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Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXVIII
HongKong, China (July 1936) The Principalities' voices rose above one another, Haneul felt like their trial would last forever. In fact, they haven't addressed Haneul's squad at all, they were all busy quarreling over the state of the universe, which hang precariously out of balance. As of the moment, the angels only have two out of seven feathers in their possession, one of which is being held in Hell and well within Lilith's reach. The Third Angelic Sphere was infiltrated and several of their warriors were lost, including Minho. The American Mirror had descended right under their noses and Tina... The composure that Haneul had built since her disappearance was slowly cracking on the surface. He looked at LJ, the one who he usually could count on at a time like this, but he wasn't even looking at him. It wasn't like Haneul could blame his brother. Though he pretended not to notice, he wasn't entirely blind to what developed between LJ and Veronica. LJ had lost someone dear to him, t
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXIX
The 4th Dimension (The Dream Plane)What a birthday. Waking up next to the man she loves. Tina sank herself more into the softness of the sheets around her, burying her head in the crook of Haneul's neck, reveling in his warmth. She felt him smile and turn to her. "Good morning," he greeted, his eyes still closed. Not hearing a reply, he squinted at Tina. "Tina? What's wrong?" "Sorry, I just didn't want to say anything back in case my breath smells bad," Tina replied, covering her mouth with the blanket around her. Haneul chuckled, "You silly girl. You don't need to worry about things like that around me." he said, then his eyes turned serious. "Do you really need to go tomorrow?" "I'm sorry, but you know I have to. A.R. Corp's still new in Beijing. I need to oversee at least its first three months there." Tina explained apologetically. "I'm going to miss you," Haneul said. "You can come with me, you know," Tina told him. "Unfortunately, I've already used up my leave from the f
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXX
EPILOGUEManila, Philippines (November 2007) Haneul knew he shouldn't torture himself. But his mind and heart couldn't find rest since that day. Despite having just gone to trial, he didn't follow orders again, sneaking into the ranks of the newly minted Mirror Division in their quest to recover Tina. Only to have her torn into pieces in front of him. Descended against her will. Now, demoted back into being a guardian angel, Haneul could only spend his free time hunting pieces of Tina in every dimension. There she was in front of him, newly turned eleven, mourning the death of her parents. The ones whom Haneul made a promise to, and failed. "Tita, C--can--I have water, please?" little Tina said softly, trying not to garble the words as she sobbed. Haneul remembered how he felt seeing her for the first time. Helpless. Mediocre. Possibly vexing, as most human children were. Then, he remembered how he felt seeing her that one last time. The bravest being he had ever known. Breathtakin
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials I
PROLOGUE Manila, Philippines (November 2007) Haneul never had his comrades' fascination with humans. Their predictable and frivolous nature bored him. Yet there he was, observing them. Sometimes, Haneul hated his job. A few feet in front of him, some humans were burying two of their kind. In their black garbs, the people over the earth are a stark contrast to the white caskets underneath. They couldn't see Haneul, of course. The closest a living human could get to an angel was to feel his presence. Not that these people would, even if they were particularly perceptive. Every single one of them was entirely focused on the funeral, each taking their turn in flinging white roses to the ground. For a moment, Haneul felt sympathy for the roses. It must be tough to grow from the soil, only to be buried under it again. Among the mourners, the loudest of the cries came from a little girl standing closest to the grav
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials II
Munich, Germany (June 2019) "I don't think she's here." LJ tried to convince his friend for the third time, but Haneul was determined. The Lilim, one of the Archdemon Lilith's half-human children, had taken off her cloak earlier and had overwhelmed Haneul's senses. She was so near it was making his head ache. Haneul did not blame LJ for not feeling her presence, though. LJ had been struggling with his assumed body for decades now. Angels did not usually need a human form, but warrior angels like Haneul and LJ molded one from light to hunt demons better. After all, the creatures were drawn to flesh and bone, always jumping at a chance to possess it. Despite these advantages, a pure soul being clocked into a vessel that it does not need makes it disoriented. It certainly watered down some of their original senses, like feeling the pull of a demon. It became particularly more complex if they started assimilating human senses instead. Haneul suspec
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials III
Munich, Germany (June 2019) Haneul felt the familiar push and pull of traveling as he descended to the demon realms. As he traveled, he vaguely noticed the light pulsing from where earth met the gates of hell above him. He suddenly felt the urge to go back to the surface, but he had a job to do, so he continued to sink himself underneath. Screams of the damned welcomed him as he fell into their realm. Thankfully, he had enough concentration to not fall into a horde of those foul creatures, which was what happened the first time he traveled underneath. He let himself laugh at the memory. It wasn't pretty, and he barely made it out alive. It was funny to him now, though. Stealthily, Haneul hid behind a massive rock of yannite,the glistening slab of stone that could only be found in hell. It has the same composition as a diamond, only different in color. Not that hell had scarcity when it comes to the treasures coveted by man. Human
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials IV
Seoul, South Korea (June 1909) Around 2005, they already went through three storms. Minho flipped his wet hair back, annoyed. Traveling back in time was always messy as the weather could be unpredictable. Minho avoided it as much as he could. But the Celestial Police always met in the past, as tradition dictates. So he didn't have a choice. "Of all the times that you can screw up, you had to do it when all the Asian Principalities are here," Minho told LJ. The latter was sitting on the elevator floors, looking miserable. They could not use their wings to go further than the third celestial sphere as mere warriors, so they also had to be in such a confined space. "Stop making him feel worse. It wasn't his fault." Haneul replied, nervously pulling at his coat. "No, it was my fault." LJ countered, hanging his head back on the elevator walls, presumably to ease his misery. "Damn right, it was," Minho responded, still bent on berating LJ. "You had one job--" "Ugh. Can you not fig
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials V
Seoul, South Korea (June 2019) "Han? Is that you?" Tina could not believe her eyes. It's been years since she last saw Haneul, but it seemed like time hadn't touched him at all. He still looked as dreamy as she remembered, only his smooth dark was longer. He was still well-dressed too. Tina was pretty sure he's wearing the latest of Burberry's spring collection for men's wear. Even as a child, she noticed and appreciated that about him. Haneul stared at her in disbelief, and Tina almost laughed. She knew she looked nothing like the little girl who used to follow him around before. Their unexpected meeting must be a shock to him, too. "Tina?" Haneul murmured. "I know. I grew up!" Tina exclaimed cheerfully. She couldn't help herself. It was great bumping into him unexpectedly. Ever
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Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXX
EPILOGUEManila, Philippines (November 2007) Haneul knew he shouldn't torture himself. But his mind and heart couldn't find rest since that day. Despite having just gone to trial, he didn't follow orders again, sneaking into the ranks of the newly minted Mirror Division in their quest to recover Tina. Only to have her torn into pieces in front of him. Descended against her will. Now, demoted back into being a guardian angel, Haneul could only spend his free time hunting pieces of Tina in every dimension. There she was in front of him, newly turned eleven, mourning the death of her parents. The ones whom Haneul made a promise to, and failed. "Tita, C--can--I have water, please?" little Tina said softly, trying not to garble the words as she sobbed. Haneul remembered how he felt seeing her for the first time. Helpless. Mediocre. Possibly vexing, as most human children were. Then, he remembered how he felt seeing her that one last time. The bravest being he had ever known. Breathtakin
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXIX
The 4th Dimension (The Dream Plane)What a birthday. Waking up next to the man she loves. Tina sank herself more into the softness of the sheets around her, burying her head in the crook of Haneul's neck, reveling in his warmth. She felt him smile and turn to her. "Good morning," he greeted, his eyes still closed. Not hearing a reply, he squinted at Tina. "Tina? What's wrong?" "Sorry, I just didn't want to say anything back in case my breath smells bad," Tina replied, covering her mouth with the blanket around her. Haneul chuckled, "You silly girl. You don't need to worry about things like that around me." he said, then his eyes turned serious. "Do you really need to go tomorrow?" "I'm sorry, but you know I have to. A.R. Corp's still new in Beijing. I need to oversee at least its first three months there." Tina explained apologetically. "I'm going to miss you," Haneul said. "You can come with me, you know," Tina told him. "Unfortunately, I've already used up my leave from the f
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXVIII
HongKong, China (July 1936) The Principalities' voices rose above one another, Haneul felt like their trial would last forever. In fact, they haven't addressed Haneul's squad at all, they were all busy quarreling over the state of the universe, which hang precariously out of balance. As of the moment, the angels only have two out of seven feathers in their possession, one of which is being held in Hell and well within Lilith's reach. The Third Angelic Sphere was infiltrated and several of their warriors were lost, including Minho. The American Mirror had descended right under their noses and Tina... The composure that Haneul had built since her disappearance was slowly cracking on the surface. He looked at LJ, the one who he usually could count on at a time like this, but he wasn't even looking at him. It wasn't like Haneul could blame his brother. Though he pretended not to notice, he wasn't entirely blind to what developed between LJ and Veronica. LJ had lost someone dear to him, t
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXVII
Beijing, China (July 2000)"So, let me get this straight. We lost five soldiers, including Minho, by a Mirror who was pretending to be Tina. And yet, we are being dispatched to find some feather and the trial is still going to push through." Javi said, perfectly summing up what transpired in the battle room following the commotion in the Third Angelic Sphere. "It makes sense. A major lead was found, and it was what you lot were supposed to be doing the entire time. And you lot ought to be grateful they pushed back your trial. Most criminals are not afforded the same courtesy." Kenneth Navarro, the new temporary addition to their team, commented. With Mika's spot obviously empty and with Minho's disappearance, him and another Filipino angel (whose name Amara could not honestly remember), were tasked to join their squad. "I think you should watch your mouth," Amara said as they continued to walk down the streets of Beijing, her anxiety about Minho's well-being gripping her stomach, ma
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXVI
The 4th Dimension (The Dream Plane) "Oh my God. You're totally cheating." Tina exclaimed, throwing the cards in front of her. "I wasn't. You're just very bad at the game." Haneul calmly replied, smiling at her and his eyes twinkling like they always did. "Hey, hey, are you guys fighting over cards?" Alice came into the room, a fresh bowl of cookies in her hand. LJ and Veronica followed behind her, their hands linked together. Tina met Haneul's eyes and they shared a pleased smile. The sexual tension between their two friends has been frustrating. It was good to know that they finally were on the same page. Speaking of sexual tension, Amara and Minho arrived, acting awkward but strangely close to each other. Amara gasped at the sight of the cards on the floor, "You started a game without us. Ugh. Typical couple crap." she said. Minho frowned at her, "Amara, be nice." "That would be hard to do. I don't think 'nice' is even in her dictionary." Javi came bustling into the room with
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXV
The 7th Dimension (The Third Angelic Sphere)"I still don't understand what you and Minho see in here. Do you see the way she treats all of us?" Amara said, sinking back into her seat in frustration. "Tina's been through so much, Amara." was all Haneul could say. In truth, he couldn't bring himself to defend Tina lately. She had always been straightforward due to her upbringing, but he couldn't help feeling a change in her since she was alone with Lilith back in Hell. Then there was that alarming conversation that he had with her before they ventured into Heaven. Maybe Amara was right, they could've fallen into a trap. "Why--" Javi was interrupted by the blares of the Sphere's alarm system. For a moment, Haneul didn't recognize the sound. The thing had been freshly installed. Heavily influenced by the human's concept of a public warning against disasters of some kind, angels had no need for it. They could communicate with each other psychically anyway. But at the time, he could see
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXIV
New York, USA (July 2019)His hand shook slightly as he knocked on his door, but as soon as he saw her face, the fear subsided. It always did, whenever he saw her safe and sound, smiling at him like that. "LJ had just woken up and Alice had arrived. Veronica....well, hers is a complicated situation that we need to discuss with the others. We are all leaving for the Third Sphere in a few minutes. I hope you got some rest." Haneul told Tina."Right..." Tina said in a hesitant tone. "Tina, is something wrong?" "N-nothing. I just..." she replied, "I have a bad feeling about the trial. What if they don't understand? What if we get banished or worse, killed for our sins?" Haneul frowned at her, confused, "Tina, where is this coming from? You're talking about Heaven. Yes, we have our trespasses, and we need to pay for it. But as Akira said, he is confident that we will be pardoned, and his instincts are never wrong." "Then why haven't you consulted him in the first place? You acted on y
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXIII
New York, USA (July 2019) A surge of power erupted from both Lucifer and Lilith upon Poseidon's arrival, and before Haneul could react, their entire squad had resurfaced. Without Tina. His heart dropped at the realization. And Minho, who had quickly realized it, too, was already at Lucifer's throat. "Where did she take her?! You better talk now, Lucifer, or I swear to the Macroverse---" Lucifer just blinked at him in response, unfazed, "I've always found that phrase funny, 'I swear to God.', as if he ever--" Minho pulled a fist back, ready to punch the Prince back to the Hell where he belonged, but Akira stepped in, wedging himself between the two men. "Control yourself and look around you, Minho. Tina is safely back with us." Haneul spun around. It was true. Tina was standing in their midst, in one piece, albeit a bit disoriented from what can be seen on her face. But once again, Minho was faster than him. He had already wrapped Tina in his arms. Haneul tried for his heart to not
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials LXXII
New York (July 2019)His injury was more severe than it looked, so he was left behind. His squad has gone to Hell without him to rescue Tina while Alice took off somewhere LJ didn't know, muttering about a chance to reverse something. He figured it had something to do with Veronica, but he could not be certain. LJ couldn't even bring himself to think what it would mean to him if Alice could somehow find a way to stop Veronica from becoming human, or if she'd failed. As if stirred by his presence, Veronica awoke from her slumber, her lashes fluttering weakly as she opened her eyes, "Latte?" she whispered. She looked slack, so unlike the woman who almost sucked out his soul the first time they met, and every bit the girl who had clung to him when they were in Hell. "Your head...are you alright?" she tried weakly to touch his bandaged head with her right hand, but it didn't quite reach. LJ gave her a small smile, "I believe you already asked me that." he told her gently, catching her h
