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2024-10-29 19:42:56Seoul, South Korea (June 2019)
Haneul, LJ, and the Mirrors quietly surveyed the incredibly human scene before them. Families, holding hands as they enter the department store gaily. Couples fawning over one another as they pick out each other's clothes. Salesladies, bored and exhausted, trying so hard to keep awake and alert for their customers. All utterly oblivious to the celestials in their midst. Though a celestial herself, it included Tina, who stood in place by a rack of designer clothes, distracted.
"So, that's her? Great sense of style." Veronica remarked, regarding Tina from head to toe with an impressed hum. "And you're right, Al. This Mirror's essence is quite unique. It's no wonder why Monique's trying to kill her. That lunatic must be shitting herself in envy. More than usual."
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Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XIII
Seoul, South Korea (June 2019) Tina went to the mall with the full intention of relieving her stress--and that meant shopping until she dropped. Nobody could blame her. She almost got attacked. Again. And sure, a good-looking angel saved her. But she would be the stupidest person to trust a stranger. After he made her promise to stay put as if she were a child, Tina knew she had to get away. It turned out she made the right decision. She wouldn't have bumped into Haneul otherwise. Speaking of, he looked ridiculous. Haneul was maneuvering himself awkwardly, trying to fit his broad frame and the bundle of shopping bags in his arms into the entryway. His shoulder even hit the hotel room door with an audible thud. But he didn't seem to notice. Behind him, some of the hotel staff came
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XIV
Between the 4th and 5th dimensions (Just Beyond Time) Veronica stared menacingly at the absurd painting in front of her. It had been days since he agreed to help the angels with their little problem, and she got nothing from it. Not Geronimo's whereabouts. Not a room full of clueless men who would offer up their bodies to her with no resistance. Nothing but boredom, a shoddy cottage in the middle of nowhere, and the hideous painting in front of her. She scratched it with all her might, the fragile medium disintegrating between her fingernails. "Hey! That's a Monet masterpiece!" Alice yelled from the other side of the room. She was setting up a game called Monopoly on the table. One that they must have played a thousand times since they parted ways with Haneul and LJ. "It's a
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XV
7th dimension/The Third Angelic Sphere (Beyond Time) "How is he?" LJ rose from his seat, fingers twitching in agitation. The battle in Varanasi remained fresh in his mind. The carnage and the glaring thought that the tides of the never-ending war between angels and demons were moving faster than they ever were. From the damages they took, the angels were less than ready for it. "He'll be alright." Keira, the healer angel who had just come out of Javi's room, spoke, "He wasn't hurt from the battle, actually. It was more..." she paused in uncertainty. "More what?" Keira shook her head, her thoughts unable to supply the mystery at hand, "I'm going to need more time to figure out what was wrong with him." "Why? Is it that serious?" Minho asked from beside LJ. "There's...I can't quite explain it. Javi's exhibiting some Nephilim characteristics." Keira reported. Minho and LJ glanced at each other. It made s
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XVI
Seoul, South Korea (June 2019) Haneul reformed inside Theo's hotel room, and so did the witch-traveler beside him. Theo was still calcified from the effects of the curse put on her. Carefully, Haneul laid her down on the bed, closing her frozen wide eyes. He then waited for Tina to appear in front of him. What was taking her so long? Haneul sat on a couch near the hotel room's door as uneasiness set within him. If anything had happened to Tina, he would never forgive himself. Just then, a sharpshooting sensation went up from his palm to his shoulder. Haneul realized it was coming from Tina's necklace, which he still grasped in his left palm. He studied the object. The energy that came from it was gone now, but the object had a curious glow to it. It pulsed on his hand, enticing him to do something. It was a familiar feeling that he could not place. Haneul's forehead creased in concentration. "Han?" Tina's voice intervened with Ha
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XVII
Seoul, South Korea (June 2019) Tina woke up with a headache. Glancing around her surroundings, she realized she had fallen asleep on Theo's bed. "Tita?" She asked her guardian as she spotted her on the other side of the room, doing incantations in the middle of a pentagram. Theo paused what she was doing upon hearing Tina's voice. "Hello, darling." she greeted her ward with a tired smile. "What are you doing?" Tina asked in concern. She didn't think Theo should be doing any magic at the moment. Crusts of blood could be seen in the corner of her aunt's eyes and her skin was pale. She looked beyond exhausted. "A cloaking spell. This should keep any being from finding us for the time being." "You should've woken me up when you did." Tina answered, "And are you sure you should be doing that? You were in bad shape just hours ago. How are you feeling?" "I'll be alright, Tina. You don't need to worry about me." Theo said, "How about you? Everything must be a huge shock to you. I'm
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XVIII
Havana, Cuba (April 2130) She pulled up her hood and walked with her head down, making sure the click of her heels could be heard. Twenty-thirty was home to corrupt travelers, creatures that could traverse dimensions despite their completely ordinary human birth. No one was safe in that timeline, especially her vulnerable female form. But as if summoned by her thoughts, heavy footsteps sounded behind her, accompanied by the unmistakable scent of a traveler. "Who's there?" she called out, her heart skipping a beat. Just then, somebody slammed her into the wall and the stink of alcohol dipped into her nostrils, suffocating her. "Hey, little thing." the traveler leered at her, "I was wondering if you could do me a favor." Tongue slipping out of his slim mouth, his hands clutched her breasts and his knee pressed painfully between her legs. "Wh-who are you? Let go of me," she whimpered with a feeble attempt to free herself.
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XIX
The 7th dimension (The Third Angelic Sphere) "Amara Khatri." Camael nodded at Amara, who still looked a bit pale from her injuries. Javier Santos was noticeably absent, though it was understandable from the amount of damage he had sustained from the battle at Varanasi. Amara prayed for him to recover soon, and also for Minho, Haneul, and Li Jie to show up at the assembly. She did not at all feel confident about making up excuses for them in front of Camael. "Moon Haneul," Camael said, then looking into the two other empty spots beside Haneul's. "Li Jie and Kim Minho are also absent." Amara swallowed. "They might have been held up with matters concerning the Filipino Mirror, Ma'am. I'm sure they'll be here in no time," she said, infusing all politeness in her voice. Camael paused, frowning at Amara, "Funny, I don't remember asking you to speak, Khatri." Amara gaped at her superior in embarrassment. In her periphery, she saw Mikazuki smirk. Of course, the creature would delight
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XX
Between the 4th and 5th dimensions (Just Beyond Time) "Come on. Stop looking at me like that, Alice! Haneul and I didn't have a choice." LJ scratched the back of his neck, uncomfortable under his twin flame's stare. "Michael is going to kill you once he finds out." Alice groaned. "He doesn't have to find out." Veronica piped up. She was lounging on the cottage's one and only sofa, studying her nails with a bored expression. Alice turned to the Mirror in exasperation, "And you...how could you let them do this?" "I'm a demon, Aera. I don't think you can count on me to be the voice of reason." Veronica supplied, "Besides, what exactly is it you're mad about? At least this time, they won't have to sneak around while trying to help Christina." "I have a bad feeling about this." Alice replied, "The angels are getting antsy these days. I'm sure they're considering threats in every direction. If they find out about what you're doing. You're going to Fall, LJ. Do you realize that?"
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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
