The rebels made me put the bombs on the ground, and when I pointed out how that might not be a very good idea, they ignored me.

"This is not good." One of the rebels kept saying a variation of this phrase. "This will not do."

I had to think of something to explain why I was walking around with ten explosives cradled in my arms, and after a half minute of sincere attempts, I went ahead and told them the truth: Kelsey was planning to kill them all.

"If it helps, I moved all the bombs. Most of them are still in near the shell of the city, by the way, and I'd really suggest moving them or else risk wrecking the dome."

"Bouquet's not going to like this."

"Bouquet's here?"

"No. He's going to be pissed..."

"Can you tell me if my sisters are okay? Their names are-"

"No."

"No?"

"We're not here to do you any favors."

"I, um... just want to make sure-"

"This is serious." The rebel corrected. The other rebel had yet to speak, but every so often he'd look at me and narrow his eyes.

They led me through the barricade and into the hospital, through a crowd of concerned medical personnel and into a small, 'restricted access' hallway. It appeared to mostly be a shortcut, though it did pass by morgue. At then end were a couple of conference rooms. We went to one that had been designated for yoga. Bouquet, as well as about seven other people, were sitting in a little circle of yoga mats.

One of the assembled waved at me.

The rebel who led me here barked a word in angelic and quickly saluted. "We found this man in our borders, armed with many small weapons."

"Bombs." The other rebel contributed.

"And he has threatened us! He says Kelsey Ashe is planning to kill us all."

"Well?" Bouquet asked me.

"I was removing them from the foundation, basically saving your lives." I said. "Look, I'm only doing this because I don't want my sisters to come to any harm, not out of any loyalty to your cause. And see? I just admitted that, instead of playing like I'm some double crosser. I'm not fond of either side, to be honest... but definitely not you."

"Double crossing might have been a better idea." Bouquet was a strange looking guy, reminiscent of a cartoon character themed around birds, with a sharp nose and small eyes. His short platinum blond hair had several faded streaks of color in it, I suppose as part of an effort to more resemble his namesake.

"I'm just being honest. Can I please see my sisters? And also, finish moving the bombs before they destroy something important?"

"We'll have to send people out to verify your claims. Until then, you'll have to stay here supervised."

"As long as here is within the limits of this hospital, fine. I just need to track down my sisters." I said. "You know your presence here in this hospital is putting a lot of innocents at risk?"

Bouquet sighed. "Come with me." He stood up and stretched his legs.

I followed him out of the room and into the morgue.

"What is it." I said.

"I don't like being here." Bouquet leaned on the observation table. "I don't want to be in this hospital either. I keep telling the others 'this isn't justice', and 'this is no good'- but they're the ones with the weapons."

"This is a fusion group, right?"

"Precisely. I have more name-brand recognition than Pinesalt, so I'm the acting leader. But he, and his group, are truly in charge. I'm with the Banes, if you recall. We want justice for all, proper trials for all those who broke the law. Pinesalt's group wants upheaval. They're Heaven-reclaimists, separationists who want... well, you know."

"If you don't like their actions, why are you still with them?"

"Because I like my actions. The plan is that, after the revolution, the Banes and our demon allies take over Hell while Pinesalt reclaims Heaven." Bouquet jumped up on the table and laid down on his back. "But this hospital thing is very unrighteous. I hope it isn't a war crime, or else the whole Banes is going to look very silly."

"Move then." I said. "Look, I have to get my sisters and get going. This stuff really isn't something I care to meddle in. Can you just clear me to leave?"

"We do have the bomb thing to clear up."

"Sure. Okay. It doesn't take very long to look at them, confirm they are incendiary devices, nod, and move them to somewhere less dangerous." I said. "I have things to do."

"Yeah. Go ahead. What do your sisters look like?"

"One of them is short with long, super curly hair, other one is a little taller with even curlier hair. They look like they might vaguely be midd- they have light brown skin."

"I've seen them around, yes. Check the cafeteria." Bouquet sat up and leapt off the table. "I will also take your advice. I am unsure we can leave this hospital without the military shooting us dead, but I do not want to do these things that I do not want."

"I'm... glad to hear that, man. I'm going to go."

"Good luck."

"Yeah..." I left, walking quickly in case Bouquet decided to approach me in the hallway. I had only a little bit against the guy, but he did have that weird, alien feeling about him that a lot of angels had. Just gave off a vague sense of unease.

The cafeteria was right around the corner from the morgue, a long space that had been equipped with a large number of windows despite being ground level and facing a narrow alleyway.

I could recognize Ria and Adeline at most distances, and I had to hold back to from running up to them. I had been worried for them, but never really feared- I never really believed anything until I saw it with my own eyes, and even if this building had collapsed with them inside, I'd have a hard time trusting they were dead until someone dragged me to their charred bodies.

But god, they were alive now. Adeline caught sight of me from a distance and tapped Ria on the shoulder, who immediately got up and ran towards me.

I caught her in a hug. Adeline caught up with her sister and I hugged her too.

"Does this mean we're free to go?" Ria asked.

"It means I got caught. But maybe. Let's find out." I said. "How are you two?"

"Bored!" Ria said. "They trampled up and locked us in, and that's about it. The food sucks here too."

"How was your time with Moll?"

"Fine." Adeline said. "It's only been a few hours."

"It feels a lot, lot longer."

"Maybe for someone who's actually been doing things." Ria said. "Let's get out of here and do something exciting."

"You guys nearly died, you know. The government's plan was to blow this place up."

"Awesome!"

"No."

"We're safe now, though, right?" Adeline asked.

"Hopefully. We should head to Earth, just to be safe."

"Aw, Earth's boring." Ria complained.

We had left the cafeteria and were walking quietly towards the exit. It would be impossible to sneak past security, but just in case we were whispering.

A couple of rebels were hanging around the water cooler in the lobby, and they eyed us cautiously as we walked to the doors.

"Just getting some fresh air." I said, trying to wave off their gazes. Ria giggled suspiciously.

Outside, the barrier guards did not regard us positively. "Head back inside." One of them approached us, gun drawn.

I put my hands up. "Had Bouquet spoken to you? He said he said I was clear to go."

"Who are you?"

"Blake Last."

"Who are you?"

"Uh. A double agent?"

"I don't believe you."

"Okay." I backed off, and gestured for Ria and Adeline to follow.

"How're we going to get past?" Ria whispered excitedly.

"Uh, we're not. Bouquet sort of said he'd try and let me go, but I don't know if that's actually true."

"Are you really a double agent?" Adeline asked.

"No. But I was really thinking that'd work."

"I have an idea!" Ria exclaimed. I put a hand on her head and pushed her down.

"No, you don't. We're going to sit down and talk this through, like adults, with Bouquet. Politely. There's a chance we won't be able to leave for a while, and since the bombs are gone, that's okay."

"Or..." Ria wiggled out from under my palm. "You just turn into a hell wolf and break out of here! We can ride your back, like cool princesses, and we'll be-"

"You'd get shot."

"Come on, shooting small kids like us on the back of a giant, leaping dog? That's impossible, and you'll be out of range in seconds."

"Yeah. I'm ashamed to admit you're right."

"Live a little, Blake." Ria nodded. Even Adeline seemed excited at the prospect. Though it did seem fairly impossible, I was still concerned they'd get shot. We went back inside, to the small empty corridor where Bouquet's meeting room was. There, I shifted over and lay on the ground. Ria and Adeline climbed onto my back, and I could see how this might be a viable transport method. There was plenty of room to hang onto, and my metaphysical fur was thick and curly enough that the both of them could flatten down and be nearly hidden.

I would probably get shot, as I hadn't reminded Ria, but whatever. That was part of my existence now.

I bounded out of the little-too-short hallway and into the lobby, my claws skidding on the floor as I tried to hurry through. The rebels there scattered, some searching for weapons, but then I was gone- I smashed through the plastic glass of the doorway, closing my eyes as the harmless shards fell onto my fur. I bounded ahead, leaping forward instead of merely running, hoping to make for a hard target.

My mere presence worked in my favor, the guards too surprised by my sudden appearance that it took a moment for them to start firing.

But by then I was over the barricade and down the street, taking the first curved road I could out of their sights.

Ria whooped with delight. "Fucking incredible!"

I turned back into a human, causing her and Adeline to fall onto the street.

"Oof. Give some warning." Ria said.

"Watch your language." I scolded. "And sorry, Adeline. You did nothing wrong."

"Where are we heading next?" Ria asked, dusting off her shirt. "Don't say Earth or I'm going to make a run for it."

"I need to get you two somewhere safe, aka Earth. I know it's not fun or exciting, but it also isn't seriously deadly. You would not want to stay if this was a war torn Earth country."

"No, but that's exactly the point. These are angels and demons! It's like a worse version of one of my young adult books. All I'm missing is a hot, over powered love interest with a tortured past."

"Your books are shit." Adeline said in the sweet, meek voice of hers.

"Hey Ade, remember when I apologized for having to throw you off my back? I take that back. I see now the pain was a preemptive punishment for your sins."

"Swearing isn't a sin." Ria said.

"What would God say if he could hear you now, Ria?" I said.

"God can't hear me when I'm in Hell!" Ria proclaimed.

I laughed and smiled. It felt like the first time in a long time. "Look, we're heading north. This city isn't safe, but if I somehow can't convince you of that, I have one person I can think of where you might be safe."

"Who?" Ria demanded, clearly ready for my answer.

"Manuela Avila. But I can't guarantee anything. She's just the only person I can think of who isn't part of this civil war."

"Yes!" Ria jumped a little bit into the air. "She's so cool."

"You barely know her, so I'm not sure how you can say that so confidently."

"That's my trick, Blake. I'm always confident," Ria said, "Besides, she's my fake mom."

"Fake mom!" Adeline said. Ria repeated herself, and soon the two were joined in an enthusiastic chant.

"Don't call her that to her face."

"She knows what she is," Ria cackled.

Mannie was, as predicted, thoroughly displeased when we finally arrived where she was staying. I wasn't happy either. It had taken a lot of running around between people, asking everyone left in the central meeting building and the two apartments next door until someone could point me in her direction. The sky was still blazingly sunny, but it was late at night.

I had been planning to talk with her, but by the time I was walking down the hall to- well, I suppose it figured- Michael's apartment, I was set to ignore her words and just crash on her couch.

That roughly occurred. She frowned, I was frowning, and before half an hour had passed I was laying on the couch, Ria and Adeline sprawled out on the gross carpeted floor.

We didn't properly talk until the next morning. I was staring at the TV, hesitant to turn it on, while the girls continued to doze on the floor. Mannie walked in without a sound, for what felt like the first time not wearing a button down shirt.

"Where'd you sleep last night?" I asked without thinking.

"The bed." It wasn't a huge concept- Michael hadn't been home at all yet. But I could tell by her glance that she knew what implications came to mind. "Not like that! God, do you know me at all? He has a wide bed. Sometimes we share it. I'm not even comfortable calling him a friend."

"Why are you here then? Why not stay with Alexander?"

"Because Alex knows me. Look, Blake, you ever heard of a Wendy syndrome?"

I shook my head.

"I don't like the idea of it, from the silly name to the concept that I might have it. But... I do have the need to try and fix things. I look at Michael and all I remember is liking him, and how sometimes things were good. And even though he's changed, I still only think of the beginning."

"Why is it called the 'Wendy complex'?"

"You ever heard of Peter Pan?"

"Mannie, how is that a legitimate question you're asking me?" I said. "Oh. Man. So he's your lost boy then?"

"Never growing up." She sighed. "I'm pathetic."

"I'm worse."

Mannie faintly smiled. "Don't be the kind of person who always tries to out do others in terms of suffering. It's lame. And I don't want you to be lame."

"Best thing I've heard in a while." I said. "Thanks."

"Listen." Mannie stepped over Ria and Adeline, and sat cross legged on the couch facing me. "Blake, I like you a lot. But I think if we spend too much time together, you'd find that... you don't care much for me. So it's for the best that we don't even bother, this time around."

"What?"

"Leave the kids. Do your thing. Let's exchange minimal words from here on out."

"Mannie, you really need to stop apologizing for something I'll never remember, and really don't care about. I think I like you, know, and I don't know what horrible secret- worse than all your childhood stalking- could possibly turn me away at this point. If you don't want to spend time with me, fine. But stop acting like it's because of me."

"See? this is part of it."

"Mannie." I sighed and shook my head. "I'm coming back. And we're going to grab lunch somewhere, and chill, and neither of us is going to hate it. I know that. I promise that."

"We'll see."

"And what is this 'thing' I'm supposed to go do? I'm going to check the news, and then I'm going to wait here until things have calmed down. Fleeing due to a violent uprising is not out of the question, though I do seem to be good with the leader of half the rebellion."

Mannie didn't respond.

"Finally, you two stop speaking." Ria said loudly. "No mind for those of us trying to sleep. Just no mind at all."

I flickered between the channels on the TV, all of them either warnings or static. I turned the TV off again and stared at the blank screen.

My phone felt heavy, even if it was in my bag. The presence of it, the knowledge of its existence, weighed my heart down.

All was fine.

This was obviously a lie, but I needed to keep myself going somehow.

I reached for my bag and dug out my phone, calling Micky once again. He did not pick up.

His apartment was in this building. I still had the key. If I was going to keep pretending he waiting there, phone-less, I probably would have to avoid going there forever.

If I went to Earth and moved to Canada, the room would become like box of potential. Alive or dead. Either ways, he was sealed up underground.

"I'm going to stop by the meeting building-"

"Casper." Mannie interjected.

"-Casper, as no one ever calls it, and see what's going on." I got up and left. It was just a short ride down to the ground level, a short walk to the main building, and than another ride up again. I took a quick peek outside as I traveled, somewhat contented that there weren't any bodies in the square outside and that the air was silent.

Stay inside, the sky continued to warn. But behind it, a soft sunlight had been allowed to come through, a semi-darkness to help maintain the morning.

No one seemed to be in the usual meeting rooms, so I found a directionally and started seeking out personal offices. Still nothing. I don't think I had seen a single person by the time I gave up my hunt and returned back to the apartment.

"Nothing." I said, plopping onto the couch. Adeline and Ria were now both up, but looked utterly bored, flipping through the children's books Michael had in his apartment.

"That's very specific." Mannie said. "If no one's home, have you tried calling?" She pointed to a wall mounted phone, which Michael had used to hang up a couple of tank tops.

"Uh, I don't really know anyone's number." I said. I actually did still have Christina's number in my cell, but I think it might've been her home phone- anyways, I wasn't a big phone of talking on the phone, so I had elected to avoid trying.

"I'm very good with numbers. Call Alexander." Mannie stood up, standing next to me. She told me his number, and I dialed.

Nothing. Mannie raised her eyebrows, perhaps legitimately surprised but looking sarcastically so.

"What should we do?"

"No need to drag me into this, but... just head out there. You're a hellhound now."

"You're immortal!"

"You don't need me, Blake. It's okay."

"Mannie? I don't care." I swallowed. My throat was feeling very dry. When was the last time I had a drink? "I'll head out. Keep the kids safe, at every cost."

"You be safe too." Mannie said.

"Don't bother hoping."