Prologue

"And what exactly is that supposed to mean Oriel!".

"Exactly as I said, Loiel. I request to give up my position as an Archangel of Sekaila."

Murmurs of curiosity and astonishment went up in the chambers. The angels were displeased with this.

"And all for what, a lowly human?!" Loiel raged.

"She's not just a lowly human," Oriel replied. I love her, and I want to live the remaining days with her. I am willing to do anything to be with her, including becoming human!"

Disarray arose among the multitude. The rumors have finally been confirmed by the archangel himself - he was in an affair with a human.

"You are willing to go that far for a human. You're going to give up your power and authority all for a measly creature. I cannot accept that!!" Loiel shouted, and banged his fist on the ruby table in front of him.

"That will be quite enough from the both of you." A majestic voice called out to them.

The voice commanded so much respect, that it made them all. Only one archangel would be capable of such a feat, and all the angels knew who exactly he was.

'Is that... It can't be.... T-that's the First'

"What do you have to say to this?" Another voice asked.

The one descending the stairs of the entranceway that led to the upper chamber took a seat behind a veil at the head of the ruby table.

The long rectangular table lay in the center of the upper room with eight golden chairs - one at the head, three by each side, and one at the end of the table. A veil hung over the seats, covering the faces of those who sat in them. Two seats were noticably empty - the seat at the end and one of the three at the left side.

"I would like to hear the voices of our brethren before I make a verdict." He spoke.

"And what's there to listen to? You know that none of our brothers would agree to such a nonsensical proposal." Loiel said.

"I'm afraid that's not the case." Yet another voice behind the veil replied, "If that is what Oriel wants, then he would have to pay the consequences for it in full as well."

"I am in accordance with Numach." The voice's face covered behind the veiled curtains of the high seats in the upper chamber just like the other prominent voices. "If Oriel truly desires it, his wish is to be granted to him as he appears to be fully ready to accept the fate that comes with his actions".

"Are you all for real? Are you really going to accept this?!" Loiel was astounded.

"Yes indeed, but our other brothers choose not to speak so I concur that we should take the vote now to determine Oriel destiny" the same voice answered him.

Sounds of approval where heard among the angels of the both lower and upper chambers. Every angel in agreement with the suggestion.

"Since it has come to this, among we seven, those who wish for Oriel to have his desire granted should add a star to the existing amount in the firmament." The one called 'Captain' said to the heavenly beings.

.

Stars were created in an instant in the skies. Astrologers from the east were the first humans to notice this change in the sky. The information was immediately received by them. He sighed and stood up from his seating.

With a loud voice he declared, "My brethren, all angelic beings from the infinite spaces of the universe, we the seven archangels have made our decision!!"

What could they have possibly decided on?... what did they agree on?... what's going to happen next?... The heavens were in confusion.

"From this day onwards, Oriel Di Yoma, you will be stripped of your status as an archangel. All authority, power and blessings bestowed upon you by His Majesty will be taken from you and returned back to him. You are to be cast down from the heavens and you will live among humans - as a human. You will be nothing and remain nothing. These are the consequences of loving another creature other than your own kind!!"

A bright light enveloped Oriel and he began to be lifted up in the air. There was a loud rumbling noise that made even the angels to tremble in fear and awe.

"I see." Oriel said, as his body continued to glow. His wings fell from back and his hair transformed from it's bright white color to a more human one. His eyes retained its sparkling violet iris but his figure shrunk to a size considered normal for a mortal.

"Any last words before you leave us Oriel?" One of the archangels from the upper chamber asked.

"None whatsoever. But, the only regret I have... is not being a better friend to you Molkta." He replied with a soft smile.

His body began to fade away slowly. The angels all looked at the rare scene in front them, some in awe, others in contempt, and the rest in sadness. They weren't just losing an angel, they were also losing a valuable friend.

"Looks like it's time up fo me. It's been a great honor to be at your service. Derna, there's no need to cry and Serui, watch over your sister okay?"

"I-I will!", the angel named Derna, seated at the front row down in the lower chamber replied, wiping his own tears and holding on to his sister's hand tightly as she openly wept at Oriel's farewell.

"Well, it's been fun everyone". Oriel said and vanished into thin air.

The atmosphere remained silent as he disappeared. Some still in disbelief at that current events that just took place.

'You're not going to get off that easy Oriel Di Yoma'

-2 YEARS LATER-

"Run!! Run for your lives!! Don't sto- ahhh!!!"

"Please help me! Please save my baby!!"

"We have sinned! We have sinned against His Najesty! And he's raining terror upon us!! Repent! Repent!!".

The lands and seas were split open. Stars and planetary bodies fell from their places, the air was stale and the sun was overbearingly hot. Rays of light descended on the entire world of Sekaila bringing demolition in their wake. There was mass destruction and everyone fled for their lives. All miracles, powers and abilities granted to the humans were nullified. Families and friends were separated by earthquakes, little children who couldn't run were killed in them. The elderly men and women were crushed by buildings. Tornadoes destroyed houses and the people's belongings. Lightning split countries and continents into two, causing devastation of government and global power. Beasts of different species roamed the earth, killing men, women and children alike. No one was spared and humanity rapidly drew to a horrible end.

"Oriel where are we going?" A woman asked.

She was beautiful, with pretty dark hair and gorgeous iron eyes. She had a child in her arms and her husband held her hand as he took her away to a safe place amidst all the chaos.

"Just hold on a little longer Ella. We'll get there soon", the man Oriel replied.

"Okay, I trust you." She said.

He led her through the unsettled people, everyone looking out for themselves and themselves alone. He and his wife went in the opposite direction of the crowd, to a place that Oriel guaranteed would be safe for them, at least for a while.

"Oriel watch out!"

A large thorn sprung up from the earth, stabbing through the chest of three people in front of the couple. Blood spewed on Oriel as he narrowly dodged the thorn.

"That was close." He said. He gripped her hand tighter and continued to pull her along with him through the crowd.

As they were moving, a loud voice came from the sky.

"Oriel Di Yoma, THIS IS THE RESULT OF YOUR ACTIONS. BECAUSE OF YOU THE HUMAN RACE WILL PERISH AND ALL HOPE WOULD BE LOST. YOU HAVE BUT ONE OPTION, GIVE YOURSELF UP AND LEAVE THAT WRETCHED HUMAN BEFORE THE NEXT HOUR AND WE WILL SPARE HUMANITY. IF YOU DON'T DO SO, THIS WILL BE THE END OF THIS AGE!!!"

The voice only caused more panic. The chaos increased and more people continued to run. Some fell on their knees and began to cry. Others began to curse at whoever brought this doom on humanity. In that moment, light beams shot down in an instant and killed those that began to curse - right in front of them their blood was splattered around the area, painting the land red in color.

'No! It wasn't supposed to be like this.'

"THIS WASN'T PART OF MY PUNISHMENT Barchael!!!" Oriel cried. He fell on his knees and punched the ground repeatedly in anger. His blond bangs covered his face and tears gathered in his eyes.

"It really wasn't supposed to be like this." He sobbed. All those innocent lives taken because of his desire. Little children were lost because of what he wished for. Everything was going to be destroyed because he simply loved a woman. It wasn't right, none of it was.

"Oriel." His woman spoke softly. She knelt beside him and slipped her hand into his. She wiped his tears and with the child in her arms she hugged him and buried her face in his neck.

"It's alright." she spoke softy, "I'm sorry for everything that is happening. It's my fault that they are doing this. I-"

"Don't say that. It's no one's fault that any of this is happening."

With a newfound determination, he stood up and pulled his woman along with him. He took the child from her and carried her on his back.

"Let's go on", he said.

With all his strength he pushed through the people. Not giving up, he found the refugee camp on the riverbank of Palda. He sighed in relief and gently placed his wife and the baby on the ground.

"Mr Oriel!" Some children ran up to him and embraced him.

"Belle, Yukio, I'm so glad you're alright." He said as a sense of relief flooded over him.

"Oriel?" another called him. A couple of people came out to meet him also.

"You're all safe", Oriel said.

"It's thanks to you." A young woman replied, "we wouldn't have been here if it weren't for you."

"Sister Ella!" A little girl ran up to Ella, Nathan's wife, and embraced her.

"Ruri!" Ella smiled and returned the hug.

The others helped Oriel and gently placed him on the ground seeing his fatigued state. Uriah, a young man amidst the people there, gave him another overall to replace his blood stained one. He and Ella were also given water to drink.

"Oriel what do we do now? We can't stay here for too long, sooner or later this place will be destroyed." Uriah said.

"Yes, I know. That's why I can't stay with you any longer."

They all gasped.

"What are talking about Oriel? You're one of us now. We can't just leave you and-"

"And what exactly? At this rate everyone's going to die! If I can save everyone by just going, isn't it better than letting you all get killed?" He asked, more of a statement than a question.

"Oriel." A little boy walked up to him, "are you going to really leave us?"

"I'm afraid I have to, Milo." He replied and patted the boy's head.

As a leader, he stood up and said, "The rest of you go to the second site I prepared. It's not to far from here and it's dangerous but it's still at a minimum. You can get there before nightfall if you go now. Hopefully by then, everything would've been restored to normal."

"Oriel." Ella ran up to him. She hugged him and he kissed her forehead.

"Protect our child Ella."

"I will." She replied in tears.

"Oriel I still won't accept this!" Uriah shouted out. The other people, both men and women agreed with him.

"Uriah", Oriel went to him and held his shoulders. "I also, don't want to leave you but I have to. You've been like a younger brother to me Uriah. Isn't it natural for me to protect my own brother?"

"But-"

"Please, watch over everyone. Look out for them. They need you now more than ever."

Uriah cleaned his eyes and nodded.

"If you don't get to the second place, use the ring I gave you. It's the last resort."

"Okay." Uriah replied.

"Now go all of you!" Oriel shouted as he left the embrace. They packed their few belongings and moved quickly away from the camp. All twenty-four people in number.

As they left, Oriel used a finger to draw a circle on the sandy ground, he stood in the center and said, "I am here!"

There was a loud bang. A bright light encircled him and a figure descended from the light to meet him. Oriel's eyes widened a bit at seeing the person or being rather, in front of him.

"It's been a while Oriel." the figure smirked.

"Loiel?" Oriel asked.

"Why are you so distraught? Didn't you know this was surely bound to happen?"

"Why are you doing this Loiel? I've already given up everything. What else do you want?"

"For you to die Oriel. You leaving is an insult to us and you'll pay dearly for that. You of all people should know the essence of the order of divinity. It's not so easy getting away from the angels and besides, those were my orders."

Oriel narrowed his eyes at him.

"Orders? What orders? What do you mean by orders Loiel? Aren't you doing this for yourself?"

"Looks like I've said too much." Loiel replied.

Oriel's eyes widened. He ran out from the light and headed towards Uriah and Ella.

"Uriah!"

Said individual looked back and saw Nathan from a bit far off running towards them.

"It's Oriel!"

"He's coming with us?"

" Oh thank goodness".

"No!" Ella said, cutting short their jubilation. "He's trying to tell us something."

"USE THE RING! USE THE RING NOW URIAH!"

But it was too late. A large sword made of gold with pure diamonds around the edges, thrice the size of a regular human, was hurled at them. With inhuman speed, it passed over Oriel and headed towards the group.

It was bloody. Right before his eyes Uriah, Milo and Sae, one of the women with them were beheaded by the sword. Loiel, with sharp movements, took ahold of the sword and slashed it on the ground causing the land to open up and creatures to emerge from it.

Cracks first formed on the earth, something that looked like a hand came up from the holes which the cracks created. Gradually, it's entire body sprung up the ground. It's appearance was hideous, like a creature out of a nightmare. It had the torso of a tiger ready for battle and it's face resembled that of a boar's. It had the long-flowing mane of a lion and it's teeth was exactly like a lion's. On top of its head it wore a horn as brazen as coal and a clay armor on its torso.

"Eat." Loiel said.

The beasts went after them. It tore them limb from limb with nothing to spare. Oriel could only look on in horror as the monsters sunk their claws into their flesh and ripped out their from their chest.

"Oriel r-run!" Milo said before his head was bitten off by the beast.

"Sister!" Ruri pushed Ella away from one of the monsters.

"Ruri!!!"

It bit Ruri's neck and ripped out her throat. Comrades were eaten left and right. There were no survivors. Janel, Uriah, Ruri, Sae, Yukio, Belle, Vanessa, Milo, and everyone else were all dead.

"Ella!!"

Oriel held her and his child close to him and wrapped his arm around them protectively.

"They're all gone Oriel." She sobbed, "R-ruri-chan, Uriah-san, Milo-kun, they're all gone."

"Why?! Why in the world would you do this Loiel!!"

"How pitiful. To think you of all angels would be reduced to such a state. The scene is kind of heartbreaking but I honestly don't care." Loiel replied. He held his sword in hand. He hovered over them and prepared to strike.

With a deep breath Oriel said, "I won't let you take everything from me."

Loiel stabbed the sword into the earth. In that moment, Oriel slipped a ring on Ella's finger and pushed her and the child away from himself. A massive arrow shot from the above and stabbed him in the chest, another followed and pierced him through his ribs. In a flash, different arrows went through his body, all from the sky above. His back, legs, arms were all pierced through by huge, scorching arrows.

"Oriel!!!"

His entire body was covered in red. He repeatedly coughed up blood in his terrible condition.

Ella's body began to glow. Slowly, she started to fade away from her legs upwards and she rushed over to him in his state.

"Oriel please," She cried, tears choking her voice, "please don't leave me. I don't want to be alone."

Her body continued to fade. Her legs were gone at this point and her waist was quickly going as well.

With the remaining of his dying strength, he whispered to her, "Ella, *cough* You'll never be alone. I'll... I'll always be in here." He touched her heart and gave her a soft push as her body was about to vanish.

"Like I'll let you!" Loiel rushed his sword at her head.

But she and the baby disappeared completely before the sword could make contact.

"Dammit, they escaped! Well I've done what I was told to do. At least they survived, isn't that right Oriel?"

Not hearing a response, he looked behind to see the man.

"I asked you a question Orie- oh."

Oriel was already dead. His body lay limp amidst the blades and was soaked in blood. But what surprised Loiel, was the peaceful smile that rested on his face.

"If you can die with that look, then I guess everything is alright." Loiel said withdrawing his sword.

...

On the busy streets of Fujisawa on a Friday evening, many civil servants, young men and women are returning home after a long day in the office. It's a Friday evening so it's also a time for youths to enjoy since it's the weekend. Friends go out for sake, kids go to the stores with their parents, egging on them to buy them toys. It's lively, peaceful and calm.

Suddenly, A bright flash shone in the middle of the road. Skrr, cars pressed on their breaks, maneuvering away from the bang.

"What was that?"

"Is someone hurt?"

"Look there's someone on the road!",

"Quick, someone call an ambulance!!"

On that cool Friday evening, at exactly 7:13pm, a woman dressed in an overall with a child in her arms, appeared in middle of Fujisawa city.