Second Sight: Chapter Five: Arch-Angel
#10 of Second Sight
Location: Arpeggio, Militia Underground.
Time: 00:00am.
Year: 2092, February 1st.
By the end of January, it was time for the graduation of most of the recruits. I say most, since over half of them had mentally broken down, been killed during the tests, or even killed themselves. Only twenty people were left, including me. Half of them were scarred or maimed, creating some cruel features. I, on the other hand, was only scarred inside. My tests of survival had made me realize how alone I was in the world. Not even Joseph could make me feel any less alone.
We were all brought to the Underground of the Militia Compound, which had been turned into a large, dim marble chamber. My guess was that this was the place that all recruits went for graduation. The chamber was smaller than I'd expected; I guess the Militia didn't really expect that many recruits to succeed in training.
There was a large stand, where a large Dragon was standing with all twenty of our trainers. I noticed Vincent to the far left; but what really caught my eye was that the Dragon on the stand was the same Dragon that I saw during the first day of my recruitment. I knew by the metal hand still attached to his arm.
"Today, you have the honor that few people have ever had." The Dragon began. "You have all shown skill and survival worthy of the Militia itself; but you do not serve us. You serve the entire world now. Every city, man, woman and child; you serve them and make the world a safer place. Even at the expense of your own lives."
Each trainer walked up to the recruit, handing them a small band with the Arch-Angel insignia on them. I took mine from Vincent and strapped it on my left upper arm. I nodded to the black Wolf, who also nodded back. My training with him was over, and I was now an Arch-Angel. One part of me felt relieved to have passed the test; another part felt sad that I would never get to work with Vincent again.
"These insignias are your pride and honor." The Dragon continued. "Wear them proudly. Your enemies will fear you, and your allies will respect you. But for now, you will take the whole month off; you've earned it. Now go."
That was it. I was now an Arch-Angel. All the other recruits walked away, chatting excitedly and talking about what they'll do with their month off. Vincent was walking by my side, looking straight on.
"So, what'll you do now?" He asked me. I wasn't too sure. I could continue training and keeping my skills sharp. On the other hand, I could just go to the scrap yard and try to make another gun for the Militia. I stayed silent for a few seconds before finally answering.
"I'll go back to the Orphanage." I muttered. "I need to see someone while I still have the spare time."
Vincent nodded, stepping into the elevator that brought us up to the surface again. I was going to pay Joseph a visit. I was thinking of what to say when I saw him, but I couldn't find the words. Maybe he wouldn't want me back; He always has strong views towards Arch-Angels. Though, maybe he wouldn't even be there. But I had to be sure that he was somewhere.
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Location: Arpeggio, Second Life Orphanage.
Time: 18:30pm.
Year: 2092, February 2nd.
I was just outside the gates that lead to the entrance of the building. I had been waiting there for at least an hour. I was overcome with regret. I wasn't even sure that Joseph would be glad to see me. He would either make it extremely hard for me to leave, or he would break my heart completely. I wasn't wearing my usual Arch-Angel outfit; I had left it in the Militia Compound. Instead, I was wearing a pair of black jeans with a thin black shirt. I finally brought myself to move forwards and go into the building.
All the corridors were empty, so I had no trouble when I walked in. I remembered the way to our dormitory, so I only had to take a few turns and staircases to reach the door. Before I could knock, I saw the door pull open, and someone step out. The figure had jet black fur, and wore full white clothing. The figure had stopped and backed away, still looking at me. It was Joseph. He gripped my arm and pulled me into the room.
"It's been a while." He whispered, hugging me tightly. "I didn't expect you to come back. "
I was hugging him back. I missed the feel of his fur against mine, which made it very hard to let go.
"It's been just more than a year." I whispered back, letting go and falling onto my bed.
"You look nice." Joseph said, leaning down on top of me, rubbing his hand against my chest. "I guess you're an Arch-Angel now, right?"
"I'm off duty until the end of the month." I replied, stroking his back. "How have you been?"
"Well I've finished my education." He began. "Now I need a job; which is hard since the population has been growing faster than usual. Almost everybody is having trouble finding work that pays well."
"You'll find something." I whispered into his ear. "Do you mind if I stick around for a while?"
I felt Joseph reach down and take off my jeans. I returned the favor by taking off his as well.
"Sure. Just remember that I'm the dominant one." Joseph whispered, laughing quietly. I let him take the lead as we both let ourselves go and lost ourselves in desire.
(Writer's Note: I'm not doing a Yiff scene, sorry.)
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Location: Arpeggio, Second Life Orphanage.
Time: 09:50am.
Year: 2092, February 3rd.
We hardly had any sleep all night. I was still awake, and on top of Joseph. It was good to be around him again, but last night made it harder to leave. I stretched and got up to see that Joseph was also awake, staring up at the ceiling.
"I guess you've got to go now, right?" He asked, looking at me.
"As I've said, I have until the end of the month." I replied. "But if I stick around for all of that time, it'll be harder to leave."
"Well, I guess you've got to go eventually." Joseph sighed, getting up and hugging me one more time. "I'll miss you."
"That's what you said last time." I replied; "And I still came back."
We both stayed silent. Joseph was smiling. We both knew that I would be back; so I just walked away. It wasn't as hard as I thought; which troubled me. I was becoming more and more like any other Arch-Angel. Hard, unfeeling, and without emotion. I was scared of myself, and what I was becoming.
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Location: Arpeggio, Militia Barracks.
Time: 16:30pm.
Year: 2092, February 3rd.
I was in my barracks, on my bed, staring at the ceiling, not thinking at all. I was counting how many tiles were in the room, then looking through walls, and went back to counting the tiles. I kept turning my head left and right until I heard a loud knock at my door.
I got up and opened the door. It was Vincent, holding a large bag of equipment; It looked mostly like weapons.
"You didn't check back in." He said. "I also need to talk to you about something."
I let him in, and closed the door, leaning back against it. We stayed silent ofr a while before Vincent finally whispered.
"Is anyone listening?" He asked. I looked through all the walls that I could. I was finally satisfied when I saw no one around.
"All clear." I replied. "I'm guessing it's something to do with another test."
"You're half right." Vincent replied. "Once the month is over, you'll be joining a team of specialists. Remember squad-172 from your test?"
I nodded. I guessed that I would be joining that squad as their new rookie. It didn't bother me, but I was still unnerved by Fisher. He didn't seem to treat me seriously.
"Yeah, I remember them." I replied. "The Militia's going to place me under Fisher's command, aren't they?"
"Again, you're half right." Vincent replied. "You're replacing their fourth soldier; found dead on the surface. Demon and regular blood all over the place."
That fact didn't discourage me. My experience on the surface had more than proved that I was up to the task.
"You said by the end of the month; right?" I asked. Vincent nodded quickly. "I'd better get practicing, then."
At that, I got up and stepped out of the dormitory. For the next month, I would have to train my hardest. From what I've heard over the past year of my training, squad-172 were one of the most elite forces in Arpeggio, as well as the whole world. Even if they were separated into three one-man parties, it would just make them three times as deadly.
By the end of the month, I would be working alongside the most dangerous soldiers on Earth.