Five years had passed since the commencement of Gerard's training in the Colosseum. He had completed his physical training within the first two years and spent the remaining three (Paradis time) refining his ability. Aries had discovered something peculiar: Gerard possessed a copy ability. He had used it before, specifically during the wind trial, where he mimicked her technique. What unsettled her most was the fact that she never demonstrated her skill in front of him. So how did he copy it?
She confided in a few of her colleagues, and the rumor spread like wildfire. Soon, most angels began avoiding Gerard, afraid that he would steal or replicate their powers. Unaware of the growing fear and alienation, Gerard continued his training with Aries and occasionally Michael, who would drop by to thrash him when he wasn't too lazy.
Today was one of those days.
"I would've thought you'd be giving me a challenge by now," Michael teased, tossing Gerard effortlessly into the dirt.
Gerard, who would've been twenty had he remained in Paradis where time flowed normally, was still only seventeen due to the Colosseum's temporal field. Wiping the dust from his face, he stood up.
"Everyone knows you're the strongest. There's no way I can beat you," he said, trying to shake off the ache in his limbs.
During his time in Heaven, Gerard had come to understand the vastness of Michael's strength. He had never lost a battle, never broken a sweat, even during the Great Holy War when Lucifer betrayed Heaven. Michael had slept through most of it, only to show up at the end and casually seal Lucifer away.
"That's no excuse," Michael said, crossing his arms. "You should at least make me sweat."
"Give me a break, will ya? Sensei's going to beat me up after this anyway. I can't catch a moment's rest."
"I don't think Aries is coming," Michael replied. "Word is, the Old Man upstairs is planning to attack Paradis."
"What? Why would He do that?"
"Apparently, there's been a rise in sin. The land's filled with unholy creatures. The only man worth saving is a guy named Noah, he's been building a massive ark to preserve what remains."
Gerard's heart sank.
"But... I'm an unholy existence too. Are you going to throw me down there?"
Michael's expression was unreadable. "You're a special case, so—"
"Yes, you too will be destroyed," a soft voice cut in.
It was Travel. His usual calm demeanor was laced with sorrow.
"I just got word from upstairs. A Seraphim has noticed Gerard's presence and is outraged. He's summoned both Sir Michael and Lady Aries."
Michael blinked. "Wait, if they're so against him, why did they make me his guardian?"
"They didn't," Travel answered gravely. "Someone tampered with the information desk."
Michael's eyes widened. "The desk?"
The desk was sacred, guarded by Michael's most trusted warriors. For someone to bypass them and forge documents... they'd have to be either incredibly strong or extremely clever. One name came to mind.
"Lucifer," he growled, fists clenched. "I'll drag him here and make him confess."
"I already brought Lucifer here, my lord," Travel said calmly.
"What?"
"He was my first suspect too. But he's been proven innocent."
Michael stared. "WHAT?!"
"Wait what's going on?" Gerard finally spoke up.
Travel looked at him with tears forming in his eyes. "I'm sorry, my friend."
And just like that, space twisted. Gerard felt reality shift around him. A flash. A blink. And he was back in Paradis.
Dark clouds swirled above. The air was heavy and thick with dread. This was not the Paradis he knew
"This is where we say goodbye," Travel whispered, clearly torn.
"Wait! Travel, something's not right—"
"I have to go back. I'm sorry." And he vanished.
Gerard stood in the stormy silence, the weight of betrayal and confusion sinking in. Who forged the order? If not Lucifer, then who? Why train him only to cast him away?Why did Paradis fall into such a state?
"HYAAA!"
A sudden scream. Gerard turned.
A girl with golden-yellow hair and black, jagged armor streaked through the sky. Her black sword gleamed with killing intent. Her armor looked familiar. Too familiar.
She descended with terrifying force. Gerard dodged, barely escaping the shockwave from her impact.
Brushing dirt off, he scowled. "Listen, lady. I'm not in the mood for—"
"DIE!"
She swung again. And again. Each strike fast, deliberate, targeting his vitals. Gerard parried and evaded, trained reflexes kicking in.
She didn't speak. Just attacked, frustration building as none of her strikes landed.
Then, a pause.
"Are you... Michael?" she asked.
Gerard blinked. "No. He was my friend, though."
"Then why can't I hit you?"
She stepped back. Confusion in her eyes.
"That armor," Gerard said. "Where did you get it?"
"From my father," she replied. "You say you're from Heaven. Then tell me why is Heaven trying to destroy Paradis?"
He looked around. The clouds were darker now.....the flood he suddenly remembered. This had to be Rain's doing, the elemental of water. If he found Rain, he might be able to persuade him to stop or, if forced to, fight him
"Hey, are you listening?!" she screamed. "Why is Heaven trying to destroy us?!"
"There are... many reasons," Gerard tried to explain.
He didn't get to finish.
A punch to the face. Sharp. Unseen.
Then another to the gut.
His senses spun, but he'd been hit by worse.
The girl took her chance. Sword raised, descending.
But Gerard's battle instincts surged. He vanished from her view, reappearing behind her. A shove.
She stumbled falling onto someone.
"Who... are you?" she asked.
The man she landed on looked shocked, his invisibility magic becoming undone, as if seeing a ghost.
He reached up, gently touching her cheek. "Bishop... I thought you were dead. It's me. Raphael."