They didn't even need to open the damn door for me to know who was there. It was David. I could smell him from here. He always reeked of fresh-cut grass and pine. As the old woman strode toward the door, I growled and grumbled, unable to cover my growing irritation. "Uggghhhhhhhhhh!" The Fae squeaked at my wickedly audible disdain, her chestnut-colored eyes watching me cautiously. She cast them down whenever they met mine. The rosiness spread across her tan cheeks. Interesting. I hoped I would have the chance to play with her later. Now wasn't the time. I ignored her and slumped down as far as the couch would allow me to, hoping, if just for a moment, that it would consume me. On the bright side, it was just David. To my surprise, they weren't sending Michael, but I wasn't going to complain about that. David? I could, at the very least, tolerate him in small doses. Michael, on the other hand? Insufferable! Most angels were. The more pure their blood, the more annoying.
As much as I wanted to get up and leave, I was not ready for a fight yet. My power was returning, and my energy was back, but I was not at my highest capacity, and I knew it. I'm no fool. Still, I could use these few short moments to my advantage. Wait, gain information, gain strength, and strategize. Reaching out with my mind, I probed as much as I could into those around me. The world outside was indeed fascinating. Unfortunately, my suspicions were proven correct when I reached information on their forms of communication, gadgets, and electronic tools. The knowledge I shared was not implemented in any way. It was evident. This was not the road map I left behind. These were not the tools I suggested that would lead to much greater creation. I couldn't gain much more intel from their minds before the entourage entered the dwelling.
One by one, seven Angels filed in, Khaleel, who had just barely recovered, greeting them in turn. David followed three, and then three more Angels came in after him. Quickly, they filled up the already small space. David's sandy brown hair was still as long as it was in my last life. It fell in shiny, loose curls on his shoulders. Truthfully, he wasn't challenging to look at. He was a relatively tall and thin man, but one should never make the mistake of judging someone's strength by their size. Each other angel had a device in their left ear. They moved robotically and in unison. Ryn snorted, and with a thoroughly disapproving glare from Khaleel, she spat out, "What's with the damn suits!" It was much more of a statement than a question. Without missing a beat, she carried on, "How is anyone supposed to know if you're there to take them to Jesus or kidnap them for the GA?! I mean, honestly?" She gestured at them each with her hands, including Khaleel, and at that moment, I realized they were all dressed similarly. Blandly. Very uniform. Pressed white dress shirts paired with suits in varying shades of cool blue tones. Everything on them was complimentary, from their watches to their shoes. Even their cuff links matched in silver. Each of their dress shoes is polished to perfection. The GA?
"I'd teach your filthy cross-bred cousin when to keep her mouth shut, Khaleel." He was the darkest of the posse in everything--the darkest shade of blue clothing, the darkest skin, and the darkest eyes. The statement was said flatly without a single movement from the man as if out of protocol and nothing more. So robotic. Bigot. I decided then that I didn't like this one at all. Not at all.
The feisty one practically spat out, "HA! Rather be a dirty cross-bred than a hybrid! I've got brains and freedom. What do you all have with your nice clean blood, huh? Wings and a pretty suit." She stood there defiantly. I had to admire her ferocity in the face of higher beings. It was refreshing. I'm used to most ordinary women staying in their place and doing as they're told. Only the most wealthy and revered were afforded the luxury of some simple freedoms. As I said before, matriarchies were rare.
It clicked just then what was said, and I was instantly distracted from the disdain I held for the dark angel. He said cross-bred, and not one soul bat an eye. Not half-breed. Not inter-bred. Our creations had finally crossed over and through one another, effectively mixing. Blending. I felt my eyes get slightly misty. This was not a rare thing here in this... whatever time I was now in. It was plain as day. And here I thought I was lucky to have stumbled into a few crosses when I awoke. I quickly blinked away the subtle moisture that had begun to assault my eyes with joy. Joy? Yeah, I'm pretty sure that was joy. Maybe even some pride. The feelings and thoughts began to take me into a space of wonder about my own family. If this is now how it is, maybe it is possible that even their views have altered with time.
Khaleel and Ryn were both ready to cross the room to close the distance between them in an instant. Even quicker still, Alaric stepped in front of them before they could move more than two steps. He looked at his friends, and an unspoken agreement was met. No one paid me any mind, which was rather uncommon but welcome, so I sat quietly and enjoyed the events unfolding before me. Alaric returned to the Angels, meeting their gaze with a soft, friendly smile, "Welcome to Granny Phil's. I'm Lark. Thanks for coming. Would you like-"
