Forsvarer
By: CG (Cara.)

Prologue:

Heaven shed its tears over the hectic city, the full moon making the solemn drops shine in its light. The man leant against a wall of an old run-down building watching people walk past him as if he wasn't there. He was used to such things though. His clothes were in rags, he hadn't bathed in days, and looked almost exactly like many of the poor homeless men he'd seen in this district.

And who, he thought disdainfully to himself, would pay attention to a beggar? It was the only reason he hadn't changed into more comfortable clothes and taken care of his hygiene. He adjusted the small coat over his back, making sure he would be covered from the onslaught of falling water. He walked calmly down the street, occasionally getting bumped or shoved by people hurrying to get out of the rain. He scoffed at one person who was running so fast they nearly tripped. Don't they know that you only get wetter if you run? He shrugged a shoulder and continued down the street for a few blocks before turning in to the shadowed alley that awaited him.

It was here, he decided, that he would face him. It was here that they would finally have an answer. He felt the small ripple in the wind as the air was misplaced. He forced himself to slowly turn and meet the nearly obsidian-blue eyes of his 'companion.'

"L'arciel..." He inclined his head in greeting. "We meet again." He allowed his stormy blue orbs to flow over the imperious form which greeted him. He had short black nearly midnight blue hair, which framed his strong and elegant features. His back was straight with dignity and pride that shone through, even with the rain.

"Howell." He returned just as curtly, his head slowly and gracefully lowering to reciprocate the gesture of greeting. "You've been busy." His arms were crossed over his chest, and his legs were about a foot apart. He was relaxed at the moment, but Howell knew not to misjudge him; that relaxed posture could easily become his fighting stance and he could be dead in seconds.

Howell clenched his teeth together to repress any rash action. He allowed his eyes to roam over the masculine, slenderly built form before him. He took in the tight black pants, the dark blue shirt with a long black cloak that covered the right half of his body, and his feet covered in black combat boots similar to those of military issue.

The fact that this was his 'casual wear' worried him. It was stating he wasn't worth his time, that he would go after him when off-duty was stating that he was merely practice; a warm up for those few he considered worthy foes. He gripped one hand into a fist and glared at him feeling the anger swell within him. "Well, those of us who aren't spineless cowards have a lot to do."

"Cowards?" L'arciel's voice was filled with slight amusement at this, he raised a slender brow. "Cowards run Howell. You ran and I tracked you down. But to come here..." He looked around at the trash littering on the alley floor and the overturned garbage cans before clicking his tongue and slowly shaking his head. "That is quite insulting."

Howell's hand discretely moved under his coat, going towards a small silver orb made from an unknown substance, though it looked like marble. L'arciel's eyes flicked to his arm, then down, to see his hand freeze inches away. A smirk rose over his lips and an expression resembling a sneer crossed over it faintly.

"Howell... I'm disappointed."

His eyes widened slightly in shock before narrowing in determination, though he knew he would not survive this fight, he only hoped that he had helped save him. Please Amis...Take care of him, let him be safe.

With the quick prayer he charged him, hand grabbing the small orb he withdrew it from the back of his belt and flicked his wrist. It activated and he shot the 'General' a smug look. The bomb wouldn't kill him, but it would sure as hell wound him at a close distance. L'arciel threw his cloak over his shoulder so it no longer hid his body and his graceful fingers flittered down brushing against a small twinkling object.

Howell's eyes narrowed. Don't let him use it, don't let him... He closed his eyes for a brief nanosecond in silent regret. He repeated his earlier prayer before taking necessary action.

He flung himself forward and right before his body hit his, he squeezed his little parting gift, which had grown to the size of a small ball. It glowed blue, then red, and finally purple before there was a loud explosion. A single scream tore through the air. The people passing the alleyway froze in shock, looking curiously into the darkness.