“I can help you.”

A tear stained face looked up hesitantly, surprised to hear another human’s voice so near to him. The broken child had isolated himself, taking refuge beneath an old oak, clinging to the rough bark desperately.

This tree was one of many in the dense forest he found himself in; shadows littered the dusky ground, intricate shapes playing through the sunlight. What little sunlight broke through the thick leaves warmed his small and unimportant body; it was the only warmth he deserved.

Now he found himself under an intense yet strangely comforting gaze.

“W-who are you?” He frowned, slowly wiping away his tears.

A friendly hand was extended. “I am here to help you.” The gentle voice washed over his thin frame.

In a daze he took the warm hand in his own chilled one, gasping lightly as the stranger effortlessly pulled him to his feet. His breath was lost again as the shadows revealed the man’s face.

The only word to describe the being was beautiful, and even that would not do him justice. He had an ethereal glow about his figure, banishing any shadow that dare touch his pale skin. Slowly the boy drank in the sight before him, allowing his eyes to roam the man’s perfect body.

High cheekbones were framed by black silk, softening his sharp features with an innocence a child would hold. His eyes were as piercing as the ice they resembled, their cold blue depths burrowing into the boy’s soul.

“Lin.”

Green orbs flashed and then narrowed. “How do you know my name?” A sharp tongue demanded.

The being smiled gently. “I told you I was here to help you.” He explained with patience.

Lin turned away harshly. “I don’t deserve your kindness,” He whispered. “I have sinned.”

“You should not think so darkly.” Was the firm response he received.

Lin turned toward the man with a frown. “You don

’t know what I have done, the punishment I deserve.” He shook his head and then threw up relenting hands. “These hands have killed! Blood stains my skin and now I deserve to die!”

Lin blinked in surprise when a firm hand grasped his chin, forcing his movements to still. He stared into hypnotizing eyes, slowly losing himself to this man.

“You are still pure my child.” He whispered. “Never doubt your purity or you shall be lost in darkness, demons prey upon such weakness.”

Lin nodded slowly. “I’m sorry.” He felt tears pooling in his eyes.

“It is not I who must forgive you,” the being smiled, “it is yourself.”

“Yes.” He breathed hoarsely, a heavy weight settling in his stomach as the words spoke truth to his soul.

The man extended his arms, beckoning the boy forward into his embrace. Lin moved into the strong arms, sighing contently as the warm body radiated calm and soothed him. Gentle fingers stroked through his brown curls, calming him further.

“Now tell me what happened.” The being demanded softly without malice.

Lin closed his eyes tightly as he drew in a shuddering breath. “He was killed.” He stiffened at the memory.

“Who?”

“Alexander, my first love.” Lin’s eyes grew distant. “I should have never called to him, he would have lived.” He shook her head in sorrow.

“How did he die?” The strong being asked gently.

“A fire struck our home; I was trapped inside and selfishly called for him to rescue me.” He hissed past clenched teeth, furiously fisting his hands. “I killed him, he traded his life for mine that night, dieing in the fire where I should have been.”

A warm palm was lifted to delicately cup his cheek, Lin blinked in confusion, a question on his lips.

“Do want to make amends for your mistake?”

His eyes widened in shock. “Anything!” He cried frantically before the offer could be withdrawn. “I would give my life to rescue Alex!”

There was an ironic smile. “Perhaps not something so weighty as your life.” He smiled.

Lin frowned. “Then what could I possibly give?”

“Your soul.”

A trembling hand gripped at the cloth covering his heart. “M-my soul?” Lin whispered in disbelief. “What weighs more then the very thing that keeps me alive?”

White teeth flashed in a brilliant grin. “But if you could save your Alex wouldn’t it be worth it?” The man pushed. “You would be able to hold him in your arms again, and for what? Something as petty as your soul, something you truly do not need?”

His words were spoken with such confidence that Lin could not help but believe, his guilt would be lifted and he would have Alexander with him once more.

“How would you do this?” He raised a curious brow, hesitant to continue.

“Haven’t you figured it out yet?” The man’s voice was smooth velvet. “I am an angel.”

Lin gasped in surprise as feathers suddenly filled the air around them, the soft scent of cinnamon surrounded his senses. Before him an angel truly stood, majestic and powerful, wings extended gloriously.

“You truly are an angel.” He whispered in awe.

“Of course, who else would come to you in your time of need and help you?” The angel cocked his head in amusement.

“I never thought I would be worthy enough for an angel to come to my aid.” Lin murmured. “I thought my soul black after the accident.”

“Well I am here now.” A familiar hand was once more extended. “Do you agree to my offer, your soul for Alexander’s life?”

Lin slowly reached out for the proffered hand, ready to sell his soul for his dream.

“Don’t touch him!”

Lin jerked away instantly as though burned, wincing as he turned to stare at the stranger who had found them.

“Ezekiel.” The man behind him hissed with venom.

Lin observed their guest; another angel stood proudly, snowy wings outstretched behind him in an elegant arch. Golden locks whipped about his stony face with the invisible wind dancing around his figure and the only emotion that could be found was the deep regret hidden in his silver eyes.

“Who are you?” Lin whispered.

“I am an angel Lin, I was sent to protect you but it seems I was too late.” He glared at the being standing stoically in the boy’s shadow.

Lin turned to the first angel he had met. “I thought you were going to help me.” He faltered.

Blue orbs flashed desperately. “I will child.” He grasped Lin’s hands in his palms. “Don’t listen to this fool; he is a liar, a demon.”

“Liar!” Ezekiel shouted. “Do not lie to him any longer you filth, show him your true form!”

The dark haired angel sneered at the raging creature. “This is my true face little angel, never think otherwise.” He smirked.

Lin backed away from the tall figures in apprehension as they seemed to lunge at each other through their harsh words.

“It may have been your form long ago Lucifer, but now it is nothing but an illusion! You hold no such beauty you foul beast!” Ezekiel spat.

The youth’s eyes widened, surely this wasn’t so, he hadn’t been about to sell his soul to the Devil had he?!

Black locks were arrogantly flipped over a stiff shoulder as the newly named Lucifer glared at the pure being. “I will have it known little one that I was once your precious God’s favorite angel.”

“He holds no love for you now.” Ezekiel scowled.

“Stop it!” Lin screamed finally, before anymore worded blows could be made. “Just stop, please.” He whispered.

“Come with me.” Lucifer held out his hand again. “You were readily agreeing only moments ago.” He pointed out with an arched brow.

“Y-yes.” Lin nodded, reaching for the hand once more.

“What are you doing?!” Ezekiel snapped. “Do you think Alexander would want you to act so stupidly, to throw your life away?”

Tears spilled across newly flushed cheeks. “Alex.” Lin breathed.

The golden being nodded slowly. “He is in Heaven at this moment, and if you go with that demon you will be condemning yourself to a hell worse then the life of guilt you are leading now.”

Lin glanced at the beautiful angel he had trusted. “Why did you do this?”

Lucifer sneered. “So he has won you over I see, very well.” The dark head nodded in consent. “But don’t think you will escape my flames so easily!” He roared angrily.

There was no time to react as the wall of fire twisted about Lin’s pathetically small form; he was no match for the fires of Hell. He screamed as his flesh was licked by the burning hands of death, tearing at his entire body and attempting to drag him into oblivion.

“Lucifer!” Ezekiel raged, lunging forward with a drawn sword.

A maddening cackle was the only response earned as the dark haired angel vanished in a swirl of black feathers, leaving behind a broken body and an enraged angel.

“Lin.” Ezekiel turned toward the unmoving form.

Slowly the flames ebbed away and a burned body was revealed. Lin stood beside Ezekiel, watching sadly as the wisps of smoke drifted into the air.

“So I am now dead?” He asked emotionlessly.

“Yes, and you will accompany me because your soul is pure despite your own thoughts.” Ezekiel smiled reassuringly.

“Will Alex be waiting for me?” Lin asked softly, head downcast in fear.

“He is already waiting; he has been so for a long time.” Ezekiel informed gently. “So let us end his sadness and brighten his day.”

Lin nodded with a bright smile. “Yes, let us go home.” He was finally free.

There was a soft whisper of displaced air as the two beings vanished from the forest, no remains of their presence left.

The forest was once again calm as an angel was returned home.

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Author: Yeah…um, I wrote this for English :grins: which is the reason for its shortness! But I liked it; I hoped u liked it…and, yeah, please review!

-Red