Kalec lead his entourage into a large room of dark red drapes and carpets. The guards at the doorway were quite wary about Kira's presence from the fight minutes earlier. In the center of the room was a large mahogany table with gold trip surrounded by large metal chairs with maroon cushions. He moved around to the head of the table where an even large chair stood with great decoration and details of gold. As he sat in the chair Alies and Kira seated to his left while Kyia and Haven at his right.

“So, who wants to start first about what is going on here?” Kalec asked as he looked around the room still dressed in his battle armor.

“I believe I can answer many of your questions, King,” Ailes said.

Kalec looked over at the angel and the wings upon his back with a slight disposition. “Go ahead.”

“What we're in the middle of is a carefully planned series of events to begin the end of human kind on these lands dating back thousands of years ago. There was a period of time where the seraphim were at war with each other, called the Time of Divinity. It was during this time that the council of our people who lived peacefully with humans was besieged by those who wanted the seraphim the only High Race in this world. They called themselves the Licentious.

“The war was a long and tenacious one. The council did the best they could to starve off the attacks on their kingdom while preventing the loss of life on the humans as well but the attacks became more and more deadly as the years passed on. The humans as a whole couldn't defend themselves properly, but the seraphim did all they could to preserve their life.

“One day during a great battle at a human settlement, Kemuel, commander of the the seraphim army, engaged Kokabiel, commander of the Licentious, in a vicious battle. Many say the battle lasted for days on end, the two never stopping to rest as they tried to best each other, knowing if one fell the other side would have the superior advantage in the war.

“In the latter legs of the battle Kemuel was hit by his attacker's sword and fell to the ground. Just as he was to be struck down the human matron of the village placed herself between the two to defer the attack. She suffered a mortal blow as she fell back toward Kemuel. Stricken with anger of Kokabiel's act the texts state that he drew the soul of the women to his own to save her the anguish and pain, and in doing so found himself with renewed strength. He overcame his wounds and was able to deal a deathblow to his enemy in one swift strike. From there he was able to defeat the entire army that was destroying the village yet no one could imagine the power he know wielded.

“Shortly after the Licentious commander's demise the breakaway faction came to a truce with the seraphim. In order to promote peace throughout the lands it was agreed that the seraphim would leave alone the world of man. Kemuel who decimated the opposing army soon died after peace was established due to the matron's passing from her wounds. From then on soul binding was outlawed and soon vanished into the lost texts of the time.

“But what the seraphim didn't know at the time was that the Licentious never fully dissolved. Members of the belief slowly made their way up the council in power, holding for the best opportunity for when they can enable their plan to wipe out the humans and the seraphim of the world so they can claim it for their own. It was Azrael that found the ability to evolve a seraph into the dark beings and has been perfecting his method for quite some time. Now, they're striking out to resume their ideal against everyone once again.”

The room was deafly quiet as Ailes finished his story until Haven spoke out. “And what about the Fallen? What role do they have in this?”

“The Fallen represent the matron who gave her life to protect another. The Licentious believe a Fallen could reignite the same drive that lead to their downfall,” Ailes replied.

“But what about Kira?” Kyia asked. “She is a Fallen yet was converted, how does that work.”

Ailes looked over to his wife. “It is because she is still a seraph. Any seraph can be struck with the disease to convert over to those of the dark ones. As you saw her fire wings erupt in moments of adversity. Her mind is guided by my soul in her to stay clear and lucid, untouched by the corruption that Azrael placed on her. The reason for the Fallen is to mark those for death without publicizing the seraph. Once the wings are removed they are no longer considered a seraph, and thus they can disappear without anyone knowing.”

“And the reason they attacked my city,” Kalec said, “is to rile up the human populace into this grand plan they have I would bet.”

“You are correct, King Kalec.”

“Then what can we do to combat the threat of the angels seated in power that wishes for complete annihilation of humans and angels alike?” Kyia asked. “I hate to say it but the Hunters caste have been crippled many years ago. I'm one of the few remaining and I would doubt others would want a direct confrontation with angels and stay to themselves to protect their lives.”

“Ah, but it's not the number of the army, but the strength of their will that will prove to be the greatest potency in this conflict,” said Ailes. “You and Haven have certain beat the odds when facing off against the attack on the village and even more so when face to face with the archangels.”

Haven held his side. His encounter with Azrael didn't fair as well as Ailes made it out to be. “That may be, but just the members here at this table cannot hold back the entire army of the seraphim,” he commented.

Kalec spoke up while gesturing to his right. “The members of  man stand behind you. Here at this table are three angels and a Hunter discussing the fate of our lives and my men will not sit idle in this fight.”

“Thank you for your support, King,” Kyia replied. “But even with your army I still doubt our chances. The angels we fought today were just two of their archangel guard and we barely escaped with our lives.”

“But they did too fled for their lives as well,” Kira remarked. “Even the turned and dark seraphim can die and fear death. We are not impervious to all attacks.”

Kyia leaned forward on the table. “Could have fool me. I have seen these angels deflect attacks with their bare hands, their shadowy skin feeling as strong as steel.”

Ailes smiled. “Tell me Kyia, in your many years of travel can you describe the type of angels you fought?”

“Certainly not like the archangels that's for sure. I have been able to cut into the skin of angels in the past, and their wings were not made of pure fire but would seem to be skeletal remains covered in the flames.”

“This is because the archangels evolved further in the corruption they willingly took upon themselves,” Ailes added.

“Are you telling me that the further this continues on the more impossible it is to strike at their weaknesses?”

“Not exactly,” Ailes said while standing from his chair and walking behind Kira. “As in all evolution weaknesses still present themselves, and the angels are no different to you and I. Kira could be considered on the same level of corruption as the archangels from today: no physical connection to her fiery wings, skin that deflect attacks and unmatched speed at times of distress. But there is still one thing that has not changed; her heart.”

Ailes bent over slight and placed his hand over Kira's chest. “The heart is the source of where the corruption starts that spreads throughout the body quickly. It is here that keeps her the way she is, and yet also keeps her alive in the process. A blow to the heart will surely kill any dark seraphim. As the corruption evolves to combat other weaknesses in physiology the area around the heart becomes weaker due to induced stress on the body. As you have seen...” Ailes touched his and Kira's shoulder, “...they can still be harmed.”

“Alright, so we know they can still be killed, but how do we go about fighting this?” Kyia asked. “Starting war with the angels, even with those who have evil intent, will mean a war with the entire race.”

“Indeed, that is why I cannot tell you what your fate will be in solving this crisis among our people,” said Ailes.

Everyone looked over at the angel who had a slight smile on his face, but it was Kira who's eyes showed great concern. “Are you sure that is wise, Love? If they do not know the road they follow then...”

“Then so it will be, darling. No one should know their fate, it is they who need to choose their own path.”

“So then, where do we go from here?” Haven asked.

Shifting eyes ran across the room to each of the members at the table. Ailes wouldn't give out his secrets of how to bring an end to the conflict but knew many details than the others did not. Kalec stood up and ordered a guard over. “Fetch two of the finest steeds for travel.” The guard saluted and made he way outside. “If fate is to our own, then we will take hold of it by the horns to take command of it. Kyia and Haven, I give you these horses for your travel. I am not sure where you will go next, but you will get there faster without stress. My men here will stay and train for whatever battle will come our way next, and now we know how to defend ourselves better.”

Kyia bowed her head slight. “Thank you, Kalec.” She turned to Ailes. “Do you have at least any suggestions on where to go?”

Ailes smiled again. “I cannot give you a location, but do know this: Aevion isn't the only angel city in this world. I'm sure you can find what you need out there.”

The rest of the people at the table rose from their seats. Kyia and Haven walked out with Kalec  to discuss their future, but Kira held Ailes back. “I ask again, do you think this is the right way? We already had to change fate once to save their lives today, who is to say they will fail in this task?”

Ailes turned around and hugged his wife. “I don't need to see into the future to know that they'll save this world. Fate can only take you so far, but faith can forever be eternal.”