Chapter 5 - - Tribulatio in Caelum

Everything’s gone to hell.. After so much effort and five centuries of peace.. 

 

The thoughts hadn't reflected on his sharp, angular features, save for a brief frown, as he strode down the white marble hallway. 

 

If they execute me.. My little brother.. No, I can still get things right.

 

His sky-blue eyes glanced down at himself. He verified the regulation uniform was complete and orderly, before reaching the corner, opening to another corridor on his right. 

 

The black garbs of an officer had to be clean, and fitting just right against the body, his captain would scold him if there were any oddities. 

Like his rank markings missing from his shoulder, or the sword dangling on a loose belt. 

 

My marks.. 

Just as the thought registered, his gaze shifted to his left shoulder. 

 

The silver plate was square on the top end, and pointed like a triangle on the lower. It curved along with his shoulder, and had three intricately designed dragon heads embossed on it. 

 

The captain would immediately point out that an officer should be wearing his plates at all times, and by that the old division leader would waste precious seconds before beginning the briefing. 

 

With a forced exhale Ash stopped, he glanced at his sword, then pulled on his belt, verifying it hugged his waist tight enough. 

 

Fifty five steps away from him stood the plain looking wooden door, at the end of the hallway, three other offices lined the corridor on his left, and a row of square windows allowed sunlight in from his right, giving a strange glow to the walls and his chin length blond hair. 

 

 A pair of guards, clad from head to toe in plate armor approached him from the middle of the corridor. 

 

That's odd.. He registered them only as they had taken the first steps. 

 

They both towered at six feet, a couple of inches taller than him, yet he sensed their trepidation as they had cautiously paced toward him, the steel clanking as they stopped five steps before him. 

 

"Gh.. Greetings, second Lieutenant!" the guards stuttered in unison and snapped to attention. Ash remained silent, waiting. 

 

"Third division captain informs you that the mission briefing will be delayed by an hour." 

 

Ash's eyes narrowed slightly, observing the guard on his left. 

 

"Greetings. Did he say why?" 

His tone held an edge of eagerness that had surprised even him, and prompted both sentinels to pause and exchange a glance before any replies followed. 

 

 All those in third division got used to the calm and detached demeanor of Ash early on in his career, and they all feared the tremendous presence radiating from the blond figure, held back only by his characteristic cold, distant attitude. 

 

"The captain said the first Lieutenant had been injured on assignment, and treatment will take longer than anticipated. All officers are required to be present for the briefing. That, is all I know, sir."

 

Ash acknowledged the message with an absent nod, and proceeded toward his original goal, unwilling to wait. The sentinels taking several steps backward, but not getting out of his way finally made him stop. 

 

"What's the matter?" 

His once again calm, smooth voice had given some confidence to the guard on his right. 

 

"I'm sorry, sir, but we need to see your identifications, by the captain's orders."

 

This only confirms it.. The situation is serious.

 

He promptly removed his right shoulder plate and handed it to the guard, who then flipped it over and carefully read the rune's inscribed on the plate. 

 

"Thank you, sir." said the guard with much relief in his tone, as he handed the plate back to Ash. 

 

They wasted no time stepping out of his path, retreating to their previous post. 

 

Two-faced pleasantries and pointless protocol pushed him to a military career instead of assuming the position of clan leader in place of his blind father, but that chilling anxiety from those days had returned in his chest, with a vengeance. Now that so much hung in the balance, he had to wait, do nothing, while his sworn enemies threatened to uncover his secret.

 

As the swirling unease grew at his core, his pace quickened. 

 

Arriving at the entrance, he knocked twice, and waited for the baritone, aged voice calling Enter, before pushing in the door. 

 

"Second Lieutenant reporting for mission briefing, sir." Ash announced as he stepped in and snapped to attention. 

 

The captain's office mirrored the stern rule of the officer over his division with its order and cleanliness. Red curtains hung before the four windows, allowing little light in. The red carpet perfectly straight in every corner, stretching from wall to wall. 

Wood carvings, depicting forgotten battles and myths adorned the walls, save for the one parallel with the entrance. An old set of wooden bookshelves and trophy displays lined that one. 

 

But Ash's attention was directed at the graying figure, matching his own height and build, who stood behind the desk, in the center.

 

The antique office desk with its curvy legs screeched briefly as the captain sat down behind it. 

 

He exchanged a glance with Ash before gesturing the latter to a seat in front of the desk. 

 

"I know why you are so eager, Ash.. But do try and relax. The odds of worst case scenarios are low, at least this once I'm certain of that."

The middle aged captain stated, observing Ash's face as the younger figure seated himself. 

 

"You look as though your youth had forsaken you already. No need for the formality either. There is no official mission, and no mention of objective zero."

 

Ash let out an absent gasp, hearing the last two words uttered so casually. Especially since they marked the cause of his anxieties. 

 

The captain reached to his right, and with two fingers turned a thumb-sized, round object which protruded from a curious, curved glass in a metal frame. In that second an orange glow flooded the room. The light revealed odd wrinkles scattered on the captain's face and the gray hairs making themselves known in the officer's shoulder length black mane. His green eyes avoided Ash's. 

 

"But, I've gotten a private.."

Ash's voice instantly cut off as the captain gestured him to stop. 

"Yes, that letter came from an outside, personal acquaintance. As such, I was at liberty to keep its contents to myself."

 

Understanding glistened in Ash's eyes.

So that's it.. 

 

"I felt it my duty to report the possibility of demons running rampant in the mortal world, however."

 

Tense silence exchanged the conversation for a few seconds. 

 

"There are some things I need you to understand before you volunteer for this unofficial assignment."

 

Ash adjusted himself in the chair. 

 

"First off, I don't want you to release your powers too much.. If it weren't for your family customs I'd require you to leave Fury behind as well.."   the officer stopped as Ash mouthed some argument but when the youth remained silent, captain continued. 

 

"You'll go in alone, but I will send some help after you. I want frequent updates on the situation as it is developing. Leave no details out. I realize you stand to lose the most if our higher ups find out what we did back then, but.. You're not the only one risking execution."