Against The Heavens

 Against The Heavens

 By Mary Josefa M. Alolor

            The sun was setting beautifully that day, like a leaf gently falling. In a headquarter somewhere in the clouds, the Angels of the East are having a meeting. The Angel Superior is in a meeting with other Angel Warriors to discuss the strategy for the upcoming war next month. They are obligated to fight the Demons of the East, led by the Demon Lord Luther, and get back one of heaven's treasures that the previous Demon Lord stole.

 

            One of the angels, Solaire felt disheartened upon hearing the name of her first and last lover during her human life. She's sure that the demon lord they speak of was different from the person she knew. The Luther she knew was kind and bright. "Right, they have the same name but they are two different people." She thought to herself. It's strange, but she's the only angel who recalls her previous life, or so she thought.

 

            In the middle of the night, Solaire sneaked out to a mountain overviewing the City of Athens, the city she wanted to visit before she died at the hands of a random guy on the street. She sighed as she sat under the tree, feeling an unsettling air behind her. "The smell of a demon," she thought to herself. She drew her bow and arrow, immediately standing with her guard up. The rustling of the bush gets louder and the smell gets stronger as the figure behind it gets closer to Solaire. She shoots an arrow, but the figure avoids it, making him fall to the ground. "It is indeed a demon."

 

            The demon with a black coat stood up while brushing off the dirt on his clothes. But, the man in front of her... How could she ever forget? That white hair on a mullet haircut. Those lips that are as red as wine. Those eyes are as blue as the ocean. Solaire's guard was still up nevertheless. The demon's deep eyes met with the angel's longing eyes. Both were confused as hell, and the cold air that night was definitely not helping. 

 

            Whoosh! A very strong wind up on the mountain in the human realm made them lose their balance. A gold necklace dangling from the man's neck shone brightly on her face. The clouds parted, revealing the moonlight kissing their cheeks. They could clearly see each other.

 

            "Luther?" "Solaire?" They called each other's names in unison.

           

            The air once again breathed in their direction, but this time, warmer, like the hearts that once beat for each other. Solaire lowered her guard and returned her weapons to their proper place. For the next five minutes, there was nothing but silence. Each of them had sad, loving, teary eyes for the other. Everyone was at a loss for what to say or do. Both had questions they couldn't ask just yet. Solaire averted her gaze as Luther took the first step toward her. 

 

            Ding-dong! They must return to their base now that the bell has rung. Luther spread his wings and said, "Let's meet at this very place again tomorrow at the same time as tonight." Solaire watched the man she love fly away, leaving her with hundreds of questions in mind.

 

            Solaire returned safely that night, but she couldn't concentrate for the rest of the day, wondering if what happened the night before was true. There was only one way to find out, and that was to return to the mountain. Both arrived earlier than expected, demonstrating their eagerness and curiosity.

 

            They both sat under the tree while blushing like they were once again teenagers, obviously wary of each other. Solaire, with her eyes on the city, broke the silence by asking "Luther, what happened? You were a good guy, how did you turn out to be a demon?" Luther, obviously still in love with Solaire even after death, had no choice but, to tell the truth. "After you died, the light inside me died as well. You took my heart and soul away with you. I was not sane and I accidentally killed the man who killed you. After knowing what I did, I committed something I shouldn't have done. I was desperate to meet you again. Who would've known that a Demon King would pick me up? So I had no choice and became a Demon Lord."

 

            A teardrop fell from Solaire's eyes, hearing how her lover was in pain and went through so much after her death. "I'm sorry, Solaire." Solaire faced Luther who was crying beside her and hugged him. They both wailed for some time while hugging each other. "I'm sorry that you went through all that, Luther. I missed you." Solaire pulled out from the hug and cupped his cheeks. Both burst into laughter seeing their eyes red and swollen from all the crying. "I missed you too, Solaire. Please don't leave me ever again. I can't go on without you." Luther said in a low voice and kissed Solaire. "I won't go anywhere, my love. I will always love you no matter what."

 

            The next nights spent were like a dream. They wanted to make up for the time they lost and did everything they could do in secrecy within a limited time. However, love is not all rainbows. The storm was getting near.

 

            "The war is 3 days from today. What should we do?" Solaire asks with her head leaning on Luther's shoulder. "Should we run away?" Luther chuckles at the thought of it. "The heavens won't allow it." Solaire tightens her grip on his hands. She honestly doesn't want to let go any time soon. If they could run away, they would. But the heavens have eyes and ears everywhere. They might be heavily punished. An angel and demon loving each other right at this moment are wrong itself. But for the man she loves, she'd even run straight to a battle to save him.

 

            She intertwines their fingers and says, "I love you, Luther. Let's make it out alive in the war. After it, let's ask the heavens to let us go." Luther kisses her forehead and replies, "Okay, let's do that. Just trust me. I love you too, my angel, my love, my Solaire."

 

           "Don't be afraid to shoot those filthy demons!" The Angel Superior ordered Solaire's team, the Arrow Team, to the front lines. Solaire was an excellent Angel Warrior, but she can't help but be concerned. The angels may be powerful, and so are these demons. "Arrow Team, retreat! Arrow Team, retreat!" Solaire yelled as she flew back towards the Angel Superior.

 

            The Angel Superior was preparing to attack the headquarters of the demons. Solaire is aware that Luther asked her to trust him, but these angels are more powerful, they can defeat him. She can't afford to be complacent. "Angel Superior, may I accompany you?" Solaire's heart was racing. "No problem," the Angel Superior replied.

 

            They only encountered a few demons on their journey, thanks to the angels who cleared the way for them. In front of them was a door omitting an ominous aura. The Angel Superior kicked down the door like a movie action star, as if it were made of plywood. The room's deafening silence was unsettling. Lightning struck twice, revealing a figure near the window. Behind the elegant black table, a chair turned towards them. What Solaire could see is now the Demon Lord Luther. Solaire admits that he's pretty hot on that red-and-black-themed outfit. "Where is the stolen heaven's treasure?" The Angel Superior spoke, interrupting Solaire from her thoughts. 

 

            "Treasure? Which treasure? I have a plethora of them," Luther boasted. The Angel Superior drew out her sword and challenged the Demon Lord Luther to a duel. "Let the show begin," Luther whispered under his breath.

 

            Luther launched the first attack, which the Angel Superior defended from above. She pushed the sword, causing Luther to flee. Then Angel Superior counterattacked him. They were moving so quickly that Solaire couldn't see much of what they were doing. They're too quick, too powerful, and too competitive. When Luther's sword danced in front of her face, Angel Superior almost fell over. 

 

            The Angel Superior stood still, closed her eyes, and chanted a prayer-like spell, "His eyes are everywhere. May God forgive your souls. Unique Skill: God's Eyes, activate!" As soon as Angel Superior opened her eyes, another eye opened on her forehead - the third eye! No, it wasn't just on her forehead, eyes appeared on her hands, nape, and between her wings.

 

           "Oh? I heard you can see my next moves with that skill." Luther arrogantly said. "Alright, show it to me then! Although that would be useless." Luther maniacally chuckled. Luther attacked again, but the Angel Superior could avoid him thanks to the unique skill she's using. Angel Superior saw an opening on his abdomen and slashed Luther's body in half. Solaire, who was all watching this, almost burst into tears when Luther began to reconnect his body. "What exactly is this guy made of?" Solaire wondered.

 

            "Oh my, oh my! What can I do? Your sword doesn't seem to work on me," Luther said as he slowly stood up. For a brief moment, Solaire felt relieved. Solaire took a look around the room and noticed something odd. Aside from the five angels and the Demon Lord, there was another being in the room. Perhaps someone more powerful?

 

            She fixed her gaze on Luther, who was already looking tired. The Angel Superior imbued the sword with yet another spell that can harm Luther. Luther's reflexes slowed a few minutes later. Luther, who had relaxed his guard for a while, now has a sword around his neck. The Angel Superior swung her sword around and slashed the Demon Lord around the neck. His head rolled in the direction of Solaire.

 

            Before Solaire could even react, the Demon King, the Demon Lord's direct superior, appeared in front of the Angel Superior. Everyone, including Solaire, immediately raised their guard and prepared to attack. "The angels have defeated the Demons of the East. The Angel Superior has beheaded the Demon Lord Luther. The return of the stolen heaven's treasure is in the process. Process complete," the Demon King said. A white treasure box appeared in front of the Angel Superior out of nowhere. "Retreating all demon soldiers, activating the spatial spell, and transporting all demons to the infirmary."

 

            The Demon King took out a bottle, swirled his finger around its mouth, and pointed his finger on the head of the Demon Lord Luther. Luther's body turned into ashes and went into the bottle. The Demon King sealed the bottle with a cork. A lone tear escaped Solaire's eyes. Her heart broke for the second time for Luther. She witnessed the man she loved get killed in front of her.

 

            "Solaire," the Demon King calling out her name sent chills down to her spines. "Do you trust Luther?" The Demon King's question confused the other three angels while the Angel Superior seemed calm. "How do you know my name?" Solaire was confused as well. "Just answer my question."

            "Yes, I do trust him. After all, he's the only man I'll ever love."

            "Do you wish to be with him forever?" Solaire bit her lip as another tear escaped her eye. "Yes," her voice cracked.

 

            "Congratulations, the deal is done." The Demon King handed the bottle to the Angel Superior. "What's going on? What deal? Do you know that man?" One of the angels took the courage to ask Solaire who seemed to know something. Solaire who also had no idea couldn't do anything but shake her head.

           

            The Demon King picked up the gold necklace of the Demon Lord and walked toward Solaire. The Angel Superior gave a signal to put down their weapons which they followed. The Demon King held her hand and placed the necklace on her palm and said, "All is fair in love and war they say. But the world isn't. I know how you feel right now, Solaire. I've been through that too. But, Luther, was smarter and braver than I was. He could save your love while I couldn't save mine."

 

            Solaire looked at the necklace on her palm, it was her first gift to Luther when they got into a relationship. Luther kept it on his neck all the time. "I'm returning this necklace to its rightful owner. Congratulations, Solaire, your love will save you." The Demon King turned to the Angel Superior, met her eyes, and flashed a sad smile as he vanished into thin air.

 

            Solaire broke down in tears to the ground and held the necklace close to her heart tightly. Angel Superior watched Solaire in silence all this time, so she also felt hurt by what she was seeing. Just like Solaire, she also tried to fight for her love. But from the human realm until here, the Demon King and Angel Superior couldn't fight the fate in front of their eyes. There were too many responsibilities that couldn't be ignored and time was never in their favor. The other three angels couldn't really say anything either.

 

            Everyone was celebrating back in the Angel's Lair except for the Angel Superior and Solaire who were talking in the Superior's office. "What deal did Luther make?" Solaire didn't hesitate to ask. "You remember your previous life as a human too, don't you?" This question shook Solaire making her brows furrow. "Too? So you remember your human life too?" The Angel Superior sat on her desk. "Yes, not everyone remembers their human lives. And I'm sorry, I don't have an answer to that question as to why we do. About the deal, uhm..." The Superior was hesitating to say it so Solaire cut her off and said, "Luther, the Demon King, and you, were in on the deal. I don't know what relationship you have with the Demon King but let me hear about the deal."

 

            The Angel Superior took a deep breath, "Luther loves you. Luther found out about our relationship so he offered a deal to keep it a secret... The Demon King and I saw our past selves in you so, we decided to help you." She pulled out a paper with the signatures of the three on it. "He asked for our help. He knew what you wanted. The only way for you two to meet again normally is as humans. Angels and demons in this realm never really hit it off successfully. So an angel had to kill him and a demon to collect his soul, that in the form of ashes. Then, ask for help through divine intervention. Now, that was a secret method only a few knew. The success rate was only 2% but he was willing to risk. Therefore, I'll be presenting your case for reincarnation in front of the Heavenly Prosecution."

 

            After a moment of silence, Solaire said "He thought that far? I know he loved me but he should've discussed it with me." The Angel Superior moved from her seat and walked towards the angel in front of her. She held her hand and said, "I know how you feel but you're lucky, you know? He's brave, courageous, and willing to risk it all for you. As per the contract, I shall perform his last will. Success or not, it all depends on your will and luck."

 

            Months passed on the Heavenly Prosecution. The authorities are now on the last trial for their reincarnation. One of the juries spoke, "Angel Warrior Solaire and Demon Lord Luther were once humans as well. Demon Lord Luther has cleansed his heart and soul before it was collected. Angel Warrior Solaire also has a pure heart and soul from the start. When you're in love, the time feels never enough. So I do understand their case. Thus, I don't see any reason not to give them the human life they deserve to be back in love." Whispers could be heard across the hall. Solaire looked at Angel Superior who flashed a little smile.

 

            The judge cleared his throat and spoke, "Angel Warrior Solaire and Demon Lord Luther. Case 5871 for Reincarnation. With pure love in their heart and soul, the appeal for their reincarnation is approved." The moment Solaire heard the sound of the gavel, a white light from above shone down on the hall. Solaire, holding tightly to the bottle, faced Angel Superior and bowed. "Thank you, Angel Superior." Solaire waved her hands to say her goodbyes. The white light shone brighter and the moment everyone opened their eyes, she was gone, off to a new start.

 

            Year 2010, a 20-year-old girl named Solar was walking down the streets of Athens on her way to the Parthenon on her vacation. The sun started to set so she hurried. There are fewer people on Wednesday so it's the best day to visit there. As she reached the top, she took out her water bottle to quench her thirst. She stood there for a few minutes to admire the city and the sun giving its blessings.

 

            "It's beautiful, isn't it?" A familiar deep voice startled her. The man stood by her side to watch the sunset as well. "Mmm... yes, it is," Solar replied to this beautiful stranger beside her. "It's more beautiful now that you're beside me watching this. But don't worry you're more beautiful than any sunset I have ever seen." She looked at the stranger beside her who pulled a punchline on her. That white hair on a mullet haircut. Those lips that are as red as wine. Those eyes are as blue as the ocean. That voice sounded like a lullaby. Solar met the eyes of the stranger who was looking at her adorably and both burst into laughter. "I'm Luciano by the way," the man offered his hand. "I'm Solar," she took his hand and shook it.

 

            The gold necklace on the woman's neck shone brightly, blinding him with its light. Their eyes were back on the sunset while conversations and waves of laughter continued. These were all witnessed by the Demon King and Angel Superior who were just behind them. The two looked at each other as well and smiled.

 

            The gentle wind danced warmly that day, filling the atmosphere with love. It was a new start for Solaire and Luther, but a new challenge for the Demon King and Angel Superior. For not all is fair in love and war in this kind of world. But love is longer than a lifetime and stronger than any other force out there.