibly calmest members of the seraphs present, "The last time, Gabriel was alone. There is no reason to repeat that. We can send some of our numbers to ensure history does not repeat."
Uriel was not swayed, "We should be sending no one at all. This foolishness will only end in sorrow. The Underworld is no place for a Seraph."
Raphael calmly countered, "Our sister has brought to us this request. I trust her to have considered the matter thoroughly. If this is where her path leads her, what right have we to stymie it?"
"Judgement can be clouded, as it all too often has, as of late." Uriel rejoined, "That's not to mention this business with the moon, and the foreign presence that revealed itself there. There are far too many unknowns, it is much too dangerous."
The argument flowed back and forwards, neither side coming to an agreement. Of course, that was the point of meeting such as this, to examine all sides of an issue to provide their Brother with the most comprehensive understanding with which to decide upon the issue.
Michael had yet to make his position known, listening intently to his Brothers discuss the issue while keeping his eyes on Gabriel. He was examining her closely, though what he sought to discover, she did not know. So she looked back, projecting her confidence in the righteousness of her chosen path.
Should she require it, she had even prepared to bring forth the fact that the Sagan were able to Bind Angels to their principles, something that many of their brethren would not be able to overcome as she had. Was that the limit of how that Power could effect them? Remora had died before they could find out, which some might uncharitably say was fortunate.
Regardless, with his ostracization from the Satans and independent nature, Damocles Sagan was a potential threat to Heaven and the peace they sought within the Abrahamic faction. They did not know his views on Angels and the potential peace of course, something that she could find out personally, should her request be granted.
It was a risk, obviously. She was not blind to that fact. However, everything they did with the Fallen and the Devils were a risk.
Sometimes, they had to move forward on their chosen path with Faith.
Michael closed his eyes. Leaning back on the Throne of Heaven. His movement caused the other male Seraphs present to pay close attention to him, their argument put on hold while they awaited the words of their senior.
"I have never forgotten." Was how he started, "The sight of you, dear Sister. Remora's broken body in your lap, your wings a sickly, dull grey. I think that was truly the first time I ever felt fear."
"Brother." Was all she said, unsure as how to address that admission.
"I will not ask what she said. What actions she performed to put you in that state. When you are ready, I believe that you will confide in one you trust, to release the burden you have carried." He spoke softly, "There is one thing I wish to ensure. 'To help others, you must first help yourself.' Please, sister, speak true. Is this something that will bring you closure? Or are you performing this task out of obligation?"
"...I will not lie and say obligation plays no part in it." Gabriel relied, "However, I feel that this is something that will bring me closure. If my contribution could help guide the Sagan away from his current path, I wish to at least attempt it."
Michael observed her, his blue eyes considering, "Very well. I will send a message to the Sagan directly."
"Brother!" Uriel sputtered, his shock evident, "How can you be agreeing to…!?"
"You will not go alone, however. Raphael, would you please escort our sister on her journey?" Michael turned to the mentioned Archangel, who nodded at him solemnly.
"Of course, Brother. I will ensure that no harm comes to her."
Gabriel huffed slightly, a warm smile on her face at the protectiveness they were showing, "I can defend myself, you know?"
"I know, Gabriel." Michael smiled softly, "But just as you need to do this for your peace of mind, let Raphael do his task for mine."
"I understand Brother. Thank you for your care."
Uriel was the one who responded as Gabriel smiled broadly at the Ruler of Heaven, "I still think this will end in tears."
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