A/N: For anyone unaware! Röbby, Chad, Charlee, & London are from Farewell, My Love. Ray, JC, Bret, & Tommy are from The Relapse Symphony. They're both awesome bands with amazing music <3 The picture on the last chapter was of Bret, & this one is Röbby :3

X • Ricky's POV • X

The time absolutely flew by me! Bret and I talked for so long about so many things, that I couldn't believe when I caught a glimpse of the clock. It helped both of us to finally talk about this though. Angelo is the one I should get to talk to, but he's a little aloof lately. I really shouldn't have to travel this far for some companionship just because he's being a grump!

It's whatever I suppose. Angelo is going through a lot. So am I, but I just... I don't know. I told Bret goodbye with a hug, then collected my things. He didn't want to let me leave, and I completely understood that. At least he has Ray and JC. I'm sure they'll get someone to replace Alex soon too.

As I started to descend the stairs, I heard a pulsing noise throughout Home Tree. The several crystals strewn around flashed with an aqua color. I looked around for a source, only to be distracted by the nekos.

"Heads up!" One yelled, and I ducked just as Chad jumped over my head. Him and London hopped in between the railings as they rushed downstairs. They looked like jungle cats on branches as they raced to get downstairs.

Röbby walked past me on the steps, rolling his eyes. "Animals."

Charlee followed him with a sigh. "We just had the rails polished too." He griped under his breath.

I laughed and continued down the stairs. "What's so important?"

"Oh, it's the crystal table. It hasn't activated since London started his training, so he's been a little anxious to see it in action." Charlee explained.

"What's Chad's excuse?" I asked.

"It's Chad." They both replied.

"I love him, but he can get distracted by shiny things easily." Röbby added with a chuckle.

I nodded understandingly. Sometimes Ryan and Balz can get that way, but like Röbby said, you love them anyways. We've never had much need to use our crystal table, but we do have one. All the supernatural leaders do, just like all have an oracle. It's basically a communication device for species to get in contact with each other. The vampires have mostly separated themselves from the rest of the supernatural world, hence the reason the crystal table at the mansion is collecting dust.

Out of curiosity, I stayed to see who was calling. This late at night, it must not be good. At least, it must not be something unimportant. Though the table was flat, it reflected images upward in a northern lights affect. I stood behind the guys as it activated, and I saw something start to appear. I was rather shocked at what I saw... Chris and Devin. Why would they be calling here?

"Ricky, thank God you're alright." Chris slightly gasped.

"Alright? What's wrong? Why wouldn't I be?" I asked in return.

"The guardians have ordered a lockdown at midnight. When ten o'clock hit and you weren't home, we started to worry." Devin explained.

"Two hours doesn't give us much time." Röbby said. "You guys know lockdown procedures..."

"Very aware. Once it's announced, you have to lockdown where you are. We trust you guys with Ricky." Devin replied.

"Just please, make sure nothing happens to him." Chris spoke through a groggy voice. "Ricky, I'm sure it's nothing, just a drill. Still, stay safe. I love you."

I forced a smile as the worry bubbled up inside of me. "I love you too. Be careful, your back is still healing."

"I know, but I have a kingdom to run. I should go for that very reason."

"Watch him." I told Devin.

He snickered. "Will do. Be safe, Angel."

"He's in good hands." Chad reassured before they turned off the crystal table.

The lights disappeared, their reflections falling off our faces. A little warmth drained from my face. Why would they do a drill? We haven't in... years. I was still with the angels last time there was a lockdown. That was the Hallow War, one of the roughest we've ever had in our history. I was just a little kid then. What the fuck could they possibly be calling a lockdown for?

Röbby sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I can't believe we have a fucking lockdown."

"There's a lot of room for concern." Charlee said.

"What exactly are lockdowns?" London asked.

Röbby shook his head. "Sometimes I forget you're only nineteen. Somebody remind me again why I brought a child into our ranks?"

London looked rather hurt by that comment. "Hey!" He scoffed.

"Ignore him. He's just a little frustrated that we have a lockdown." Chad responded. "Lockdowns are pretty much as they sound. All creatures have to lock their doors and windows. You aren't aloud to leave your home until it's lifted, and you have to be ready to fight at any moment."

"They can last weeks though." Charlee groaned. "And there's no such thing as a lockdown for no reason, even though the Guardians will tell you "oh it was just a drill." No, bad shit always happens during lockdowns. They just like to sweep it under the rug."

"We're about due for a tragedy." I muttered as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"You're sadly right." Röbby frowned. He glanced over to the stairs as JC came down. "Dude, we have a lockdown."

"Seriously?" He questioned in annoyance. "Fuck. Why?"

"We don't know." Chad spoke. "Let's just start by getting everything sorted. Röbby, do lockup. I'm putting you in charge of keeping Ricky safe too. Charlee and I will go make sure everyone is here."

He started heading upstairs, with Charlee following. Charlee turned around for a second and added, "And London, if there was ever a more important time to listen to Röbby, it'd be now."

London nodded, though I could tell he was timid. He reminded me a lot of myself, when I first was brought under the protection of the coven. You get so scared of fucking something up, that you don't even want to breathe. I suppose if Röbby has to pretty much babysit me, I should stick with him. Röbby told London to go get the crystal keys, which left just him and I for a moment.

"So, if he's not that smart, why did you take him as a member of the Kindle?" I asked.

"He's smart, just not book smart. London's father is the commander of the army for the entire valley, and his mom works in inter-species relations. His father taught him how to fight from the time he was young, and because of his mother, he can speak in multiple tongues and is good with creatures of all kinds. I'd rather have that than a bookworm any day." He explained.

I nodded slightly to show I understood. London walked back in the room, handing Röbby an oak and leather box. The box seemed to recognize him, because it opened the second it touched his paws. They went off to start locking windows and doors, while I took a seat at the end of the stairs.

Now I'm thinking once again, and we all know, when I think, I end up upsetting myself. I still can't stop thinking about how the Hell Chris is going to take care of our baby, and his and Ange's, and run the kingdom all while healing a broken back. On top of it, hearing Röbby talk about London's worth, makes me wonder what exactly I bring to the table for the coven. True that I'm not actually in the coven, but all the other spouses have something to offer. Ryan-Ashley is a telepath like Balz, Kylie is a voodoo expert, but then there's me. I have nothing to offer, and it seems like I just cause the coven more trouble than they need.

Maybe anymore I'm looking for reasons to pity myself. I am useless though! Everyone is constantly watching me like I'm a little kid or something. Even now! They put Röbby in charge of my safety. I can defend myself. I watched him as he opened the door to check the outside before he locked it.

Röbby didn't anticipate that there would be a fairy about to head inside. That fairy also didn't expect Röbby to open the door, and he couldn't stop himself in time. He fell into the room, tumbling end over end until he hit the table. I tried not to laugh, but it was fucking hilarious. As someone that has had my share of flying mishaps, I know how much it sucks when creatures do laugh.

"Tommy." Röbby sighed. "What are you doing here?"

He slowly stood up and dusted himself off. "Uh, you know, I kind of get elected every time to be the one to bring the valleys concerns to you guys. Even when it's ten PM and I want to go to bed."

"Tommy, I thought I heard you crash in here." JC chuckled as he reentered the room, followed by Ray.

"Is it about the lockdown?" Röbby asked.

"Kind of. Everyone is a little worried that you guys haven't addressed the sky." He said.

The sky? Everyone else shared concerned looks, and all hurried to go look outside. I got up from where I sat and followed. The sky... fuck, the sky! That's why the guys were so worried about me. The sky was bleeding. By that, I mean, the horizon was a deep shade of red. That means one thing, and one thing only; an angel was murdered. Who died though? And who killed them? This was more concerning than anything. It takes a true amount of hatred to murder an angel.

Wind began to hiss viciously through our ears. My hair blew in my face, as I felt my wings shiver from the cold rain. Oh, this was not good. From the distance, sirens sounded. They echoed throughout the valley, striking me at my core.

"I thought the lockdown wasn't for another two hours." I yelled over the wind.

"It's not! This isn't good!" Röbby replied. "London, head down to the barricades and tell your father to ready the troops. Tommy, you've been looking for your chance to prove yourself to the Fae Ring, now's your chance. Take Bret through the tree's portal, to Kuza's. It's much safer there for him."

JC set his hand on my shoulder, speaking into my ear, "You should go with them."

"No!" I automatically responded. "I'll be fine. You guys need me here."

"As long as you can handle yourself. Let's get inside, and suit up. There's a war on the horizon." Röbby spoke ominously as he walked inside the Home Tree.