03/28/2024 12:13 PM  The Spirit of Radio. (Drabble) 004. ``` The spirit of radio.Play that song that's so elusive.www.aniroleplay.com/Lightfall Vaggie was ready to scream. The chaos in the hotel was driving her nuts. It wasn't enough that these people were trashing the place. But the fact Alastor was seemingly just enjoying the madness. And, finally. She had enough. "Out. I can't put up with this anymore! Angel, sweetie. Please. Just take the others out. I don't care where. I need a few bit of peace!" Of course, when they all left, including the staff. It meant Vaggie was stuck alone, but, since the battle she felt isolated. Left alone by the others or, simply shunned for what she was? She wasn't sure. Was she just imagining it, her self loathing simply conjuring another demon to battle with? Or, was it reality. With the chaos they'd left her with though. Vaggie had to clean. Usually, Niffty's job. But. . . Perhaps she'd simply use the chance to get the frustration out of her system. Vaggie breathed out. It was time to get to work but she needed something else. Something loud. Anything to just. Get ger mind off things. Off the deal. Off everything. She headed upstairs, grabbing a record. The one positive of Als own specific musical and stylistic tastes, the vinyls she had in her room were easy to play pretty much anywhere. And there was a decent record player downstairs. Al would likely not approve of the musical selection but, he was gone like the rest. Slipping the record out of its sleeve as she arrived on the main floor, she placed it on the player, let the needle touch the record, and the roar of Neal Pearts drums and the guitar of Alex Lifeson roared out, as she began to clean. Geddy Lees vocals echoing in her mind and reminding her of better times. "Know your place in life is where you want to be Don't let them tell you that you owe it all to me Keep on looking forward, no use in looking 'round Hold your head above the crowd and they won't bring you down" Vaggie's hands moved as she picked up garbage left by angel and fat nuggets. She couldn't get too mad at those two. She was glad for the change in Angel, becoming less fake around them. He still gave her plenty of sh*t, but in the sweetest way he was capable of. And, she had begun to appreciate his charm. 'You can tell me that I got no class Look around, you'll see who's laughin' last Don't give me speeches 'cause they're oh so droll Leave me alone, let me rock and roll'  As Vaggie moved, her body swaying lightly as the music carried her through the work, she remembered Adam, and Lute, she was glad that they weren't in her life. With the passing of time the way they treated her was more obviously abusive at the best of times. Cruel at the worst. But there were happy moments too. Laying around after a day of training with the two, Adam selecting an album like London Calling or Screaming For Vengeance. Whatever they needed, he seemed to know the songs for the occasion. And they always put Vaggie in a good mood, she could tell the same was true for Lute. In another world the three would have been as close as she was with Charlie. But that wasn't the reality. 'The guns replace the plow Facades are tarnished now The principles have been betrayed Would dreams gone stale but still let hope prevail History's debt won't be repaid' Vaggie moved to the next task, getting rid of the bottles strewn about husks bar. He had a bad habit of storing the old ones, and as she moved her hands, the erratic guitar of the next track made her move faster. It was almost jazzy in its composition. But more modern jazz than what Alastor would have been used to. And as she finished side 1, and moved to flip the record, she felt a shiver at that thought. Like eyes were on her. But, this was typical in the hotel. When one was alone, it seemed everyone felt eyes on them. Sir Pentious had made that clear himself. And as she put the other side of the album on, and heard the opening riff to Fly By Night. . . Her memories of the past flooded back again. 'Why try? I know why This feeling inside me says it's time I was gone Clear head, new life ahead It's time I was king now, not just one more pawn' Vaggie had listened to this album two days before the most fateful extermination she'd participate in. The one she'd lose her eye, and her status as an angel in. And as the lyrics Lee was singing came to her, as she continued cleaning, her voice began singing along, at first quietly, but growing loud, and proud. Her wings expanding as she took to the roof, "Fly by night, away from here Change my life again Fly by night, goodbye, my dear My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend" To anyone listening, it almost sounded like Vaggie was planning on bolting. On ditching it all. That had been her mood, the last time she'd given this record a spin. A desire to flee. To leave heaven behind, but where could she go? She felt trapped. It was in the moments after she'd landed in hell her mind had been made up, she'd not go back up when the cleansing was done. She'd abandon her uniform and hide among the sinners, she couldn't do it anymore. She'd have to put on a show. . . She'd lost, of course. She wasn't an entertainer or actor like Adam or Alastor. She was a fighter. And then, the words to that second verse came from her lips "Moon rise, thoughtful eyes Staring back at me from the window beside No fright or hindsight Leaving behind that empty feeling inside Fly by night, away from here Change my life again Fly by night, goodbye, my dear My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend" Charlie had been the thoughtful, and kind eyes that looked back at her, and gave her that fearless feeling, where hindsight no longer mattered. She'd felt empty, before she'd come to hell. She was full of friends. Of joy of laughter and of love. She'd long finished the cleaning, but the song hasn't ended, neither had her singing. "Start a new chapter, I find what I'm after It's changing every day The change of a season's enough of a reason To want to get away Quiet and pensive, my thoughts apprehensive The hours drift away Leaving my homeland, playing a lone hand My life begins today" I will choose a path thats clear, I will choose free will template credit. ``` 0 Comments

03/06/2024 11:42 PM  Four Simple Words (Drabble) Four Simple Words"If I can't dance, I don't want to be a part of your revolution." Emma Goldman.www.aniroleplay.com/Lightfall She wanted to dance. No. She needed. To dance.  It was like food or water right now, without it she'd die. The fight against the angels was over. They'd won. Losses had been taken, who knew how many. The count was still being tallied of the cannibals who'd stood by them, Dazzle was gone, as was Pentious. But they'd won. Euphoria was a good term for the feeling in her chest. She'd been so frightened before this fight, but she was not going to let fear rule her. And she could tell one other needed it too. Staring across the hotel lobby, currently packed with those from hell in celebration of the end of extermination day, possibly forever, she could see the gold blonde of the girl they all could thank for this victory. A frown on her face. Troubled, obviously. She knew that heart well. She approached, as the music playing across the hall seemed to take on her own mood, more joyous. "Charlie." She'd say, loud enough for the princess to hear her over the din, catching her attention. Vaggie was smiling. She'd dressed up tonight herself, a red dress, ankle length, a slit down the side. She even wore heels, something she rarely touched. She'd extend a hand. "Come on. . . I want to dance." She said softly, and those four words were all it took to bring the girl she loved forward. Rarely did Vaggie take the initiative, but tonight. She needed to dance. And so they took the floor, Vaggie leading as she brought Charlie to the floor, a hand resting on her hip, the other resting up on the back of the taller woman's neck. Slowly they'd move left and right. Bodies close, Vaggie's smile, genuine and kind, softness filling her face as she stared into the soft, pale features of her darling. And as their bodies swayed to the music, she saw that pain and doubt evaporate. She'd felt that worry evaporate. And as Charlie took the lead after Vaggie had spun her around and brought her close. Well, Vaggie was happy to give the other control. It was funny how four simple words could turn someone around. This was Charlie's night, Charlie's revolution. Vaggie was just here to remind her that a revolution without dancing and joy was no revolution at all, And as the song slowed, and Charlie brought her in close, her wings extended, wrapping around the two. Letting them share a private moment of pure bliss after all the pain it'd taken to get here. Even with the struggles to come. They had eachother. They had their family. They were going to make it. But I'm no good at dancing, and yet I have to do something Tonight I'm gonna play it straight, I'm gonna take my chance I want to dance. template credit. 0 Comments

03/02/2024 11:11 PM  A nights training. Basking in my unending silent screams  The devil speaks with no language  So tell me why you're still haunting my dreams  Let me be free from this anguish  Every pleasant memory escapes from me  Extinguishing any sweet serenity  With brevity I drown in my sleep  Vaggie felt the warmth of the beach on her body. A typical place she had gone to with Charlie during the moments they both needed to get away from Pentagram City, the lower circles. A place she had enjoyed, the beaches of Sloth. Feeling the warm rays on her flesh, she stood in the surf, feeling the cool waves rolling over her feet. The surf was coming in, and then suddenly, it rose all at once, her body swallowed by the waves, before being washed away.   She felt the riptide dragging her out, and her body dragged down below, water filling her mouth, her lungs, and her eye wide under the burning salt water, as she was dragged into darkness.  Light broke through the darkness as she woke up. She was tired, she’d barely slept throughout the night. It felt like she’d been battered by a storm. Standing, she’d gotten up, gotten dressed, and dragged herself down the stairwell. Work to do, always work. The hotel was crowded, and she was glad about it. Charlie had stopped her halfway down the stairs, excitement in her voice as she explained another plan, one that sounded. . . she had to admit, maybe a little farfetched. Dream diaries? Maybe, but who would even interpret them? Handed a checklist, Vaggie walked off, nodding agreement. Whatever Charlies next idea was, she’d give it a shot.  Sitting down, she began to work, making plans and setting up how to get the other guests to get involved in the plan, before being interrupted by Alastor and his typical nonsense. "Oh, my dear, whatever could be wrong? You look like you wish to hurt something."   Oh of course he was playing at her, pushing her buttons when she was lacking any patience for it. "Uggh, why are you even here Alastor? You don't do anything but watch everyone else suffering." Harsher than she had to be but necessary if she wanted to make the point come through his thick head. His response, however, was not what she’d expected. "Tell me my dear, have I not been loyal? Am I not a knight, too?" "That's not-" Before she could finish her thought, as she stood up, his tone either implying genuine hurt, or feigned indignation, she was interrupted. "I've been defending this hotel! Just like you!" He was right, she knew, but there was more to it than just defense. As he laughed, and the world around them morphed, her hands taken as she was dragged into yet another dance. "Now, my dear, we can continue this back and forth, but you and I know that's a battle you wouldn't win, 🎶" He was right again, she could not, ever hope to win in the situation she found herself in. Jazz now filling the hall. "Don't tell me you truly believe in the ones who sin, 🎶" Of course she did, it was reality they could do this! "As their doubt is a given, my dear, but I am still here. 🎶" She moved her body, continuing to keep up, wanting to cut him off, to tell him the real issue she took with his attitude, but he’d not give her the chance. "I can be your friend, your pal, the man you go to whenever you're in distress, 🎶" Could he? Could she trust him in that way? No, he was manipulating her again. She wanted to believe. "And just like you, I am a knight. I am a protector, an armor for the hotel ~ 🎶 Have I not been loyal? Am I not a knight, too? I've been defending this hotel, just like you! 🎶" She was spun, and sent away, before feeling the light shine down upon her, and feeling that sudden pressure upon her. "Now please do tell me my dear, how we can fix the tension 🎶? Do I have to have a share in your vision? Or would you rather me be true to my intention? I defend the hotel just like you, my dear, and unfortunately for you, 🎶 There is no end for me. 🎶” As the song she’d not seen coming came to an end, and Al's last words echoed in her mind “Don't worry, I am here for you, and the hotel... for as long as I am needed."  The feeling of unease, mixed with the tension of everything else hit her like a freight train.  A knight. A knight, but not in the way of the fairy tales of knights who swept princesses off their feet. No, he did that yes, but he was more like the true knights. A soldier, a noble, a weapon, a blade aimed at the hearts of their enemies ready to be plunged in. He was right, he defended the hotel as she did. Those words burned through her mind as she worked, tirelessly on the new plan Charlie had cooked up, along with the thankless work, checking guests in, luggage getting moved, to rooms, keeping the staff on track to make sure everyone's stay was a pleasant one.  What was her purpose in this grand plan anymore? What use was *she*? A third wheel in the most obvious sense. She could defend, but she was not as violent as Al was, not as dangerous as the radio demon could be. She was even disturbed at times, at how much he seemed to take pleasure in pain. Physical, psychological, emotional.   The problem for her now was, after nearly dying.  What. Was. She worth? She wasn’t armor, she wasn’t even a real knight herself. She was a fallen angel, who barely kept a hotel afloat.  A glorified manager.    As the day breaks, these thoughts flee my head  But they always return here  Cut through my mind, I'm paralyzed  It's dragging me, it's dragging me back in  They terrorize my every night  I'll never sleep, I'll never sleep    Awake again, she couldn’t sleep. She’d tried. Hard to do so. But she dragged herself from her bed, she had to fight back the feeling of drowning she’d felt through the night. The feeling like everything was growing so much more. She’d attempted to write but had tossed the journal aside. What words could put that drowning feeling into proper perspective? She instead found herself in the side room she’d asked for. She grasped the haft of her spear. And began swinging and training, her body burning with exhaustion, as she attempted to drive away the doubts, the uncertainty. Every bitter feeling that tore her heart apart. She wanted to prove she was worth something. Worth anything.  Worth rescuing when she had been at her lowest. Worth bringing into Charlies plans, worth her skills as a fighter. As she set up various targets around her, her hand glowing as angelic forms surrounded her in the training room.  “I never knew heavens light would burn me away🎶” soft words came to her lips as she moved through the moving targets, ducking and dodging attacks, but a few landing, her tired form not able to keep up.  “Never knew hells heat would warm my soul, like a summer midday.🎶” her voice carrying through the darkened room, her spear swirling to knock three attacks away, a deep crimson image flickering behind her, shaped like those dearest friends who slept above. The attacks being kept from them.  Vaggies swings were brutal, each one aimed to bring the targets she’d set up down, but also to keep their own spears and slings from touching those nearest to her.  “All I want is to help them shine, help guide their way through the best and worst, protect their light.🎶”  The tall crimson target, that looked like Alastor began to move, shifting to a more animalistic, violent form as it began cleaving through the targets as well.   “How can I be a guide, if I don’t know the way?🎶” she questioned as she saw the faux al cleave through a group of targets as more formed. Catching sight of herself in a wall mirror in the spun to dodge another attack, her wings sending her up before driving herself back down, before seeing one of the faux angels swing, as she was cut off from the central group.  As a spear was driven towards the faux Husk, the Faux Alastor swung an arm down, smashing the being before it could strike him.  “Protect the hotel? I can’t even protect her personnel!🎶” She sang out, frustration painting her voice as she drove her spear through the last target, all of her faux friends vanished, all but Alastor, as she stared up at the flickering red ghost. “You are stronger than I, what could I deny?🎶” She said, the spear dropping as she felt exhaustion fill herself. “I’m not a knight. I just want to do what’s right., but what is right, in a world like yours?🎶”  She crashed to her knees, spear clattering as she held herself up, panting, seeing the red shimmer of the Faux Alastor vanish away. 0 Comments

02/19/2024 09:55 PM  Love and Lies It had been a year. A year of healing. Vaggie was scared at first, but Charlie had been an amazing friend, and kept her safe. Vaggie had been taken in, no questions asked, Charlie had dressed her wounds, cleaned her up, even got her new clothes, a simple red shirt and black skirt combo, what would become her common dress.  It was the day they’d bought them, that Vaggie had wanted to tell her for the first time. Vaggie was in the changing room, but had forgotten to lock the door, Charlie had come back from looking around the store they’d stopped at for their little shopping trip. Vaggie had slipped her white dress off and had her back to the door.  When it opened, Charlie saw first Vaggie was half nude, and second, the dark grey scars along her shoulder blades. Vaggies heart sank, as she turned, fear in her single eye, arms going over her chest and body protectively.  “Hey easy, easy. Sorry, Vaggie, I just wasn’t expecting to see your ah. . .” Charlie clearly wasn’t sure what to call them, did she know already? She was smart, surely, she’d pieced it together. The angelic spear she’d clung to. The untrusting glances at every single sinner they’d met. . .  Charlie moved in before Vaggie could answer, hand touching her scarred back, gentle fingers tracing the scars.” This happened on extermination day, right?” she asked, staring at her back, worry and pain crossing her eyes, the two visible in the mirror. Vaggie looked scared, her body flinched lightly at the touch, but Vaggie saw what else was in that mirror, the pain in Charlie’s face.   ” Whoever did this to you, I’m so. . . F***ing angry at them.” Her eyes flashed that beautiful crimson when she said that. Vaggie had only seen her like this once or twice, usually after some particularly brutal act of cruelty by an overlord made it to 666 News.    Were they that close that this equated to her, the violent mass murders some of these overlords committed every few weeks? Was it more? She had to tell her. Just tell her the truth, even if it meant this ended here, she deserved it. Words formed on her lips.  But then Vaggie saw her shift, arms embracing her from behind. Her head resting against her shoulder. She could feel tears on her bare skin. Charlie was crying. Between her soft whimpers, hope that her people could be protected, that something had to be done to protect the sinners of Hell.  “Hey, none of that, princess.” She said, the words that had originally wanted to come to her mouth died on her lips. She had to make her feel better.  She turned in the others embrace, and held her close, sitting on the bench, and slowly rocking Charlie back and forth. A thought crossed her mind. ‘Longer hair, I can hide these scars. She’ll never have to see them again.’ Eventually, when Charlie had stopped crying, she lightly took her hand, changed, and they went out, buying her new clothes.  A week later, she and Charlie were in her home, both asleep. It was Extermination Day, both had passed out on the couch watching the broadcast, trying to just keep up with the events.   As awful as it was, it was important. Vaggie had been the last to pass out. Her head nodding forward. Flashes of the past echoed in Vaggie’s mind, as she lay unconscious in Charlie's home, Lutes blade stealing the sight from one of her eyes, her hands grasping both wings, and tearing them away.  That wasn’t what woke her up, it was the faces. Sinners, eyes full of terror as a spear came through their chests or stomachs or cut through flesh. Screams echoed through her mind, until she recognized one "Vaggie! Vaggie wake up Its just a dream!”  Her vision was blurry, and she was on the ground, Charlie atop her in her PJs, worry in her face, as Vaggie laid beneath, hot tears pouring down her face.” You, you fell off the couch screaming Vaggie. . . F***.” her hand trailed through her hair, before Vaggie was pulled up, and held, soft hand on the back of her head, another resting on her lower back, Vaggie’s eye was wide, she could finally hear herself, she was sobbing loudly, and she felt warmth fill her as she was held by the daughter of the one who her sisters had said should have been destroyed along with all like him.  Her sisters were fools. Vaggie’s arms slipped around Charlie, and she was held until she fell asleep in her arms.  Waking up the morning after, she glanced around. An unfamiliar ceiling above her. She smelled it then, Cherry, Charlie’s favorite shampoo. She’d look to her side, and see Charlie, asleep next to her, the two cuddled up on her bed. The panic she felt came to the fore, but quickly the night's events came back to her. Charlie must have carried her off to bed when she’d cried herself back to sleep.  Leaning up, Vaggie lightly slipped from the princess' grasp, and rolled to the side.  She’d slide from the bed gently and begin to change from her Pajamas to her clothes. She’d only been invited for protection after all. No need to burden the princess further. But first she’d repay her kindness for taking her in, and for helping her through her nightmares.  The smell of fresh pancakes flowed through the home, waking the princess up. Vaggie was dressed fully by then, her hair loosely tied back, a black apron on as she prepared soft fluffy pancakes for them to enjoy together. Charlie had always said her father's pancakes were her favorites growing up, so. If she loved pancakes, the princess would have pancakes.  “Mornin’ hon. Figured you needed something good today. Nothing better than somethin sweet early morning~”  The two were soon settled in at Charlies table, eating the breakfast, Charlie was clearly loving it, and seeing that happy look in her eyes as she gushed about the flavor of her cooking.  She didn’t feel so worthless when Charlie spoke to her like that, it made everything feel right.  As she stood collecting their plates, Charlie came up behind her. “So, I was wondering something Vaggie, about last night...” Vaggie paused, had she said something? She couldn’t know but. She decided to turn around and look Charlie in her eyes.  “Would you, maybe want to move in, full time?” she asked, her soft red eyes looking off to the side, embarrassment in her tone.  “Ch-Charlie, Hon, of course. I’d love to but” she responded with a soft look in her eyes. Charlie looked expectantly, but worried.” Why?” she asked with a soft smile, to ease her into it.  “Do I reeeeeally have to say it?” She sounded embarrassed, like she’d been working towards this for a while.” I love being around you, we spend practically every day together. Vaggie, why not just. . . Make it official?”  Official? What the hell did she mean Official? Vaggies brain slowly began turning. She could hear the words, and as they processed, and hear the gears in her brain slowly turning, practically grinding.  She was being asked to move in, had all those little dinners together, the shopping trips, the amusement parks, had that been Charlie showing her. . . Affection more than what a friend would?  God Vaggie really was a useless lesbian, wasn’t she?  “Y-Yes! Absolutely! Course, Charlie!” The demon embraced her, and Vaggie pulled her in, hands on those soft cherubic cheeks, those red eyes stared deep into Vaggie’s lone eye, Charlie leaned down, kissing her sweetly and softly, a kiss that felt like it would last the rest of eternity. A kiss eagerly, and hungrily returned. She tasted like heaven should have felt.  Vaggie never wanted to let go, as she held her, thoughts of the night crossed her mind. How much devastation had been done, and a cold pit filled her stomach. Could she make herself tell Charlie what she was?  Breaking the kiss, she stared into eyes that never judged her, that never saw her as less than her. That it seemed... Loved her. How could she love her?  The wretched sinner before her, who’s temper flared so often, always in hers or another's defense. Who had a bad habit of cursing, always at injustice or cruelty, who’d done so many awful things? So why couldn’t she confess to her? Was she that cruel?  Vaggie had a thought, though, it was the morning after the extermination, the sun was still barely up. She looked out the window to Charlie’s home, and saw the fires raging in Pentagram City, and she took Charlie's hand. "Why don’t we go help. . . I feel like we need to do something.” Without being sure if her answer would remain, throughout the day, the two worked together, pulling people out of the chaos, they couldn't bring many up, but even a few was better than none. By sundown, she was heading back with Charlie, to her. . . Their, home.  She’d let Charlie take her in, despite craving to just tell her what she was, her words failed her again.  She was despicable. But she was loved utterly. 0 Comments

02/18/2024 12:34 PM  Confessions (Drabble) It hadn't been the first time Vaggie had heard those excuses from Sera. They'd been what drove her away in the end.   She'd sat sadly, at her side hearing the same thing about sinners as she'd spoken of the genocides they'd committed.   Her tone had been harsher then. It was a conversation she'd never forget.   8 years ago. . .  ___________________________________________________________________________________  "Sera, there are children down there. Why? Why won't we even consider different rules for this? I. I can't keep this up." She'd said, sitting in the confessional, something only the exorcists had. Some of them, after all, did struggle in their first years. She'd been told it got easier.   This last year, Lute had insisted on a contest among the lieutenants. Whoever got the most kills would receive special accommodations for service. A stupid contest. None but the exorcists and few seraphim knew of the extermination. What point was a medal that wouldn't even be presentable to the public? She'd still pushed herself to her limit. Her spear had sent nearly 500 sinners to a brutal end. And their faces wouldn't leave her mind.   Terror in their final moments, life leaving eyes. That spark, snuffed forever.   "Vaggie. My dear girl. Always wondering. As Thomas did." Her tone was condescendingly sweet. Sickeningly so."Have faith in the benevolence of our decision. To protect heaven, these are necessary steps. The Rise of Lucifers horde would see the beauty of heaven, all that is amazing and perfect, destroyed."   "Sister Sera. The last extermination. I drove my spear through a woman. . . She'd covered a child, only a few years old, she'd defended her child, or another sinners, I can't see how our perfection could ever require such things!" Her voice cracked. She was straining not to tear up, not to rip her halo from her head, to toss it to the ground. To stomp it into pieces.   "When will you learn Vaggie? What happens in hell, it's none of your concern." A pause, as her voice began increasing in volume, her words echoing in Vaggie’s mind.   "God has given you but one heart, you are not a home for the hearts of sinners. God doesn't care for your benevolence, anymore than he cares for the lack of it in others. Nor does he care for you to sit in judgement of the world he created while your sorrows pile up around you, ugly, useless and over-inflated" she sounded, furious with her. But restrained, like the lake of fire itself.   She nodded her head, and steeled herself."Yes, sister Sera. . . I apologize for my doubts. Amen." Her first lie, the first crack. She would not kill another child. She'd impose her own rules of engagement. If only for herself. It was the only way she could live with herself doing this.   Her mistake, as Luta called it.  Now, as her sins were revealed to Charlie, she realized how much she wished she could have confessed before then, her true sins. Not of fear of killing, of pain at seeing souls slain, but of having participated in the first place. She was a monster, how DARE she sit in judgement of sinners? But then, how did Heaven do so either? 0 Comments

02/12/2024 08:40 PM  To protect her light In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, The party had been a lovely time, those of the hotel, those who'd been made allies or friends, or simply comrades in arms mingled among the crowd. Vaggie had the jitters before a battle like anyone else would, but. It was more. She was scared. It would be her sisters, that were coming. The other exorcists. Skilled demon killers. Standing on the second floor balcony overlooking the hotels lobby, she smiled, seeing Charlie and Alastor speaking. Laughing. He might have made a deal with her, but. He wasn't running. He could flee, leave them to fall. Leave them to their likely fates. Even with the cannibals, even with Carmillas weapons. She was scared to death. Then, it happened. What reassured her in even her darkest moments. Charlie looked up, smiled, and waved at her. A smile crossed her lips, and she nodded her head, brushing her long hair back before waving at her. That. That was what she was fighting for tomorrow. That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. Charlie and her happiness. Her fight was Vaggie's. She was her armor, her spear. She'd do what was necessary for her. Whatever it took, that light would not, could not, be snuffed out. Later that night, she was near her room, and heard footsteps, and saw Charlie, behind her. "You weren't at the party a lot Vaggie, what's up?" Vaggie would close her eye, and nod. "I'm always nervous before a fight. You don't know what's going to happen and, I like to be with my thoughts." A nod from Charlie as she approached. "That all?" Of course it wasn't. Charlie could read her like a book. Reaching forward, she'd take the demon girls hands, and squeeze them tight. "I. . . I just want you to know before this all goes down, I love you, Charlie. You're the one light I've had since my fall, and. You mean more to me than anything. Even if I am the only one you saved, you did that." She knew that Charlie didn't share those feelings, not the way that Vaggie did, but she had long accepted that, this was not her admitting that kind of love, Charlie already knew that, But one of eternal gratitude, the love between the dearest friends. An embrace from Charlie was what she'd not expected, but she'd accept it, squeezing Charlie tight. "You mean the world to me Vaggie. You've been my friend for so long." It was enough for the fallen angel as she squeezed her tight."be safe tomorrow, okay?" Vaggie would nod."of course." The two stood, watching the sunset out the window together a moment, Vaggie hoped, but that was a promise she could not keep, she feared. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. ________________________________ The next day Hell itself seemed like it was on fire, battle raged all around Vaggie, her spear slicing through exorcists, cutting them deep, Charlie at her back, a shield blocking angelic spears and swords, the combat was exhausting, Vaggies arms and legs burned with exertion as she brought another angel low, golden ichor splattering her face as an angelic spear cut along her shoulder. It was only a flesh wound of course. However as the battle continued, and Adam's strength became apparent, the unthinkable occurred, one of the two demons who'd worked hard for his own redemption, Sir Pentious fell to Adam's blast, his war machine destroyed in a blast of holy light. It enraged both her, and Charlie, and their battle was brought to Adam. Only for Lute to strike a killing blow to Dazzle, and bring Vaggie back into the lobby. "Traitor scum, I'll enjoy presenting your head to that demon before Adam cuts her to ribbons." A blade barely missed Vaggies throat, as she rolled, her spear coming up and blocking another strike, the two womens battle growing to a fever pitch, a cut across Lutes leg, followed by a strike to Vaggie's side. Finally they landed, Lute atop her,  Vaggies hand impaled by her own spear. A blast of her wings, and the other angel collapsed, as Vaggie cut down the upper balcony, crushing Lute beneath. It was then she heard it, Charlie screaming, fear in her voice, and the fallen angel bolted. "No one is gonna save you now, bi-" A tackle from Vaggie, and the two rolled along the ground, fists flying, teeth gnashing into eachother. Finally, they came up. as angels cut the others off from them. Adam, flew up, a beam aimed at Vaggie. She had a moment, maybe two. Sweat poured down her face, as she began moving, Adam's finger not trailing off her, spear held aloft, her arm burned, her injured hand holding her weapon at the ready, before she let it fly, and then her arm was gone. Her eye only caught her victory though, her spear, burying itself in Adam's chest. She told him he'd not harm Charlie. Everything went numb, her body flying back as the hotel was destroyed, she landed, somewhere, it was red. Crimson as demons blood and dark, She felt nothing, shock already setting in, her eye trailing to her side, seeing the pool of gold forming underneath her. Then red eyes. A golden smile. The Radio demon was slumped nearby, and slowly moving towards her, a terrifying sight at the best of times. But she had not a drop of fear left in her. "Alastor. . . Can't believe I'm glad to see you." "Well, It is my hotel my dear, you look quite the sight. I guess you aren't as good a shield as you'd hoped?" He was still making jokes even now, even with the wound in his own chest. Banter could wait for whatever was next. She'd cough, golden blood splattering her face. No time for his nonsense."Now's not the f***ing time, I need. . A big favor here." "My dear I can't perform a resurrection" "Nope, not my request." She'd extend her good arm, a groan as she used what little energy she had"Just. Protect Charlie. Be what I can't be. My soul, for her protection." Her vision was fading with every word, and soon, it was gone, her body shutting down, not knowing whether he'd accepted what she'd offered. Her body went limp, wings spread out, head halo'd by the golden blood around her head. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. 0 Comments

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