The Seven: Saving Aiden

Chapter 1

      You know how they say 'Every time a bell rings an Angel gets its wings', they couldn't have gotten that saying more wrong. Every time a bell rings an Angel certainly does not get their wings. It's more of a broken rib.

      The saying should really be 'Every time a bell rings an Angel gets attacked by wings' considering it's the dinner bell.

      Oh yes, Angels do get hungry. All that wing flapping and harp playing is truly exhausting. Well, at least I assume. I can't really do those things.

      Yes, you guessed correctly. No wings. Apparently those aren't just given away. No matter how much you beg and whine, it's always a no. I understand begging seems like a low point, but I can't get any lower. I can't fly.

      So here I am, in the courtyard, attempting to sprout wings.

      "Lila, you look like a constipated duck." My older sister Dove, intrudes bluntly. Contrary to her name, Dove is not gentle, at all.

"And you'll look like a dead one if you don't stop talking." I snap, glaring at her perfect lilac colored wings that tip into the air so wonderfully. Everything about my sister is perfect, her silky white hair, perfectly trimmed nails, and not a single blemish or bump on her face.

"You do know you have to earn your wings, right? Or did you forget that already?" She lifts her perfect eyebrows in my direction.

"I don't even understand that! What am I even supposed to do?! Earn it?! What?!" I burst, breathing heavily.

"It's different for everyone, remember? I got mine from helping get the children to safety during the war against The Fallen." I mouth along with the words I've heard so many times. "Hey, look at me." Dove gently grips my chin and brings her eyes to mine. "You will get your wings, and when you do. I know they will be beautiful, just like you."

"Thank you." I whisper and she envelops me into a tight hug. "I love you."

"I love you, too. Don't you ever forget that." She pulls back and gives me one last glance before turning back and walking away.

I stare after my sister. Ever since my mother was murdered during the war, she was like a mother to me. I can't imagine what she went through, I'm not so easy to look after.

I walk to the end of the courtyard and dangle my feet over the edge, looking down at the clouds beneath me. They have a lilac hue to them, reminding me of my sisters perfect wings.

I can only hope one day my wings will be as beautiful as hers.

                             ~~~~~•~~~~~

      Brushing through my tangly brown hair the next morning is no easy task. Two winces and three hissy fits later, I eventually give up and seek my sisters help.

I see her figure outside talking. So I approach the door and swing it open. Only to be met with a face I would've never expected to see.

The big guy. The man upstairs. The savior. Mr. JC.

IS OUTSIDE MY HOUSE!

"Lila." His voice booms out.

"OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS! HE KNOWS MY NAME! OMG! EVERYONE FREAK OUT! WE NEED STREAMERS, BALLOONS, I'M TALKING ABOUT THE WHOLE SHABANG! C'MON PEO-"

"LILA!" A gasping voice interrupts me.

"What?" I turn to my sister, still grinning like an idiot.

"Have some respect." She whisper-yells at me. I stare at her until what she says comprehends in my mind. I quickly wipe the grin off my face and replace it with a business type look.

"My apologies, Mr. Big Man Sir." My business tone ringing out as I stretch a hand across to shake his. Out of the corner of my eye I see Dove face palm while shaking her head in annoyance.

"Well that's quite all right." He chuckles, gripping my hand. "I have a job for you to do. Will you please follow me?" I look at Dove, seeing if it's alright if I go. She gives me a small nod, so I turn and run to catch up to JC.

"Hey, where are we going?" I ask, curious to why we couldn't just have the conversation back there.

"Patience, Lila. Patience." I shut my mouth after that, following closely behind him.

We start to approach a white church with stained glass windows. An Angel opens the door for us and we walk in. The inside is even more beautiful than the outside, wooden benches are lined up facing the beautiful display on the stage, stained glass windows seem to glow and light up the room. It's absolutely breathtaking.

"I'm guessing you like the view." A heavy voice speaks. I look up and meet eyes with the Angel that opened the church door for us. He's young, with brown trimmed hair, and a slight stubble on his chin. He's good looking, but way to old for me. Although, he might be perfect for my sister.

"Yeah." I answer, looking around again. "It's beautiful."

"That it is." He chuckles. "I'm Mason." He stretches his hand across.

"Lila." I shake his hand, politely.

"I know. So, you're probably wondering why you're here." I give him a confused look.

"I am." My voice wavers, what could they possibly need me for?

"Well, we have a job for you." JC speaks up. "We believe we found one of the lost ArchAngels."

My mouth drops open. During the war all of the ArchAngels went out to fight, many lost their lives in the battle. But their children, seven toddlers, were hidden, in hopes The Fallen would not find them. But the place they were hidden had a hidden entrance into the human world. The seven stumbled in, never to be seen again. I was their age when this happened, so I've only heard the story through my sister. I can't even imagine what it's like not knowing who you are.

None of the children knew their parents and grew up as orphans.

"H-how?" I whisper.

"We've been watching him for a while now, and he shows every trait that an ArchAngel possesses." The Angel responds.

"And what does this have anything to do with me?" My eyebrows stitch together in confusion.

"We want you to find him, and make him believe."

"Wha- and how am I supposed to do that?" I question, hands on my hips. "Why me? I don't even have my wings yet."

"That's why you're perfect for the job!" JC exclaims excitedly. "You have the perfect attitude for their world, you will blend in easily." I look at him and I can tell he's not telling me all of it. I put that thought aside and start to think about it.

"Alright, I'll do it." I make up my mind. What else am I going to do with my life?

"Great." I see a relieved look in JC's eyes. "You will leave tomorrow." I nod my head and turn, before I walk out a voice shouts behind me. "Nice hair!" Followed by hysterical laughter.

My eyes grow wide and I feel my hair, the brush still entangled in my locks. I feel my cheeks warm and I scramble about, trying to hide my head from sight. When I find a nice sack of apples, I gladly dump them out on the floor and throw the sack over my head.

A smile crawls up onto my face as I walk out the door, already imagining the human world now.