He was always alert, one could never be too careful. Long ago, he would only have to worry about one devil at a time, perhaps two. The demons he had to keep an eye on were uncountable now.

Still, his watchfulness was calm and dignified, unlike his first days in this world. He would tense near the beings that were so opposed to his kin, yet he would walk among them without ever faltering. Perhaps he even looked at them with scorn.

He was not proud to admit it, but demons were not really the only ones that suffered his disdain. There were only four who he trusted, and all others would receive nothing but indifference. As he walked between both men and devils, he would never look at them with any sympathy.

Anyone, anything really, could twist his heart, literally or figuratively. Some humans would rip and grind his bones to dust, while many devils would gladly devour his flesh. If his supposed divinity was kept secret, nothing much changed, he was still vulnerable. All souls could be evil and capable of bringing suffering to others, a common thing in the world. He could not stay idle and resign to be a victim. Nevertheless, he always was, and would always be prey of the whims of fate. With time, there was no other choice but to accept that fact.

The angel took a deep breath, walking carefully through the streets. He had just finished working, and although his body was tired, his mind was all ever awake. While he passed the crowds coldly, he would focus, even if reluctantly.

There was sorrow in the city, slight outrage, sometimes a trace of vigour and audacity. People always reacted to war differently. Many, most of which did not have to partake in the massacres, saw such conflict as a great thing for their country. Others, obviously the ones to fight, would either brave the danger or resign to it.

All month, each day, soldiers both from the north and south had roamed and scouted the city, proclaiming that horrid draft of theirs. Its occurrence was long past due, he had known it was coming. But still, seeing the military knock on doors and homes made his stomach churn.

He strode down some stony stairs, unable to not scowl at the sight of some soldiers towering at the door of a household. His steps slowed, and he contemplated what he could soon confront. The woman of the family was signing her freedom away, agreeing to spare the rest of that duty.

With a snarl, he walked away like a shadow, always unseen between others. No one batted an eye for anyone, for all had their own problems, he included. Most of the population had to wonder if a knock would echo at their doors, for the authorities did not bother to announce their intentions until the last moment. Anyone could be designated, and few were exempted, like the ones working in the industry that benefited the war.

He was a welder, his demon an important provider of power. Both could dodge this despicable draft easily. Yet he was not calm, neither were. They had reasons to fear. No longer did they shelter children, but women on their own right, capable of fighting a war.

Between them all, he should be the last to pick the interest of the authorities. No one ever looked much at him in the streets, not even now as soldiers plagued them. He was a mere human, one that clearly worked in the industrial district, his clothes dusty and durable. There was not much to him outwardly… yet he still felt watched.

As he crossed another alley, he glanced subtly at the paths above him. Many figures walked through them, and ahead he would see more crowds if he glanced down a drop. None of those tired and indifferent eyes were set on him, however. He felt a shiver from time to time, but he could not spot what he was sensing.

He was preyed on many times in his life, and he had learnt from it. His stance was careful, his steps tense, ready to act. But there was never any real danger in the streets, not while he kept Uriel’s blood on him. No one should pick any scent, and he could not detect the malice of a lurking thief in the dark.

As he marched through a backstreet slowly, he looked all around him. If he had turned his head faster, perhaps he would have caught how a shadow hid on a roof above, having been gazing down at him. He did not see anything, sadly, not even if his eyesight was quite sharp.

A long growled sigh escaped him, and then he rubbed his eyes tiredly. He leaned for a moment against a wall when he reached the vicinity of his home, scolding himself for being so paranoid.

“You are just burned out. Breathe. No demon or butcher is eyeing you, things are just piling up and your brain is trying to find a psychical foe. Stop being stupid and focus on what’s truly important. Those fuckers will-“

“They’ll come soon.”

“Agh!”

He regretted throwing a punch behind him almost instantly. He paled, seeing Uriel there, raising an eyebrow at his fist, which he was not managing to retrieve in his shock. His demon did not seem bothered by his alarmed and hostile reaction, and in fact, commented on it quite calmly.

“One less worry in my mind… Ariel was not ever lying when she said you knocked people out in that disgusting old town, huh?”

Fight instead of flight… it would be useful in the near future.

“U-uriel, I’m so-“ He finally retracted his hand away from his chest, glad that his demon was sturdy as a rock. “W-why the hell do you have to near me so silently?”

“I have not been quiet, you could have noticed my steps if you had not been moping. In fact, I called you some streets away a few minutes ago, from a lower path. You did not seem to notice me then either, too engrossed in your thoughts.”

Alexis brushed his hair and sighed, looking down with a grimace.

“M-maybe I’m relying on my senses too much lately. I can’t perceive your affability as much anymore.”

“The punch was sufficiently wounding, you know?”

“I’m n-not saying you don’t care enough or that I don’t appreciate it! It’s just drowned by this loud nasty dissonance that seeps from every corner of this sordid city! I can’t focus on what I see or hear, just-!”

Alexis huffed, because Uriel decided to stop him, pulling him into a hug. A panic attack would do him no good, not now. His amber eyes narrowed tiredly as he took deep breaths in his hold, which was calm. He hated how he could feel grief and anxiousness in him, yet he was able to hide it much better, his voice never faltering like his.

“Focus at the moment. A storm is coming, yes, but it is not raining yet. The loud thunder you hear is nothing but an illusion, born from your dread and fear. So breathe and ground yourself, lest you break down.”

He let him finish, but then he did snarl.

“A simple pat on the shoulder would have been enough. She liked your silly poesy, but I hate it…”

“You hate everything.”

“No.” He gently freed himself from his hug, to then murmur and hold himself grimly. “I wouldn’t be here if I did not love a few things, the only good this disgusting world has to offer.”

Uriel took a deep breath and looked ahead into the streets. Their home was not far, and in an hour, the two who they cared for most for would be there. The sight would be bitter and heartwarming at the same time. Both wished nothing more than to cherish it, forever, but they knew they could not.

“I could… Only I would need to-“

“Don’t say it.” Those amber eyes pierced him, glowering, hinting sudden ire. “We’ve had this discussion already. Don’t you dare try to change my mind.”

Alexis’ hand clenched slowly, for Uriel dared indeed.

“If you go, I must as well. With only me gone, they would have you and-“

“They would have me for a little while, yes. I would have to see them suffer and worry for you, while doing so myself. And eventually… they would lose me too, because I would have done nothing to push back what surely got you killed. I can’t keep on being complacent with simple delays. What threatens us needs to be confronted, fully, or else. We are not going to put out that hellfire by evading it and hiding. I need to stop running.”

Not that there was somewhere where he could run off. The deadline was imminent, and these days would be the last to enjoy by them… unless he succeeded in his purpose, perhaps. It was a gamble he had to take, there was no choice.

Uriel felt as cornered as him, and Alexis knew well he hurt him with his words. But he needed to be there by his demon, for he would go no matter what. Neither would ever let their daughters be recruited. If they died, they would too.

“Alexis…” His angel glanced at him slowly, his scowl having turned into a sorrowful grimace, their eyes meeting painfully. “There is still some time, just a little while. Let’s hide together in its haven until it runs out.”

There was no direct answer. Those amber eyes closed for a moment, as he straightened his stance angrily. With one last look, he began to walk off towards their street, wordlessly. Nothing they could say would make them feel better about their fate, so they both kept quiet as they headed for the only place where they could find some solace.

Their figures soon reached the doorstep of their home, and its sight took all their focus. The tension faded, their worries drowned slowly by all the things that they had managed to provide with hard work. As they set foot inside their humble but warm shelter, they did not sense the presence of their insistent observer.

A shadow crouched silently on some arches, having crawled and lurked at a distance. Three red eyes narrowed slowly, with interest and satisfaction. There was no longer doubt in that gaze, which now only held calculation.

The figure watched and contemplated until a noise echoed. The sound of wings and steps flowed through the tunnels, and with it, the stalker hid. The presence was unseen, but it would not be evaded for long.

——————–

 

They all hated moments like this, but they could not escape them.

“I’ll say it one more time, Aurora, Ariel…” His fangs showed as he let out his ultimatum, which sadly had to be repeated many times. “No.”

The two growled at him, almost slicing the table with their claws, angered by his insistent refusals.

“You can’t make that choice for us!”

“We have our own will and volition!”

Uriel slammed a claw on the table like them, not even raising his voice, but invoking a resolve that was unfaltering and imposing.

“You will not throw away your lives in a senseless dangerous war, not if I have a say in it.”

“So you two can?!”

“How is that fair?!”

Aurora snarled, forced to fold her wings as a demon decided to shift into a bigger form behind them, taking most of the space in the living room.

“Life has never been or will be fair, children.”

Ariel whipped her tail against the floor, leaning back slightly to pierce him with a glare.

“Call us children again, Lykaios, let’s see how well it goes.”

“I referred to your mother as such until her very last day, and you may have reached the peak of your growth long ago, yet I still see you as nothing but-“

His fangs peeked in an annoyed growl, even if Aurora had slammed a claw around his snout, shutting his maws.

“Hush, you little pestering-“

He was not small or little, and he made it clear with a move of claw, which did not fail to swat away hers. Both glared intensely at each other, while Ariel kept her focus on Uriel.

“Your vote and command should no longer be more significant than ours.”

“Ah, so you want democracy in this household? Is that it?”

Ariel scoffed, knowing where he was heading with that snide whisper.

“You are counting Lykaios in it, aren’t you?”

“Why not? I may have some grievances with him from time to time, but we both share one thing in common. Something I’m very grateful for.”

Her blue eyes narrowed, quickly eyeing the angel sitting on a chair by the hearth, seemingly uncaring of the argument. She knew better.

“What is stopping us from following once you set off? Why should we stay idle while you two get killed out there?”

“Is it Deja Vu what I’m feeling?” Uriel leaned closer, tapping his nails on the table. “You wouldn’t dare disappoint your father as such, would you?”

“I can’t disappoint a dead man.”

“You have a lot of faith in me, I see.”

“A shot of an old rifle made you falter in a forest once. I can’t imagine what a barrage from those machines will do to you.”

“I can picture that, very vividly. And that’s why I don’t want either of you close to those things. You won’t be fodder for the bullets of those monsters.”

“We would have the same chances as you! Dammit, why can’t you trust us to shield you?! We are able, we are willing! It is something we wish to do as much as you!”

“I guarantee you, for us, it’s much more urgent and vital. If you ever have children, you will under-“

“Cut the sentimental bullshit!” Ariel leaned sideways slightly, because Aurora was done glaring at Lykaios, proceeding to call out Uriel with a strong motion of claws. “The only people I care about are in this room, and I assure you I won’t ever feel anything remotely close to this love for anyone else! I would gladly go alone, with the same conviction as you, and not feel any regret as I’m shot or torn by-!”

There was a loud slam. The four of them looked up, only to see that Alexis had stood from his chair sharply, his eyes now piercing the two of them. Although he proceeded to step closer slowly, he did strongly, his expression blank yet all too telling.

“You have no damn idea what getting torn feels like.” Uriel grimaced, because they had agreed that he would manage the argument, yet it had gotten heated anyway. “There are pains that can make you wish you were never born.”

Ariel and Aurora would have said something next, they wanted to express how they did not wish for them to have to go through that instead. But he did not let them, not with a harsh yell or slam of hand on the table, but with a gentle motion. They both winced as he untied slightly his collar, pulling his shirt down to reveal his old scars. He whispered bitterly, almost with a hiss, inquisitive.

“Do you want to end up wounded and broken? That’s what will happen if you join this sickening conflict, because hate can only bring agony. The one who gave me these scars did so out of misguided love and goodwill, so I can’t imagine what those vicious humans would do if given the same opportunity. You are demons, not angels, but they will rip you apart all the same. Your wings, they won’t doubt to cut piece by piece, never committing to one precise slice. Your horns, they will tear out with multiple yanks, not bothering to finish the job after.” He had whispered at first, but with each word, his tone raised gradually. “I have felt something similar to what you could suffer out there, and you have to be out of your fucking minds if you think I’ll let you risk it. My daughters will not be stabbed, shot, or ripped! I won’t allow it!”

He panted repeatedly, lost in his rage. As he recognized their hurt gazes, he slowly grimaced, his frame trembling slightly. None dared say a word as he dashed for his room, opening the door strongly and slamming it once he got past it. He hid from their sight, needing to calm down, drown his fears and memories.

The four stayed silent for a minute, not even Lykaios daring say a word. Uriel knew he had to speak up, and so he did, as softly and emphatically as he could, all the while being assertive of his decision.

“I need you to understand that we do this because we love you, more than anything in the world. We only care about your well-being, and nothing would give us more peace of mind than knowing you are safe, even if it’s thanks to our strife. If we don’t do this… you will be in danger, and we can’t accept that.”

The two took a deep breath, understanding, but struggling to accept some things as well. Aurora spoke first, while Ariel did after.

“Like you, we don’t care for much in the world. We miss her every day, and I can’t imagine missing you as well.”

“All these years, I thought you truly trusted in our strength, that you knew we could share your pain. Was I mistaken?”

The two had looked down in impotence, but they raised their gazes when his claws reached for theirs, holding them as he whispered honestly and grievingly.

“I know I am wounding you greatly, and that I am giving you nothing but heartbreak and doubt… but I have no choice. This is something we need to do, and I beg you to understand that I trust you to be strong. You will shield us much more by enduring our departure than by putting your lives on the line.” He leaned his head to try to meet their blue eyes, which looked at his violet ones reluctantly, scared by his next words. “If you care for us as much as we do for you, promise me you will not join the army behind our backs. I need to know you won’t try to stop or join us.”

He knew that Lykaios would do everything in his claws to try to halt them, but all knew it would only be a delay. They truly could assert their own will, and they could not be chained, not even by them.

The two did not answer him right away. Lykaios eyed them carefully, remembering well their young days, and their caring escapade. When they spoke, he could have sworn he heard their hearts break, pierced by their own loving but painful words.

“I promise I won’t try to stop you or fight like you.”

“You have my word; I will not follow your march.”

He saw the sincerity in their gazes, their sorrowful whispers not holding any trace of doubt. A regretful smile grew on his lips, and he hated to thank them for something that tore them so much inside.

“I will do everything in my hand to bring us both back to you. Once this is all over, we will be safe, and we will be able to leave everything behind.”

They noted how he did not promise to come back alive, but try to. Lykaios kept silent, but his claws moved subtly. Uriel sent those red eyes a grateful look, for he pulled the two close to his chest, holding them against his fur as they shed angry tears.

In the adjacent room, an angel could not hear them cry, for they did so silently. But he could feel it, and it did hurt him. His amber eyes looked at nothing, seeing too many things, long gone and yet to come.

———

 

It really did not take long. The wait did not last enough to soothe their heartbreak, even if they would treasure those moments in their minds. It was finally time to let go.

Figures marched through the vicinity of their home, their small district one of the last to be scouted by the soldiers that invaded the city. They carried long lists, which they would raise in their hands and claws to read after each knock, few doors ignored.

Three red eyes oversaw the operation, silently, leading the enlistment. Although many capable civilians were merged into their forces, he barely looked at any of them. His long dense tail kept swaying side to side, while he stood motionless, fixated on one door.

He waited, patiently. Once the other homes were dealt with and the fresh recruits were allowed to go back to process their incoming duty, he moved through the street. His clawed feet stepped strongly towards the threshold, his long claws kept still behind his back.

Once more, he stayed still like a statue, waiting a few seconds upon the door. Soon, however, he knocked on it with his huge nails, announcing his presence to the ones that lived past it.

He was heard, his presence had been noticed long ago. Still, like a rabbit hiding from a predator, they had not dared make a sound or comment on it. As the echo of the knock flowed through the room, all their eyes finally met.

Both violet and amber eyes looked into blue ones, each speaking without words. The two shook their heads, attempting one last plea, for them to listen. They could try to evade this, somehow, someway.

The plea was acknowledged, but they did not agree to it. Far too firmly and resolutely, Uriel stood, stepping towards the door to open it. Alexis moved off Aurora’s wing gently, standing as well, but keeping a distance from the entrance.

Uriel tensed as he let light seep into their living room, opening the door partly. His sharp eyes narrowed, meeting three red ones, which seemed to have been able to see him even before he opened.

There were three eyes, a fourth one scarred and torn. The second pair stood right over the ones any human would have, slightly leaned in a much more thin and animalistic gaze. The right upper one was missing, taken away by a wound that was long ago healed.

That would be enough to make anyone feel small under the tall devil, which had no issue matching the height of his horns. However, there were multiple traits that made him seem less humanoid than other demons. There was no skin visible, for all his body was covered by dense dusky fur. His arms and legs were slightly feral, twisted in angles that hinted he could go onto his four. His ears were very pointed, looming over his head, which looked human but also uncanny.

The demon kept his huge claws behind his back, but as he opened his mouth full of fangs, Uriel noticed their sharpness as his stance shifted subtly. The words flowed softly, yet the tone was growled, not willingly.

“Captain Itzal, second division of the federation, speaking in favour of the laws dictated by your autho-“

“Save the formalities…” That interruption would have sparked animosity and scorn, if it had not been voiced tiredly and quietly, almost mournfully. “I know why you are here.”

Uriel stood tall, even if his expression was defeated. Those three eyes stared at him intently, calculatedly. Neither said word as a list was unfolded, contemplated for a few seconds. When the captain spoke again, he did so slowly.

“There are four more in this household, apart from you.”

“Correct.”

“At least one of you must step forth to acknowledge the draft.” Itzal’s eyes narrowed, giving him an intense look. “By your looks and my records, you are the one who works in the power facility, Uriel, if I’m not mistaken. Your service in the city is important. Another one would be more appropriate for-“

“I am more than willing to fight this war… Sir.” Itzal did not step back when Uriel did forward, opening the door all the way to face him. “Enlist me.”

Those red eyes now had a view of the living room and the figures that stood in it. He quickly eyed the others, two female devils first, a small one watching in the shadows next, then a blond.

Alexis tensed, noting how those eyes pierced him, extremely analytical. A shiver ran down his back, because all ever gradually, the soldier frowned. That gaze moved with interest and intent at Aurora and Ariel, scheming.

No.

He could sense the machinations of that devilish mind, eyeing those wings and horns. As a human, he was quickly dismissed, eyed with derision. Those blue eyes were meeting that gaze with firmness; no words were said due to a promise, but the silent willingness was there.

“Devils are truly the ones who can endure the strain of battle, better than any human.” Itzal looked at Uriel again, making sure to hide his fangs and suggestive smile. “I ask you to reconsider staying in this city, or perhaps… bring one of them with you. Their strength would serve greatly this country, and-“

“If you want more fodder for your fucking war you have me right here.”

Aurora and Ariel snarled, noticing well that they lost the interest of that devil, their silent bid and presentation stolen by Alexis. He finally strode to the door, glaring up at those three eyes, scornfully.

“I’m as capable and more willing. Perhaps I am human, yes, but my determination is as strong. Your records should indicate my vocation, which would prove useful between your ranks.” He sensed surprise and disbelief, and it did not come from Uriel, so he attempted to say a few more things that could convince the captain of his worth. “I know a few languages, how to hold a blade or knife, some first aid… a-and I’m a fast runner!”

He was running out of things to say, and he quickly prevented himself from saying he knew how to sew. That sparked another idea, which he chose to use as a last-ditch effort, because that demon was eyeing him like he had not expected him to dare to offer himself. He needed to make him accept his recruitment, for it could be denied very easily.

“Men are made to fight! They should not have to when I can! A-as the head of this household, I must-!”

There came the offended shouts.

“What the hell did you just say?!”

“Did you just call us weak, Alexis?!”

He tried not to cringe and stay firm, able to sense the fierce accusative glares on the back of his neck, not only from Aurora and Ariel, but Lykaios as well. Honestly, he hated those words much more than them, vile and false… but he had to say something, anything that could sway the opinion of this rugged devil. He had to appear rough and capable of hostility, or else.

Uriel was eyeing him sternly as well, but there was understanding in those sad violet eyes. Both could see the contemplative expression, sense the silent inner debate. The angel hoped he would not have to beg or bribe his way into their lists, while his demon partially hoped there would be a refusal that would keep him away. Aurora and Ariel lost all hope when those three eyes closed, the list quickly folded, words of admission striking them all.

“Two better than one.” Itzal took out three documents, two to be signed and surrendered, while the third was for them to keep and read carefully. “You shall find your guidelines here. For now, leave a record of your ratification. All orders will be soon dispatched, including what you will don to serve.”

They both took their time to sign, the doubt and hesitance there. Luckily, they were given time to commit to such a simple act, for Itzal had seen many times that grief. Soon, their names were engraved on the papers, sealing their fate, which they surrendered to.

“You are doing a great service to the world, be sure of it.” They knew, but it was not meant for many, but for two. “Rest for now, soon you will be called to arms.”

Itzal turned sharply, smiling complacently as he marched off, his duty accomplished much more flawlessly than he had anticipated. He left them to ponder their loss of freedom, pitying them slightly, as he did for all who he had to take away.

At the door, the two stayed motionless, until they could no longer see the shadow of that devil. Their eyes met, much more clouded now that the deed was done. They had been determined and sure of their conviction, yet this moment left them no pride or solace.

They two slowly turned, only to see the disappointment in those blue eyes. Somehow, they could not avoid but see her for a moment, her expression grieving and concerned for their sake. She was not there, however. Only a remnant of her life was with them. The two somehow were much more important than she had ever been, and that was why it hurt to see them look away.

Uriel closed his eyes and bowed his head, for Ariel gave him her back and went down into their small cellar, wishing to avoid his sorrowful gaze. Meanwhile, Alexis exchanged a deep wordless stare with Aurora, their expressions grim and solemn.

The moment took him back slightly, to the times in which a silver winged angel would look at him with cruel severity. He truly felt like he was giving her that, unable to falter in his verdict. What he was doing would put distance between them, stealing her of the love he owed her, what he never had.

Each day, no matter how contrary he felt towards the notion, he became more like his father. He did not want the coldness that grew inside him, yet he had to embrace it.