Cleanup

They managed to teleport twelve feathers to Helena’s apartment before the police detained everyone who wasn’t an angel. Blatant favoritism Helena mused. Still she didn’t need to suffer the indignity of handcuffs, so she didn’t complain.

To her surprise the Adena wandered in soon after, offering his version of events. And the Cardinal showed up not long after. Apparently Helena had locked him in one of the cathedral’s wings when she took over the main chapel. Probably for the best. She was still surprised that Father Peter managed to survive the fight.

As soon as the police decided they weren’t going to arrest her, the Adena wandered over. “It seems you won the glory this time, Curse Gunner. I should have insisted on fighting the angel while you waited.”

“It wasn’t exactly easy,” Helena said, waving at the destroyed chapel. “The only reason I’m alive is because Camila was helping me.”

“Glad to know I can tank. Even if I got hit a lot more than I like,” Camila said.

The Adena nodded solemnly. “I believe I have my own means of fighting creatures like this, but two warriors are stronger than one. You both deserve praise for your work.”

“Thank you.” The praise warmed Helena’s spirits. Getting a compliment from someone other than her tutors wasn’t something she was used to.

“Thanks.” Camila chuckled. “And here I thought ten year old me was dumb for wanting to be a superhero when I grew up. Coulda skipped the dying part though.”

“I will send word to the conclave,” the Adena said. “They will make sure this,” he waved around at the damage, “is dealt with, as per our pact.”

Helena nodded. “Good. And I’m glad I had your help even if I didn’t need it. If I was worried about it escaping the chapel we might have gotten in more trouble. Good evening.”

The Adena gave a grunt of approval then walked out the doors.

“So he can leave like a normal human,” Camila said.

“Bet Kilduff didn’t finish questioning him. He probably made all the cops forget he wasn’t allowed to leave,” Helena pointed out.

Camila shook her head. “That’s cheating. Why can’t we do that?”

“I’m bad with mind magic. Also Kilduff knows where we live,” Helena said.

“Good reasons.” Camila motioned towards where the policeman was talking with Father Peter. “So, since we’re stuck here, want to hear the villain’s confession?”

Helena looked over to where Bishop Thomas’ burnt corpse lay under a white sheet. “I think we already had the motive rant.”

“I missed it because I was kicking a metal angel in the face.” Camila hopped over, and Helena followed.

Father Peter was obviously having a bad night. His robes were singed, his eyes were red from crying, and there was angel blood on his hands. Helena didn’t really feel bad about any of that though. He’d helped start this insane rampage. Both of them in a roundabout way. This angel construct had obviously been planned long before the Satanists started their plans.

As they approached the fallen priest looked at them, hate in his eyes. Kilduff noticed his glance and pulled out a cigarette. “I wouldn’t be judging people tonight Father. Not after the mess you’ve made.”

The man flinched. “How can you stand it? Look around. Yes Bishop Thomas’ zeal desecrated the church, but she corrupted it! She called upon Satan himself to fight in the church of God! And now she’ll be rewarded for her foul magics, while the righteous will be left to pay the price.”

“I called on my own power. Not anyone else’s,” Helena replied. “And my foul magics are the only reason you’re still alive.”

Father Peter’s face twisted, “That’s-“

“The truth,” Nezaiel said softly from where Amaiel was tending to his wound. The fool had refused a bandage, so Amaiel was pouring all her power into him to make the wound spotless. “My wings alone would not have been enough against the horror you created.”

The man’s face fell. “I…” He looked at the ground and tears filled his eyes again. “I just don’t understand. Why does evil always win? We sit as the pews slowly empty, while our flock turns to magic and money to solve their problems. All at the cost of their souls.” He looked at the angels. “Why? Why can’t you save us?”

“You are already saved,” Amaiel said. “But you must accept it. Not demand the nature of your salvation.”

Inspector Kilduff shook his head sadly. “Have a little faith Father.”

The man fell silent as Kilduff cuffed him and led him away. Camila shook her head. “Guess that was just it huh. Saving people by stabbing them? Like, it seems so cliche. I figured there’d be more.”

“If you want to save the world, you first have to rule it,” Helena said as she leaned on her friend. Her body was aching. She needed a month or two to rest. “You can’t just fix the world and have everyone get along. And when you realize that, it’s just a jump to killing everyone who disagrees. It’s a trap that’s caught many people. Especially those of us with power.”

Nezaiel looked over. “The truth is you can’t save the world through force. Only by love. Even the almighty God can not do that, for it would destroy the very world itself.”

Helena blinked. “I think that’s the first time I’ve agreed with you completely.”

“Though killing certain people might make the process of salvation better for the rest,” Amaiel said, giving Helena a pointed look.

“And that’s why you’re my favorite local angel,” Helena said with a grin. “Perfectly direct.”

“No fighting until you healed,” Camila said. “Or I’ll knock you out myself.”

Helena sighed. “Fine.”

Nezaiel shook his head. “Have you considered the possibility that I’m just as direct as my sister, little witch? I really do want to help you.”

“I think I believe you,” Helena replied softly. “But that offends me more somehow.”

“Pride can only take you so far. Like Samael, you will fall eventually,” Nezaiel replied.

“I’ll just have to depend on my friends to catch me.”

Nezaiel did not smile but he seemed to relax. “Perhaps I have misjudged you then.” He looked at Camila. “Try to be as much of a good influence on her as she is a bad one on you.”

“Will do.” Camila rubbed shoulders with Helena. “Now, let’s go home.”

“Right,” Helena squeezed her friend’s shoulder, and let Camila lead the way.