Leito followed the two Healers through the narrow, marble white, corridors. His boots made a deep repeating sound as he walked towards the medic station. Even at the body of a youth at his thirteen, Leito had more power than any creature aboard. Machias had made sure that his best right hand would be able to destroy his nemesis.

The General glanced at the two Angels walking in front of him; their long blue wings were shimmering faintly into the dim light of the corridor. Leito always considered the Healers, Angels of the Third Division, to be just like Raphael, their Lord; soft and sentimental. But when he witnessed their powers of healing, which could bring back lost limbs and heal any wound from zero, Leito revalued his opinion for them.

The two Healers shared the same brown hair which now was cut army short. Armors of leather at the color of azure covered their bodies and they carried no physical weapon. For wind was their dominion of command as also the source of their healing power. Besides, a Healer would never engage into battle like a Gladiator would do.

When the corridor ended the Healer on Leito's right turned and pressed his hand on the white wall. Immediately four silver lines appeared on the white surface, forming a door frame and the wall melted, disappearing in front of them.

"After you General." The Healer spoke and Leito marched inward.

The room was lightened by floating balls of silver light, which were positioned on the walls. A single bed and a nightstand were on the middle of it and on the bed a snarling Ivan was lying. Leito saw with disgust the state of the former Grim Reaper, now Angel. His torn wing was sewed back but it still needed more time to completely heal.

Ivan was like a caged bull, eager to get on the field and start slaughtering. Anastasia's figure of golden wings and that eye had brought him memories of Auge. There was a time Ivan believed that Auge was to become his. Yet Marco's presence ruined everything and even better made him realize that Auge was nothing more but an abomination needed to be destroyed.

Machias had played well. Five thousand years ago Ivan would want to kill the Lord of the Fourth Division for exiling him too but his time on Earth and at Death Inc. had given him much information he could use.

"How are you today Ivan?" Leito spoke with no emotion as his grey eyes surveyed him.

"Itchy. Do you want to pet me kid?" Ivan manifested a dagger and threw it to Leito. The boy caught it with his index finger and thump without flinching.

"I request you stop playing such games." Leito pressed the small dagger in his palm and the iron melted, flowing like water on the floor.

He lifted his right hand and the Healer behind him gave a square crystal surface. Leito slid his fingers across the crystal, similar to the way on an Ipad. "Leave us." He ordered and the Angels left them alone.

"What do you want Leito? You are not the 'visiting' type'."

"I am not. I have a message for you."

Ivan's eyes darkened his black pools gleaming with threat. "Is it from them?"

Leito didn't turn to look at him. He could feel the aura of Ivan's wings filling the room. "An Inspector from troop 509 returned from patrolling Thessaloniki. He testified that he came across them as also a Shinigami and another Inspector who I've never thought of hearing his name again."

Ivan pushed the blanket from his feet and tried to get up. "And what the message said?"

Leito lifted his head and offered him the crystal. Ivan took it and the surface flashed revealing the face of a terrified Inspector. His voice filled the room as Ivan ordered the report to work.

"They are coming! The man on black clothes with the eye of a Demon and a Grim Reaper. His scythe is a weapon fitted to the First Sinner. And the woman; young, beautiful like the morning stars with voice of a Protector and the eye of a Starborn. They told me to deliver the message to the Roue One. They said they will come and that the skies will welcome their wings and the stars will sing anthems of their return."

Ivan threw the crystal on the wall across breaking it into bits. His rage was unstoppable but in the midst of making plans the image of Machia's wall from the Fourth HQ crossed his mind.

"Leito," he turned to the boy who stood unmoved by his tantrum, "what do you know of the wall on Machias's study?"

The Inspector with the blue hair crossed his hands and looked at him blankly. "Lord Machias made this wall using the strongest aura the Heaven Realm had seen. It is supposed that the wall shows visions of the past, present and future."

"What aura did he use?" Ivan's wings trembled with the thought but it didn't show on his expression.

Only then Leito grinned, pleased with the words he was going to tell.

"The aura of Auge's wings of course."

-----------------------

Marco

Darkness had covered me as I fought my way above and away from Hell. Legions of Demons of all kinds had followed me and they were getting closer. Claws, fangs and muzzles found their way into my skin, tearing me apart. I roared, not from pain but from fury and my hands became strong claws too. I tore my way through the mass of black bodies and ruby eyes, only to come across with the pale skin. His eyes red like mine, his hair fiery orange and his body so torn away, every limb suspending like a destroyed puppet, it made me choke.

Alas, my brother.

"No!" I roared but his body was still, standing in the middle of the black mass of Demons. They laughed as if they were expecting him to play for them and I jumped at them tearing their flesh apart.

"Run...Marco." His voice made me shudder.

"Not without you!" I screamed as ne black blood covered my talons.

Alas lips parted, leaving a pained cry. "Father will come...keep...her...safe."

The darkness suddenly dimmed as light from my behind made the Demons burn, screaming from pain. Alas's face too disappeared but I managed to see a relieved smile on his torn lips. Soft skin brushed against my back and my wings bloodstained as they were, became soft.

"I am here...I am here." Her voice chanted and I felt at peace once more.

Waking always felt like being pulled from the depth of consciousness, a serene for most humans' place where dreams and nightmares dwelled. I remember Ana sleeping on her bed, her small hands of her twelve years old body, tucked under her pillow and her nose picking from the soft blanket. I envied her peacefulness at that time.

When reality brought me back, I fluttered my eyes open. There was a dim light; again it was cloudy. But the weight on my back had pinned me head down to the bed. Anastasia's lush front was pushing my shoulder blades, torturing the poor man in me even at the brink of the day. Her feet, still too skinny, but recovering thank the scythes, were tangled with mine under the blanket and her breath was sending soft puffs of air on my neck.

A marvel of sight only for me.

Gently, I rolled Ana on her side, careful not to awake her. The golden wings were molded on her back, her attempt to give mine black and bigger ones more space. As I finally pulled the right wing from her body Ana made a sound (a whimper of all her sounds!) and rolled on her back, giving me a glorious sight on the morning.

Getting up from the bed was the hardest thing to do, but Murasaki had said yesterday that she would speak with Death, through Shiro and get more info about the Cloud Fortress. Yesterday it was spotted above Italy and the feeling of an incoming battle made my muscles tightened.

I glanced at Ana. How would she fight Angels when even a threatening touch was making her weak? Sighing, I pulled my trousers and got out from the room, slowly closing the door behind me. Looking at the closed door on my right a ridiculous smirk appeared as I strode quickly away from Tomo's and Kyoko's room; those two deserved better and I was glad for them.

On the other hand the guest room, where Christin was sleeping, held surprises. Rath's aura was strong coming from the inside and there was no way prying over them now. Christin had Rath's scent all over her body. Luckily Demons tend to have stronger sense of scent from the rest creatures.

When I got down and entered the kitchen a surreal scene made me stop. Shiro was making eggs, no idea where he got them, while Murasaki and Feith were sitting on the table, looking at maps Christin had with her on her backpack.

The Shinigami looked up at my direction and tch-ed. "Wear a shirt man! You are burning my eyes!"

"Ha.Ha." I scoffed and went to the table. "Morning to you too."

Feith grunted at the sight on my bare top. Jealous, jealous...

"Leave it Murasaki and wear sunglasses if you have to. We have more problems in our hands than Marco's top." Feith tapped his finger on the map and I leaned on.

There were black and red spots scattered around the Mediterranean, while some smaller groups of red spots were placed upon North America, Siberia and Australia.

"Ironically Africa became the last hold of humans. Those who have escaped of the north are too, lucky." Feith said circled with his finger the continent on the map.

"North America, Australia and many parts of Europe are now desolated not only because of the natural destructions but also because of the battles."

"You mean from the releasing aura Murasaki?"

"Exactly Marco. And Siberia is now a good place to hold battles. At least that's what Shiro learnt from Empress Jinto, the other General of D's army."

For Death using the ghost of a Japanese Empress, that was so like him. Not like the time he used Russian Grim Reapers to collect the souls of American agents at the Cold War. That time was a like a scene from a James Bond's movie.

I headed to the counter and took one of the clean plates and as Shiro snarled at me, I placed to two nicely fried eggs and opened a can of jerky, frying it with my flames for a moment.

I returned to the map, plate on hand. "The black spots are Grim Reapers and the red Angels. What do we know of the Cloud Fortress?"

"I would like to have Anastasia with us. Her deep knowledge on our world's relics can help."

Murasaki snorted. "There is something you don't know?"

"I am not the one with five thousand years worth of knowledge stuck on my brain, Anastasia is," Feith leaned back on the chair, sighing "and honestly, I would appreciate some rest now. I've been up all night."

I smirked at Murasaki. "So you did keep him warm, didn't you?"

A dagger flew to my direction but it was easily avoided. Before I could hear her curses I ran up to the second floor and headed to Ana's room, opening slowly the door.

Ana was already up and stretching. A white tank top and shorts were hiding the nice view while the steam on her skin showed that she had a shower. She was candy and I liked candy.

A flap of her wings knocked her feet for seconds above the floor before landing again and turn. Her mismatched eyes shined and I couldn't help but smile. "Morning Marco."

I still held the plate, when she walked closer and kissed my chest, taking the plate from me. "You are a savior. I am famished." She eyed the eggs and jerky just like she did with waffles.

"After yesterday I bet you are."

The flush on her cheeks? Too damn turn on. Muttering a 'shut up' she sat on the bed, crossed her feet and dug on the eggs. I took a seat on the chair of her desk and crossed my arms, looking at her. The light on my nightmare was hers. She had saved me from my darkness and that wasn't the only time.

With our minds align Ana and I had become able to sense each other's discomfort and thus 'saving' each other from our fears. Hers came on the form of fire licking her body, or the blade on her chest on Gedo's Core back on Nether Realm.

"What are you thinking?"

"Nothing."

"Liar." She said as the plate was finally empty. "Tell me what bothers you."

I sighed and closed my eyes, thinking about Feith's words and what our next move would be. A soft weight suddenly on my lap made my eyes snap open; Ana had straddled me, locking her hands on my neck. She really liked to torture me.

"If it is about the Cloud Fortress, I have a suggestion to make." Her voice was soft but her eyes looked hard, painful.

"Tell me."

"I want to leave Kyoko, Tomo and Christin here. Maybe Rath can stay with them. The house is safe and I will too put some shield on too."

I locked my arms around her waist pulling her on my chest. She didn't protest but instead leaned her head on the crook of my neck. "Are you afraid Ana?"

"No, not for me, but I tremble on the thought of my friends being in danger."

"Then we will do that. Neither do I want Rath on battle. Not before knowing where Leo and Nard have holed in their selves."

Ana grinned close to my lips and got up from my lap. She lifted her arms, pulling her blond long curls back on a loose ponytail. "Then we should tell the others, before our happy couple wakes up."

----------------------------

Anastasia

"You are doing the right thing." Feith offered me a sympathetic look as I finished explaining to them my idea. Murasaki had crossed her hands on the table, looking at me while Shiro was scratching the last remnants of eggs from the frying pan.

"I will note Death. Shiro." Murasaki ordered and the crow demon's eyes flashed purple for a moment.

"It is done. Our answer will be here within two hours." Shiro said and transformed back onto a crow. He flew out from the kitchen and headed towards the living room, leaving me Feith, Murasaki and Marco alone.

"So tell us what you know of the Cloud Fortress." Feith spoke with low voice and Marco took also a seat, arranging his long black wings around him.

"From what I can tell, Cloud Fortresses were used at the first battles between Angels and Demons. They have the shape of a cloud from the outside yet on the inside the look like a floating castle. I can't tell you about what weapons they may carry but in order for anyone to pass through the cloud shield a song must be told."

"So a Protector is always on board. Good thing we have one of our own." Murasaki murmured.

"Ivan will be there." Marco said and I lowered my head. His comment was meant for me. He had seen that I couldn't fight the Angels. They were considered my kin, not that Machias had almost destroyed my world and had made Ivan into an abomination; no, they were still pure, lovely-go merry Angels.

"Ana?" Marco's voice made me look at him.

"I am fine. Anyway let's pack and talk to the others."

"Onee-chan?" Kyoko's voice came from the living room.

I hurried to Murasaki. "Let's speak to the girls. Marco you take the guys."

He gave me thumps up. "Got it."

Murasaki sighed and left first the kitchen with me on her tow. Kyoko and Tomo were already at the living room, sitting to the couch. Her round face was glowing from happiness, not to mention Tomo who was looking at her with adoration. I really didn't bear to make her smile disappear.

"Kyoko sweet," Murasaki began, as if she had sensed my hesitation, "can we talk to you for a moment?"

"Sure." She kissed Tomo on the cheek and followed us upstairs.

As Murasaki opened the door to my room, I softly knocked on the guest room door. Luckily a sleepy Christin opened the door, enough for me to see a mass of muscles lying on the bed. Naked.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" I tried to keep my eyes locked on Christin's brown eyes and not to Rath.

"Your room?"

"Yeah."

"Ok, be there in a minute." And she closed the door quietly.

Now for the news. I got back into the room and sat on my chair. Kyoko was already sitting on my bed while Murasaki was standing near the door frame, as if she was waiting for the girls to escape. Soon Christin came in, wearing short pants and a white top tank and joined Kyoko too, sitting near her to the bed. Anticipation and worry were on their expressions but that didn't stop me from retelling Death's assumptions about the Portal and the Cloud Fortress. I finished with the decision of leaving but letting them stay behind with Rath and Tomo.

"Ie! I refuse to stay behind!" Kyoo cried and her face became red from anger.

"You are heading to a suicide mission! And to a fortress? No matter the shape they carry a lot of army!" Christin said and I sighed.

"This is for your safety." Murasaki stated and the girls turned to her.

"Fuck the safety! Ten years I've been running! Ten whole years knowing that m family and friends are gone! I have finally found Ana and I am not letting her go!"

"Christin, she will not be unprotected. Feith, Marco and I will be sure of that."

I growled. "I am not a baby Murasaki."

Kyoko got up and took my hands. "Onegai, Onee-chan don't do this." She plead and fell to her knees, bowing. I pulled her quickly up and saw her blue eyes glister with tears. "I lived into a house for so long...please don't make me do that again."

"But now you are not alone. Tomo is with you and I can't risk your safety. I can tell of your strength but I can't bear seeing you in danger. Not like yesterday."

I pulled back and turned to Christin. She was breathing heavily, trying not to cry but her hands were clenched in fists. "Christin."

"Not a word." She snarled and stormed out from the room. I followed her but Murasaki blocked my way. "Let her go. She will need time."

Although they hadn't admitted it my friends would stay back. But instead of relief, a consuming dread made m chest heavy. I pulled the sword from my desk, checked the tied whip on my thigh and stormed out from the room. I ignored Marco's voice and opened the door, letting the cool air fill my lungs.

Stretching my wings I took off, leaving the house behind me; I needed time to think and for a reason time was the last thing I had. Everything was coming closer. Machias, Ivan my friends even the dreams were premonitions. I knew they meant something but still I was afraid to explore their meaning. I glided towards the rooftops of already sunk houses and buildings, landing on one of them. The sea was quiet and only the momentum ripples from the wind were creating a soft swiss on the horizon.

I curled my wings around my body and left myself cry.

-------------------

Marco

Ana returned exactly at the time of our departure. Her eyes were red; she was crying, yet her posture was that of confident chick ready for battle. Tomo and Rath had agreed and they tried to persuade the girls too. I hoped their charms could work on them. While I gathered our few provisions, ensuring there was a first aid kit on the waist pack for Ana, Feith and Murasaki spoke again of the plan.

It was easy; ambush attack, search and hopefully sneak into Heaven. Piece of cake.

Anastasia walked closer to the house and few blond strands moved on her temples. She looked at me and nodded, fighting a small smile. "I will not speak about it."

"I didn't ask you to."

Ana stopped and took the waist pack from my hands, tying it on her waist. "Thank you Marco. How are the others?"

I shrugged. "Pissed but they understood. Finally. I didn't have it to Rath, him being such a Casanova."

She laughed and took my hand. Hers was always smaller, yet she carried more strength than me. How on the Realms could she do that? "We'll kick some ass."

"I can't wait for that." And kissed her forehead.

The door opened behind us and Murasaki together with Feith came out. The rest of our friends followed suit standing on a row near the door. I saw Christin's sad expression as she eyed first Ana and then me. Then her sadness became determination. Rath hugged her shoulders, pulling the woman closer to him. Tomo was already holding Kyoko as she tried to hold her tears while Shiro stood solemn near them, his human form still like a stone.

Anastasia near me took deep breath and walked closer to the married couple. "Well..." her voice trailed off as Kyoko fell on her arms hugging her tightly.

I hated goodbyes. I always did. And the worst part was that I couldn't be there. I wasn't there for Alas; I was too late for Auge and for Anastasia? I'd almost lost her. And now, seeing her shaking shoulders as she hugged Tomo, Kyoko and then Christin a swell on my chest made me groan frustrated. Feith stood near me silent as he looked at Ana. "That might be her last time seeing them."

Bastard. "I know."

Murasaki clapped her hand with Rath's and ordered Shiro to keep her informed about their safety and also to send Death a message about our departure.

Ana withdrew closer to my side and her hand found mine under the black cape. Her soft skin felt warm on my cold fingers and I held her tight, giving her the courage she needed.

Thank you. She said on my mind and I squeezed her hand a little.

"Okay love birds! See you soon!" Murasaki waved her hand and flew first, followed suit by Feith who simply nodded, before taking off.

"Goodbye." Anastasia said one last time to everyone before taking off and I wondered if that would be her final or not.

--------------------

Anastasia

The wind felt cold around the joints of the wings making me wonder if it was because of my farewell or the incoming battle. For surely was going to be one. Feith shouted something from the front and we all lined up on a V line. Marco was flying at my left and his thoughts were reassuring me for my right choice.

Besides, we have to search for Leo and Nard. We don't want that big group with us.

You are right. Even I have missed those two.

Trust me Ana, I haven't.

"Someone's approaching!" Murasaki drew her sword and we all followed suit.

Even in the cloudy sky our sight was stronger than anyone else's. Feith first spotted the slim figure flying towards our direction, but when the hood was pulled back I recognized the mass of brownish red hair.

"Arsenia!" I flew from our formation and the girl with the pink scythe smiled at me.

"I came to guide you. D's orders." She said and looked behind my back at the approaching team.

"He sent a kid?" Marco asked and Arsenia pouted that she wasn't that young.

"Do you know the way?" Feith spoke as he cast a glance at Marco.

Arsenia smiled. "I do but I don't know the way in."

"Don't worry about that, I got it," I turned at Murasaki who had already sheathed her sword back and then at the men, "please lead the way. And hurry."

Arsenia nodded and we continued, making our way through the clouds. The air became thinner as we gained more altitude and Marco hissed from uneasiness.

I don't like this silence. It's threatening. His thought made me look around me, sensing anything unusual.

Maybe there is a shield, or a field which doesn't allow possible enemies to come closer.

That must be it. He agreed and looked at me as I turned at his side too.

Suddenly, a low crumbling sound filled the skies and at the same time the wind stopped. Feith urged us to hide into the clouds and soon we were all cramped together between the white mists of the sky. We watched the clouds below us retreat as a gigantic round ball made of clouds appeared. It was moving slowly, making this strange sound as it passed below us.

"Well, I guess we found it." Murasaki mumbled.

"I don't see any troops around." Arsenia noticed and lifted her head above the puff of cloud.

"That doesn't mean there aren't any." Feith said and pulled Arsenia down.

"What do you think Ana?" Marco whispered near me and I stared at the gigantic cloud.

In some parts of this round ball of white I could notice some faint glows, like the way the sun rays hit the water. On another parts black spots were appearing from the cloud and quickly disappearing again. What intrigued me more was the cloud's top where the sharp edge of a silver...something could be seen.

"I think the cloud is a barrier." I spoke and I felt their gazes on me. "There is something glimmering, can you see that Feith?"

He looked at it too and then nodded.

"Why can't we see it?" Marco asked.

"The Cloud Fortress was made for fighting against Demons. The barrier works like an electrifying fence. Go closer and...you are toasted."

"Great..." Murasaki muttered and sighed.

"Can you break the defenses Anastasia?" Arsenia asked and I bit my lip. Something like that would take tremendous amounts of power and I didn't want to pass out from power overusing.

As if Marco had read my thoughts he declined Arsenia's offer. "Let's focus on opening a passage enough for us to pass."

"And then what? Go against an army of Angels?" Feith glared at Marco.

I sighed, feeling the information about the Cloud Fortress storming in my mind. "The Fortress can hold at lest a thousand Angels. There are no extra weapons and it's equipped with two control rooms, ten different medication centers as also at least five hundred dungeons and over two thousand rooms for both civilians and the army."

Murasaki stared at me and a grin formed on her lips. "Good more birdies for my blade." And she licked her lips in anticipation.

Feith growled at her while Marco already summoned his black scythe, sending a message to General Polk, asking for reinforcements.

"Forget the passage. I am going to destroy the whole shield." I decided and flapped my wings, ready to go higher.

"No!" Marco pulled my elbow, "you will become tired. And I can't fight thinking of you being-"

"I will be fine Marco." I caressed his cheek and looked at Arsenia "will you come with me?"

The girl with the pink scythe smiled. "Sure!"

"See?"

Marco growled but Murasaki pulled him back, saying that he could fight better without distractions.

"Ana is not a distraction!"

"But she can become a target! Don't forget Marco; Machais wants her out of the game." Feith spoke and for once I was glad for the Inspector's sense of priorities.

I looked at the Cloud Fortress once more and then at the bright sun above us. "So here's what we will do."

---------------------------

Leito entered the control room, one of the two main sections of the Cloud Fortress. Through the old scrolls Machias had provided him, when the war with the Grim Reapers began, Leito managed to transform an old relic into a modern weapon of both escape and destruction. The army of Angels which had accompanied him, or rather was ordered to, were working like a well polished machine ready to obey his every command. Healers, Gladiators and Inspectors were moving quickly on the round room where control panels made of thin crystal and embed with gold at their edges were showing images of the sky outside the Fortress.

"Report." Leito said a young Healer, dressed in grey, appeared near him, holding the small crystal panel.

Leito watched her; she was young, a few hundred years old, but the Healer's features were worn from the constant healing of her kin. Her brown hair was pulled back and as soon as she gave Leito the report she withdrew back, giving him a curt bow. The General strolled his fingers on the cryatl and pleased with the checking he moved closer to the huge crystal panels, which were floating around the room. Angels were standing in front of them, each one using his or her powers to hold the Cloud Fortress moving. It required concentration and powers and in planned hours the Angels were changing their positions with others, replacing the order and taking a rest at the same time.

"General Leito." A Gladiator spoke and the blue haired boy turned at him. "What is it?"

The white winged Angel pointed at a blur, white dot, at the crystal panel. It hovered still between the clouds, unmoving. "It appeared suddenly."

Leito stilled. "Run diagnostics and check for unusual aura."

"Yes, Sir." The Angel touched the crystal and colors of orange and yellow filled the screen, moving towards the image of the blur. After a few seconds the colors retreated and flashed...purple.

"Sir!" another cry was heard from the other side of the round room and Leito moved.

"There's unusual gathering of light! Sun light that is!"

"Explain!" Leito almost roared and the Inspector who worked on it shivered. "It looks like someone is summoning the sun's light closer."

Suddenly Leito titled his head to one of the Angels on his left and ordered him to turn on the outside speakers. The Healer pressed his palm on the crystal in front of him and then...everyone stilled.

Sweet music filled the control room as the woman's voice echoed from the speakers. All Angels stopped working and enchanted looked at the crystal which showed the white blur. The crystal zoomed in and the image became clearer; a girl with colored hair like a rainbow, stretched golden wings and white skin was singing, holding her height with the help of the winds. Everyone noticed her mismatched eyes, one brown and one at the colors of the dawn and the word 'Star born' was whispered between the Angels as her hands were stretched towards them like a plea.

Leito roared at everyone and the speakers went off. "Prepare for battle! Send out the Gladiators! And kill her!" the boy pointed at the singing Anastasia and grief overcame the working Angels. But the weight and power of Leito's voice made them turn back at their work and open the alarm, which signaled the upcoming battle.

Ivan quickly tied the leather vest around his chest and pulled the topaz scythe from the wall. The alarm could mean only one thing; he was going to meet them again. He ran to the door, which slid open for him, and he met the running Gladiators who were pulling their swords, already wearing their silver armors.

A growl from his throat was enough to open a path for him and Ivan passed them, almost flying towards the taking off platform, which was located two floors below the residential quarters.

Anticipation and malice for blood made his breathing quicken; he loved the feeling and carved for it. Especially the thought of having Marco seeing him tear apart the human girl, maybe after ravishing her completely in front of him. The thought made him smile and took off first followed by the rest of the Gladiators.

----------------------

Murasaki heard the anthem Anastasia was signing and courage made her chest rise. It was a welcoming feeling, like blossoming flowers at the spring and at the same time fire bolts beginning from her feet up to her head. Her music filled the Shinigami and glanced behind her shoulder at Feith.

His features were strained from concentration, as he used his powers making shields around her body and Marco's but Murasaki knew that he could feel that too. She turned to Marco and her attention fell to his black wristbands; a golden hue, like faint mist had covered his hands, making the scythe tremble with power.

Anastasia was giving him strength. But Marco's eyes were fixed at the cloud Fortress which had gone still mid air and a shrieking sound had began coming from the insides of the round Cloud.

"They are coming." He said and turned to Feith. "Stay hidden. We will keep your aura shut."

"I know!" he spat still his eyes closed and sunk deeper to the cloud, covering himself completely.

Murasaki felt something caressing her shoulders, a gentle touch of air, brushing her falling purple locks of her bun and a voice whispered on her ear "Be careful". Without turning back and flushing, she drew her long katana and with Marco they leapt away from Feith, gliding towards the incoming army of white winged Angels.

They saw the army approaching. They both howled as the blades were risen and for a heartbeat only Anastasia's singing could be heard through the sky. Marco was the first to act. He flapped his wings once.

Once it was enough for the dark ripples of demonic aura to surge forward taking down the entire first wave of Gladiators. Murasaki was next; she flew above the black winged Grim Reaper and her katana found her aim. Blood and white feathers started to fill the sky as Marco and Murasaki fought the Angels. But no Angel could deliver a clean hit as they only met an invisible force field, like bubble but strong like glass, which had already surrounded Marco and Murasaki.

The Shinigami moved her feet, delivering a nice kick at the Angel's groin, making him gasp. Marco pulled his lip showing his pulled demonic fangs and snarled, before swinging once the scythe. A pair of white wings cut and fell.

He moved twice like a graceful dancer on the sky. More Gladiators fell victims to his black blade. Quickly, Murasaki and Marco were surrounded completely by the army, floating back to back, having the Angels on a circle around them.

But none dared to move.

"Come on!" Marco hissed and his cry make the Angels pull back.

"Aw Marco you are scaring them!" Murasaki pouted and licked her lips, already covered with the blood of her enemies.

The singing from above stopped and as from reflex everyone looked up. The sun shined bright but something was entirely off. Instead of the warmth, hot rays like beams started to fall.

Marco swore and pulled Murasaki away from their circle as the sun's rays had become deadly blasts, falling from the sky like shooting stars. A flash of pink caught their attention. Arsenia was riding one of the rays, swinging her scythe and signing out loud 'Born to be wild'. Another ball of light caught Marco's attention.

Anastasia was flying, almost light speed, towards the Cloud Fortress, her hair blazing of the multiple colors and her golden wings leaving trails of falling golden feathers behind.

Ana!

I am going in! Keep them busy!

"Wait!" Marco tried to follow her through the burning scent of crisped Angels but Murasaki grabbed his elbow, holding him still.

"Marco..." she trailed off.

The Demon felt the change of her voice from soft to malicious. He didn't need to ask. The foul stench of the aura had already filled his nostrils. They saw Ivan appear from the fallen bodies of the Angels as they floated on the sky, unable to be pulled downwards form Earth's gravity, alien as they were.

Ivan noticed them, covered with blood trails. He felt no remorse for his fallen kin but instead he pulled the long topaz scythe and flew. But not towards Marco and Murasaki. His black eyes followed Anastasia as she was flying towards the Cloud Fortress, singing out loud.

Marco leapt down, following Ivan but Murasaki found herself flying back to Feith. She felt the shield around her weakening. And she was right. When she neared the cloud Feith had taken cover, a cry was heard and two Gladiators pulled upwards Feith calling him "traitor" and pressing the joints of his grey wings into a deadly grip.

The Inspector snarled from fury but he was unable to fight due to the Law, which forbid the violence between Angels. Murasaki's eyes saw red. Her katana moved and like a stormdancer she hovered above the Angels and stabbed the first one on the back, and quickly the other by slashing his wings, making the Gladiator incapable of flying. They lost their altitude and fell.

"Feith!" Murasaki pulled him up as he took deep breaths.

He looked at his kin with a mixture of sadness and hatred and then at Murasaki. A hint of smirk was enough; he kissed her temple and flew downwards, urging the stunned from shock Murasaki to follow him.

--------------------

Marco

A nice plan was formed in my head. First I will cut Ivan's head, then his wings and then his balls. No maybe the balls should become the top priority. As Ivan headed closer to Ana, rage was my best pal right now. I still remember the reason I lived in the City of Wrath, one of the seven cities of Hell.

I was too damn malicious.

With a strong pull I grabbed his golden wing and twisted Ivan back and away from Ana's direction. Caught off guard Ivan straightened his position and our gazes locked. Five thousand years of torment and grief, rage and guilt only to have him standing in front of me and being at the same time my girl's shield.

Ivan swung the scythe and smiled. "Let's play."

He dove and I flew up. The charging bolts of our scythes made the air hot. Soon we were attacking each other, hitting and retreating searching for an opening. Ivan was stronger but his power was not his, not truly. He worked a vessel, a fucking hideous one but that wasn't the point now. After another yet failed attempt to slash my wings Ivan howled and retreated. "What's wrong Ivan? Too scared to fight?"

But the strain in his features caught me by surprise. Suddenly, his arms became stiff, his scythe melted and dissolved into thick black air and he became petrified. "How! How do you have that power?" Ivan roared at me and I frowned.

"What power?" I looked around me and soon I understood.

The golden hue of Ana's aura was making the black onyx wristbands shine a mix of gold over the black surface. The golden mist stretched like warm hands, caressing my arms and settling on my chest above my heart.

My goddess was amazing.

"Then killing you will be easier!" and I flew, hovering right above him ready to strike.

Ivan screamed. I roared.

And then the bastard was gone!

------------------------------

Anastasia

Arsenia laughed like a toddler beside me. The anthem I had sung worked perfectly but now the defense of the Cloud Fortress was my next big bet. The black dots I had spotted earlier on the white glassy surface seemed to work like cameras, judging from the fact that all 300 of them were aiming at me, straight ahead.

"So what now Anastasia?" the young Grim Reaper asked me.

I chuckled. "Now we will piss them off."

I drew the tilt of my golden whip from my thigh. The long golden shaped line circled me and Arsenia as I lifted my arm above my head. I needed the right part to strike but which should it be? My eyes drifted to the top where the single silver spike was edging away from the thickness of the white Cloud. Maybe...

"Arsenia, let's fly higher."

We spent no time waiting as we bolted upwards; the winds were quiet and it required more strength on heading to the top. Glad for the breakfast I had, I noted mentally to eat more, later. The shrieking sound of the sirens from the inside of the Fortress was becoming loud and clear to my ears and Arsenia shouted at me to look. I turned to the direction she was pointing.

And I dropped my jaw.

Murasaki and Feith were making their way towards one of the troops which had appeared below us. A howl from the Shinigami's mouth was enough to jolt the Angels back, while Feith Was flying beside her, holding a long axe. The Angels, afraid from the effects of the Law, which was leaving them immobile if they dared to attack each other, were withdrawing but no letting their weapons fall.

Marco's roar behind me gave the dread in my chest a new tug. That was his furious voice. Was he hurt? I turned around and almost flew away if Arsenia hadn't caught my elbow.

"You must destroy the shield!"

"Marco!" I shouted ignoring the girl.

I am fine. His thoughts came from the long distance between us. I could still see the outline of his body and the long black wings moving furiously up and down. Just really, really pissed off.

What happened?

Ivan escaped! I had him Ana! Inches away from my blade! And he disappeared; someone teleported him.

A shudder of both revulsion and anger swept over me; killing was something I always was against at. Working with ghosts had taught me that no one deserved a bad death. I had to take a round trip into Nether Realm to realize the thin line between what was ethic and what wasn't. But hearing Marco telling me he had failed to take out our number one enemy and nemesis left me numb of anger but full of determination.

I stared back at the Fortress. The 300 black spot-cameras were staring right at me. I laughed. And then I lifted my right arm, giving the middle finger to the one I could sense that was staring me right now. That would be the second time Leito would see that gesture.

Come Marco. I have a shield to destroy. I thought back and pushed Arsenia behind me.

"No matter what you see close your ears tightly. It will become bumpy."

Arsenia nodded and pressed her hands on her ears, staring with wonder at me, waiting to see what I would do next, like a kid waiting for the magician's next trick.

Marco's shoulder brushed mine as he appeared near me. I turned and drunk his lovely features in, ready for what was coming next. He winked, waiting for the chance of entering the Fortress and I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with pure air.

And I screamed.

----------------------

They were still trying to advance when the scream echoed to the sky. The Angels covered their ears, shouting from pain as Anastasia used her voice as a bond against the invisible shield of the Fortress. From what she had explained Feith understood that the cloudy form was generated from a certain part of the Fortress which was supplied by the constant singing of an assigned Protector from the insides of the still Cloud.

If the signal was interrupted then the defenses would fall.

The Angel felt Murasaki's arm pulling him towards the Fortress and with amazement they both noticed that the white mist of the cloud had retreated revealing-

"A stone castle?"

"No Murasaki. It's a bad copy of Hogwarts."

"Don't be idiot! It must be made of heavenly steel not stone!"

The castle was consisted of three towers, close to each other and connected with a lower part, square and circular at some points, with silver and stony parts edging out from the main structure, like spikes.

"Come on!" Feith urged Murasaki, sensing the rage of the Angels behind him.

They flew faster and with the first opening they spotted between the thick and sharp spikes, they rushed into the dim yellow light. Only when they landed on the cool silver floor on the inside of the Fortress, did they notice the two golden feathers, stuck on their shoulders.

Anastasia was watching over them.

"Well at least we will not get lost." Murasaki shrugged and Feith laughed, saying that they looked like wired spies, entering the enemy's territory.

"Ha.Ha. Funny." Murasaki mused and tried to hide her flush as she began walking with Feith still grinning at her from her behind.