Wings of Love

Wings

Of

Love

By: Alexa

“Humans.” The voice snorted in amusement and disgust. The room was pearly white and made of marble. Exactly what you’d expect. Then again, the soul was known to satisfy “puny mortals”. The pillars lifted the roof above them, matching much of Roman and Greek architecture. The day they created such items; he got giddy, saying, “At least foolish peasants can create beauty.” And copied them all around. His wife sighed when that happened, Aya remembered it all very clearly.

    “Ew.. pillars? Really?” Conesca asked. Her husband shot her a glare which shut her up.

    “They were made for me, Conesca! You have no say.” He spat in a condescending tone. Conesca sighed and looked away.

    “...I’m going to see the children.” She said simply and quietly, and walked away.

    “Tamiko! Come here, darling!” Conesca called her daughter. She was the wife of

what several mortals called God. In reality, he wasn’t the best thing in the world. It probably made sense, he never was in “the world”. Her life as a human was cut short and she was stolen because Amatsu was selfish. At least, that was her way of seeing it. Amatsu claimed it was because he was desperately in love with her. She was afraid of her husband for the most part, but she still told their children about their father. For the only thing she found more frightening than her death, was her daughters’ complications that could be made by their father.

    “Yes, mother?” The nine-year-old said in her pitchy voice. The little girl had long golden hair and light brown eyes. She had been told by many that she greatly resembled her mother. Tamiko was the eldest daughter Conesca had, and she became awfully mature quickly.

    “Take this,” She replied, handing her daughter two empty baskets, “And fill it with flowers. Give the other one to your sister.” Conseca partly scolded, knowing full-well Tamiko had stolen the other basket last time. “And I’ll know if you don’t.” The mother added with a threatening tone. Tamiko simply nodded, not fooling anyone at all. Her eyes always gave her away, that was Tamiko’s one flaw. But she refused to believe it. Even when she got older.

    “Mi- Mi-” Rinaya stuttered, trying to pronounce Tamiko’s nickname (Miko). “Mi… Meek, Miku?” Tamiko giggled and pat her little sister’s head lovingly.

    “Sure, Aya. Miku… Pffff.” Tamiko giggled after the thought. A bit reluctantly, Tamiko handed Aya a basket and the two bounded off for flowers. After a while, Tamiko skipped up to her mother proudly.

    “My entire basket is filled, Mother!” She stated, handing her mother an exquisite feat.

    “Yes, yes, dear.” Conesca murmured. It was obvious something was wrong but the only “person” there to witness it was a young girl. So, it wasn’t as if Conesca was going to earn any sympathy. But the shock of Conesca’s absent-minded praise showed evidently on Miku’s face.

    “I-I mean… I’m sorry, dear. Mother’s really tired.” She sighed, kissing her daughter’s head. “You did a great job. Now, go watch Aya. I don’t want her getting in any trouble, yeah?” Miku’s face lit up with a smile after receiving one from the one woman she looked up to. Conesca simply kept her smile upon her face.

    “Conesca!” A voice called. Conesca grimaced and attempted to keep her focus on her daughter.

    “That’s Father… I’ll see you later, sweetie.” She chimed. Tamiko stared up, confused, but she was old enough to know better and let it go.

    “Okay, Mommy! I’ll see you later!”

    Little did Tamiko know… She wasn’t going to see her later.

    “Don’t you think they’re pitiful, daughter?” The booming voice questioned. Aya nodded once, not believing herself one bit. To her, humans were fascinating. They were truly beautiful creatures. Aya thought that they were practically like her, just without certain appendages.

    “O-of course, Father…” She quietly murmured. Tamiko stood on the other side of her father and shook her head with a low chuckle, but there was no humor in her voice.

    “Mm-hmm, Aya.” She said slyly, giving me a look. Aya turned away from her sister’s gaze and went back to watching the petty humans fight over unnecessary things. Truly, it was kinda fun to watch. Where I am, no one gets mad, or at least, no one shows it. There are no fights or wars or stupid pettiness. Everyone’s “happy” because, guess what? They made it to their so-called “paradise”, but this was no paradise. Earth was. Puny, insignificant Earth… That was paradise. But could she voice her opinions? No. Same for Miku, her older sister. They couldn’t make the same mistake their mother did. That’s what you get when your father is known as “God”. And to be honest, Heaven wasn’t all that fun. All the white just kinda hurts the eye, and everytime someone comes, they appear in a golden light. It was a surprise that no one, especially Amatsu himself, had gone blind.

    Getting bored, Amatsu switched the view onto something more peaceful but all the same entertaining. Aya wasn’t quite paying attention, however. Just trying to think of a way to occupy herself. If didn’t, her thoughts and dreams would get the best of her and she would certainly fly down to Earth. Amatsu didn’t like Tamiko/Miku at all. He said she looked too much like her Earthly mother. It was true, though. Tamiko did highly resemble Conesca, Aya and her mother. Wavy, golden blonde hair, light brown eyes, and pale skin. Aya on the other hand, was compared to as a “perfect mix” of the two. Amatsu was known to be incredibly handsome and her mother was the definition of beauty. So you can imagine how outstandingly beautiful the two women were. Tamiko was of the age 27, at least to humans. In reality, she was about 18,000 years of age, so not too old. Rinaya seemed to be 25 years old to humans, but she was way younger than Miku. At least, she thought so. She was only 12,877 years old, but nevertheless she looked only 2 human years younger. Odd, huh? Aya had red wavy hair, pale green eyes, and tan skin. Her body shape and face shape was a mirror image of her mother, so was her hair. Except the color was earned from her father, along with her beautiful eyes.

    Snapping out of her day-dream, Aya noticed a young man walking through the images. He.. He was peculiar. He stood out to her, for one reason or another. Rinaya simply stared; dumbstruck. Little did she realize, that her over-protective, older sister, Miku, was watching with worry. Tamiko glanced to the Forbidden Box, but quickly tore her eyes away. Hoping her sister had enough sense to be smart about her newfound curiosity.

    It was late. The sky was dark and beautiful, the only light came from the candles, lanterns, stars, and the moon. Oh, how beautiful the view would look from Earth! At least, that’s was Aya thought. Without giving herself time to back down, Rinaya spread her perfect pair of huge, godly white, feathery wings, and flew down to Earth. To humans. To her destiny. That was another reason Amatsu loved her so much, her wings were the essence of perfection. Tamiko’s were white as well but they weren’t perfectly white nor as big. The view was brilliant as she dove to the ground. All the colors! Not really any white to be seen, actually. That amazed her. And sky was beautiful, and there were bricks! She couldn't believe her eyes! It wasn’t just a myth, human actually built houses out of plain stone and bricks! NOT MARBLE! It was magnificent…

    “H-here…” A strange mortal said, poking her on the shoulder. Aya whipped around to see an extremely nervous human, holding out something they called an “envelope”. “T-to the ball… S-supposed to.. Pretty…” He stuttered awkwardly, not exactly creating a full sentence. Rinaya stared at him and smiled. A ball? Sounded fun to her.

    “Thank you, Sir!” Aya winked, and flew off to the address that was written on the letter. She left a man standing flustered and confused in the middle of an empty town. Not that she knew, but she did.

    “Greetings, m’lady. Welcome.” A man greeted at the doors of a beautiful mortal home.

    “Thank you, Sir!” Aya replied, patting his head instead of extending her hand for him to kiss. He looked a bit confused but simply smiled back and let her through.

    The ball was elegant and beautiful. Probably not as elegant compared to Heaven, but Aya thought that it was even more beautiful. Human culture fascinated her, though she couldn’t quite understand it. Fascinated she was, nonetheless. She decided to make her appearance tailored to the 1700s fashion, as that was the time in period she was currently in. Due to the sexist acts of this society, she wore a dress. Not that Aya was complaining, she looked great and loved the way she dressed, but the fact that it was socially inappropriate to wear anything else ruffled her feathers. Despite that, she strode with pride and grace across the ballroom. Aya admired from afar, the clothes, the culture, the scenery. The things that all of the mortals took for granted.

    All except an oddly familiar face. He was had just finished a dance as it seemed, and was inspecting patterns upon the banister. He was dressed regally, making Aya insinuate he was rich. But that wasn’t the first thing she noticed. The first thing was the fact he was noticing the tiny details that no one paid attention to. The second was his face. The second she saw him, she knew she was in trouble. He was flatteringly attractive and seemed to be just as handsome on the inside. His black bangs hid a bit of his face for a while, but soon enough he lifted his gaze from the banister onto Aya herself. And that made her flush. His eyes were piercing, enough to make several women swoon, she was sure. They were the color of a dark storm, it seemed that at that exact moment they matched his feelings, for it looked like he was having a small internal conflict inside of himself. But as soon as it was there, it was gone. Leaving Rinaya to wonder if she imagined it.

    “Greeting, M’lady.” The man greeted, snapping Aya out of her trance, “Would you care for a dance?” He asked, sticking his hand out. Aya tilted her head at the gesture, weird humans… So instead, she simply patted his shoulder causing him to laugh. And by Amatsu, was his laugh entrancing. After his fit of laughter died down he said, “You’re an odd one, aren’t you? I feel like you don’t know who I am, my name is Adrian Romanov. Could you give me the honor of knowing yours?” Aya put her hand over her mouth, trying to suppress a giggle and a blush.

    “Y-you may..” She giggled, “My name is Rinaya…” She stopped to think. What could she say her surname was?

    “You’re quite mysterious, aren’t you.” Adrian laughed, cutting off Aya’s hope of making a random name to go with her own.

    “Yes, yes indeed.”

    “May I accompany you to a dance?” Adrian questioned, sticking his hand out once more. This time, Rinaya took it and he led her to the dance floor. “Do you know how to dance?”

    Aya shook her head, “I’ve never even tried?” Adrian laughed once more and winked at her.

    “Well, it’s easy. Let me teach you.” And so the angel nodded. An angel has fallen desperately for a human. That was not allowed. But that angel was so desperate, she made a decision…

    The white-winged, perfect angel danced away with the puny, insignificant human. And suddenly, the Forbidden Fruit was in her hand.

    “Th-that was… fun.” Adrian breathed, his eyes dancing around Aya. She smiled bashfully and looked down.

    “Y-yes. That is definitely correct.”

    “Adrian!” A pitchy voice, that was a few octaves higher than Aya’s own, rang. Rinaya turned to see a tall woman dressed in black, white, and red coming towards them.

    “Ah- Greetings, Tasha.” Adrian greeted awkwardly. Aya could easily sense the tension.

    “And- um… Who might you be?” Rinaya questioned the woman. It seemed a light sparked in her eye.

    “Me? Oh, well I’m Natasha Aptekal, soon-to-be Romanov. I’m Adrian’s fiance!” Natasha’s jet-black, shoulder-length hair seemed to fall into place as she latched herself onto Adrian. Adrian didn’t seem quite as comfortable. Probably, realizing Rinaya now knew he was only leading her on. She didn’t know that he truly did appreciate her company much more than Natasha’s. But as I said, she didn’t know.

    Tamiko sighed as Amatsu sent her down. “Tamiko.” He spat, “Go to the blue & green planet, I need a man killed.” A majority of the puny humans on said planet didn’t even realize that Amatsu did such things. If he didn’t like them, if they looked weirdly at certain things, for any reason; he’d simply send down a trusted angel to collect their soul.

    “Greetings, Sir.” Tamiko said bluntly to a man guarding the “huge” door. “Is this Mr. Romanov’s estate?” The man nodded gruffly. Tamiko rolled her eyes, what a hassle. And then, she pushed the burly man away with just one arm. His eyes bulged at her but she was much too grumpy to pay attention.

    She walked into the large house, glancing around to try and find this Adrian Romanov. Oh, and there he is!

    “H-his fiance?” Aya practically whispered. Tasha smiled and laid her lips upon Adrian’s cheek.

    “Oh, well, of course!” Rinaya and Adrian grimaced simultaneously. Romanov sent Rinaya an awkward glance, it was filled with something. It was filled with nervousness and regret… and a bit of longing. And that small part of longing was enough for Aya to decide.

    She needed this man.

    However, humans and angels could never be together. Romantically, platonically, mutual hatred, nothing. No relationship of any kind could ever exist. But… Aya had already broken that rule. It did seem that Amatsu thought of this, though. When an angel is born, they have a halo. This is a popular idea that humans had thought of, and it’s true. But it’s for a specific reason. A “halo” is commonly known as a “ring of promise” to angel-kind. This is a promise (ring) to Amatsu or “God” (to the humans who call him that). Amatsu can be called several things, but overall, he simply rules Heaven and grimaces at Earth. Basically, since she was born with it. The price for living was literally to never fall in love with a human. Most angels die, and then they’re in Heaven. However, Tamiko and Aya were born into it. So, it wasn’t their decision.

    One time, Aya asked Miku how it worked, back when they were children; around 6678 years old. “Uh, Miku?” Aya questioned. Tamiko turned her attention onto her sister.

    “Yes?”

    “Wh- How… I-” Rinaya stuttered. Finally, she just sighed and pointed to her halo. Tamiko giggled and explained it’s lore.

    “Well, that’s a “promise ring” of course! I heard that humans call them “halos” though.” Tamiko said. Aya’s eyes went wide.

    “Don’t curse, Miku!” Tamiko smiled at her sister’s innocence and rolled her eyes.      

    With a pat on Aya’s head, she continued, “Anyways, most angels get them after promising Father that they will not fall in love with a human. Unless it’s their husband or wife from their old life. But we were born angels. So, us being alive was basically making a promise to Father. We didn’t really get the choice…” Miku murmured, “But nonetheless, the rings make it forbidden to fall for a human. The only thing in the galaxy that break it is…” Tamiko leaned closer and whispered into her ear, “Shinigami, the God of Death.” Aya froze, she was terrified of him. Even though he was one of Amatsu’s seven soldiers, there was one for each sin (7 sins). “You know he craves wings of an angel, because he wants to be one? Jealousy, yada yada. You know all that.” Aya nods. “Well, the price to be rid of your promise ring is one of your wings! That’s how he makes important deals! But none of the angels have done that so far, so he’s no closer to doing whatever he desires to do as an angel.” Miku stated. Aya nodded, what an interesting story.

    Interesting indeed. And very helpful at that moment. For, she realizes that she needs to do. An angel would die if both wings were gone, but she only needed to cut off one…

    “Rinaya?” Adrian questioned, obviously kinda scared. Aya shook her head as if to clear her thoughts and simply smiled at the awkward couple.

    “It was nice to meet you, Tasha. But I must be going!” Rinaya said with a smile, and turned away. At the last second she turned to Adrian and winked, “You too, Adrian.” Adrian flushed a bright red and turned away. Aya, satisfied with herself, smiled and walked out of the house.

    Was that Aya with her murder victim? Soon enough, Aya turned away from her target who was being held by a girl. Quickly, Tamiko whipped behind a column that held up the upstairs as Aya turned her way. But as soon as she did, she turned back to Mr. Romanov and winked. Then she left. Mr. Romanov simply stared to the floor, red in the face. What… was going on? A realization slapped the elder sister in the face. “You’re in love with him…” She whispered from afar, mostly to herself. “Aya…” There were tears in the blonde angel’s eyes. For she knew exactly how far her sister would go for love. Exactly. She knew the look in Rinaya’s eyes. It was the look of irrevocable love. And Miku knew she had to do something and that Aya was going to do something. But what?

     Rinaya poked around. It was pitch black and the air hung heavy. The atmosphere seemed dark, deathly. I guess it made sense, though. She didn’t expect to casually stroll into the underworld with cookies to be greeted with friendship and rainbows. “Rinaya of Amatsu?” A voice echoed. It sounded quite like Amatsu’s voice himself,  but deeper and more gruff. “What gives me the pleasure?” His voice changed from frightening because you were being strangled by a big, burly man to frightened because someone is going to screw your life up in secret. It was a kind of seducing voice, not necessarily romantic but more “you’ll do everything I say” kind of way.

    She stood her ground and tried to straighten her back, “I am here for a deal.” Aya declared. He cocked his head, coming into the light. He seemed to take a more humane form. He was slender, kinda feminine, and has silver, slicked back hair. He wore a black suit, like a politician (which was the first sign that he was evil). As a final touch, a blood red tie slung around his neck. “I, Rinaya of Amatsu, the “perfect angel” with the perfect wings, would like to sacrifice one of them for you. In return,” Aya added suddenly as Shinigami’s eye lit up at the declaration, “I want to appear human and be able to be rid of my promise ring.” Shinigami stared at me, but soon a sly smirk swept across his face.

    “Oh, may I ask the name?” He questioned. Aya shot him a terrifying glare, she may or may not have been practicing. It seemed to the effect she hoped for and he pulled his lips into a thin line. “Very well, madam. I will rid you of your promise ring and let you appear as human on Earth with the one you are in love with. In return, you owe me one of your magnificent angel wings. Deal?” Rinaya looked at his hand reluctantly. It had a blue, fire-like aura upon it as he stuck his hand out to shake Aya’s.

    “Deal.” Shinigami and Rinaya shook hands and the most blood-curdling screech rang.

    The creepily cold blood drenched her right shoulder-blade. It didn’t make sense it was cold, for blood was supposed to be warm, right? Aya cried in agony, tears fell upon her cheeks as she felt her appendage be ripped off of her. She winced as she felt the cold chains crawl around her wing. Pulling and tugging, until she heard another sickening crack. She felt like bones were being ripped out of her spine, I mean, I guess she was kinda close in that sense. Her bones were being ripped out of her back. Just not her spine. With one last scream of pain and suffering, she felt a neverending bruise floating in chains. The hard part was over, there would always be pain but it was worth a lifetime of love.

    Adrian adjusted his suit. Today was the day. Not a very exciting nor happy day, at least not for him. Natasha Aptekal was a beautiful woman indeed, but she was very basic and petty. And he was pretty sure Tash was a gold-digger. Nonetheless beautiful. But he did not love her, nor did he think he would ever. She definitely loved him though. The only woman he had even come close to loving was Ms. Rinaya. Mysterious she was, but that fascinated him even more. He’d marry her in a second if he had more time and less fiance. He turned to check his surroundings. It was exactly the kind of wedding she wanted. Big and white and blue and public. And boring. The decorations held no meaning, and the cake was bland. His suit looked weird, especially compared to Tasha’s elegant gown. But they matched and he didn’t show her up and that’s what mattered to her. With a quick turn of his head he spotted someone.

    A beautiful maiden with poofy, bright red hair. Her eyes were a deep green and she had pale skin. She reminded him of someone, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. Nevertheless, he fell instantly in love. As dumb as that was, he did. And he couldn’t deny it. “What’s your name?” He blurted. That’s when he realized he had been walking towards her and they were now surrounded by trees.

    “R- Aya.” She replied simply. Intrigued, Adrian smiled at her. Aya smirked and put her hand on his shoulder.

    “And you?”

    “A-Adrian Romanov.” He replied awkwardly, swallowing the lump in his throat.

    The man who had just left a woman widowed stared at the angel in front of him. And suddenly, the Fruit of Lust was in his hand.     

    The two talked for ages! “Cats or dogs?” Adrian questioned.

    “I would rather be a cat, but I like dogs better.” Aya replied.

    “Kitties get in all sorts of trouble…” Adrian trailed with a smirk. Aya rolled her eyes and flicked him on the forehead.

    “Oh, whatever, Mutt.” She teased, but soon a sad smile appeared on her gorgeous face.

    “Well, Adrian. Your wedding is back there.” She said, pointing behind him. Adrian shook his head with a mischievous smile.

    “Not anymore, Kitty.” He smirked with a wink. That was the first time (he thought) he saw Aya flustered. Then, he grabbed her hand and dashed off farther into the forest.

    “You’re insane, Romanov!” She screamed, partly laughing, with a wide smile. At that moment, Adrian swore he’d keep that smile on her face.

    “I know, Kitty. I know.”

    “That’s Aya to you, Mutt!”

    Adrian simply laughed as they kept running. It wasn’t like they were ignoring the calls of Adrian’s name. They simply couldn’t hear them as the wind and each other’s laughter filled their ears.

    “ADRIAN?! ADRIAN?!” Tasha screeched.

    “MR. ROMANOV??” Another screamed.

    “I saw a creepy redhead watching him. I bet she really was a witch.” Natasha murmured to the constable. Tears stained her face and she was deemed a widow.

    Amatsu grimaced at every noise. He was having another terrible migraine. He’s been having them ever since Conesca died.

    What was so wrong with appreciating the one thing that humans did right? Roman and Greek architecture. But no… She just had to complain. But that wasn’t the reason Amatsu was beyond pissed.

    “Conesca!” His voice boomed. He could visualise his wife grimacing at the sound. She was with the children they had together. She soon approached his throne, only to be grabbed in one fell swoop.

    “Ack!” She screeched, struggling to pry his giant finger off of her thing, fragile body.

    “I cannot believe you!” He barked. But Conesca was no cliche “bride” or “stay-at-home mother”. The woman sent a deathly glare at “God”.

    “What?” She spat, somehow with sweetness. Not much, though.

    “Well firstly!” He started, dropping her to the floor. She was all to used to the terrible way he treated her. “You told OUR FREAKING CHILDREN that you were KIDNAPPED and FORCED to be my wife!” He turned his gaze quickly to the currently immortal human who had just stood up and was grunting in pain, holding her side which was starting to bruise. Her pale green eyes met his light brown ones.

    “You never said not to.” She retorted. This only angered him more, and he picked her up again. Squeezing the life out of her, if only he’d lift the curse and she could just die forevermore. She may never die, but she definitely felt pain. Just like the pain of all of your ribs breaking and your lungs and several other organs crushing. Yeah… that hurt a whole lot.

    “I maybe, MAYBE, could FORGIVE you for that! THAT IS ONLY BECAUSE I AM SO KIND-HEARTED!” He barked, finally releasing her, only to crush her once more as he continued, “BUT TO NEVER TELL ME YOU HAD A CHILD WITH THAT MAN?! I didn’t even murder the man you loved before me… And yet…” Amatsu watched as Conesca’s eyes grew large.

    “A-Amatsu-”

    “YOU’RE SO LUCKY I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE OR WHO HE IS…” He turned to her with a horrifying look. “But you… I know exactly where you are… Right here. Conesca sighed in relief despite her obvious death threat and extreme pain. But her son was still alive. Yes, he was immortal as well.

    “What are you going to do, Amatsu?” She simply questioned. He couldn’t even snicker.

    Adrian kept going on and on about the children they’d have. How many, how’d they act, how’d they look like and finally Aya realized she had to tell him…

    “Hey, Adrian?” He turned to her and held both of her hands in his.

    “Yes, Love?”

    “I’m infertile… I can’t have children.” That was as close as she could say. She couldn’t simply tell him she was an angel, after all.

    “Hey, Aya?” Aya turned her gaze from her feet back to him. Expecting anger, but greeted with a grin.

    “I don’t care.” Aya smiled and kissed him.

    “I love you so much, Kitty.”

A few months later

    “Aya…” Adrian whispered. Aya barely heard him; she was entranced by the lovely snow. She had never seen it in her life. “Aya…” She whipped around to face him once more.

    “A-Adrian?” She gasped as she turned to the Romanov kneeling on the fluffy ground.

    “Aya, my life would never be the same without you. I cannot think of how miserable I would be if I was with Natasha still. And I cannot even fathom the idea of you not being next to me for the rest of our lives…” Tears brimmed Aya’s eyes, along with Adrian’s own. He was very nervous, but he knew in his heart she’d say yes. Her eyes were wide and sparkling and her nose and cheeks were red. “Aya… Will you marry me?”

    The ring was simple and beautiful. It was a rose made of diamonds with white outlining and a golden band with “Kitty” engraved in it. Aya smiled.

    “I, Aya Romanov… YES!” She cut herself off, not being able to contain her excitement.

A few more months later

    Aya was in the kitchen cooking breakfast when she suddenly felt a pair of arms around her. She turned her head from the food to the love of her life’s face. “Hey Sweetie~” She cooed, kissing him on the cheek. They had been together for quite some time now.

    “Aya… I have a surprise…” He said nervously. He had already proposed, what could possibly make him so nervous?

    “Hey, hey.” She said, attempting to calm him down. “It’s all okay, Mutt. Yeah? Okay, good. Calm down. Just… tell me.” Adrian took a deep breath and whipped out a document:

You’re rights for adopting a child have been accepted.

Your new son, at the age of  2 months, has Romanov blood and was given to an orphanage.

You may pick him up whenever you are ready. Be prepared to sign papers. Think of a name!

-The Hamilton Orphanage

    Aya covered her mouth with her hand and tears spilled down her cheeks. She turned and grabbed Adrian by the collar and enveloped him in a kiss.

    “I love you! I love you! I- I love you so much!” She sobbed.

    “I love you too!” Adrian chuckled, hugging her. Then he whispered, putting his face in the crook of her neck, “I love you, too…”

    It had been around an Earth year or two (it was hard to remember) and Tamiko had finally found her little sister, Rinaya. She glided down to the home-y cottage. It was exactly the kind of home Aya dreamed to live in. Tamiko was certain Aya had taken a new, but familiar, appearance. The cottage was made primarily of wood, with a cobblestone outline near the bottom. It was surrounded by a leaf-hedge with small white flower dotted around. It was very serene and comfortable… It was so… so Rinaya. She found her forever home… But anger still filled Tamiko. Anger, hatred, despair...

    She knocked the front door down with a kick as she seethed in anger. Her eyes darted around as she took in where her sister had been living. Automatically, her eyes zoomed in on a man sitting at a desk. Then, she remembered what was held behind her back.

    The Forbidden Box… I shouldn’t touch it… It will only lead to bad things… but… Tamiko grabbed the box with two hands and read the inscription:

The Forbidden Box

Only the unholy or the unjustified shall take what is kept in here.

Only because of the Forbidden Fruit and the Fruit of Lust.

    Well, that means Tamiko had reason to take it. And so she did.

    She held the Forbidden Gun behind her back and snarled. Adrian whipped his head around but humans were much slower than the average angel. Much less one that was the daughter of Amatsu. She angled the gun for his heart and shot.

    Bang.

    The fell to the ground as the man dropped. Blood gushed out of his open wound and Tamiko knew there was no way to stop it. She covered her mouth with her hands, which had some blood on it from the splash, which filled her with guilt. How was she supposed to explain this to Rinaya?! How could she even face her…?

    “I am so, so sorry…” She whispered, tears dripping to the floor. I mean, she accomplished her mission but she lost a life. Well more like two to her. A pitiful human and her little sister whom was desperately in love with him. In the distance, she heard a baby cry and she peeked into a small room. There laid a young infant, who resembled the dead man very much. He had a small curl of golden blonde hair and had the dark eyes that his father had. Along with his skin tone and face shape. In fact, he looked nothing like Aya. Good. Miku thought, Aya was wise about this… Tamiko put the child’s forehead to hers in sorrow.

    “I-I’m an aunt…” She opened her closed eyes and took in the child longer, because she would never see him again, “I’m so sorry, nephew. I love you so much… But Aya needs you. Not me… Tell your Mommy, I’m sorry and I love her so very much, okay?” The child giggled, causing Tamiko to let out a sorrowful chuckle. “Thank you.”

    Tamiko walks out the door and casts one more look at the cottage with adoring eyes. Aya had everything she ever wanted, and Tamiko just went and ruined it. With a vigorous shake of her head, she extended her wings and flew off.

    Aya skipped back from the market. Her husband, Adrian was doing work at his desk and her son, Aster Conesca Romanov had probably woken up by now. As she approached her home, she saw the door knocked down and heard Aster crying… What had happened while she was out? Nervously, she quietly stepped into the cottage, only to find that the door was in the floor. She peeked inside and grimaced as Aster let out another cry. “Oh, sweetie, Aster! Sh, sh, Mommy’ll be there soon. That’s when she noticed blood. She looked down slowly in horror and let out a loud screech.

    “ADRIAN?! ADRIAN?!” She cried out, shaking him as he laid on the floor almost completely motionless. “Adrian?! Mutt? Adrian… Please…” She sobbed as she held him in her arms. His eyes flickered open and he smile softly.

    “A-aya…” He whispered. Tears fell upon his face as she held him closer. “I love you so much…”

    “Adrian…” She whispered back in tears, her cheeks flushed, “You’re not dying here… I am so sorry…” He simply stared at her; very confused. She shook her head gently and put him back to the ground. She stood up and wiped the tears off of her face. She extended both wings, one appearing majestic, and the other mangled, faded, and chained. His eyes widened slightly.

    “I knew you were an angel…” He murmured, barely audible. But Aya heard him and giggled slightly.

    Then, she turned her back to him and said, “Shinigami.” A cloud of black and purple swirling upon it, along with the creepy blue aura thing, appeared out of nowhere.

     “Ah, Rinaya of Amatsu…” Shinigami spoke slowly, “I see the favor you need. But-” He said, about to tell her about the payment but she shook her head and held her hand up.

    “I know, Shinigami. And it’s worth it.”

    “Rinaya?” Adrian questioned, barely alive. Rinaya simply nodded, knowing her remembered her from before. He murmured something like “Ah, that’s who she reminded me of” but it was to faint to hear exactly.

    “Well, you know the terms… I save your husband’s life and you give me your other wing.” He stuck out his hand like he did before, the aura floating around it. And angel’s life source are their wings. Tamiko’s words ran through head but she was all to willing. “Deal?”

    “Deal.”

    Rinaya’s screams could be heard from Heaven. Amatsu himself and Tamiko flew down quickly at the sound. And there Aya was. Suffering. Screaming. Crying. Yet smiling as her last wing got tore off and chained by the God of Death. Amatsu ordered his soldier to stop, and then begged. But it did no use. Tamiko constantly apologized, tears streaming down her face. Adrian laid there, wishing he could stop watching his true love suffer. Aster’s screams and cries rang almost as loud as Aya’s. It was like a sick harmony. But Aya’s last request was not for Amatsu to murder Shinigami. Or for Adrian to be protected. Or one last request for Tamiko. No. She begged to see Aster. And so she did. In her dying breath, she said, “I bless you.” And kissed the top of his head. Adrian stared, life coming back to him. Tamiko balled, holding her dear younger sister close. And Amatsu was broken. It seemed impossible, but he was. He fell to his knees, his eyes showing nothing, and stared at where Shinigami used to be. Adrian held Aster close and didn’t even bat an eye as his beautiful golden curl of hair turned red. Not even when he started glowing slightly. No. For all Adrian did was smile… Aya had all she wanted in life. To love on Earth. To fall in love. To have a child. Her life was completed. And Aster’s had just begun.

Several Heaven years later…

    Tamiko smiled as she gazed down to Earth from Heaven. It was no longer her forbidden place of desire. It was now her late sister’s home. It was now her brother’s home. It was now her nephew’s home. Oh, Aster. He was the light of her life. When Rinaya passed several Heaven years ago, Amatsu had told her that she had a brother. A half-brother. On Earth, he was immortal. So was Adrian and Aster, now. Amatsu told him that he would lift the curse when Earth was just right for Aster. And that was now. The “21st Century”. Aster decided he wanted to go to “high school”, even though he was merely 3000 and something years old. Since he was only blessed, he grew faster than Tamiko and his mom did. Definitely slower than his dad though. And now, Tamiko was off to find her brother. Apparently his name was Jaxon. Conesca’s lover decided to raise him as close as possible to his mother’s new life; him being immortal and all. Knowing that his son would grow up mostly without him filled him with dread, but he knew that it would be best for his future. For Jaxon was raised by Sirens, gradually he was gifted and became one. And now… He needed to meet his opposite sister. One from Earth, the sea, a siren. And one from Heaven, the sky, an angel.

    Amatsu smiled sadly but fondly as Tamiko brought Aster, his grandson, and Adrian, his grandson’s father to Earth. He’d watch from afar. He knew better to meddle now. After Conesca… After Rinaya…

    “It’ll be okay…” Tamiko whispered to him. He nodded slowly and solemnly. He calmed himself so his voice wouldn’t shake.

    “I know… I know. I just-” He looked at his eldest daughter. He never considered her a daughter until Rinaya’s death… What a shame. “I miss her so much…” Tamiko nodded to “God” with a smile.

    “I know, Amatsu. I know.” She gave him a small hug and looked down to Earth. “Goodbye. I’m off to find my brother.” She stated. Amatsu stared at her, she has grown so much.

    “Goodbye, Tamiko. Goodbye.” He heard wings flap and Tamiko was gone. But he could still watch… as the weight of guilt slowly wrapped around him.

    “Adrian!” She giggled, clinging to his arm. “Be quiet! You’re such a teaser!” Adrian laughed and kissed her on the cheek. The girl blushed and pinched his ear, “You suck!” Adrian just smiled and admired the ring on her finger. It was a diamond rose with a golden band.

    “Hey, Kitty?” He asked. Aya turned to him with bright eyes.

    “Yes, Mutt?” She questioned. Adrian opened his mouth to say something-

    “DAD! DAD!” A voice screamed in his ear. “OH MY GOODNESS! FATHER, WAKE UP!!” Adrian rolled around and pulled his pillow to his ears.

    “For Christ’s sake, Aster! Lower your voice!” Adrian scolded groggily and annoyed.

    “Dad, I’m going to be late for SCHOOL.” Aster complained heavily. Adrian sighed, got dressed in the weird clothes that was referred to as “normal”.

    “Okay. Let’s go, kiddo.” Aster nodded and jumped into the car. “Now, you have a good day, okay?”

    “Yes Dad.” He sighed. Adrian smiled; he’s just like her.

    “Okay, bye Angel.” Aster flushed and whacked his father’s arm.

    “Really Dad?!” Adrian snickered and sent his son a wink. Acting like he was in a hurry, he rushed out of the school parking lot. Leaving a very embarrassed freshman boy in the front of the school.

    Aster sighed to himself. You got this, Romanov… He thought, combing a hand through his wavy red hair. He angled his stormy, dark-bluish grayish eyes towards the school with determination. High school. Finally! He wrapped his hands around the straps of his backpack and walked into the school. Waves and waves of much taller kids swarmed around; leaving little Aster Conesca Romanov lost on front of the crowd.

    “Hey, kid. You must be new.” A voice sounded. Aster looked at the guy beside him; well, above him. He was really tall and wore a leather jacket. Did Aster get the clothing style wrong? He was wearing a hoodie. But no one judged him so he assumed he was fine.

    “Y-yes.” He finally replied, after realizing he’d been staring. The tall man wore mostly black; which didn’t quite match his dirty blonde hair and light hazel- almost yellow- eyes.

    “The name’s Ace, Shortie.” He said. Aster just stared up at him. Was it mentioned that Aster was extremely short? Oh, well he was. Definitely.

    Aster huffed at the name, “My name is Aster, jerkwad.” Ace smirked. Aster crookedly smiled.

    “You’ll hear about me around school, I’m sure. But don’t worry; I’m one of the only crowds you wanna be in.” Ace stated with a blunt slanted smile, “See ya later, Shortie!”

    “I’M NOT THAT SHORT!” Aster shouted after him. The entire school went silent and Ace just laughed.

    “Told ya you’d hear about me.”

    Tamiko was off to find her half-brother, Jaxon. Born from love. A siren.

    Amatsu was watching his family instead of meddling.

    Adrian was keeping his promise and watching over their son.

    Aster started high school.

    And Shinigami got his angel wings; and knew exactly what to do with them.