1

As you know, angels are at the head of the good mortal world, and demons rule the ball in hell.

 But the angels are not as kind as the people of the church have always made them out to be.

 The human race is not so important to them. And now, in their wars for our souls, they have completely forgotten about us.

 But people like me don't consider themselves to be ordinary people.

 We live twice, and sometimes three times more than ordinary people are allowed to live.

 Our society is called the priests of Ultima.

 That's all we want to tell about our world...

***

 Let's start with me.

 I'm already over eighty, but I don't look older than twenty.

 I look like those ordinary girls who walk the streets by the hundreds.

 But to this I can tell you the oldest murdered phrase - do not judge a book by its cover.

 Take a look at my first and last name-Carolianna Epixfire. It looks like something strange, like a spell from silly newspapers.

 We have everyone here with strange names.

 For example, Rahiel, our navigator. But... I think, the example I gave is not quite good. He's even taller than us.

 He's an angel. Though inferior, but still an angel.

 And this is eternal life, eternal youth, until this stupid god gets angry on us.

 Or Sirianna... Silly names for some, but I don't know the others.

 It seems to me that I am already completely distracted... It often happens to me at this time.

 Our navigators are looking for angels, and also find cases of demons attacking people. After they fix the case, we, the soldiers, step in.

 — Carolianna!!—Rahiel comes up to me. In his black silk shirt, with those muscles and good looks, he would have been more suitable for the cover of a magazine, and not in our military office.—There's a task for you. Contact.—

 — What kind of angel?—I asked.

 — Maybe even an Ultima. At least, I felt the radiance of Ultima very strongly.— the angel told me.

As people say, my jaw dropped from his words.

 — Ultima? What nonsense, they are not exist!—I said angrily, coming to my senses.— If you want to prank me, choose a better theme for it!—

 I turned and looked him angrily in the eyes.

 But... I saw nothing but the truth in them.

***

 I was walking down the street.

 The stone that I hung around my neck should show me who I'm looking for.

 Sometimes he gets up and pulls me, like a hound that has scented prey.

 It's so hot in here... I haven't been outside for a long time and the dry hot air feels so heavy.

 In the center of California, I'm like in the desert.

 My head is buzzing, it seems that my brain will burst from the terrible heat.

 — Hello.— I went into the pub.—Light, cold.—

 The glass sank smoothly in front of me.

 I took a sip.

 Paradise! Still, my pendant would have stopped showing signs of life.

 Suddenly he, this trifle, burned my neck like fire.

 Looking around, I tried to figure out where this fire was going.

 And I... saw him.

 This man was a little over forty in appearance, slightly overweight, his pale face contrasted with jet-black hair.

 My talisman even almost burned my skin at one point.

 Oh... black shadows are curling around!

 I squeezed my pendant harder and stood up when I finished. After a glass of beer, cash was gently placed on the counter and I went back into the inferno.

 What should I do now? How to approach him?

 Having trampled at the traffic light, I went across the road.

 Yeah... I really need to look for a chance to talk to him. Maybe it will work out...

***

 I missed it! Damn it, I missed him!

 The evening, fortunately, gave me a cool and did not let my head boil.

 — Knock-knock-knock.— someone said behind my back.—You found him very quickly, Caro.—

 It was by this "Caro" that I realized that behind me now is none other than our Rahiel.

 — What, did you come to keep an eye on me?— his presence today made me very angry for some reason.

 It feels like I'm a child under the supervision of a nasty dad.

 — You've got seventy or eighty shadows on your tail. Are you sure you can kill them all? Where there are shadows, there are also demons.— said this young-looking handsome man of Latin American appearance.

 — I see. And what, you came to take care of me? Thank you, Glinda, but I'll get to Oz myself.—I said mockingly.

 — Alas, you need a nasty and brainless Scarecrow as an assistant, because a complete cleansing of the territory from demons is added to your task. There are too many of them here...—Rahiel drawled thoughtfully.

 — If this Scarecrow is even a little prettier than you, maybe I'll even be glad.—

 Rahiel whistled and a car drove up.

 I remember this, not so long ago I saw an advertisement about the release of this "Mercedes" and I remember how our angel went shopping at the car center.

 — If he's driving, I refuse!—I said immediately.

 A wheelchair was wheeled out of the car. Someone was tied to it.

 Handcuffs on the hands and feet, a blindfold and a gag in the mouth - this seems to be how we pack the undead.

 — Hello... And what do we have here? Does prison smell like this?.. is it so... beautiful?—a hoarse and slightly nasal voice rang out as Rahiel removed the gag.

 — This is Dean Alexander. Dean, this is Carolianna Epixfire. You will protect her now, but if you eat her, you will be finished in the nastiest way. And prison will seem like paradise to you!—Rahiel removed the blindfold from his eyes.

 I was lost for a second. He... I don't even know how to describe it.

 — Have you found a place to live yet?—Rahiel asks me.

 — I'll find it. Judging by the map in my phone, there is one of our safe houses here. I think I'll go there.—I say.— And why do I need security quard? —

 — Then you'll decide why you need me,—Dean suddenly interjected into the conversation.— but don't give up the company! —

***

 I was very glad that Rahiel left us quickly.

 I don't like his company, but because of my vocation, I have to put up with him.

 — Dean, can I ask you: who are you?—I ask, checking the distance to the safe house on the navigator.

 — Well... Watchdog, your company for a while, scum from hell caught by birds. And what exactly did you want to know? —

 I would like him to talk more: his voice is high, but at the same time a little hoarse, turned out to be very pleasant.

 Under the leather jacket, an abundance of weapons glistening in the semi-darkness is noticeable: knives on belts in sheaths, a pair of pistols in leather holsters of the old type.

 — I'm talking about race. If you want, you can ask me later...—

 The reflections of Dean's glowing eyes in his amulet, walking on the material of the turtleneck, almost blinded me and I barely held the phone in my hands.

 — I would not say that my race is good, even though I have become like this without desire: I am a ghoul. This is not a rotting subspecies of zombies. I was bitten at the age of five...—Dean sighed. The eyes, black as night, disappeared behind fluffy eyelashes and then looked at me again.—Aren't you an angel?—

 — No, I don't , I'm as far from angels as you are from people, Dean. I'm just an Ultima priest.— I touched his hand for a second.

 It was involuntary, he just took the wrong turn.

 How cold he is...

 — Come on. This way for us.— I grab his hand tighter and pull him along.

 Only for a second did my eyes fall on a small scar on my hand in the shape of a crescent.

 Dean stared at me forlornly as I pulled him along.

***

 I noticed the rune that we put on all our houses from afar.

 — Over there! Let's go there, Dean!—I said, beckoning the guy to follow me.

 — Stop!—ghoull suddenly shouted hoarsely.

 Covering me with himself, he suddenly jumped sharply to the side and I understood his excitement: they were shooting from the window.

 A crossbow bolt hit him in the shoulder and pierced his sturdy-looking jacket.

 — Who?—I ask.

 — Converts, just people now!—Dean shouts, trying to get out of the crossbowmen's reach with me.

 A short cry, droplets of blood fall on my face.

 — I was a little scared...— Dean says quietly.— sit here, and I'll be right there...—

 He has a thick build, but the guy quickly jumps up and disappears from sight.

 I wanted terribly at that moment to try what the blood of gullya tasted like, but still I wiped my face with my sleeve.

 I have been told many times what euphoria this blood causes, but now there is no desire to try.

 — Peek-a-boo!—Dean suddenly peeked around the corner, covered in blood.— Come into the house, and I will pay tribute to these people - I will chop them into pieces and fill the freezer! —

 I couldn't stand it, I smiled. How cute he is after all...

***

 There was only one bedroom in the house.

 There was a couch, but it is unknown what was being done on it - it was broken in half.

 — There's nowhere else to sleep. Shall we lie down together?—I ask, and I feel the redness flooding my cheeks, how vulgar this phrase turned out to be by ear.

 Dean only smiled for a second.

 — Believe me, I don't need sleep.— he said.

 — Me... I need company. I never went to bed alone in our church...—

 We landed on the bed opposite each other.

 — It smells like dust.— Said Dean. —I feel strongly.—

 — You can survive, hahah. It's been worsein tomb, isn't?—I moved closer.— Where are you from?—

— From Birmingham. But I haven't been there already... I don't remember how long I haven't been there... Have you always lived in America? —

 I wanted so much to touch his soft-looking hair, I wanted so much...

 — I only remember a little more than eighty years of my conscious life... And only there, in the church of Ultima... Her walls... I've always been there..— I moved closer. The coolness coming from Dean was pleasant, even though it wasn't hot outside anymore.— Their world is beautiful... The world of people is very beautiful...—

 Falling asleep, I heard a quiet singing.

— Sing me to sleep

Sing me to sleep

I'm tired and I

I want to go to bed

Sing me to sleep

Sing me to sleep

And then leave me alone

Don't try to wake me in the morning

'Cause I will be gone

Don't feel bad for me

I want you to know...—

***

 I haven't had a dream in a very long time.

 But today... Maybe it's all the fault of such a busy day...

 I hear the church bell ringing in madness.

 Something... Something is ruining people...

 I run and stumble upon a child. He hid behind one of the benches, covering his face with his hands.

 — Baby!—I call out to him.— We all need to run!—

 — Are you an angel?— looking at me, the boy seems to have stopped being afraid.

 I take this child in my arms and run somewhere with him.

 His gaze, overflowing with admiration...

 ... What a delusional dream?

 I look around.

 Oh, gods of all worlds! A myriad of glowing lights swirled in the sky. These lights formed a strip of radiance.

 I wanted to shake Dean by the shoulder, but...

 oh, this sight might even be much nicer.

 Dean is asleep, pale pink lips slightly covered, eyelashes sometimes tremble in a trembling attempt to wake up.

 I look at him for a couple more minutes, then I go back to bed - I still need to sleep...

***

 — Wake up, rise and shine!— a cool whisper in my ear woke me up.

 I will hear rapid breathing and mentally wonder.

 After all, my companion is a drone, and they don't seem to breathe...

 — You're noisy.—I say, opening my eyes.

 — I know.—Dean says, breathing like a dog.— I ate too much, now I really need to run. I usually fight after a heavy lunch. Will you let me go for a run?—

 — Well... Yeah, probably. And what?—I stared at him in confusion.

 — Take it off. Otherwise, mercury will go into my neck if I move far away from you.—Dean pointed to the red button on his collar.

 I pressed it in and the thing flies off.

 — I'll look for my target then. The meeting point is a pub three streets away.—

 I went out with him and we went in different directions: I went to watch, and Dean Alexander - to run, eliminate excess energy.

 It took a bit of a trip, but the street was found after all.

 I thought I remembered it well...

 Something is crawling up the wall. What a pity, yesterday I threw salt on one of the shadows and my stock ran out.

 My equipment will be delivered to the safe house today, everything will be delivered in full, I sincerely hope.

 The United States of America is really very beautiful, and New York itself reminds me of a picture.

It's as if someone drew it with the thoughts "Look how I can!" This was clearly done with a huge amount of bragging rights.

 — ... Miss, are you lost?—

 I turned around.

 When I look at a person, I see human soul first, and only after that he himself.

 The soul of this young man is gray, and this is not very good, although there are many such in the current generation.

 — I'm fine.—I say.— I'm looking for a pub.—

 — You passed by.—the guy pointed his finger.— She's there.—

 — Yes, I'm sorry... I'm just new to New York. First time here...— I hesitated, then turned around and went.—Thanks.—

 I was strained by this strange silence. He just stood there and watched her go.

 His gaze is directly physically felt...

 I became less afraid when I turned the corner. At least I don't see this strange guy now...

 some kind of melody is playing in my head.

 Already a couple of minutes and a sign with a cute smiling mug opened in front of me.

 — Oh, I remember you. Hello. Weren't you here yesterday?— the guy who was wiping the tables turned to me.

 — Yes, I see you have a good memory.—I said.— On which table can I seat? —

 — Yes, at any, any table is empty now. Our tables are never booked, there are almost no customers in the morning at all.—

 I ordered myself a bottle of light and sat down with a tablet by the window.

 It's good enough here in the morning, and in this heat it's a real oasis.

 I turned around.

 I was not let down by the feeling and my faithful pendant - is yesterday's guy.

He smiled as he passed by.

His aura simply shone with sunlight.

And yes, he was quite good-looking.

— Can I sit with you?— he said suddenly, coming up to me with a tray.— You're new, aren't you? —

— Well, sit down. No one to talk to, as I understand it?—I ask.

— New in town. And already follow me... And why, may I ask? And what's your name?- he asked.

— Carolyanna Epicsfire. And yes, I was really following you.—as I spoke, I noticed a glint in his eyes.

Magic? Is it really magic?

And if...

— Oooh... I didn't even think that you would answer me like that! And why are you following me? Are you a stalker?—he asked with the same enthusiasm.

— No. Let's talk about this elsewhere.—I tell him.— What's your name?—

— Scott. Just Scott. I don't like to be addressed by last name.—

We left the pub and went to the park.

— Although you have the appearance of a serial killer, Carolianna, you clearly are not...— Scott jokes into the void, I don't notice his joke.

Dean is coming to us.

— Well, Carolianna, is this the purpose of your research?— he measured Scott with a searching look.— I've already started shortness of breath, so I'm joining now! —

He took out a gold lighter and lit up.

We went to a remote part of the park, where people certainly won't go.

— And what do you want to tell me?—Scott winced at the smoke.

— You're not human.—I say.

— Haha, who is it? A mutant?—the guy laughed in a high voice. When he saw our firm gazes, he immediately stopped smiling.— And who am I?

— What do you know about angels?—I say.

— Well... They are flying in the sky...—Scott hesitated.— Sort of... They protect people.—

 — No. Alas, they have not been protecting people for a long time. If they continued to do their business, there wouldn't be so many nasty things in the world.—I sighed.—You're like an angel, Scott, but special angel. If your abilities are confirmed, then you will do it. You'll be a real angel...—

— I understood that I was not like the others in some way... Look, everyone is different. You've obviously found the wrong person. Look somewhere else...—Scott squealed when I held up my hand.

He obviously didn't think to see the claws.

Suddenly the guy fell on his side. His eyes rolled back and radiance radiated from his skin.

— Oh...— Dean said quietly. — And what, is all this supposed to look like?—

 — Hmmm.... Ask someone else, I see ultima for the first time.— I'm talking slow.

— I saw death!—Scott stammered.— I saw it... It seems to me for some reason that you are right. What should I do?—

— You have to study. And he must become a defender of peace, if that's why.—I say.

— First you will study at our headquarters, and then you will go to the monastery of Ultima.—Dean said, trying to keep a serious expression on his face.

— A monastery? Uh... Is the monastery what I think it means?—Scott asked me in bewilderment.

I nodded.