The Taking Read Free

on their chin and says, “Well, yes, of course I can. Why else do you think I am standing in the middle? It is a matter of importance.”  
    Archangel Michael twists his mouth to one side, and his golden brown eyebrows push together as he studies the intruder. He folds his arms over his chest. “What is it then, Gabriel?”
    In a voice not entirely feminine and not masculine they explain. “I have received a message from the archangels of the battlefield.”
    “Hmm… and?” Archangel Michael asks leaning to the side.  
    “Separus has taken leave of the battle.”
    Archangel Michael uncrosses his arms. “Do they know where he went?”  
    Archangel Gabriel’s curly hair swings with the shake of the head. “He simply vanished and they do not know where he has gone.”
    Our trainer strokes his chin, the slender muscles in his arms ripple with each movement. “Is someone tracking him?”
    “They tried, but lost the scent quickly and have now returned to the battle. The angels cannot spare any more of their fighters with your absence. Their resources are already stretched to the limit with the demonic forces continuing to grow.”
    The great warrior surveys his three trainees. “It is imperative that these three are trained as soon as possible. There must be someone else to search for the troublesome demon.”
    “I am afraid not Michael, they are in need of your help to track him down.”
    As I wait for the discussion to finish, I move to stand with Ben and Cindy. The Willie Wagtail dives in front of me while I move then flies up to the closest tree shaking its black tail as it watches the two archangels.
      I turn to watch the discussion and see Archangel Michael is continuing to observe us. By the look on his face I am certain that we are about to be sent back to our initial duties in protecting the innocent and inserting consciences. I am at two minds over this thought. I love protecting the innocent but I still hate inserting the conscience into the perpetrators who have potential to return to being a good person, especially when the majority of my victims ended up committing suicide. If I could have this power of mine turned down a little, then I would not struggle with the process.  
    Archangel Michael walks over to us and holds out his hands and summons the small cloud in his palms.  
    “What are you doing Michael?” Archangel Gabriel snaps.
    He turns and looks at the genderless archangel. “I am sending them out to work, of course. We cannot have them standing around doing nothing. We are too short of angels to allow this, and they are not experienced enough to deal with the direct combat with the demons or travel with me to find Separus. So they must go back to work. At least they can help from that level by protecting the innocent and at the same time injuring the controlling demons.”
    Archangel Gabriel raises a blonde eyebrow and crosses their arms. The look is almost contemptuous. Surprised by this, I glance at Ben and Cindy. I see amused expressions on their faces. Trying hard not to smile, I turn back to watch the commotion hoping to find out what is going on.  
    “Why are you standing there looking at me like that Gabriel?” Sternness mixed with annoyance sounds in Archangel Michael’s voice. The cloud disappeared from his hands, and he crosses his arms.  
    Archangel Gabriel places their hands on the hips. “You know why.” It was strange seeing a frown on the kind face.  
    “No, I don’t.” The golden brown hair flicked, aided by the wind as he shook his head.  
    Archangel Gabriel’s eyes tightened. “Are you really that stubborn? Shame on you!” While raising one finger and shaking it as if to a naughty child, the peacekeeper said, “This is one instance you should be forgetting your animosity and using the tools you have. You know full well you have someone who can train these fledglings to the needed level.” With arms flailing Archangel Gabriel continues, “As you said