I starred daggers at Braven. I threw a punch at his arm. My tail slid up my arm and wrestled the scale out from his hand. He slashed at me as we struggled, cutting my clothes but not my skin. My wings grabbed onto his wrist and squeezed them. My tail moved his arm when he jabbed at me, redirecting it to slice the chain around my wing.

“Only your blood will appease them!” Braven kicked me off the window and into the wet grass outside.

The rain he created had formed mist.

I crouched down to hide from his sight.

“I don’t want to kill you! If you suffer enough, then they’ll be at peace. Shade must pay for what she did!” Braven tore off the little totems from his belt and tossed them at the ground, trying to locate me.

If I move too much, he might hear me.

I closed my eyes and prayed for protection.

“I lied before! These totems aren’t for missions I’ve completed. They’re for the heroes that died! Their souls are trapped in the totems. They are screaming to me. Begging for me to make you suffer!”

Luna and mother aren’t safe as long as he’s alive. I have to find a way to end him. Why am I shaking. I have to be strong like my sisters.

A totem hit my back.

“I can hear you sobbing! Sadness isn’t allowed in this village! You can’t break the rules just because you’re suffering! I suffer all the time! Every night I go out to the graveyard to cry!” Braven rushed at me.

It’s over. I’m going to die.

“Protect me!” I held out Luna’s cherished doll.

A shadow rose up in front of me.

A RiftRipper? No.

“Ha! Maybe your sister was witnessing your agony, after all!” yelled Braven, swiping Mommy’s scale at the ShadowPup.

Luna has to be safe! She sent this puppy to rescue me! I just know it!

The pup’s head sharpened and then jutted out.

Braven dodged it and rushed to me. He lifted me from the ground, making me drop the doll in the process. “Luna. You don’t want your sister to die, do you? Call off your familiar and I’ll let her go!”

I bit into Braven’s hand with my sharp teeth and fell to the ground.

The shadow pup’s head jutted out once more. This time it penetrated Braven’s armor.

The shadow spike came out the back of the large rock behind the crazed hero, meaning he had been pierced straight through. When it pulled out, the blood splattered on my bottom lip.

Braven backed up against the rock and then collapsed. He looked up at me weakly. “When a demon kisses someone who isn’t strong enough…she takes their loyalty and their lifespan. My friends only had a few years left in them. There are so many heroes just like them. So many heroes that I’ve failed.” His head drooped. His hand fell to the side, still gripping my headband.

I instinctively licked the blood off my cheek.

Incredible!

My mind was going hazy.

I went to him and grabbed onto his belt.

Remember the good times we had. Stay focused.

I wrapped his belt around my waist.

I will find out the truth. I will find Luna.

I saw the bloody wound and my eyes widened.

More.

I licked the blood and gasped.

Why does it taste so good? No. I need to find Tumble. Get the book. Where’s the book? The temple window. Yeah. Just go to the temple window.

My legs wobbled as I walked away from Braven’s body. My body was burning up. I clenched my chest but the heat continued to assault me.

I climbed up to the temple window.

The book was right there.

I have to wake up.

I grabbed Tumble’s pompoms and held them to my face.

It did nothing to clear my mind.

I set them down at my side and gripped my face.

The book was right there but my hands weren’t listening to me.

Wait. It’s dissolving. My one chance at finding Tumble is slipping away!

My whole body lit up from the inside. Blue light came out from my skin, appearing as tattoos. The energy exploded out my book, forming two white and pink wings. My hair tingled and expanded with golden energy. Lastly, a veil of pink energy formed around me and framed my dizzy face.

I wobbled back and forth, squirming in place.

Angel’s have perfect memory, yet I can’t recall what happened next.

I woke up. My head was still a bit dizzy but I was back in control. My tummy felt knotted. I turned to where Braven’s book was, but it was gone. I fastened Tumble’s pompoms to my side and hopped off.

Braven’s body was gone too.

I picked up Luna’s doll and ran off toward the graveyard.

That has to be where he made the exchange.

I arrived at the front gate of Sunny Village. Sickle was standing guard.

“My sister was taken away! We have to find her!” I gripped his cloak and cried.

“Braven already spoke to me.” Sickle lowered his head.

I stepped back.

He allowed this to happen?

“He tried to fight off the angel thief, but he wasn’t strong enough,” said Sickle.

I don’t know what to believe anymore.

“Then why aren’t you going after them?” I asked.

“A veteran RiftRipper took her. I’m only a trainee so I had to stay behind. Our strongest heroes and RiftRippers went out already to retrieve her.”

“I want to help too!” I stomped my foot.

“My apologies but you can’t go out without proper protection. There’s a chance the thief will return to take you. You should find Old Guy. He is the most powerful being in the village. He will keep you safe.” Sickle pat my head.

“Why isn’t he going out to find her?”

“He is a Wood Primordial. His kind bind themselves to villages. They are immortal as long as their zone isn’t destroyed, but they cannot leave it.” Sickle looked down at me. “What happened to you? Your clothes are cut. Whoever it was that dared to harm you shall face my wrath,” said Sickle, the constant joy in his voice quivering.

“Why can’t people cry here. It’s good to cry,” I said, sobbing into my hands.

“I’m not permitted to say. Come with me. I’ll bring you to your room.” Sickle grabbed my hand.

I pulled away.

“Please don’t make this difficult.”

“You said I need a hero to go out there with. Round up whoever is left. I’m going to make a bond.”

“I’m not really authorized to…” Sickle looked away and scratched his head.

“You can’t deny the whims of an angel.” I said, crossing my arms.

That energy and those wings…did I imagine all that? No. I can see it clearly in my mind’s eye…along with Braven’s body.

I gripped onto my belt.

I’ll carry on his mission for their sake and my own.

“Fine. I’ll bring them to the temple. Alright?”

“Yep!” I smiled.

I waited at the temple, jumping at the slightest noise.

Has Braven’s ghost come for revenge?

I gripped the flaming dagger.

Yu-ki, please, keep my spirit strong.

The door opened.

I turned to face it, my legs shaking.

Sickle entered, alongside a single hero. “You’re not going to be happy. All the other hero’s were sent off to save your sister. This kid is the only one left.” The trainee gestured to the hero.

The boy was around fourteen and had black and red round glasses. The meek cutie was wearing a stylish pinstripe suit and absolutely no armor. Something must have hurt him because this hero was in a wheel chair.

I put the knife in my bag and approached the adorable boy. “My name is Annie.”

“Uh, hi Angel. I’m uh. I’m nobody.” His shoulders slumped.

“You’re not nobody. Did you get hurt trying to protect my sister?”

He shook his head. “I had Parkinson’s before I even arrived at this place. The journey didn’t fix it, but it did stop the progression so no way am I going back to Earth.”

“Now, now, hero. Stay positive,” said Sickle.

“The progression of what?” I tilted my head.

“It’s a disease. I lost movement in my toes first. It kept growing until I couldn’t walk. I’m not able to fight with the other heroes. But I help them make plans and I get really happy when my strategies work!”

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

His sweet brown eyes were glowing.

I went around the back of his chair and hugged him. “You just need someone to support you.” I poked his nose. “And you gotta eat lots of fresh fruits.”

“Thanks. I’m Ruiz. So, what is the plan?” he asked with a smile.

I swallowed hard and fidgeted as I paced around him. “So, uh. I don’t really know what will happen. I’ve heard some bad things and I honestly don’t know what’s true and what isn’t. I may shorten your life it doesn’t work or accidentally make you my slave. Or…who knows really.”

“These people have taken great care of me. This village is my home. If you’re saying there are risks, then that’s fine. I’ll deal with what happens and forge my path forward. Plus, you’ll back me up, right Angel?”

“It’s Annie,” I said, sticking out my tongue.

“I don’t feel right giving you a mortal name. I hear you Angels can even resurrect the dead.” His constant smile expanded.

“I…don’t know if I can.”

Maybe there’s someway to tilt the odds!

I clap my hands and put them out.

Ruiz smiles and joins in.

Oh yeah. I got this. Braven taught me this game. I almost feel like I’m playing patty cake with him again.

Ruiz stops playing and wipes a tear from my eye. “You okay?

“Yeah!” I hop in place and then pursed my lips. “Are ya weady?”

“Yeah. Let’s do this!” exclaimed Ruiz.

I leaned in, bit my lips, and kissed him.

My blood and saliva mixed. My tongue guided it down his throat alongside a silent prayer of protection.

I pulled away and covered my cheeks with my tail.

Why do I like kissing so much? I don’t want to mess things up like I did with Yu-ki.

Raul clenched his teeth.

Sickle picked me up. “Best you don’t see the rest.”

I struggled out of his grip. “I’m not leaving him. He’s scared. If he doesn’t make it, I’m going to be by his side!” I grabbed Ruiz’s hand.

It was shaking.

Is he going to be okay? Did I kill him!?

Ruiz cries\d and gripped my hand tighter.

I hold his hand to my face. “You’re strong. You can do this! I need your help to save my sister!”

Ruiz stopped shaking. He looked at me and his eyes were glowing. “I feel incredible.” He leaned forward and placed his feet on the ground. He started to stand but then sat back down. “Okay. I still can’t walk. But I definitely feel something.”

“Usually the heroes awaken their ability in battle. If you want to join the search for your sister. You best go now,” said Sickle, guiding us out of the temple.

We went out and searched all night. I called Tumble’s name till my mouth was sore. Ruiz was kind enough to give me his water. I was still wary of hero’s after what happened with Braven, but I grew fond of Ruiz. I wasn’t ready for another romance and was afraid I’d mess it up again. We were friends and we were happy just being friends. Sickle told us to turn back once the trees went black.

“You see this goop? This forest has been taken over by a Queen Goopy. It’s not safe to travel any further.”

“But what if my sister is there?” I asked.

“Chances are the RiftRippers already found her and have brought her back. We should return to Sunny Village,” said Sickle.

“Don’t worry, Angel. We can look again tomorrow,” said Ruiz, smiling at me.

His smiles are amazing! They feel so real and they make me feel warm without making me dizzy.

I nod. Muttering a silent prayer for my little sister’s safety.

“She’s fortunate to have you,” said Ruiz.

“Were you part of Braven’s class?” I asked.

“Yeah. I still have nightmares about that day. Seeing all my classmates slaughtered like that. Then I wake up and the killer is making me hot soup and checking my temperature. It was surreal. Braven helped me back then. My family got separated at the border, so my big brother had to stay behind with my dad. I made it Florida with my mom. Braven told me that he would be my new brother. I was bawling so hard he had to rush me out of the village. Haha!”

“Why are you trusting me. You barely know me,” I said.

“Angel’s are supposed to take in our troubles. That’s what I was told. I was supposed to tell you all this earlier but I was shaken up at the time. I saw a YomiHound. And get this.” He leans up to my ear. “She had a mermaid scale in her mouth. Now, you may not know this but Braven said a Mermaid’s blood, if taken forcefully, can heal anything. It could give me the ability to run again! Wouldn’t that be awesome!?”

Oh no. Is he going to try to hurt Mommy too? What should I do? Things went crazy because of misinformation. I have to tell him everything.

“That scale is mine. It’s from my mother.”

“Really? That’s incredible.”

“She is incredible and I won’t let you hurt her.”

“Are you kidding me? Of course I’m not going to hurt her. In fact, I’m going to help you find her.”

“You are!” I grabbed his hand and bounced up and down.

Not going to lie. I may be ogling my buddy right now? I can’t help it though. Kindness really flips my switch.

“Yeah. I research them thoroughly. I know all about their powers too. They are living legends. Oh, but enough fan boy-ing. I haven’t tested it myself but apparently when the moon is full, the scale releases a light that leads to the one it came from.”

That’s almost too good to be true!

“When is the next moon?” I ask, leaning over his chair.

“A couple weeks away.”

“Then let’s build up our strength these weeks so we can find her!” I exclaim, giving Ruiz a fist bump.

We made it back to Sunny Village. We stayed at the main hall, waiting for some news about my sister till morning. I woke up and my new best friend had laid out a bed for me. I was all snuggled up and in pajamas.

Awww! The pajamas had a pattern of little sheep.

My tail rubbed up against his leg as I awoke. “Did you strip me?” I asked, sticking out my tongue.

“Nope. I just laid out the bed. Sickle changed your clothes. Don’t worry, I came from a big family. I’ve seen my cousins naked all the time.”

“Did you like what you saw?” I asked, grabbing my tail to keep it still.

His eyes got big. “You have wings! And they’re cool! Like bat wings! Can I touch them?”

I shook myself back to my senses.

Geez. I gotta get those morning vibes under control. Don’t want to scare off my new bestie. Wait. Tumble!

“Did she show up?”

Ruiz shook his head. “Not yet. Sorry, Angel.”

“I’m the one who should apologize. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” I said, holding my tail close to me.

“Who cares about that? We have an important mission. After the morning session, let’s start training! I want to find out about my new power.” Ruiz put out his hand and made zappy sounds.

He’s too cute.

I went to the temple. Old Guy was there, so I rushed up to him.

“Take your time, little goddess.”

“My sister is missing. Is there anything you can do to help?” I ask.

He smiled extra wide. “No. My dear, but you can.”

“Huh? How?”

“Angel’s are fueled by emotions. They sponge up energy.” He leans down to me. “Do you know what the most powerful energy is?”

“Love?” I ask.

Old Guy dramatically raises his hands. “Devotion! An angel must sponge up the devotion of her followers in order for her power to grow.”

“You mean my healing?”

“Not just your healing. Angel’s keep all the bonds they make. That means you can find both your sisters.”

“But I never drank Tumble’s blood. I never made the book.”

“You are connected to all your people. How do you think your mother found your sisters?”

How does he know so much about us?

“I’ll do whatever it takes,” I said with fiery eyes.

“Such a brave spirit. Shall we get the ceremony started?”

“Wait. Um, there’s something you have to know. Braven…”

Old Guy covered my mouth and leaned in closer. His eyes were glaring at me through his smile. “He left the village. I’ve already informed them. Don’t rock the boat, my dear.”

That power. It’s like he could crush me without lifting a finger. What is with this place? I’ll leave as soon as the next full moon comes.

“Now, let the healing ceremony commence!” he exclaimed.

Even though he had turned away I could still feel those eyes gazing into me. Eyes devoid of love.

The ceremony was very unpleasant. A line of sick people, all male, lined up to give their illness to me. Supposedly angel’s can’t get sick because of how pure we are, but my stomach was in knots.

My nose was dripping too.

Why do I have to kiss all these strangers and why are they all guys? No point in asking Old Guy though.

Old Guy continued chanting but I swear I heard his voice in my head. “Angel’s can’t get sick. You are an angel, aren’t you?”

It was that same terrible emotionless tone that chilled me to the bone.

I held my nose to keep it from dripping and put on a fake smile as I waved all the sick people goodbye.

I turned away from Old Guy, clenching myself. “Am I done?”

He crouched down and put his robe to my nose. “Go on. Blow.”

I cleaned out my sinuses into his sleeve.

“You best get some rest now. I’ve moved Ruiz to your room. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he doesn’t flee the village like that other boy did.” Kindness beamed from the old man.

“His name was Braven,” I said softly.

Old Guy’s soulless eyes peered into me again. “Was?”

His ghostly voice made me jump.

I ran to my room. Ruiz was already there, drawing something.

“I think I may have figured out what my power is,” he said with a smile.

“Riuz…I need to talk to you.” I sneezed and covered my nose.

He scooted way back against the corner. “Whoa there. When did you get sick?”

“I’m not sick. Some Puffles just got in my nose,” I said with a smile.

“Puffles are about the size of my fist. You’re sick. But that doesn’t make any sense.” He opened his book and searched through it. “Angel’s aren’t supposed to get sick. It’s impossible actually.”

“That doesn’t matter!” I yelled.

“It does to me. I get sick very easily. I hate it.”

“Ruiz. Let me speak! Sorry.” I fixed up my angel leotard and put on my serious face. “I don’t think Tumble was taken by an outsider.”

“Honestly I don’t get how she was taken to begin with! Braven was like our top hero! Sure he didn’t have power like Yuki, but…”

I grabbed his hands. “Yu-ki had powers!”

Ruiz pulled his hands away and wiped them on my blanket. “Yeah. He could imbue objects with different attributes.”

“Like sleep?” I ask.

“Yeah and fire! Do you know Yuki?”

“Uhuh. I met him before I came here. He’s doing just fine, don’t worry,” I said, rolling my eyes.

Ruiz looked at me quizzically.

“Is there still snot on my face?” I ask, wiping my nose.

“Why would Yu-ki date you? He was a one man kinda guy.”

I scratched my head. “I might have been a bit forward…actually forceful is the better term.”

Ruiz grinned. “Wow. You must have some gumption. Anyways, Braven is way too strong to lose.”

“Maybe for any of the hero’s. But not a veteran RiftRipper.”

Please Braven, tell me you didn’t really sell her off.

“Yeah. I don’t like talking about those guys. They freak me right the hell out.”

“Hey. So I think Old Guy has my sister. He’s definitely hiding something.”

“No way. Old Guy is the nicest person here. Do you know why he sent the RiftRippers out to find heroes?” Ruiz looks at me for a second and then continues. “He wanted to help out the villagers. Everything he does is for them. We’re like a hive and he’s the queen bee. Hmmm, odd analogy.”

“Well, he’s definitely hiding something and I want to find out.”

“Relax. The most suspicious thing I’ve seen him do is leave the village at midnight.”

I tossed a pillow at Ruiz.

“Hey, what was that for?”

“Wood Primordial’s can’t leave the village. Isn’t that what you said?”

“Ooooh. You’re right. Hey, but he’s not faking being a Primordial. Just like you aren’t faking being an angel, right?”

What if I’m not an angel? Braven said my people are demons. What if he’s right?

Ruiz woke me up with a gentle whack of the pillow. “You okay. You were looking way too serious.”

“Yeah. Oh. You mentioned your powers! I almost forgot. What are they are?” I asked, following Ruiz to his work desk.

There was a map with Sunny village at the center.

“Cartography.” He smiled at me.

“Maps?”

“Here let me show you.” He pulled out a paper. It was a stick figure with a tail and…

“That’s me!” I exclaim.

“Yeah, I love to draw but I suck at it. Has nothing to do with my disease. I just can’t put my thoughts to the paper. Now, look at this.” He lifts up the map to show another picture of me.

It captures my fun-loving determined attitude, my super sleek curves, adorable eyes, and my heart.

I suddenly find myself locking lips with him.

Ruiz pushes me away. “Are you crazy!?”

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to. Please don’t hate me!” I exclaim in tears.

“You’re sick! You can’t go kissing people or you’ll spread it.”

He’s right. Old Guy was making me spread sickness, but why?

Ruiz poked his chest reverently while muttering.

“Whattya doin’?” I ask.

“Praying to Jesus Christo that I don’t get sick.”

“So, you don’t hate me…for stealing a kiss.”

“I’m fortunate to have you as my friend, quirks and all,” he said, giving me a thumbs up.

“Awww. Thankies!” I give him a thumbs up too.

I miss Tumble.

“So…your power is artistry?” I ask.

“It’s more than that. I mapped out the entire village while you were at the procession. I think I can channel spirits.”

I slipped on a pillow and fell on my bum. “You mean like, ghosts?”

“More like deities. I don’t know.”

“Well that deity better not try to steal my friend or I’ll knock it’s lights out,” I said with a big smile.

“You want to follow Old Guy tonight?” asked Ruiz, drawing with his left hand while looking at me.

Okay. That is a really awesome power.

“Yeah. And you’re not stopping me. This may be a lead on finding out what happened to my sister,” I said with a firm stance.

“Okay. Want some lunch?” he asked, offering me a sandwich.

I held my nose. “What’s that smell?”

“It’s a Cuckatrice sandwich.”

I whacked his hand. “No! No hero of mine is going to hurt my animal friends.”

“I didn’t hurt him. He was already dead.”

“I’m taking charge of your health from now on. Fruits and vegetables only. Mostly vegetables.”

I want all the fruit.

“No bread?”

“Bread is ok.”

“Thanks, Angel. I’m sure to get better in your care,” he said, smiling at me.

I won’t let anything bad happen to my new friend.

We snuck out just before midnight. We didn’t know exactly where Old Guy slept but it didn’t matter because Ruiz knew where he exited the village. Old Guy merged with the wooden gate and then appeared on the other side. We lay in wait behind a rock. I silenced my breathing before we followed along. We went followed him all the way to the river.

Old Guy opened his vest and poured some sort of powder in the water.

I looked to Ruiz and he shrugged.

Neither of us knew what it was.

A voice came from behind us. “Don’t you tire of poisoning your people?” The voice was seductive and sophisticated, somewhat femine too despite clearly belonging to a male.

The figure walked right past Ruiz and I. He was a very elegant man, with gorgeous pink hair and wearing all sorts of colorful…

Animals! He was wearing animals and they were still alive. They were molded into clothing but somehow still drew breath. What kind of person would do something like that?

Ruiz started shaking. “Flam.” His voice was a cold, dead whisper.

Old Guy turned to face the intruder. “If I don’t give them the sparkling water, then the village will collapse. You know this, so why even ask.”

“Your village is kept safe by secrets and by contracts,” said Flam with a wicked smile.

“When your reign is over, my people will be free of your toxic haze.”

“I’m offering you a single chance. Hand over the angel.” He turns to the bushes we’re hiding behind. “She’s immune to your sparkling water’s effects anyway. The only thing she’ll bring to the village is trouble and misfortune.”

“She’s a naïve one. Thinks she can hide her angelic aroma. But she is a sacred guest. I will not turn her over.”

Flam’s eyes twisted with cruelty. “Then your entire village will make for a glorious tapestry of death and misery!”

I stepped out from behind the bushes. “I’ll go with you.”

“No, blessed child. Stand down. I’ll take him on.” Old Guy’s feet released roots that bore deep into the ground.

“Your powers weaken the further you are from the village. And once every inch of it is ashes, you too will die, Old Man!” yelled Flam, his scarf poised for battle.

“No! Nobody else is going to die because of me! Just take me away!” I yelled.

Ruiz rolled out from behind cover. “If we attack together, we can take this dictator down!”

“Oh boy.” Flam’s aura erupted out into a rainbow of malice. “You haven’t the faintest idea of the forces you are facing!”