Enid disentangled herself from Robert and Matilda. Both of which looked exhausted beyond measure. She looked to Hazel.

“Hazel gather our things, go clear the Apollo and Sariel off. Prep them for launch. Make sure everything’s working would you please?”

She looked to Helen.

“Helen, please put the children to bed for now.”

Robert was refusing to release his hold on her hand.

“Mama!”

Enid smiled at her son.

“I am so sorry Robert. I know you won’t understand but you are in danger, and I need to make you safe. I will see you soon, okay?”

Matilda who had always been able to sleep through anything was already sleeping over Helen’s shoulder. Helen reached out her hand to Robert.

“Come Robert, let your mother tend to her business please.”

Robert looked at Helen and finally released Enid’s hand and clutched onto Helen’s. Hazel was frowning but nodded to her mother and headed off. Arl was staring up at his wife.

“He is sending you away, isn’t he?”

Enid smiled sadly and nodded.

“I will miss you, Arl. But he spoke no lies. Danger is coming for everyone. As you have to go to war and I would have no say over it, I must go fight my war.”

“Will you return?”

Enid touched his cheek and kissed him.

“I am sorry Arl, I do not see us returning here. Now I must leave if the future is unraveling as they speak, I need to go there and stabilize it. I am so sorry.”

Arl nodded.

“I…I understand. Was that truly God?”

“It was God wearing the Archangel Michael’s face.”

Arl shook his head.

“I acted a fool in front of the creator of all things.”

“He sees everything. He knows everything. Whether you’re in his presence or not.”

Enid kissed Arl again.

“I must go collect the gift he has left us. Please know if I could stay, I would do so until you took your dying breath.”

“You’re going like that?”

“I am afraid it is the only form my father has left me. All my other masks have fallen away. But it should be a small matter for an angel to hide from mortal sight.”

Enid tried to pull the shadows to herself and looked around. Arl was still staring at her.

“Well shit, I guess… I’ll see you before we leave. I promise. You should say your goodbyes to Matilda. There is no place for her here.”

Enid used the door as pedestrian as it seemed her being a primal force of creation. She made her way to the battlements. The castle was asleep but the guards posted on the watch were quite shocked to see an angel appear from the lower keep. She waved to them before leaping into the air and flying towards the cathedral. At first she had been hesitant. Flying with wings was different then flying as a vampire but she found she knew how to do it instinctively unlike her first few years of taking to the air as a vampire. Balance in the sky was hard especially without wings. She wondered if there was something to the whole capes provide stability thing…it was no matter. She was not a vampire any longer. She chose to keep the dress on she should be freezing or least feeling the cold even as a vampire but in her angelic form it was like she was just projecting a solid hologram here. She knew it to be cold but should not feel it. She landed on the stone in front of the Cathedral and pushed the doors open. She had not been expecting Father Mathew, the Bishop or the pair of nuns to even be here.

Father Mathew wasted no time. He rushed in front of the bishop and the nuns his crucifix in his hand extended forward. Enid looked him over with her new sight. She saw more there. He looked so bright. Like a beacon.

“Stay back demon. This is a house of God.”

Enid stepped forward. Faith had never had an impact on her one way or another save for the truly faithful such as Maria. Father Mathew was one such person but she just felt like she was close to God once again as she had in her bedroom.

“We will die before we give anything up to you! Back!”

Enid held up her hand.

“Father Mathew, I appreciate your willingness to sacrifice yourself, but it will not be necessary this evening. I am Seraph. Look into your heart.”

Father Mathew got onto his knees.

“I… I am sorry. Your wings are black.”

“As my father birthed me.”

Her eyes snapped to the alter and the form that cowered there.

“What I have come for and what I have to say are not for the ears of the impure. Leave this building Deacon and do not return.”

He did not leave his shelter. Enid rushed towards his hiding spot and threw him onto his back towards the door with ease. Her angelic form was just as strong as her vampiric one. She reached out her hand and the staff that always seemed ready for her call appeared and she pointed it at the deacon.

“Do not think I have not seen you attempt to force yourself on women. Be gone or be smote.”

The deacon scrambled to his feet and ran out of the doors. She looked to the Father and the Bishop.

“I apologize, on several occasions he has forced himself on women and used coercion to keep them silent. Now. I am here for something that was left by God. Please excuse me.”

Enid walked to the alter and lifted it easily and placed it down gently. She saw a marked stone tile. She hooked her fingers into a small hand hold in the edge of the stone and pulled it up. Under it lay two dust crusted suits of Atlantean armor and two Atlantean blades. She whistled and reached down and pulled them out. The clergy and sisters present gasped. Enid hit the armor against the stone dais and the crusted dust and dirt shattered leaving a pristine fold of the black material the armor was formed from. She did the same with the two blades causing the ancient leather that were once sheaths to shatter and leave gleaming swords.

“I thought these were all gone.”

She placed them aside and replaced the cover stone and alter. When she turned, she saw the bishop and nuns still kneeling beside Father Mathew. Enid looked at them.

“Please you do not need to kneel.”

She offered her hand to assist each up.

“Father Mathew. I need a favor. Lady Sarah needs to die.”

Everyone save Father Mathew gasped. Most were unaware the Lady was her alter ego. Enid laughed. She marveled at how musical it sounded even to her ears.

“I am sorry for the confusion. Lady Sarah is one of my many masks so I may live amongst mortals and hunt demons without being noticed. Arl has been kind to me and my son with him is destined for great things. There must be no question of Arl’s worthiness. It must not appear as if Lady Sarah has abandoned him. She must die.”

Father Mathew nodded.

“As you will it Seraph.”

Enid extended her wings and pulled one of her feathers out with a slight bit of struggle. She could feel the lingering divinity within it. Like she was holding a fragment of the universe in her hand. There was a flash and it became platinum. She looked to the alter. Something within her told her to press her palm against it so she did so. Her hand became white hot and stone evaporated instantly leaving a smoking palm print with a shimmering diamond in the center. She offered the feather to Father Mathew.

“Should you get caught falsifying the rites. You can say it was requested by one of Heaven’s host. A feather with a fragment of my divinity in it and the palm print should suffice for miracles. No one must ever know Robert is my son. The seal on this conversation must be as involatile is the one on confession. I must go. I have many preparations to make this night. Thank you, Father Mathew, for all you have done for me. You will not be forgotten.”

Enid scooped up the armor and blades holding them under her arm she walked to the door and made her way out of the church. She crouched and leapt up. Her wings pressed downwards catching the air beneath them. This felt so right. Like she’d been doing it for her whole life. She winged towards where Hazel was prepping the fighters for their time jump. She landed and Hazel jumped when she saw her mother.

“Damn it mom. Turn back to yourself already. You’re freaking me out.”

Enid put her finger to her lips as Hazel spoke the word damn.

“Should you really be using such language in the presence of an angel.”

“I love you mom, but your no angel. Sure, you are one but your mind is still in there.”

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Enid frowned and slapped the armor and swords into Hazel’s chest.

“I love you too Hazel and if I could change back I would, if I can I have no idea how. Please give this armor to Helen, and get Matilda in the other suit, put the swords in the pack and please give Helen Remus’s amulet. Its sooner then I wanted to do it, but we can’t risk coming out in the sun and her not having it.”

“Okay mom. One question. How are you planning on fitting inside Apollo with a pair of six foot wings.”

“I’ll figure something out.”

“So, you have no idea.”

“Do I ever?”

Hazel shook her head.

“Thank you, Hazel. I have one more stop and then we’ll head out. Kind of worried about the 29th century now.”

“Finally, we’re going home. I’m going to miss Robert. Could we leave Helen behind and take him?”

“You’re hilarious Hazel.”

Hazel shrugged.

“It was worth a try.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

“Where are you off too?”

“Taking out an insurance policy with an old friend.”

“Like they’ll recognize you like that.”

“He will. Don’t worry.”

Enid winked at Hazel.

“Mom why is it when you say that it makes me worry twice as much?”

“Because you know me.”

Enid lept upwards again flew into the sky for this visit she was going to show up in armor so as she landed in front of the mansion that served as the vampire Lord’s seat of power for the area, the platinum armor formed around her. She reached out her hand and summoned her staff then walked inside. The two blood slaves that were serving as door men stumbled backwards when they saw her eyes wide in terror. She ignored them and walked to the courtroom where she heard the assembled vampires discussing the latest matters concerning them. She heard Talon’s annoyed voice silence one of them. As he did so she strolled into the court like she owned the place. Old habits died hard. No imperials would be in attendance, even the lord was a Pugmentia. But it was one of the few Pugmentia she respected and liked. The vampires in attendance rushed out of her path, though some had started extending claws and she saw many had their fangs out ready for a brawl. Enid’s eyes snapped to Talon who was dressed in his usual leather jacket, the medieval kind.

“Lord Talon, I had the understanding that this was neutral ground for everyone. Be they vampire, mortal or… of a more divine nature.”

Talon who had been sitting with one leg dangled over the arm of his throne grinned and moved to sit normally he leaned forward folding his hands and looked at Enid.

“If you come to do no harm then why do you carry a weapon?”

Enid released the staff and it evaporated. Talon clapped his hands and laughed.

“I like you angel. You have showmanship! If the angel comes in peace then she will leave in peace. Any who raises a hand, claw, or fangs towards her will be in violation of the covenants. And likely dead before you can move.”

Enid walked forward the vampires parted. Pugmentia were often repelled by things of a more divine nature. True faith, Crosses, Stars of David. Because they sensed the corruption in their own blood. As she walked she let the armor evaporate so by the time she stood before Talon she was in a simple white dress with golden trim. Talon looked up at her, Enid found it amusing because if she were her usual self she’d still be looking up at him. Talon was not a short man. He was also quite handsome in the way a dashing pirate might be. He smiled.

“What can my court do for you, lady angel?”

“I come to ask a favor. In return I offer you a draught of blood from the first vampire.”

“Intriguing, does he still live?”

“Of course.”

“Then how did you get his blood?”

Enid smiled.

“I asked him for it.”

Talon laughed and clapped.

“And what might this humble vampire lord do for you in exchange for such a boon?”

“That is for your ears only, Lord Talon.”

“Of course, come, join me.”

He looked to the assembled vampires.

“Mingle amongst yourselves, you can resume whining in my ear shortly.”

Enid followed Talon to his private chambers beneath the mansion. She’d been here before but she hadn’t risked hitting her head quite so much. They finally arrived in the safety of his sanctum.

“Speak freely, it is warded against spies with…something.”

“Blood magic provided by Enid Aurelius.”

Talon blinked at her.

“You know of her?”

“Yes.”

“Not going to elaborate on that are you? How do you feel about her running around with that cursed blade of hers… bloodmonger?”

“You mean Bloodseeker? I have no feelings one way or the other. It serves a purpose.”

He snapped his fingers.

“So you do know her. What has she told you of me then?”

“You’re a right scoundrel, you skirt the rules and you are a trusted friend.”

“First part sounds right, are you sure about the last part?”

“As sure as I am of God’s existence. Now, for my favor, I request that you protect Sir Arl and his son Robert from harm and the predations of vampires.”

“What does an angel care of mortals?”

“I offer you the blood of Sextus Aurelius and you care why I want it?”

“Beware angels baring gifts, isn’t that a saying somewhere? What of his Lady Sarah the one who looks so much like our mutual friend? Of course, she can’t be her, no vampire can have children… nor could one hope to walk in the son unless they were truly ancient.”

Enid sighed.

“Quit beating around the bush Talon speak your mind.”

“I knew it, your patterns of speech. Why the guise Enid?”

Enid frowned.

“There are many secrets I hold, none of which I can share, old friend.”

He snapped his fingers.

“You had me right up until the old friend part. Enid barely tolerates me.”

“Not true. I would never admit how much I respect you in this day and age but know that you have been one of my closest friends among vampires.”

“Christ, you are Enid. What happened to you?”

“As I said, I cannot say right now. But give me a few thousand years and I will explain everything.”

“A few thousand? This makes to be a good story, I look forward to hearing it, if I last that long.”

“You mustn’t tell me…when you see me next of this bargain. Nor should you even speak of this meeting. Give me your word.”

“I swear I will not speak of this until you speak it first, but you’re impossible to lie too.”

“Don’t lie. Just skirt the truth like you do the covenants.”

He snapped his fingers again.

“Now I believe you’re Enid.”

“I thought we had firmly established I am Enid Aurelius.”

“We had, but you just reinforced my position. I will keep the boy and the lord safe. You do not need to give me anything in return.”

“No, I must, because through the blood you will become pure. Tomorrow night go to the keep. Enter the room on the north side of the north tower. The blood stone will be wrapped in a bundle of purple fabric. Touch it and you will absorb the blood.”

“Alright then. Are you off? Do you not have time to share a drink?”

“I am afraid blood is not something my current form desires nor would consume.”

He shook his head.

“This is going to be one hell of a story I cannot wait.”

Enid waved to him.

“See you around old friend.”

He waved to her and then blew her a kiss. Enid rolled her eyes and turned away to make her way out of the mansion. She once again flew into the air and landed back at the castle’s battlements. The guards on duty just held up their hands and made way as she walked inside. She had to admit as amazing it was to feel like she was in the right body for the first time in her entire life, the wings were a pain in the ass. She made her way into Robert’s room. Helen was sitting on his bed she was wearing her Atlantean armor. She looked at Enid.

“Mother, I knew you were more then you appeared.”

Enid smile and nodded.

“Did you Hazel get you the amulet?”

“Yes, didn’t tell me how much it would hurt.”

Enid nodded.

“Well probably better you didn’t know it was coming. Gather your things and put them in my pack. We’re leaving as soon as everyone has said their good byes.”

“But the sun will be up soon.”

“The sun will no longer harm you child. The amulet will protect you. But you will be as mortal as you were in life while in its rays.”

Helen blinked at Enid.

“Say your good-byes and leave us please.”

Helen leaned down and kissed Robert who tried not to let her go.

“Good-bye little one. I will miss you.”

She stood and glanced back at Robert one last time before leaving mother and son together. Enid sat on the bed in the space vacated by Halen and looked down at Robert.

“My brave little boy. What a life you have ahead of you. I wish I could see it.”

“Mommy can you show your real face now?”

Enid quirked her head to the side.

“I am afraid this is my real face, Robbie.”

Robert pouted.

“I want my mom back.”

Enid sighed.

“I am not sure I can become her again.”

“Try!”

Enid closed her eyes and imaged herself as her mortal body. There was much resistance, but she managed to pull the angel back inside and form a mortal shell once again. She gasped as she felt her heart beating again and air fill her lungs. Robert clapped then he pointed at her hair.

“Red like Matilda.”

Enid nodded.

“This is my hair color…or was well this is what my mortal body was born with. I’m sorry I can’t change it. It seems like I lost that ability.”

She leaned down and tried to kiss his forehead. He dodged and giggled. She laughed. It was game they’d play hugs and cuddles were always welcome, but kisses needed to be fought for. She finally got him, and he giggled. He got serious all of a sudden and looked at her.

“Mommy are you leaving?”

“Yes, like I told you, I need to go to keep everyone safe.”

“Can I come?”

Enid shook her head moistness forming in her eyes.

“I am so sorry baby boy, you can’t.”

“But Matilda is going.”

“Her place is with me; Your place is here with your father.”

“Don’t you love me?”

“I love you more then you will ever understand, Robbie. You will never meet her, but you have another sister, her name is Eyre. She will die if you do not stay here.”

He blinked at her.

“Where is she?”

“Somewhere else. Now give me your hand.”

He reached out his hand. Enid placed a feather from her wings in it then over it she put a picture of her from the twentieth century taken in a photobooth in Japan. She knew she shouldn’t but she didn’t want to leave him without anything to remember her by.

“This feather will keep you safe, it’s from my wings, keep it close and I will always be with you. And this is a very special thing.”

She touched the color photo of her in her school uniform from Japan.

“This is a photograph. You must never show anyone it, keep it secret. Keep them close to your heart and you will always remember me.”

He looked at the picture wrapping his hand around the feather.

“That’s you.”

Enid nodded and smiled.

“Yes. So, you will always remember what I look like.”

“But you will be gone.”

“I am going to Heaven; I will see everything from there. Now shh, let’s get some sleep.”

Enid sung him the same song she had sung to Eyre, Miko, and all of her children. The song that Lilith taught her when she was just little Robert’s age. Soon he was asleep. He had been exhausted beyond tired so as much as he had struggled to stay awake, he couldn’t. Enid kissed his forehead one last time, slipped the picture and feather into a drawer, then made her way out of the room towards her shared bedroom. He was asleep with Matilda sprawled over top of him in her new set of Atlantean armor. Now that Enid knew the child was half-angel, a Nephilim the Book of Enoch had called them she was less hesitant to time travel with her. She hoped it would not end with her like Hazel stuck at five years old, but something told her she would be alright. Enid sat on the bed beside father and daughter and gently lifted Matilda off of her father. There was a soft whine from her but then she had her arms wrapped around Enid’s neck. She bumped into Hazel as she was making her way down the hall towards the front door.

“Hmm, so much for not being able to shapeshift. Are you ready mom?”

Enid nodded. Hazel reached out for Matilda. Enid let Hazel take her sister. She wasn’t exactly overly strong in this form so was relieved she wouldn’t have to carry the five-year-old to wherever the fighters were parked.

“As soon as I get my armor on, where’s the pack.”

Hazel threw the Atlantean pack at Enid. Enid caught it with a groan.

“Got the wormhole generator warming up. We’re good to go as soon as you get there. They’re packed on the tournament field.”

“Hazel, we don’t have a choice.”

“We always have a choice mom; I think you’re making the wrong one. As much as I want to see Miles.”

“You can’t see what I see.”

“Sure. I don’t understand I’m just a kid.”

Hazel walked off she probably would have been doing so more angrily but she seemed to realize Matilda was better off asleep at the moment and took her time.