"Fragments - The Broken Bonds" - Chapter 3 - Immortal Realms

Far above the heavens, eternal eyes witness Giorno's reenactment of history. Memories that were unearthed since the beginning of time¦memories of what should not have been, yet fate would have it so.

"The servant of Fyrh tells the tale like no other, milady Ansha. The first ethereal voice spoke. It was like the sound of thunder unto the realms of men, yet it valued little in the immortal planes of the great void. The archangel stepped into view, clothed in white, luminous fabric which weaved the destinies of most men. A sword dangled by his side, given by Ansha herself to the chosen worthy¦the Sword of Justice.

"He is old and wise, Atreides. The goddess replied from her throne of eternity, her voice soothing as the rushing stream of life-giving waters. "Giorno is one of the most formidable of Fyrh's followers¦but does not exercise his powers directly, like all the rest.

"Speaking of followers¦Kimohr's might increases by the heartbeat. Shall we not intervene? Another voice spoke, and a seraph emerged in a sparkle of light. Aeidos was his name, guardian of Astral magic.

Ansha smiled knowingly. The angels are disturbed by the rising of Gaul's power through his servants on Asperah, tipping the scales into the dark side. Kimohr was one such demon; sly and cunning. "Already, his inofrii creations are massing in numbers, skulking in the icy northlands near the kingdom of Jurom. Ansha replied. "Soon, they will descend upon the realms of men like a shadow that walks the night, devouring souls and lifeblood¦blood that I have created. But fear not, be prepared. Our Lord Ambross shall yet prevail.

"One among our Lord's hosts has already fallen into the Gaul's clutches. Atreides grumbled, folding his arms. "Sometimes I wish it were not so¦

Aeidos, ever wise, walked up to the archangel, clasping his shoulder. "Never was it your fault, Atreides. My brother has chosen his path to become Gaul's death angel. It was no more your decision than anyone else's.

"Ariel is no more because of me. Atreides hung his head. "Had I known he coveted the sword, I would have gladly sacrificed the right to wield it.

"All the more reason to have you be its guardian, do you not think? Ansha said softly. "The Sword of Justice is a gift from the highfather and should not be taken lightly. Only the most worthy are able to touch the blade, let alone wield it. We all grieve Ariel's desertion, yet we too are subject to flaws.

"I would have to be the least flawed of all, then. A teasing voice was heard as a sudden gush of wind filled the eternal halls. "Phelios the swift, reporting for duty.

Ansha's eyes brightened. The youngest of Ambross' cherubim he was, Phelios of the bow, messenger of the immortal realms. "What news do you bring?

"Your father wishes you prosperity in all your endeavors, milady. Phelios said, making a ridiculous bow. Ansha would have him as court jester if given the choice. "But alas, I bring only ill news. Asperah is about to be shaken and the lives of mortal and immortal alike shall cross in a deathly struggle.

"And the outcome¦? Ansha asked curiously.

"I am created far lesser than thou milady, that I cannot tell. Phelios replied, stretching out his hand and letting a bow and arrow materialize through thin air.

"I was hoping that father told you. Ansha pouted. "Angels expect far too much from immortals. If we were indeed all-powerful as to foretell fate, we would all be living in paradise.

"Far be it for me to expect great things, lady Ansha. Phelios said, releasing the arrow into the winds. It struck the open void, creating a magical window towards Asperah. "Your father thinks it best that we dip our hands into mortal fates. Yet he leaves the final decision to you. Gaul has already made his move.

"Ever since my brother Fyrh fell into the great slumber, the heavens are no longer the same. Ansha said, pondering upon alternatives. "He would be here to support our cause if I needed him.

"Lord Fyrh never took sides. Aeidos remarked. "He did what favored him most.

"Yet most honorable and dependable, you cannot deny. He keeps his words, despite the consequences. Atreides butted in. "He is indeed Lord Ambross' son, though honorably fallen for his sacrifice.

"Phelios? Ansha said, coming out of deep thought.

"Yes milady? The cherub came into attention. "You have decided?

"I need you to find me a man¦.born of Asperah¦able to bear the Sword of Justice in his mortal hands. Ansha commanded; a pleasant smile on her lips once more.

"Why would you want me to do that? The young angel asked in surprise, almost forgetting who it is he was asking.

Ansha simply ignored it. It was the cherub's nature to be impulsive and disrespectful, yet there is none more loyal to the throne of Ambross. "The reasons are my own. I only need you to prepare the way. Atreides, keep father's host ready whenever I may need them.

"Consider it done milady. Atreides bowed then made an exit, leaving the cherub and the seraph behind with Ansha.

"Very well, I shall go and find you one, if there is such a thing. Phelios conceded. "¦though I sincerely doubt it. But I shall keep my eyes open.

"It is good to know I can always count on you three. Ansha said and blessed Phelios before he departed. "Father's words guide you always.

"It used to be us four. Aeidos murmured, alone with the lady. "I still mourn for his loss.

Ansha reclined back on her throne, musing. "He was the best among all of father's angels. When he realizes the error of his ways, Ariel shall return¦as a friend¦and ally.

"¦If the damnation does not kill him first. Aeidos added, bowing low. "I shall see to thy father's business. Summon me if you require my services, milady.

Ansha nodded, and the seraph vanished in thin air, leaving her in a complex puzzle woven by fate that has yet to be revealed as time progresses. What shall become of Asperah?