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Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XXVI
Miami, Florida (June 2019)He wore the hospital's Chief Medical Technologist's uniform and underneath was a white floral polo shirt and brown khaki pants. His hair was silky black and long, pulled back in a neat ponytail. His features were sharp but he had a big, bright smile on his face. LJ tried not to laugh. Never in a million years would anyone expect the man standing before him now to be the Archangel Raphael. LJ had known him for centuries and even he still could not wrap his head around it. "Li Jie. Look at you. My, my. You've settled well into your vessel, huh?" Raphael greeted."A little too well, I'm afraid, Sir," LJ said with a sheepish smile, bowing before his superior. Raphael immediately waved for LJ to straighten up, the only Archangel to ever feel so familiar with the lower sphere angels. "Ah, yes. That." Raphael acknowledged. He studied LJ for a while."Thank you so much for agreeing to help me, and for not reporting my condition to Michael," LJ said, a bit uncomfo
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XXVII
Between the 4th and 5th dimensions (Just Beyond Time) "She probably just traveled somewhere by accident. It'll be fine." Alice said, trying to calm Haneul down. She looked down at the angel's fists, which still did not loosen despite her words. "If that's the case, then this won't work. Her powers are too unpredictable." LJ replied, "Maybe we should...." Alice looked at her twin flame in frustration. Seriously. Did LJ think he was helping by saying that? "No, we are not going to Akira for help," Haneul said tightly, as expected. "She'll be thrown into prison." "Prison's not so bad." Veronica commented,"It might do her some good." Alice looked at her as if she were insane. Another insensitive one. Why were these two so clueless? Couldn't they both see that Haneul was suffering? "Oh, no, Ronnie. You don't get to talk right now. You were the one who was supposed to be watching her. You were the one who lost her." Alice said. "What? I told you. I was watching her." Veronica answ
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XXVIII
The 5th dimension (The Demonworld) Tina awoke in pain. She felt like she had just been hit by a truck. It only took her a moment to realize that her hands were tied and hovering over her was a man she did not know. "Where am I? Wh--who are you?" Tina stammered, swallowing her panic. The man appeared deranged, so much like how she would imagine the Mad Hatter would look. His eyes were unfocused but his grin was unmistakably targeted at Tina. "You don't know who I am?" The man asked, looking a bit relieved "That's actually great. I thought I was going to have to deal with a lot of animosity from you." Tina frowned, "I don't know you." she answered, struggling against her binds, "Wh--why the hell am I tied up? You're not going to eat me, are you?" "You know I never understood that expression, 'What the hell? Why the hell?'. " The man uttered in a much higher voice, presumably to imitate Tina, "Sure, Hell is the most unfortunate place on Earth, but it's not like all human misfort
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XXIX
Between the 4th and 5th Dimensions (Just Beyond Time) "You go right, I go left," Alice said. LJ and she have been doing a dance trying to get into opposite sides of the room and it was becoming awkward."Your right or my right?" LJ asked, a smile on his lips. Alice wanted to slap it off his face.She huffed in frustration, "Never mind." She sidestepped him again but LJ grabbed her shoulders, planting her right in front of him."Did I say I'm sorry?" LJ said seriously, "I know you weren't happy about me and Haneul asking Veronica to create projections of us without consulting you first."Alice looked at him as if he were insane, "Seriously? That was days ago. I'm long over it. Did you really think that was the reason why I'm mad at you? I'm not that petty.""No, I know why you're mad at me." LJ said quietly, "It's the same reason why we can't be any closer than we are supposed to be for centuries. Victo
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XXX
Between the 4th and 5th Dimensions (Just Beyond Time) Tina and LJ sat on opposite sides of the long couch, both icing the numerous bruises on their faces. "Why do I have a feeling like you don't like me?" LJ asked Veronica, sucking on his bloody lip. "I never said I liked any of you," Veronica replied, calmly observing her work. "This sucks," Tina commented, "I don't think I'm progressing at all. I'm just getting pummeled." "Me more than you. And I'm supposed to be the assistant coach here." LJ said. He still looked at Veronica curiously. "Seriously, did I piss you off or something? More than usual, I mean." "Oh, what in the hell?" Alice entered the living room and did a double-take as she saw the scene before her, "Your faces are beaten into a pulp! Ronnie, I told you to take it easy." "Hey, I don't tell you what to do when you're teaching Christina all those boring lessons," Veronica responded. "Is everyone here? I need to tell you--" Haneul emerged from behind Alice
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XXXI
Between the 4th and 5th dimensions (Just Beyond Time)"Alice, do we really need to bring that many weapons to Hell?" LJ asked, scratching the back of his neck as he examined the faerie's stash. "Yes." Alice replied, "We'll be bringing Tina with us. We need to be fully prepared to protect her." "You worry too much. Everything will be fine. We just need to trust Haneul's plan." LJ said. "I know. It's just...I have a bad feeling about this." Alice responded, "And I'm not just worried about Tina. I'm worried about you, too. In your state, I don't think you're in any position to be traveling to Hell. You struggled last time, I could feel you literally gasping for breath the last time you were there." "I'll be okay. Raphael's pills are working." LJ assured her. He took out a couple of daggers from Alice's bag and replaced them on their shelf. "Are you absolutely sure? Because I--" "So, you two are friends again," Veronica commented. She had been standing in the corner, waiting for the
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XXXII
Between the 4th and 5th Dimensions (Just Beyond Time) "They found us," Haneul announced, barging into the living room, Tina and Minho on his heels. "What? How did that happen? We were so careful." Alice asked. LJ dropped the bag he was holding, "Wait. Are we talking angels or demons?" "That doesn't matter. We need to get moving, to go someplace else. Any ideas?" Haneul was fidgeting, something Tina hadn't seen him do before. It was nigged at her, making her more nervous, too. So she reached out and touched his shoulder in assurance. "We could try other interdimensional areas. Maybe a dream plane like the one that Theodora has," LJ suggested. "Do you know of one?" Veronica asked. LJ shrugged, "No." "Then why suggest it?" "Are we back to antagonizing me again?" LJ countered. "Come on, you guys. Not a good time." Alice chastised. "Why is it not a good time? Just because some lowly demons are coming for us? I can handle them no problem." Veronica said. "So, you know th
Book of Mirrors I: The Celestials XXXIII
Seoul, South Korea (July 2019) "I'm starting to think that girl is more trouble than she's worth." Veronica commented. Haneul, Minho, and her were standing on a sidewalk in Seoul, avoiding bumping into any humans that passed by. "This is all your fault. If you hadn't argued with me back in that cottage, we would've--" Minho stepped toward Haneul, pointing a finger to his chest. "No, this is your fault." Haneul lashed out right back, gripping the sword hilted on his hip, "If you had just stayed with Camael and followed orders like the good soldier that you are, everything would've been alright. Instead, you had to interfere--" "Maybe if you had been doing a good job of protecting her, then I wouldn't have to interfere." Minho spat back. Haneul scoffed, "Is that so? Then, why don't you answer the question this time? What is Tina to you? Why is she so important to you? Worth risking your life over? I know for a fact that you left the battalion when Camael had already given you a wa
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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
