Chapter two, where a lot of people appear for the first time

[therealkaichan]

Chapter Two
Counsel

Celine explained to her worried parents what she remembered of the encounter with the black haired girl, with a few exceptions here and there, and also explained what Iofiel and Nanael had told her. She then showed them the letter with the instructions, which her father observed very critically before nodding.

“It is very important for you to try and remember every detail of the encounter, Celine.” He said.
“I know. They use that information to catch and treat the irregulars.”
“That is correct. So please, make sure of taking this free time to try to clear your mind.”
“I will, dad.”
“And you should stay in your room today.” Her mother added. “I’ll take dinner for you. You must be pretty tired from all the emotions.”
“A bit, yes... Is it fine mom? I can come down if you want to.”
“No, no. You know the rules very well, we can sacrifice one family dinner when it comes to health.”
“All right. I’ll go upstairs then.”
“Do you need help?” Her father chimed in.
“No need, I’m fine, really. Te doctor said I should be fully healed, but that I should rest. I even came walking from the hospital.”
“Then go, my girl.” Her mother smiled. “I’ll take dinner in a while.”
“Thanks mom, dad.”

Celine smiled before making her way to her room. For the unremarkable relationship they had, her mother and father were always ready to lend her a hand.

She lied in her bed, closing her eyes for a few seconds, while trying to sort out her feelings. For the second time she had skipped mentioning the strange pain sensations. She wasn’t quite sure if she was skipping it on purpose or if it had been just an accident. Maybe her subconcious? Some weird unresolved need to feel special?

It didn't quite matter by now, she would talk about it with Saelel tomorrow, and he’d help her sort that out. Then she’d talk to whoever was in charge of the investigations, and explain the whole story. That would surely solve the problem.


The next day, she woke up early. While showering and changing, her eyes kept going to the small white line in her abdomen. She wondered if the mark would ever leave, or if it would be there forever, to remind her of the whole ordeal. Well, it would surely give her plenty of interesting conversation starters (“remember the time the irregular stabbed me?” or even “oh I was stabbed once, it was nasty”), and it would serve as a proof to her children and grandchildren of what could happen if you didn’t respect the rules.

She had breakfast, and quickly left the house, reassurring her parents that she was safe. Before stepping out, she pushed the small panic button twice, and waited for a moment.

“Sudden Nanael!” The brown haired Angel simply appeared from thin air. “So, did you find your hidden power?”
“No. I’m just going to the Transformation Center as they requested.”
“Oh. Boooring.”
“But it is what I have to do. So either you’re coming or you're staying.” Said Celine, not even waiting for an answer before starting walking on her way to the center.
“Going, going...” Nanael muttered, quickly catching up with her.
“Did you sleep well?”
“We don't need sleep, Celine.”
“But some of you still sleep. Saelel does.”
“Probably because he needs some rest, since he has to deal with six more silly humans like you. I can’t blame him.”
“If there are more like me, he probably needs his own counselor at the end of the day.”
“That’s a pretty serious self accusation.”
“If you ask him I’m sure he will agree. I always give him hell.”
“You would know better than anyone.” Nanael chuckled, her tone as playful as ever.
“Well he got both lucky and unlucky.”
“Why?”
“I was going to see him when I got attacked. So he was saved from an hour of me being really silly. But then, this happened and now he will be seeing a lot of me.”
“I can’t say I envy him.”
“Were you ever in Counselor duties, Nanael?”
“A few times, yes. It’s not my thing, I like doing Guardian duties a lot more.”
“Those sound a lot more active.”
“They are.” Nanael laughed. “And a lot more fun. Of course they aren’t for everyone, but almost nobody is fit for all types of duties.”
“I can’t imagine Saelel being a Guardian. If you ask me, he looks to be more the office work type. Maybe a doctor?”
“It sounds like he’d be fine with that, if he is as much of a helpful type as you say.”
“How about you? Which other jobs other than this one you like?” Celine was pretty eager to make conversation by now, it was always fun to see a new face, and it was rare to have an Angel in the mood to talk.
“Hm... Other than Guardian? I suppose there are a few, but they are kind of secret.”
“There were always stories about the Angels having plenty of secret things, I guess it makes sense.”
“Well, you don’t keep a world running without a few secrets. But they aren’t as terrible as they sound, just the usual inner organization stuff.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“You say that, but you look a little disappointed. Hoping for some terribly dark secrets maybe?”
“Not really... I was just curious, so learning that it wasn’t as interesting as I thought it a little disheartening, just that.”
“It makes sense... Well, no point in feeling sad about it. Maybe you can ask Saelel to see if he can get you a job inside the organization. We don’t have many humans around, but you are a smart girl and they could use some smart ones.”
“Do you think so?”
“You are what... Twenty?”
“Nineteen.”
“Then ask him. He’ll see what he can find, and maybe you’ll get to experience firsthand our terribly dark secrets.”
“It sounds like fun.” Celine chuckled. Fun, even if illogical was her kind of thing.
“You’d like it. It’s busy work, but it can keep your mind awake, unlike most office work.”
“It’s worth a shot.”
“Aaaand here we are.” Nanael was all grins as the Transformation Center came into view. “Well, you can go inside, no problems at all.”
“You’re not going with me?”
“I can’t, the rules say I should stay outside while you talk to the interrogator. If the bastard gives you too much trouble, just push the panic button and I’ll punch his nose.”
“That doesn’t sound like a good idea. Again.”
“Boo.” Celine sighed, a smile tugging at the ends of her lips.
“I’ll be going in now. I’ll let you know if I need you.”
“Go and have fun!”

Celine went into the more than familiar reception room of the Transformation Center. There, the automatic reception system greeted her with that voice she didn’t quite know.
“Welcome, miss Celine. Do you have an appointment?”
“I do.” She answered clearly.
“Thank you. We have found you have an appointment with Counselor Saelel, and a posterior appointment with Interrogator Elimiel. Both appointments will happen in room three zero nine. Would you like to have instructions?”
“No.”
“Thank you. Are there any other actions you wish to take, miss Celine?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Thank you. Please have a good day, don’t forget that you can use the portable terminals by the elevator on each floor to get further information.”

With that the reception system fell silent, and Celine nodded to herself, starting walking on her way to the elevator. 309 was her usual meeting room, so she knew quite wel that it was on the third floor, and that it was the fourth room to the left. She asked the automatic elevator system to take her to the third floor, and as she felt the soft tug of the elevator starting to move, she wondered how Saelel was doing, or if he was worried. She would find out soon, but she couldn’t help but wonder anyway.

Third floor.

The voice for the elevator system shook her out of her thoughts. It was the same voice as the reception system, and as all the automated systems in the transformation centers, and she wondered which Angel had the patience to get all of those lines recorded. She stepped down from the elevator and to the right.

Celine knocked before going in. There was no need to, the system should’ve let Saelel know she was coming, but it was the polite thing to do, even if not mandatory.

In the room, there was the more than familiar image of Saelel sitting on his usual chair. His long blond hair was kept in a tidy ponytail, and he had his glasses on as he read something written in a small block, most likely his old notes.

“Miss Celine.” He greeted. “Please come in.”
“Hello, Saelel.” Celine smiled, going in probably a little quicker than she intended.
“I’m glad to see you well.”
“It wasn’t really serious, just a little scary. The doctor fixed me up right away... You weren’t too worried, were you?”
“I got news immediately about your recovery so there wasn’t much time to worry. Please take a seat.”
“Oh, right.” Celine chuckled, moving to sit on her usual spot in the sofa. “The fun thing is that I was coming this way to make an appointment.”
“Were you troubled by anything?”
“A bit. I had woken up with some strange tingly feeling. It’s gone now, I guess getting stabbed does that...?”
“That’s not good... A problem that is pushed back eventually resurfaces.”
“I remember that, but I never got that much time to think about it. I was planning on doing that on they way here, and got interrupted.”
“I understand. And how about the incident? Is there anything you could tell me about that?”
“I... Yes. Something strange happened when that girl stabbed me.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“Yes... But I’m not really sure what it was or how I should’ve felt instead.”
“Felt...?”
“When she stabbed me I felt something weird. I had never felt something like that... I think it may have been pain, considering the context.”
“Do you think it is related to the treatments?”
“I’m not sure. I... Haven't tried, but I haven't felt anything from the place where the wound was or anything...”
“It may have been circumstancial, then... It explains why they sent him as the Interrogator.”
“The system said his name was Elimiel, right?”
“Yes. Elimiel is one of our most important experts on the treatments, so he may find something we don’t understand.”
“I see...” Celine frowned at that last part. She hadn’t mentioned the pain to anyone, had she?
“Is there anything else you wanted to tell me, Celine?”
“Not really... I... Actually just talking about it managed to get things a little more organized in my mind.”
“That’s a good thing to hear... The Interrogator should be here shortly. Are you good to tell him your story?”
“Yes...”
“Please make sure of not forgetting anything. Every word counts when it comes to this.”
“I know. I remember most of the incident well, so I shouldn’t have problem. Even the things the girl said, I may not remember the words exactly but I do remember the ideas.”
“That is good. I can let them know that they should let him in, then. Is that fine?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”

Saelel got up from his chair and walked to the desk. There he dialed something on the phone, and spoke for a moment. Celine didn’t listen, since it was bad manners, but she could guess that there wasn’t anything interesting to listen for anyway. After hanging up, the Angel went back to his chair, smiling and adjusting his glasses.

“He should be here any time now. So, has your Guardian behaved?”
“Nanael is really nice to me. A bit silly, but that’s not a bad thing.”
“Certainly not, as long as she continues taking her work seriously.”
“Right! She gave me a panic button... I’ve only used it once, but she answered very fast. I think she really likes the Guardian duties.”
“Some people are just best suited for certain jobs, are they not?”
“Yes... Ah that reminds me... She mentioned something about me possibly being useful for a job inside the organization?”
“You have good aptitudes, but jobs in here are very time consuming, and it may not be the best for your studies... I could try to find a half time job, if you want.”
“Is it fine? I mean I don’t mind waiting if you think it could be best.”
“Let’s see what we find, and you can decide then.”

They fell in a comfortable silence that was interrupted a few seconds later by the sound of the door opening. Celine looked back to see the Interrogator, an Angel of a young appearance, no older than fifteen, with blonde almost white hair and tanned skin.
“Miss Celine.” He greeted. “And Saelel. I hope you two didn’t have to wait for too long?”
“We are good.” Saelel smiled, motioning to the chairs. “Do you wish to take a seat?”
“Yes, please.” The angel moved to one of the chairs and sat.
“Is your health well, miss Celine?”
“Yes, the wound is perfectly healed, and I don’t even notice it most of the time. Only when looking in the mirror.”
“That’s good to hear. Those kinds of wounds can be a little tricky, thankfully it was caught on time.”
“Yes, I’m glad.”
“Let me introduce myself first. I’m Elimiel, I was chosen as your Interrogator by the Mother. There isn’t much to do, you should just explain to me all that happened in as much detail as you can. We are still working on finding the irregular, so any information con be vital.”
“I understand.”
“So please, go ahead and explain to me what you can.”

Celine told her story, and the Angel listened quietly. He nodded a few times but other than that didn’t say a word until she was done. This time, however, Celine was careful of mentioning the pain and the experience of the stabbing, as it was most likely very important information.
“So you believe it may have been pain?” Was Elimiel’s first question.
“Yes. I don’t have any proof, and I can’t remember ever having felt pain, but for me it’s the answer that makes the most sense.”
“I’m willing to believe it is. We may need to do an early take of the pain treatments for you, however.”
“I understand, it’s fine.”
“I will need to supervise you, however. If you truly felt pain, I think we may need to revise our formula to make sure it completely works. It won’t change much for you, other than a few extra checkups.”
“When will I be ready to go back to class?” Celine asked, truly curious. She had already lost two days and getting up to date would be hell if she waited any longer.
“You should be done by the end of the week, if things go normally you shouldn’t have any kind of problems.”
“We can provide you with any notes or books you need, Celine.” Saelel interrupted, speaking for the first time since the Interrogator came in. “You missed your classes because of our security breach, after all.”
“Then everything should be okay.” The girl nodded, smiling at both Angels.
“Do you mind doing a few tests right now? We could be able to get ahead of schedule if we do that.”
“I don’t mind at all.”
“Then I’ll go ahead and find an empty Chamber. Feel free to go down and ask the automated system how to get to it.”
“I will.”

The Angel smiled, offering a bow to Saelel and a smile to Celine before leaving. Celine spent a few thoughtful seconds looking to the door before turning to her counselor.
“He wasn’t that terrible, even if his title was a little intimidating.”
“Interrogators aren’t supposed to be anything terrible. The title just says what they do.” Saelel chuckled fondly. “Don’t forget that above all, we Angels are supposed to care for humans.”
“That is true... Well. I should be moving on for the treatment. I’ll come back in a few days for the checkups, is it fine if I come by and say hi?”
“Of course it is. Just let the system know.”
“I will. Thanks for your help, Saelel.”
“There is nothing to thank, go.”

Celine left room 309 with a small smile. All in all things were fine, right? The interrogation had been fast, Saelel had been helpful, the Interrogator hadn’t been scary... She hopped into the elevator, and asked for the first floor and as soon as she arrived, went to the automated reception ststem.

“Welcome, miss Celine. Do you have an appointment?”
“I do.” She answered once more.
“Thank you. We have found you have an appointment with Interrogator Elimiel. The appointment has been moved over to Chamber three. Would you like to have instructions?”
“Yes.”
“Chamber three is on the first basement, third room to the right from the elevator. Do you need to repeat the instructions?”
“No.”
“Thank you. Are there any other actions you wish to take, miss Celine?”
“No, thank you.”
“Thank you. Please have a good day, don’t forget that you can use the portable terminals by the elevator on each floor to get further information.”

Celine sighed. Had she thanked the computer? Every time she felt more and more silly talking to the automated reception system, she found herself answering to it as if it were a person more often than not, and that was weird. Then again, being polite was so deeply ingrained in her personality that she couldn’t help it.

This time she took the stairs, in an attempt to avoid the automated elevator system, and took a turn to the right, looking for the room. It wasn’t too hard of course, so she knocked and opened the door, taking a look inside.

“Welcome.” Elimiel smiled. He was sitting on top of one of the machines, all comfortable, and Celine couldn’t help but wonder why an expert would be so careless with the machinery.
“Isn’t that dangerous?” She asked before she could stop herself.
“Not at all, I’m weightless.”
“Oh.” Well, she felt a little dumb. Sometimes it was so easy to forget that Angels weren’t really people and that they had the strangest characteristics.
“But come in, please. We have a few things to discuss, and this is probably the only safe place.”
“Is anything wrong?” Celine couldn’t help but worry. This couldn’t be good news, could it? Her hand unconciously went to her pocket, where the panic button was hiding.
“Not at all. Not yet at least. But I do have a few things I’d like to discuss with you.”
“I understand...” She walked in at last, stopping awkwardly once she was inside.
“You can take a seat on that chair if you want.” Elimiel said, pointing to the only chair in the room, the one meant for the Angel administering the treatment. Celine nodded, sitting was probably a good idea.
“What did you want to tell me?” She asked after sitting.
“Celine... That girl called you a child with a name of the moon, did she not?”
“Yes. I don’t understand what she meant...”
“All children are named by the Mother when they are born. Those names are chosen according to a child’s reaction to the treatments and their genetic makeup. Moon names are used for children that are resistant to the pain treatments, like you.”
“So that is why I felt that strange pain when the black haired girl stabbed me?”
“A little yes. Even if you are resistant, that pain should’ve appeared as a slight discomfort. There are, however, a few devices here and there that could’ve caused that particular amount of pain. It wasn’t a normal knife that much is certain.”
“Devices...?”
“There are plenty of objects that can be used to test these reactions. I think it is most likely that the girl has one of those.”
“And how about the person she called her Angel?”
“I’d say that she has guidance from an angel. Most likely a rebel in some degree.”
“A rebel... Are there such things?”
“A few here and there. The Mother usually catches them quickly. Maybe we will be able to find this angel once we find this girl of yours.”
“I understand.”
“But now, the important thing. We have two choices. We can either have you undergo the treatment or not. Usually humans don’t get this choice, but since you have a moon name I can bend the rules a tiny bit.”
“But... Why wouldn’t I do it?”
“That’s the trick. If you get the treatment done, then you go back home and to Nanael, and eventually to your normal life. If you don’t, then you get to jump headfirst in the hell that is living an actual life.”
“An... Actual life?”
“You’ll feel pain when you are hurt. Eventually, this will cause the treatments to lose effectivity. And you will start wanting and needing.”
“I... Aren't the treatments necessary...?”
“They are necessary in order to experience Bliss. They aren’t necessary to live.”
“So it means that I will live... A different life, right?”
“Yes. It will change the strength of your feelings and your wants. It’s simply a normal thing, since the pain treatments also dampen human emotions.”
“But why... Why is this done?”
“Humans have destructive needs. Remember that girl? She needed to hurt you. Most of the irregulars answer to those emotions. You should remember quite well how the world was before, it’s written in all of your history books.”
“I do... There was war before this. I can’t imagine how a war could be...”
“This is why the treatments were developed. If no pain could be caused, then there would be no need to cause it. The dampening of the emotions is a secondary effect.”
“I understand...”
“Remember that the treatments are not mandatory. Humans are taking them on their own accord, and they are free of any substance that could cause addiction.”
“People prefer an easy life, is that what you mean?”
“Most of them, yes. When standing in your position, most humans will ask to get the treatment done.”

Celine couldn’t find an answer. She wanted to say that the humans deserved a chance, but they had it. She wanted to say that humans wouldn’t stand for this, but the truth was that until last week, she would’ve gladly underwent the treatment to go back to her easy life.

Were humans so stupid?

“Celine.” Elimiel smiled a little. “Humans are like children. They need guidance for some time, until they have learned the way. Then you can let go of their hand. That is why our leader is a Mother and not just any leader. She wants to show humanity that there can be a world made of peace and happiness.”
“And when will it be time to let go...?”
“That is a choice humans have to make themselves. One day, thei will rise against the Angels, and ask for their independency. That day, Angels will step aside.”
“That’s...”
“You want to say impossible, but the word should be improbable. Unlikely maybe. But not impossible. They just need to see that there is a larger world than the one they live in.”
“And how could that happen?”
“My personal opinion is that such a thing can only be achieved with the leadership of those who have renounced the treatments. Who knows, maybe you are one of those people?”
“Me? A leader?” Celine chuckled, quite unconvinced of that. “No, I don't think so. I can be part of a group, yes, but not a leader.”
“Maybe a group of leaders?”
“That sounds a little crazy... But more doable.”
“Then tell me, Celine. Will you take the treatment and run away, or will you face a new, possibly scary life?”
“I... Can I go back later?”
“You just want to cover all your bases, don’t you?” Elimiel’s body language said ‘amused’ all over as he leaned a litte forward to have a careful look at her.
“I don’t want to go back, I think. But I can’t be sure until I have gone forward with it.”
“Yes. You can always come back and ask for a treatment. We will gladly provide it.”
“I see...”
“But tell me, would you ask for it?”
“No. Not really. I like taking my choices until the end, and not go back in regret... But it is still important to know all the details before.”
“That’s a good answer.”
“I try.”
“So what is your answer?”
“This is good. I won’t get the treatment.”
“I’m glad.” Elimiel smiled, hopping from his sitting spot to get close to her. “Then I will need to mark you, is that fine?”
“Mark me...?”
“Well, so other Angels will know that you are not an irregular.”
“Oh. Will it hurt?”
“Not at all, and only Angels will be able to see it, so you can go on with your normal life.”
“Ah... That sounds great then.”
“Good.”

The Angel offered Celine a hand, and she took it. Elimiel took a careful look, and got closer to leave a small kiss on the back of her palm. He immediately let it go.

“It’s done.” He said, while Celine observed the hand critically. There was nothing different to see.
“Is that all?”
“Yes. I said it was painless and not visible. So don’t worry. If at any point any Angel happens to give you trouble, just show them your hand. They will know right away that you are under my protection.”
“All right, I got it.”
“So, are you up to helping us with the investigation, Celine?”
“I don’t mind... What can I do?”
“If you don't mind a bit of danger, I think I know exactly how to look for clues.”

Celine smiled at that. It was strange, how her life had taken such a sudden turn, but she didn’t really think it was bad. If anything, she was feeling the strangest, strongest sense of excitement.

“I’m listening.”


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NOTAS:

Bueno, nunca pense que fuera a llegar tan lejos. Sigo ultra atrasada.

Elimiel que diablos se suponia que eras un adulto todo bishie.

Saelel que diablos, porque eres todo hot.

Nanael andate a la mierda xD