"Oh, come on, Intuition," Omen snapped, his hovering form trembling with aggravation. "You know just as well as I that the Bringer of Death's use of the Mortal's wife as a bargaining chip was totally unscrupulous."
Intuition regarded him through haughty eyes. "Such Mortal concepts do not hold sway for Members of the Watch. We are not their companions, Omen. We are their shepherds, honor bound to herd them in the manner the Almighty sees fit in order to preserve the Balance." Her eyes bored into the dark recess of his hood. "And that means using whatever measures necessary to do so."
"That still doesn't' make it right," Omen muttered, turning once again to the Window.
"Take caution old friend; you're rhetoric mirrors that of Iblis."
Omen's eyes flared briefly. "And is that really such a bad thing?"
Intuition studied his back for a moment. "It can be," she warned as she made her way back to the chamber's archway. "Hopefully you will remember that before it is too late. Loosing your companionship would grieve me deeply."
Omen cocked his head in her direction. "I thought such Mortal notions did not apply to Celestials."
Intuition's full lips parted in a devious smile. "There are, of course, exceptions to every rule," she drawled then left.
Omen studied the empty archway, his eye flaring again when he realized the subtle message she had just conveyed.
"Thank you for understanding," he whispered.
A gentle, you're quite welcome, echoed promptly through his mind.
*
Standing before a similar "Window" situated somewhere within the hazy Realm of Sublimia, a concerned Dichotomy also took note of the sudden tension between the Celemor and the Harbinger.
The blended being knew the reason behind Gabriel's steadfast obedience to the Divine Tenets that governed all Tasks, yet something needed to be done to prevent Nina's current disillusion from festering into full-blown resentment. If it hasn't already, the Celestial thought grimly.
Chapter 20
Gabriel's gaze swept across the large crowd moving through the open expanse of Detroit's famed Heart Plaza. His Celestially masked position atop the large, circular fountain located in the Plaza's center gave him a perfect view of the numerous festivities taking place in both, the main courtyard and lower-level retail center.
Today was the start River Days, Detroit's annual summer-opening festival. The two-mile stretch of the water front known as the River Walk was lined with kiosks as numerous vendors presented their various wares to the throngs of people taking advantage of the carnival-themed event.
Though cognizant of the numerous activities going on around him, the Celemor's main focus was on the large group of teens and pre-teens moving in a loose cluster throughout the gaming area. With the help of the city's Neighborhood Services Department, Nina had arranged a field-trip for the Center's ever expanding clients, and the kids were having a ball.
Over the past few months, the Center had become a beacon of neighborhood reform throughout Detroit's lower east side, garnering the support of local merchants and private sectors alike. In fact, so great was the Center's popularity, plans for opening another branch in Detroit's lower-income Brightmoore district were already underway.
For Nina, the Center's success was a tremendous personal achievement and an affirmation of her belief in Detroit's potential to become one of the country's leading cities. Her new stature in the philanthropic community had also helped her attain additional State funding, allowing her to hire a full time administration staff in addition to the several education specialists the Center now employed.
Thus freed of the arduous task of running the Center's day to day finances, she was able to concentrate more on improving the overall curriculum. Nina's selfless dedication to the community had also caught the eye of the media, and the subsequent interviews and feature stories had turned her into quite the local celebrity.
The additional attention occasionally made Gabriel's Task a bit more tedious than he would have liked, but overall things were running very smoothly. He just wished the same could be said about their relationship, still somewhat strained after the IMAX incident.
"You seemed troubled Gabriel," Dichotomy's deep voice sounded as the Celestial materialized atop the fountain beside the Celemor. "Is there anything we can do?"
"Yeah, you can tell me how to get my point across to my charge," Gabriel grunted, his eyes focused on Nina moving amongst her group, taking pictures for the Center's weekly newsletter. "That woman's frenetic hold on her moralistic beliefs leaves a lot to be desired."
Dichotomy's left eyebrow arched upward. "And why is that; because she doesn't subscribe to a Celestial's casual acceptance of mass slaughter for the perceived Greater Good? Perhaps instead of criticizing her beliefs you should immolate them."
Gabriel turned startled eyes to the Celestial. "So you're saying I should've violated my restrictions and saved those people?"
"What we're saying is that we can relate to the Harbinger's sentiments on this matter. Most Celestials have become so immured in they're Divine indifference that they've all but lost sight of their moral responsibility."
"Don't aim your righteous arrows at me," Gabriel angrily fired back. "I'm always conscious of the moral implications of my actions as well as the consequences of my inactions."
"Yet you chose to stand by and let those people burn."
"I had no choice! You know what will happen if I go against the Archangel's on this."
Dichotomy's expression softened. The Celestial laid a comforting hand atop the Celemor's trembling shoulder. "Indeed we do, but before you fall to far into the abyss of self-sacrifice, ask yourself this: Considering the situation at the theatre, and your proximity at the time, would it really have been a violation to save those patrons?"
A look of uncertainty flickered across the Celemor's face, and a sigh escaped Dichotomy's lips. "It's obvious by your silence that such a consideration never crossed your mind."
"No, it didn't," the Celemor confessed, his pensive expression turning into one of regret.
"Believe us when we say that we understand your reasons for remaining obedient to the Archangels, Gabriel, yet we can't help but wonder: Had yours and Clarissa's positions been reversed, would she have succumbed so easily to the lure of Divine complacency?"
"I honestly never gave it much thought," Gabriel admitted in a quiet voice.
Dichotomy studied the Celemor's face for a moment then gave his shoulder another squeeze. "Perhaps you should," he said, his body starting to fade. "The answer to that question might give you the insight you need to deal with our burgeoning Harbinger."
The Celestial's words echoed through Gabriel's mind for a long time. Dichotomy's perspective was often skewered, but in this instance the blended being was right. Clarissa would've never let the threat of Divine reprisals keep her from doing what she knew was right. The ability to follow her convictions had been one of his wife's greatest attributes. In that respect, he had to admit she and Nina were a lot alike.
Gabriel returned his attention to the plaza only to find Nina staring up at him.
Their eyes locked for a moment and the barest hint of a smile appeared on the Harbinger's face; the first one she had given him in the month sense the IMAX incident.
Nina's attention was drawn away by the smartly dressed, man and woman approaching the group.
Gabriel also focused on the peculiar pair as they exchanged pleasantries with Nina; particularly the male. The stranger's angular features seemed vaguely familiar yet the Celemor couldn't place him.
Their conversation with Nina lasted for several minutes. Afterwards, the Harbinger shook each of their hands, and the couple left. Gabriel tracked their departure through the crowd, and realized that he wasn't the only one interested in them.
Standing on the upper level of the Plaza, the positioning of the kiosks blocking them from Nina's view, were Quinlan and Sanders.
Gabriel was not surprised to see them. Over the past several weeks
the Seekers had made frequent stops at the Center, reiterating to Nina their offer of Presbyterii aid. Despite her polite but steadfast refusal, the two continued to maintain a discreet presence. At the moment, their eyes were on Nina's mysterious visitors who were now headed toward the vendor area.
Gabriel watched as the Seekers exchanged, what appeared to be, terse words. After sparing Nina a brief glance, they made off in the couple's direction.
He toyed with the idea of joining the chase, but decided against it. He would find out who the mysterious duo were soon enough. For now he resumed his vigilance over Nina as the Center's group made their way toward the food-court.
*
"You do realize we're being followed," Shift said to Darius as she perused the selection of hats at one of the many kiosks lining the crowded market place.
"Of course," Darius responded, catching sight of the Seekers' positions through the large mirror hanging from the kiosks' metal frame. "I had a feeling the Presbyterii would be lurking about, though it wasn't their interest I expected to draw."
Shift also focused on the conspicuous duo as she tried on a garish pink cap. "No it wasn't. But given the fact that it's not Gabriel behind us, I would have to say my Veil of Deception has sufficiently blocked his Celestial senses."
Darius smiled. "Apparently so. Let's consider this little test a success, and get on with the business of recruiting this woman."
Shift's return smile faltered when she caught another glimpse of the Seekers, now standing two kiosks over. The bothersome oafs were feigning interest in the vendor's impressive collection of hand-crafted jewelry, but to the Morphling's acute senses, their surveillance efforts were pitifully obvious. "And what of our pursuers?"
A soft glow briefly eliminated the Desomor's eyes. "They obviously think there's something different about us; something...supernatural perhaps." He casually linked his arm through hers. "Let's not disappoint them."
Shift smiled in delighted anticipation of the mischief to come as she and the Desomor strode casually away from the market area.
*
"Looks like they're leaving," Sanders informed Quinlan who immediately handed the stone necklace he was studying at back to the vendor. He gave the woman a polite nod then quickly fell into step with his partner.
"Tell me again why we're following this pair," he muttered as they discreetly tracked their quarry through the milling crowds.
"Call it a gut feeling, but something about those two just seems…off. Given the strange company our reluctant psychic tends to keep, I'm curious to know who they are and what they're interest is with Miss Delcielo."
"Maybe it's not her they're interested in per-se," Quinlan suggested as they excused themselves around a slower moving group of elderly ladies. "That Center of hers has garnered quite a following in the metro area. Maybe those two were potential sponsors."
"Perhaps," Sanders allowed. "But I still want to get a closer look at them; just to quell my own suspicions." Quinlan gave his partner a skeptical look and Sanders released an exasperated sigh. "Just trust me on this," he said then took off after their departing quarry.
That's becoming increasingly difficult, Quinlan mused as he reluctantly followed, thinking of the drastic change Sanders' personality had undergone over the past several weeks.
The man's suspicion had increased to the point that he now looked upon anyone that came into contact with Nina as a possible, heavenly-creature in disguise. Quinlan could understand the man's increased anxiety considering the battle the Seeker had witnessed on that fateful night after the Center's rally, but this borderline paranoia was become bothersome.
Especially went it sends us on wild goose chases through crowded fairs, the Seeker thought as he tried valiantly to keep up with his determined partner's rapid pace.
"Where the blazes are they going?" he heard Sanders growl just as he was beginning to wonder the same thing himself.
"Looks like they're headed toward the main stage," Quinlan noted as the couple darted around the massive, skirted platform that was set up in the tiered expanse directly in front of the Renaissance Center. "They just ducked in behind those bins." He directed Sanders' attention to the large storage pods lined in neat rows to the side of the stage. "I wonder what they're looking for in there."
"Let's go find out," Sanders urged, quickening his pace so as not to loose their subjects, Quinlan following suit.
The two Seekers rounded the first pod, coming face to face with their quarry calmly waiting for them in the clearing between the first and second pod.
"We do appreciate the exercise gentlemen, but I'm afraid this is as far as our little race goes," the man said in a pleasant voice. He gave his companion an affectionate look. "Say goodbye, love."
"Goodbye," the woman smiled, blowing the Seekers a playful kiss before disappearing with her partner in a flash of light.
Both men stared at the now empty space in silence for a moment then Sanders looked pointedly at Quinlan. "I trust this validates my concern?"
Quinlan made no comment.
Chapter 21
"First the joy, now the pain," Nina muttered while going over the itemized list of the Center's expenses from the day's field trip. The Center's accounting needs were now serviced by one of Detroit's prominent firms, but Nina still preferred to personally author the initial spreadsheets before turning them over to those she jokingly called, the suit-wearing-bean-counters.
A slight flutter impinged upon her awareness, and a wry smile tugged at her lips. As the weeks progressed so had Nina's adaptation to the Celestial energy coursing through her body. While she had yet to display any superhuman augmentation in terms of strength, her senses had taken on a keen sharpness. "I take it you're chat with the glowing two-some went well?" she asked, her eyes still focused on her laptop's humming screen as Gabriel materialized beside her.
"It was fairly productive," the Celemor acknowledged with mild surprise. "I see your eyesight's improving."
A look of annoyance flashed across Nina's face. "That and my hearing; I never realized how loud this city was."
Gabriel's nose and lips twisted with distaste. "Detroit is nothing compared to New York. That place is a twenty-four hour circus."
"So I've been told." Nina closed out the spreadsheet so she could give the Celemor her full attention. "How do you deal with it?"
"Eventually you're body will adapt." Gabriel wasn't sure what to make of their casual discourse, but definitely preferred it over their recent terse exchanges. "Until then you'll just have to ride it out."
Nina issued a disgusted snort. "A lot of help you are." She rotated her head in a circle, trying to relieve stiff neck muscles. "And speaking of rides; how long will I have you as my seatbelt?"
"Until the Archangels say otherwise," the Celemor replied. "Why do you ask? Has my presence become overly intrusive?"
"Not at all," Nina quickly reassured him. "To tell you the truth, I like having you around; it makes the world feel a lot less…lonely, if you know what I mean."
A slight smile appeared on the Celemor's face. "As a matter of fact, I do."
He moved closer to her, raising a tentative hand. Nina obligingly shifted positions in her chair so that he could message her neck.
"Ah," she sighed at the soothing warmth flowing through her body. "Now this is one trick I'm looking forward to learning."
Gabriel chuckled at the look of unabashed pleasure on her face. He hoped that her surrender to his ministrations meant the rift between them was on the mend.
While Gabriel pondered the state of their relationship, Nina took a moment to reflect on the drastic turn her life had taken. I've gone from dutiful philanthropist to glow-in-the-dark fortune-teller in eleven months. She wondered if there was some type of holy standard by which to compare her progress.
"So who were the two fashion-plates that approached you in the plaza?"
Nina blinked at the Celemor's unexpected question. "The two, what?"
"Th
e couple that came over and talked with you at the Plaza," Gabriel clarified, working at a particularly tense spot in her left shoulder blade.
"Oh, them; they were from the Spiritway Foundation. They're interested in funding some of the Center's out-reach programs."
Gabriel arched a skeptical eyebrow. "And they chose to ask you about that at a crowded fair?"
"Actually they tried the Center first. When the receptionist told them about our field-trip they decided to come on down and see us in action."
"Ah," Gabriel said. "And were they impressed?"
"They seemed to be. They've invited me to lunch down at the MGM Casino next week so we can further discuss it. From what I hear the place has got an amazing food-court. Why don't you join us?"
Gabriel laughed. "As what, your personal secretary?"
"Or you can be my date."
The humor on the Celemor's face disappeared. "I'm not so sure that's a good idea."
Nina pulled away from his massaging fingers so she could face him. "Why not? I've been playing the dutiful Harbinger for almost a year and you've been right there with me. An afternoon lunch at the MGM will do us both a world of good."
"Maybe," Gabriel reluctantly admitted. "I'm just surprised you want me along as your companion?"
"And why wouldn't I?"
Gabriel regarded her through speculative eyes. "I haven't exactly been at the top of your preferred-visitors list."
Nina dismissed this consideration with an airy wave. "That was last month. This month I've decided to acknowledge the fact that I've got a good-looking man in my life, and take advantage of it."
Gabriel cocked a skeptical eyebrow. "Even though said man is a...'heartless monster?'"
His comment elicited a quick chuckle from the Harbinger, and she gave his chin a playful jab. "I think there may still be a spark of humanity left in you," she drawled. "And if so, I'd like to be the one to reignite it."
Gabriel squatted on his haunches in front of her. "So this gesture is tied in with your philanthropic work?"
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