The Soul Angels were scattered, sitting atop the large rooftop of the throne room's building. Everyone was silent. No one moved; if they did, it was just to ease into a more comfortable position. Even the Syphies and their constant chattering ceased.
Greg, who sat in a small circle with Ryan and Tracy, jumped to his feet. Ryan did the same and felt an odd rumbling beneath his feet. Tracy stared curiously at his friend. "You said the Syphies powered the city, right?" Ryan nodded.
"Just the newer buildings, though. Like this one." His face drained as he realized what was happening.
The building began to crumble underneath them. The rubble falling in waves from the structure disappeared before it crashed against the ground below. Soon, the building was no longer there. The Soul Angels floated up into the sky and watched as a small figure flew up to them shakily. Michael struggled to approach them. Two angels swooped down and carried him by his arms, supporting him to join the group. Michael inhaled deeply.
"I never noticed how stale the air was in there," he said through a coughing fit. "Is it me or is it getting darker?" Michael chuckled softly, shutting his eyes. The two angels holding him passed him onto Tracy who held his arms out to carry him. He held Michael like a baby, rocking him softly between his arms.
Tracy's eyes perked up. "What about the doorway out?" Greg and Ryan spread their eyes in fear.
"I'll go check," Ryan volunteered. "Follow me after fifteen minutes have passed. Just... just be sure to keep Michael breathing." Ryan took a last look at the others then bolted towards the only exit out of the City of Guardians.
---
Ryan drifted slowly as the gleam of armor came into view. He strained his eyes to see, peering deep into the distance. There were no black wings. He quickened his pace, flying with the rest of his might. His mind entered a clear state; nothing but battle dawned upon him.
A nearby Heart Angel armed with a spear heard the rush of wind. He turned in time to see Ryan tackle him with full force. Ryan reached for his sword - it was missing. He cursed under his breath, elbowing the Heart Angel to stop him from stabbing him with the spear's point. The Heart Angel fell unconscious, and Ryan stole his spear.
Others surrounded him, furious. Ryan searched past the armed Heart Angels. He still did not see a sign of any Soul Angels. Regardless, Ryan zoned back into battle mode and swiped at a nearby enemy. The foe jumped as another lunged at Ryan. Ryan dropped to a knee to avoid the blow then threw the spear at the jumping Heart Angel. It impaled the man, pushing clean through his chest. The Heart Angel disappeared.
Ryan took to the skies as others pursued him, eager to avenge their fallen comrade. He dropped low to the ground then curved to the right, skidding on his heels to stop his drift. Ryan stood ready in a fisticuffs stance - a Heart Angel tried to mimic his move and ended up with Ryan's fist in his face. He fell to the ground, and Ryan stomped down on his chest with the edge of his foot. He stomped until he saw blood began to bubble.
The rest of his pursuers had to circle around to slow their descent, unless they risked failing at attempting Ryan's skidding move. They surrounded him - a group of eight - while two more angels hovered above him to stop his flight. He smiled. A hasty Heart Angel rushed him. Ryan slapped his weapon away with the side of his right arm, raised his left leg, then brought it down with a sickening snap on his helmeted head. The group followed close behind - Ryan punched and kicked, fending off their attacks. After a few minutes of tussling, Ryan detached from the group. He was breathing heavily.
He raised a hand to a warm gushing from his forehead, touching liquid. He examined his hand and saw his own blood mixed with his enemies. Three Heart Angels remained, just as battered as he was. "We already killed Daniel, ya know. Why do you keep on fighting?"
One of them straightened up. "We won't give in to you pathetic scum! You're inferior in every single way, dirt bag!" The other two grunted in acknowledgment. Ryan chuckled.
"I just tossed around your pals. How is that inferior?"
"Your little Soul Angels guarding the door gave up and turned to our side! To make you feel worse, they're the ones that you just killed!" The Heart Angel replied. He dropped his weapon and stooped low to pick up an unconscious ally. He pulled back the helmet - the white wings on this relatively young man darkened to black. So I just... no, impossible! Ryan thought to himself. Those two Heart Angels are going down... wait, two?
Ryan felt a sharp pain ravage through his back up to his chest. He stared down in agony as a bloody spear protruded his torso. Gasping for air, he dropped to his knees. The laugh of the Heart Angels echoed through his mind as his vision began to blur. Their celebration stopped immediately as the sound of blades whistling through air began. Thud thud thud. The three bodies had hit the ground.
Ryan joined them as his strength failed. He passed out under the pain.
---
"Ryan?" Tracy prodded. "Are you alright, buddy? Ryan?" Others had helped Tracy remove the spear carefully. Tracy shook him gently and Greg stared over his shoulder. The Syphies buzzed around the open wound, closing it up with their magic. Ryan stirred.
Greg released an explosive sigh. "He's alright. He's alright. We're all alright now." The Soul Angels crowded around the doorway. Also with them were the peaceful residents of the City of Guardians. Heart Angels stood side by side with Soul Angels, bidding them farewell. Greg turned to the large audience that had amassed to see them off. "Let us know that this day, both Heart and Soul Angels have passed on to another life." Everyone hushed, even the Syphies.
"This should never have happened. We, who govern and influence the life of humanity, are all that we have for each other. We have no guardian or watcher over us. If we did, this war would never have taken place. Let us Soul Angels walk hand in hand with the Heart Angels once more. Let the Heart Angels fly at the side of us Soul Angels. I am the one to speak on behalf of both of our kinds - for I am both of our kinds. A Soul Angel by appearance, yes, but also inside. And it is the same for a Heart Angel in me."
"Let this day echo throughout our own history - one that we shall write together from this day forth. I humbly ask the residents of the City of Guardians one thing while we are away." Greg motioned for his Soul Angels to leave. One by one they marched out of the doorway without a second glance back. Tracy, carrying an unconscious Michael winked at Greg.
Greg faced the Heart Angels once more. "I ask of you to await our return." He grabbed the door's handle and shut it closed behind him. The sounds of faint cheering and applause echoed behind him. Pale morning light shone deep into his eyes as the sun began to rise. Greg smiled and basked in the dawn of a new day.
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