Chapter seven! AT LAST.

[therealkaichan]

Chapter Seven
The Gate


Celine waited a day before making her way to the meeting place.

Either Elimiel was there (dealing with whatever strange thing he dealt) or someone was able to point her the right way. Things were going quite good, which Celine knew was a good signal. She was the kind of person who had chains of good things happen to her, and most times those chains ended up with a terrible thing happening in the end.

But there was so much time to go until the end, that she felt she was still safe.


Haziel was at the bar, as usual, and Celine smiled at her.
“If it isn’t miss Celine. You looked pretty terrible the other day.”
“I felt pretty terrible too.” She smiled.
“Well, you look better now, if it helps any.”
“It helps a little, yes.”
“Wonderful! So do I get you a drink, or are you looking for someone in particular?”
“I actually came to check if Elimiel was here. Imriel said he was skipping work.”
“Oh that’s the cute secretary, isn’t he? Well, he's right. Elimiel has been popping up here at work hours the last two or three days. I wonder if we can get the Mother to fire him.”
“I don’t think we can... But he’s not here now, right?”
“He is, but he’s seeing a customer. You know how it is.” Haziel shrugged. “He and his weirdos.”
“I can’t blame them... I mean, it’s really easy to lose your concentration with all the strange feelings. I... I’ve been feeling very different compared to before. I get angry easily, and I’ve started mistrusting others... And I think I’m becoming rude.”
“I’m sure that with time you will learn to control those things. The first months after the treatments stop are always the worse ones.”
“That’s true!” Elena chimed in, and Celine gave a jump. What was with people surprising her lately??
“Elena!” Celine stopped, taking a breath to calm her voice. “I didn’t see you arrive.”
“Surprise me.” She said, nodding. “But yes, what Haziel said is true. It’s really weird, and you get angry or scream or cry for no reason.”
“It hasn’t been that bad for me yet...”
“Let’s hope it won’t be, then.” Haziel grinned, filling a glass for Elena. “Elena was a mess for the longest time.”
“Don't tell her that!” Elena pouted, taking her glass.
“At least you got better.” Celine smiled, trying to help a little.
“I did. A lot better. But my angel helped more than you did, because you were mean to me, Haziel.”
“Well, being mean is pretty much my job. Especially for silly ones like you.”
“Now, there is no need to discuss so much, is there...?”
“Celine is right, stop being mean to me.” Elena nodded, and Haziel rolled her eyes.
“Being a crybaby will get you nowhere, Elena. You should learn to walk on your own, or you’ll end up in deep crap.”
“I’m not listening.” With that Elena moved away from the bar, getting lost deep into the place as she usually did.
“That was a little mean, Haziel...”
“She really needs to learn. That angel of hers will get her in trouble again, you hear me? And we won’t be able to do a thing, because she’s pretty much brainwashed.”
“Maybe you are right, but I’m not sure if telling her like that will help.”
“We don’t have forever, Celine. We are dealing with a human, a smart angel wouldn’t wait until she grew older and wiser.”
“I... I understand. Still, I think the fastest way would be to find who that angel is, don’t you think?”
“I agree, but I don't think Elena would be much help on that. She doesn’t have the slightest idea of who the angel is either, she just sees that angel in her dreams.”
“So the only thing we know is that the angel is someone who can appear in other people’s dreams... And that apparently she has been working on Elena’s case for years...”
“We also know the angel knows how to get here.”
“Yes, but if I tell that to the Mother she will ask where this place is...”
“It’s not as if she didn’t know.”
“Really? Then why doesn’t she do something?”
“As long as we don't harm any humans, the Mother won't bother us. So we are fine with her and she’s fine with us.”
“I see... I didn’t expect that.”
“She’s more tolerant than people think.”
“Clearly she is...”
“You know, Celine... Maybe you should ambush Elimiel before he comes out.”
“What...?”
“Exactly that. Go up, then two doors to the left. That’s Eli’s usual room, so you can wait outside and catch him before he goes out.”
“That does sound like a good plan. I’ll do that.”


Celine managed to regret her choice in less than five minutes, and that made her a little proud. It was like breaking a record. The noises from inside the room were the most awkward ever. A female voice was crying, but it sounded muffled. And then there was Elimiel’s voice, quietly, flatly, talking.

You are alone. Disgusting.

He’s probably with you out of pity.

You keep coming here, what would he say? How would your children live?

And then, came the screams. And a strange sound, Celine couldn’t quite point out. It sounded a bit like someone humming.

She was about to leave, far too uncomfortable with this to stay, when the voice fell silent. When Celine was considering getting closer to check, the door opened suddenly and a girl came out. Her eyes were red, her clothes in disarray and dirty, and her makeup was ruined, but she turned around and smiled.

“I’ll see you next week...!” She said before leaving, running.
“Take good care.” Came Elimiel’s voice from inside, and Celine couldn’t help but take a look.

The room was far more scary than she expected. It was small, with a small bed on the right side, a television right in front of it, and no windows. There was a small table, full of strange sharp utensils, and in the corner opposite to the bed some chains were on the foor, bathed in blood like the wall and the floor nearby.

In the corner closer to the door, there was a small sink, where Elimiel seemed to be washing his hands and some pointy instruments. Celine must have made some strangled noise, because the angel turned around to see her, his clothes bathed in blood as well, as he dried his hands with a towel.

“Celine.” He smiled. And she stepped back.
“What...?”
“It’s my room. I don’t know what you expected.”
“This is...”
“This is what I deal with.” Elimiel shrugged. “I got them into this hell of a ‘perfect’ life, so the least I can do is offer them rest from it.”
“Rest...? The things you told her... She was screaming...”
“Some of them like it when it’s both physical and mental. I’m glad to comply if it will help them calm down.”
“That’s...”
“Horrifying? More horrifying is living trapped in a fake happiness. There is not a day when I don't regret having helped create this huge lie.”
“This is not right... If you hate all of this... If you want to help them, why don’t you do something? Let them know, stop the treatments, anything...!”
“I can’t.”
“Why not? They need you! You know so much, you've been following so many of us during our whole lives... And yet you say you can only help by hurting them?”
“You are a child, Celine. Your eyes are closed, like a newborn’s.”
“Don’t give me that! I want a real explanation, a reason...!”
“I can’t. Physically can’t. Changing the world is something that cannot be done by these hands. It’s not a choice I made.”
“Then...”
“There is nothing else to say. I don't owe you or anyone any explanations. I will continue dealing, while a better answer appears. One with actual chances of succeeding.”

Celine looked at the angel as he carefully finished cleaning the instruments and leaving them on the table. She frowned. Did he really regret this world so much? She loved it, even if it felt strange, artificial. She loved her family, her friends and her Counselor. She loved the people she had met... She even loved this weird, strange angel who insisted that he could only show love by hurting those he liked.

And she wanted them to have a real life. One that wasn’t a lie. After all, even if that lie had taken them there, there was no need to keep on believing it, right?

“If there is nothing else you need, Celine, please leave so the next one can come in.” The angel’s voice was strange. Maybe a little shaken.
“Let me try.” Celine’s tone was absolutely different now. She knew she had to do this. “I think I know an answer, so let me try...!”
“An answer...?” Elimiel frowned, looking at her. “Tell me about it.”
“Listen... The other day I had a talk with Nanael...”
“Wait. Wait before that, I think that closing the door is best.”
“But... I’d rather not talk in this room.”
“It’s because it’s a mess, isn’t it? Let me clean up. It will take just a second.” He said with a small gesture of his hand. Just like that, the blood was gone, and everything was into place. Celine sighed. She had seen more angelic magic in this week than in her whole life. “All done, now come in.”
“Fine.” Celine went into the room, closing the door and resting her back there. “I’d still prefer to stay here.”
“I don’t mind. Now tell me about Nanael.”
“She... Talked to me about a way to stop the machines.”
“It means she would need a workaround for the need of the Mother’s code.”
“She says she has something... Something she got from a contact on the other side of some Gate.”
“Really.” Elimiel frowned. “Does she really believe that?”
“Yes. She said she could do it... But that she can’t go across the gate.”
“Of course. An angel crossing the gate would be far too obvious.” The angel chuckled, moving to sit on the bed. “The Guardian would notice, since for angels the Gate should be a one way road... So she wants you to cross it, am I right?”
“Yes... She said I could cross it.”
“If you get a permit.” Elimiel laughed.
“Right. That’s why I came here...”
“So... Nanael says she has a shot at disabling the machines... That’s a first. I never heard any angel make that kind of big promises.”
“I... I feel like I don't know enough to judge that. Do you think she’s lying?”
“She could be, or she could be telling the truth... Nanael was close to the Mother years ago. She may have learned something the rest of us didn’t.”
“She was close to her...? Then why does she want to stop this?”
“Maybe she has come to disagree with the order like I did?” Elimiel said, a little thoughtful.
“But what if she has another plan? One we don't understand?”
“If she does, then we must be ready to counter it. But if she doesn’t, if she truly wants to stop the machines, then there will be no problem, and if she doesn’t then we must act right away.”
“We...?”
“If I’m signing this thing, I’m going to be supervising this.”
“All right... I suppose having someone with actual experience around is a good idea.” Celine smiled. “And warning the Mother is also easier.”
“You do realize that as soon as we warn her, you’ll be considered a traitor, right?”
“Yes. I understand that much... And I would prefer not to be, but I will assume my responsibility if I have to.”
“It’s better not to expect any mercy. The Mother does have a soft spot for humans, but this may as well be the end of your life, Celine.”
“I accept that. I’m ready. If I can make a change for everyone... Then it’s fine.”
“You are far too kind, child.”
“I’m a child of this world, Elimiel. All my life I was told that being kind was the right thing to do, and after all of this I’ve come to believe that this particular thing wasn’t a lie.”
“Then let me write up that permit.. And let’s play Nanael’s game for a little.”

Elimiel moved to the desk, and with a small wave of his hand, summoned a sheet of paper. He wrote for a moment, with what appeared to be an invisible pen, rolled it and offered it to her.
“I can only give you a tiny bit of time. More than that would be far too notorious, and we don’t want the Mother finding out about this.”
“Got it. I’ll tell Nanael.”
“Then go, child. Remember that only the Guardian should be allowed to touch this. Anyone else will have a bad day. Take good care.”
“I will.”

Celine looked at the paper in her hand. It was rolled up, and sealed with a small wax seal. From her time working in the central office, she had learned that this was the most important official method of exchanging information. She knew that the seals could only be opened by the person the letters were addressed to.

As she made her way home, Celine couldn’t help but frown. She wouldn’t call Nanael. Not yet... She had one more person she wanted to speak to.


The next morning, she skipped class. Nobody would give it much though, and she really needed to see Saelel. She made her way to her Transformation Centered, and went straight to the Automated Reception System.

“Welcome, miss Celine. Do you have an appointment?” She paused. That voice... She was pretty sure she had heard it somewhere that was not just in the Center... Well, there was no time for that, so she shook her head.
“I do not.” She answered.
“Thank you. Do you wish to make an appointment, or is this an emergency?”
“I want to see my Counselor.”
“Thank you. Counselor Saelel is available at the moment. Do you wish to meet him now?”
“Yes, please.”
“Thank you. Counselor Saelel will meet you 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, 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, making her way to the elevator, and asking the automated system to take to the third floor. She felt like centuries had passed since the last time she had taken this route, and in a way she was right. Her eyes went to the room number and she took a deep breath before knocking.
“Please come in.”
Celine opened the door and took a look inside. Seeing her Counselor in his usual seat, reading his notes, was a direct trip to the past. How many years had she seen that exact same image when entering his office? It was always so comforting to know that she could talk to him, that he wouldn’t be angry at her if she had strange thoughts... She couldn’t help but smile.
“Hello, Saelel...”
“Miss Celine, it has been a while, I was worried about you. Are you well?”
“It’s... Strange. Can I come in?”
“Of course. Take a seat.”
Celine closed the door and walked to her usual seat. She took her usual place, and smiled at her Counselor. He smiled back, that smile that had helped her calm down so many times before.
“Saelel... Do you think I’m weird?”
“Of course not. There is not such thing as ‘weird’. We are all unique, some are just more unique than others.”
“Do you really think that, or is it just what you were taught to say?” Her voice was barely a whisper, and Saelel frowned, worry over his usually calm features.
“I truly think so.”
“Did you always think like that?”
“No. When I was younger, I used to put all kinds of labels on people. But working as a Counselor taught me that there were all kinds of people, and that none are truly ‘weird’, because ‘normal’ is something we made up.”
There was a moment of silence, in which Celine looked at the office in silence. She didn’t trust her brain to correctly process the words she wanted to say, but she still spoke.
“You... You were always my favorite person. You always knew what to say to make me feel better... Even now you do, after I have changed so much.”
“You haven’t changed at all, Celine, not where it matters. You are still strong and kind as you always were.”

There was a long moment of silence. Celine’s eyes fell on Saelel's figure, and she wondered what he was thinking. Why he saw her as strong when she saw herself as a bit of a lost idiot. He always managed to see the best of her, even when she couldn't see it herself.

“Saelel... Would you still like me if I did something horrible?”
“Why would you do such a thing?”
“To help others...”
“Then I wouldn’t stop liking you. You are dear to me, I have seen you grow since you were barely a child... And knowing that you are trying your best to help others will always make me really proud.”
“I’m glad... I promise I’ll try my best Saelel.”
“Never forget what I always told you, you have doubts, but doubting is not a sin as long as in the end you let your heart find the right way.”
“I know. I’m happy you still like me.”
“And I’m happy you still came to me for counsel.” Saelel smiled, and Celine couldn’t help but return the gesture.
“I... I should be going now.”
“Be careful, Celine... And if you need a word of advice, I’ll be always here, no matter what you do.”
“Thank you...”

Celine came out of the office with the strangest feeling. She hadn’t exactly said goodbye as she had intended to do in the first place, but she did feel a little better now. As she walked back home, she knew she was ready for what was to come next.

And so, as soon as she got home, she pushed the button.
“I never expected you to use the button so fast.”
“That’s because you didn't expect me to be absolutely perfect, and get the permit in two days.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me, really?”
“Of course. Here it is.” Celine smiled, showing Nanael the small scroll.
“Wow. Wow girl! That’s so badass! How did you even get sour face to collaborate that fast?”
“I guilt tripped him.”
“Wow. That’s mean.”
“I do what I have to do, Nanael... And having this means I’m ready.”
“If you are ready to go, then I’m ready to go. I’ll let my contact know on the way there.”
“Elimiel said he could only give me a little time. I’m not sure how much it is, but it isn’t much.”
“I see. I’ll tell him to hurry.”
“Fine. Then I’m ready to go.”
“Good. Listen well, my contact will catch you on the other side of the door. For your own good, I recommend that you don’t leave the room where the door is. The other side is complicated and not exactly kind to humans from outside.”
“Understood. Any last advice?” Celine walked up to Nanael.
“The guardian on the demon side is a weirdo. Don’t spend more time there than the completely necessary.”

Next thing she knew, Nanael’s hand was on her shoulder and she was in a completely different place, and apparently it was winter. She wondered if maybe asking for some company before crossing, or maybe even asking Elimiel to follow her, would have been a good idea. Hell, even a coat. Nanael could've told her.
Celine frowned and sighed. No instructions at all, but at least there was only one door in sight. That made things a little easier.

She knocked once, twice, and got no answer. She knocked a third time before trying to open and finding that the door was not locked. She looked inside, and only found one person, a young man, probably not much older than her with green eyes who was reading a book while calmly sitting in a chair.
She noticed, with much suprise, that he wasn’t wearing white. He was a human.
“Excuse me?”
“Please, come in, you must be freezing.”
“Thank you...” She muttered, quickly making her way in. She was freezing all right.
“Is there anything I can help you with? Do you need anything warm to drink?”
“No, I’m fine. I... I just need to cross the Gate.”
There was a moment of silence, in which the young man looked at her before nodding.
“Do you have a permit, miss? I will need to review it.”
“I do. It’s here.” She smiled, offering the paper, and the man smiled at her as he moved to the small desk in the room to check the scroll.

It was a tiny room, one so tiny that Celine felt a little worried about the man. Did he really live here with only those books? And wasn’t this place far too tiny? But there was a bed, and a small kitchen, and it looked like he really never went out of the place, even if it was really clean all around.
“Miss Celine, I’ve checked your papers and everything is in place.” The man gave her the scroll back, with a polite smile in his features. “As it says there, I will open the Gate for fifteen minutes so you can run your errand. If you are not back by then, I’m afraid I will have to close with you on that side.”
“I understand. I’ll be here faster than that, thanks.”
“Then let me open...”

It was Celine's first time seeing a gate between dimensions, so she wasn’t sure if it was really something impressive or not, but the fact that it had only taken one movement of the hand to make this one still felt really wonderful.
On the empty wall there was a shiny rectangle. It was in a way a little underwhelming, with all the drama around the Gate and the Guardians, Celine had half expected the thing to be a huge heavily decorated door instead of this, but well.
“It’s so tiny.”
“We appreciate the simplicity. A much too large door would be notorious, don’t you think?”
“Oh. That makes sense.” And it was better than thiking any silly ideas.
“I’ll start counting now. Please be safe.”
“All right!”

It was time. Celine took a deep breath and stepped into the light.



Grey eyes greeted her on the other side, and with them a man, older than her and than the guardian of the other side. It took Celine a moment to realize he was looking to the door and not to her, and she felt a little relieved. It was then that he turned to her.

His skin was very white, as if he rarely saw the light of day, and the expression on his eyes scared her a little... It was as if he were dead. A man who wanted nothing... And yet he had looked so different just a few seconds previous, when he was looking at the door. Celine frowned, she didn’t have time to get entertained with this.
“Hi.” She smiled, a mix of politely and awkwardly.
“Hello. I need your papers.”
“O-oh.” Celine quickly offered him the scroll and stood very very still while he checked it. The man offered her the paper back, and checked his clock.
“Good. You have thirteen minutes left. Do whatever you need to do.”

The man moved then, to stand between the door and Celine, and in response she took a few steps, to get out of the way and to take a look around. The room was larger than the portal room on her home dimension, and the Gate did definitely look a lot more like she expected it to. Huge and very ornate. And incredibly intimidating. But somehow not more intimidating than the Guardian’s blank stare.

“Has your Gate aways been this large?”
There was a moment of silence, and Celine thought that maybe she had made a stupid question, well, stupider than any other question she could have come up with, but suddenly the man answered.
“It has been like this since I remember.”
“Oh... The one on the other side is much smaller...”
“Is it.”
More silence. Celine sighed.
“I’m waiting for someone. I was told not to go outside.” She clarified, so the Guardian wouldn't feel suspicious of her still being there.
“I see.”
Even more silence. The Guardian probably hated her.
“Is it... Fine for me to wait here? I don't really know the reglament...”
“It’s fine.”
“Oh! Thanks. I’m relieved.”
Silence.

Had she done something wrong? Was she being annoying? It really wasn't her intention she just thought that maybe some conversation would help the time pass. Was everyone on this side of the gate so creepy? And what was up with these gates anyway?

She should have asked Nanael or Elimiel about that. Why would anyone have a gate to another world on their world? How did the worlds even work? And where the hell was Nanael’s damn contact anyway? She wanted to leave this place quickly before the Guardian tried to murder her for trying to make conversation.

Well, at least she could take a look at the room without angering him, hopefully. It was pretty large, which made sense because of the larger door. On one side of the room there was a desk, with some writing tools and white sheets of paper, right by the table there was a big lamp, and moving a little further a bed and a bookshelf. On the other side...

“Ten minutes.” The Guardian said, and Celine jumped on her place, startled.
“Thanks...” Celine nodded, and then frowned. “I haven’t introduced myself yet.”
“I know your name.”
“O-oh... But...”
“Your name is in the papers.” He pointed out.
Celine sighed.
“I feel really stupid.”
“I can see why.”
“I’m... Used to talking to people. Back on the other side of the Gate everyone is really chatty... Even the quieter ones.”
“Are they?”
“Yes... That’s why I was trying to make conversation. I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”
“How about the guardian?”
“Huh...?”
“Is the guardian on the other side like that?”
“He was really nice to me... We didn’t have much time to talk, but he seems to be really kind.”
“I see.”
“Have you ever talked to him...?”
“We can’t.”
“Oh... No wonder you are curious. Well, when I knocked he was worried because it was really cold outside, and he even offered me a warm drink. If I had known I would’ve stayed a little more to see what I could tell you.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why would you lose your time in that?”
“Why not? If I can do something for someone why wouldn’t I do it?”
“You get nothing of it.”
“That’s weird.” Celine smiled. “I help because it’s the right thing to do. I don't need any rewards.”
“That’s strange.”
“Maybe it is for you... Each person is really different.”
“You have eight minutes.”
“I hope that person gets here soon... I don't want to get you or the nice guardian on the other side in trouble.”
“I will close the gate on time. The only one to get in trouble will be you.”
“Oh... That’s true I guess. Depressing, but true. So... Do you mind talking a little more?”
“I don’t particularly care.”
“I guess that stands for an okay. So. What do you usually do here?”
“I guard the door.”
“I made another stupid question, didn’t I?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, let’s make an easier one. A non stupid one.” Celine paused, taking a moment to think. “What is your name? I gave you mine already... Or tried, but then realized I had given you a paper with it.”
“Attis.”
“That’s a nice name...”
“Is it.”
“I guess. It must have a special meaning if it was chosen for you.”
“I wouldn't know.”
“Then... Let me think another smart question... Oh. What’s your favorite color? I like blue.”
“Green.”
“That’s... Unexpected. With how much black and white you have here.”
“I don't get to decorate. This is not a recreation room.”
“It makes sense... I wonder if the other Guardian gets to decorate his room...”
“I wouldn’t know.”
There was a moment of silence, and Celine frowned.
“I wonder when that person is getting here.”
“This is not an easy place to find.”
“It sounded like the person knew how to get here... Maybe I should have waited a little more before crossing, to give them more time?”
“Impunctuality is quite common.”
“Hopefully it’s not just that...” There was a pause and Celine smiled. “You have a lot of books here. Do you like reading?”
“Yes.”
“It’s good to pass time, right? I used to read a lot before my life went crazy... I also watched some television.”
“Television?”
“You don’t have those?” Celine blinked, a quick look to the room revealing that while they had no television, there was a radio on a small table. “But you have radio, right?”
“We do.”
“Television is like the radio but it also sends pictures. It’s pretty fun.”
“I see.”
“We have some really interesting shows too, they...”

The door to the room opened, and Celine turned around. The light coming from outside was almost blinding, and it was then that she realized exactly how dark this room was. A man came in, or at least Celine guessed it was a man by his way of walking since he was covered in a heavy cloak and hood, and carefully left a small black bag on top of the desk, before leaving without a word, just as he had arrived.

Celine barely managed to say ‘thank you’ before the man closed the door on his way out. She sighed, turning to the Guardian.
“All this waiting and he didn't even say hi...”
“He looked like a busy person.” Attis seemed thoughtful, which was probably the most important reaction Celine had seen from him since arriving.
“And weird and a little impolite. But I guess I can’t ask much. At least he came on time...”
“Six minutes.” The Guardian replied, and Celine made quick way to the desk to take the small bag. It was made of a nice velvety fabric, and closed with a black silken rope.
“All right, here we are I’m done now. Thanks a lot for putting up with me, Attis.”
“You are welcome.”
Celine smiled, looking at the huge door.
“Maybe someday I’ll get to take a look at your world... If I get to come back, I promise I’ll bring you more news from the other Guardian.”
“Thank you.” Attis replied, and although it sounded more like an automatic response than a real thanks, Celine knew the man would be thankful if it really happened.
“Then I’m leaving.” She smiled, walking closer and waiting for the man to allow her to pass. The Guardian took a few steps to the side, but as soon as Celine started walking he called out to her.
“Wait.”
“Am I missing something...?” She frowned, she was pretty sure that she hadn’t done anything wrong.
“Just wait.”

The guardian stepped away from the door, and to the table. He took one of the closed books, opened, and after scribbling what seemed to be a note, he slipped a paper in the middle of it. He went back to his position quickly, with the book on his hands.
“Can I ask you to run an errand for me?”
“Of course! Just tell me what you need.”
“Give this to the other Guardian.” He said giving her the book. “Don’t open it.”
“Got it. I’ll give it to him right away!” Celine nodded, taking the book carefully with her free hand. “Is there anything else you need? I still have a few minutes.”
“No, this is good. Go.”
“Okay. Thanks, and I’ll see you soon.”

Celine took a last look to the strange man and to the huge room, and smiled. It had been a crazy adventure, hadn’t it? The kind of thing that months before she would have never imagined could happen. And she really liked it, even if she would have liked to take a look to the other world.

As she crossed the door, however, she had the impression that this wouldn’t be the last time she got to hear or see that different world.

When the light from the door in her side of the world subsided, Celine found a huge canvas ahead of her. She blinked a few times, and looked around to find that it was the same small room, she just had managed to miss this because it was against the opposite wall to where she had been looking the first time. It looked unfinished, but pretty impressive, and she wondered if the nice Guardian was the one working on it.

“Welcome back.” The soft voice of the young man greeted her and she smiled. “Hopefully your small trip wasn’t too complicated.”
“No, not at all! I’m sorry for taking so long, the other person took a bit more to arrive”
“It’s good, you came back with time to spare.”
“That’s great... Ah! I almost forgot!” Celine smiled, getting closer to the younger Guardian. “I have this for you. It’s from the Guardian on the other side!”
“I see... Thank you.” He smiled, taking the book Celine was offering him. “I feel a little bad about having you make errands like you.”
“Oh no, it’s fine! It must be really complicated, having to wait for people to cross in order to send things.”
“It is, a bit, but we both have responsibilities that are very important, so we don’t mind.”
“I understand that. Every job is important, but yours seems to be super important... Ah... I just realized I forgot to introduce myself! I’m so sorry!”
“It’s fine, I forgot as well.” He smiled. “My name is Darius.”
“And I’m Celine, though you probably saw that one in the papers too.”
“Right, but an introduction is always a good way to greet a first time acquaintance.”
“That's true!” She laughed, somehow relieved that there were still polite people in the world. “But I should be going, I don’t want to give you trouble.”
“Please, take good care Celine.”
“I will. We’ll meet again, I’m sure. If you need any errands then, I’ll run them.”
“Be safe.” The Guardian smiled, warmly, and Celine smiled back, making her way to the door.
“You too, Darius.”


------------


Notes:

DONE. FUCKING DONE.

I'll probably come back and edit a whole damn lot of this crap when we actually sit and make detailed gate rooms and when both novels are done.

That's what january is for.

Kthxbye.

PS: Michael pls.

Comments

[carricklysmic]

ATTIS.

I'm here, alone in the living room, laughing like an idiot with Att.

ALSO, IS NANAEL'S CONTACT LIO? BECAUSE I'M SURE A SCENE WITH BOTH WOULD CRACK ME UP.

[therealkaichan]

Attis the special snowflake XDDD

AND RE: CONTACT. We can decide that after we are done. maybe plot for crossover? :P