THE SEVEN HEAVENLY CHILDREN

5TH ACT: BOY MEETS GIRL

"GAIEL." The tired tone in Pete's voice made his frown even worse. "You know that this is an unauthorized mission, right?"

Gaiel wanted to wince. That tone just meant one thing. Pete had a meeting with the Council it was all because of him.

He had left the base a few days ago in a rush that he had no time to ask for permission from his authorities. The second he woke up from his dream, he knew he had to fly as soon as he can.

"Look, Pete. I'm sorry." He said dismissively. His apology can't even pass as half-hearted because he did not bother to put an ounce of sincerity into his words. This earned him another series of naggings from his foster father.

Gaiel heard the man whine. "What the hell, Gaiel? I deserve a much better apology than that!" Gaiel frowned as his patience reached its limits.

"I'm still your Father! If you can't respect me-"

Pete was deliberately trying to extend the call so they can track him. So he immediately cut him off.

"Stop being a baby. I'll come back after a week, Pete." He said without giving further information.

Lately, attacks against the Organization have been so frequent and so organized, that it got him thinking. As if the enemies know where and when to attack. It was just too organized to be a random hunch by the enemy. Traitors were among them. Even in the highest ranks and they are getting bolder in the coming days. Gaiel will never risk this newly found information.

Their kind's history was forbidden knowledge. The kind that was completely erased from the history of humans. Every record was either burned or lost in time. Sealed to prevent anyone from knowing the forbidden wisdom and its existence. The only knowledge the human race has over them was that their kind drowned at the Great Flood. Not knowing it was altered, they live freely among the Human Race. Guiding the human society and at the same time, keeping watch of the Mortal Plane to prevent creatures from the other Planes from interacting with susceptible humans and manipulating them to do their bidding.

However, seventeen years ago, a new prophecy was entrusted to their Race. It was the coming of the seven archangelic descendants tasked to prevent the Second Apocalyptic War between Heaven and Hell which will cause tremendous destruction within all the Seven Planes and of course, the annihilation of the human race.

He was one of them. He is the son of Gabriel. The other five were already found and has been continuing to hone their powers for the impending doom. Now, he only has to find the last descendant. They have been trying to search for that person for years. Unfortunately, he was never found. Until now.

Gaiel couldn't trust anyone with the information. It might even endanger his team. It was better if everyone had assumed that he disobey orders and decided to work alone.

"You do know we can track you anywhere you are, don't you?" Their leader said in a tone full of warning. Of course, he can. Their kind helped invent human technology. Humans, we're smart enough to follow their lead and improve everything onwards.

Gaiel just rolled his eyes at that. "Amidst the continues attacks of our enemies?" He challenged. Another reason why he went on a mission alone. He couldn't take the other with him for the Main Base need them in case of an attack. "I'm sure you've got more problems to deal with."

He heard Pete's disapproval but Gaiel just decided to cut the line. Using his powers he crushed his newly purchased phone and throw in the nearest bin. That was enough to assure the others that he was still alive and well. That way, they won't panic and search for him.

He went to Cebu by his father's orders. It was only a brief dream but it was clear enough for Gaiel to understand the meaning. He's one step closer to finding the seventh descendant.

"Find her, Gaiel. She needs you." Gabriel said in his dreams. Seeing his own father meant something bad was about to happen. It was just too important that the archangel himself had to tell it to Gaiel himself.

"Her?" He asked. "Michael's descendant is a girl?"

"Yes." Gabriel looked as if he wanted to tell him more but had decided not to. "I can't tell you more." Gabriel gave him a stern look.

"You do understand that, right?"

Gaiel wanted to complain. At least give me more clues. He thought.

However, knowing they were talking within the Spiritual Plane makes matters worst. Anyone or anything can hear their conversation. They must be always vigilant. It would endanger the seventh and sabotage this once in a lifetime chance of finally finding the last descendant.

"I don't even know where she is. Father, how will I know if it's really her?" He asked. They had failed countless times before. Not a single one of those individuals was not Michael's descendants.

"No more questions, Gaiel. We don't have much time left." The angel grabbed his hand as a sharp pain traveled throughout his body.

He grunted in pain.

He felt light-headed. Everything blurred around him and he dropped on his knees.

"Ugh!" Gaiel groaned as characters appeared in his mind. XIIIIVIVIIIIN CXXIIIVIIIVIIIVIVE

"Really? Again?" He bitterly asked as he grasped from the sharp burning sensation in his head. Slowly the pain receded afterward. Gaiel hated this part of sharing confidential information by Archangels. A conversation between two beings from different planes is farther dangerous than conversations happening within the same plane. They are open from an unwanted eavesdropper. That is the reason why his father doesn't use it unless the information is for non-disclosure.

The angel in front of him didn't show any signs of remorse. "I know you don't like it. But I have no choice." He explained.

Gaiel just dismissed the cold apology curtly. He shook his head in dismay.

"This...err...girl. How should I know if the last one is really her?"

Gabriel smiled. Honestly, the sight of it caught Gaiel off-guard. It was so rare, that he couldn't even remember if his father had ever given him one of those reactions before.

So, archangels can smile too. He thought with a frown.

"You will be able to tell once the right opportunity comes," Gabriel stated. "You are my descendant, Gaiel. You are the only one gifted enough to tell an archangelic descendant besides us."

Gaiel just eyed his father, wanting to complain more but Gabriel just cut of him.

"You are the only one I can trust."

"He could've just told me it was here.". Gaiel grimaced. "Rather than burning my brain with those characters." The angel gave him the coordinates of the city. Gaiel shook his head with displeasure then looked above the sky. He could tell his father was looking down on him, probably making fun of Gaiel.

"Bastard." Upon the mention of the word a sharp pain shoot across his head.

Such profane language, Son.

"Whatever." Upon fixing himself, he grabbed his red cap and went out of his room. He had just got out of the hotel he was staying

in. It was not a classy one but at least, it was not owned by a Nephilim that might report him back to the Headquarters.

He had to be extra careful using his abilities as well. His presence alone might alert those members of the organization or worst, enemies. The last thing he wants is to encounter lowly demons along the Mortal plane. He might be able to tone down his powers.

He was walking thru the streets of Mactan when he noticed a coffee shop along the way. Gaiel decided that he'll have his breakfast there. He went to the counter and ordered his meal.

"You can take a seat on to one of our tables while we prepare your order."

He shrugged then proceeded to one of the tables in the corner. The coffee shop was a bit crowded for comfort but Gaiel decided to suck it up. He plugged his air pods and drown himself with music. Luckily, he brought his book with him. He can do something while waiting.

"Well, what do you know?" He muttered to himself. "An instant vacation." He said sarcastically before immersing himself back into his book. He was so immersed in his reading that Gaiel almost didn't even notice her. A girl with long, wavy black hair was in front of him. Her skin was so pale, that she could've mistaken her for a spirit.

"Here's your order, Sir." She said in a particularly sweet voice as she handed his orders.

He thanked the girl but she didn't seem to hear him as she was called to another table for assistance.

Gaiel continued to scan his new phone as he tried to check weird and unexplainable happenings within that area. This might lead him to his starting point. It couldn't be that far off. His father had already given him the coordinates. He was almost done with his meal when he felt an ominous presence within the area.

"I sense a demon around here." He immediately dashed to the comfort room and opened the door. At that moment, the presence vanished.

There was a loud thud and when Gaiel looked around the area, he saw the girl from earlier. She was sitting on the floor her mop thrown inches away from her as she gently massage her forehead.

He frowned at his carelessness. His eyes met with the girl's pair of brown eyes. She gave him a strange look.

"Are you okay?" He asked as he offered his hand to assist her. "Here, let me help you." Gaiel heard the girl winced when she reached for him.

"What's wrong?" He asked as he leaned closer. The fall must've been bad. He checked her forehead and arm it looked red but not swollen. Gaiel had to look at the girl's face afterward.

She had soft and gentle features but what stands out the most was those long beautiful lashes feathering over light brown eyes. He found it quite amusing how her mouth was slightly open. He held her chin and gently closed it. He tried his best to maintain an unreadable expression but he could tell she saw something flash in his eyes.

"I heard you speak earlier. So, I suppose you're not mute." He murmured. However, she still didn't reply. "Miss?"

The girl shook her head hard. She stood up, quite clumsily if he may add. "Uhmm. No. S-sorry, Sir." She stuttered clearly panicking about something.

He went to pick up her mop and handed it to her. "Here." He was a bit happy she accepted his help this time. "It was my fault. No need to apologize." He assured her.

It was his turn to be stunned when she gently smiled at him. "It's all clean now, Sir. You may use it." She quickly excused herself.

Is she okay? She just had a bad fall.

Gaiel looked at the closed door. Then at his hand which held her earlier.

"Don't tell me..."

GAIEL WASTED ANOTHER DAY FOR NOTHING. HE TOOK A BREAK AND RESTED ON ONE OF THE NEARBY BENCHES.

He got distracted earlier and thought that the waitress he met was the seventh but after spending hours and money buying cup after cup of coffee just to continue observing the girl, he didn't find or felt a single angelic presence within her. After a while, he left the shop and continue to search around the city.

He had even exorcised a few possessed humans in the process. He had gotten distracted with it that he had almost forgotten the reason why he came there. The city has a serious demon infestation. Those bastards must've been able to tear through the Spiritual Plane and go into the human world to possess humans. If things get worse, they might be able to find the Seventh before him.

"Is this why you had to interfere?" He asked his father and felt his confirmation afterward. "Then why-"

Gaiel remembered the burning sensation he had to suffer because of Gabriel. It was absolutely not necessary but the Angel had decided to do it, instead.

"Keh."

"What the hell?! Am I a joke to you?" Gaiel was tempted to go through the Netherworld planes just to reach his father. "You are going to pay for this."

"Well, what do we have here?"

Gaiel instincts were immediately alerted at the evil presence meters away from him. It was possessing the body of a middle-aged man. It wore a black cloak to conceal its demonic features, however, his eyes gave him away. It resembled that of a snake.

"If isn't Gabriel's Son." The demon hissed his father's name like it was poison to its tongue. His eyes glowed with anger. "Why are you here for, Nephilim?"

Gaiel smirked. "None of your damn business, demon." He was about to attack the demon when another demon appeared behind him. It almost caught him off-guard but he had managed to dodge the sharp claws of the second demon. Gaiel in turn kicked its face and sent it flying meters away.

"Not so fast, Nephilim." The first demon attacked in response. Its claw extended swiftly and had managed to land a few scratches on his hip.

"Ugh!" Gaiel groaned in pain.

The first demon smirked at him. "These claws are extremely sharp that I sometimes have to be very careful because it can cut deeper than I intend to at times." He said as he licked the Gaiel's blood from his claws. "Hmm. Much more nutritious than human blood."

Gaiel knew the demon was not bluffing. His body is starting to feel immeasurable pain. What's worse was that his insides felt like melting. He was also starting to feel weak and dizzy at the same time. Gaiel was almost tempted to call out his teammates for backup.

"Oh, damn! I forgot to tell something, young Nephilim." The demon spoke again. He was salivating in front of him. Probably more than eager to have him as his dinner. "Reaper's claws have very potent poison in them. One itsy, bitsy scratch can kill a regular human."

"Too bad, Young Nephilim.", the second demon spoke. It got over the damage he inflicted after some time. "You are not going to going to ever see the Seventh!"

He was right. These demons were looking for the Seventh. He must fight! Gaiel mustered a little bit of his strength. He no longer cared if his powers were to go berserk. He had to kill these two demons in front of him. He was about to draw his sphere when he heard a voice from behind the two.

"Duck!"

In one powerful swing of a huge log, the girl managed to hit both of the demons throwing them off guard.

How?! Did she manage to use a log that big?

"What the hell-"

The girl looked at him frantically. She held one of his arms and put it around her. "No time to chat. Let's go!"