I was checking the computer again (we had a busier day today) when Chris walked over with a withdrawn expression. Five machines broke tonight, and it would be another two days before the new machines came in, not to mention we had to break up a fight that two heavy weightlifters got into because one of them was calling the other weak. I gave him a shrug and he gave me a nod that said: 'Tell me about it'. I resumed checking the computer, my mind wandered back to the white feather that was in my work locker. How does that keep appearing at the most random times? And in the most random places.

"Hey Breanna," Chris said as he ran a hand over his face, "can you close up tonight? I'm running on two hours of sleep."

"Sure, I'm sure there won't be another rush, seeing as there is only about twenty minutes left of the work day," I smiled, noting that the sun was beginning to set. Chris nodded and went in the back to get his things. "Get some sleep tonight," I grinned as Chris waved. I couldn't help but notice how different Chris looked tonight. He looked perfectly fine when I walked in, but as the day wore on, he looked like he was starving himself or something. Did someone come in that spooked him?

I was humming to myself as I started locking up the Fitness Center when I heard the front door open. I rushed to the front, only to see a man wearing a black under-armor shirt, black pants, black shoes, and a black ski mask looking around. I froze on the spot and saw the vast blackness in his eyes. "Give me the money," he snarled as he pointed the gun at me.

Somehow, I found the strength to move to the register and opened it—the gun never leaving my sights. I prayed profusely that Michael would show up and stop this, he always happened to appear at the right time. Help me!

But unfortunately, the robber was still there, waiting rather impatiently for the money. After giving him the money we made today, he grunted and saluted me with the gun—only to be stopped by Michael's approach. "I think you better return that money," Michael growled.

Is he insane! This guy has a gun! And Michael is acting like it doesn't even exist! I was reaching for the phone to dial 911, but I stopped, having this confident feeling that the situation will resolve itself in a few moments.

"Get out of my way, kid!" the robber snarled.

"I said, I think you better return that money," Michael repeated, this time, more forcefully and I noticed that he was glowing again. Something else was glowing and I looked down to see his pendant out in the open, the amber topaz was nearly as bright as the lights above us. I watched as the robber was shaking and Michael only stood there, his jaw tensed and his eyes focused. They blazed with power and…forgiveness? Eventually the robber walked back over to me (his face pale) and gave the money back to me. Michael whispered something too low for me to hear and the robber walked out in a trance-like state and just as I was about to ask Michael what he said, a migraine came and I gripped the edge of the counter for support.

God, please forgive me. Your Prince has spoken. I opened my eyes to see Michael giving me a soft look (he wasn't glowing anymore) and I shook my head. "I'm fine. Just a headache."

Michael nodded and stood at the counter. "I noticed that it was dead in here so I decided to come in. Do you mind if I walk around?" he asked gently.

"Yeah, I was just closing up the place. I was going to call…" I trailed off. Secretly hoping that he would consider a membership here.

Michael gave me a crooked smile that made my heart stop. "I know, but I looked up your business hours and decided to come early. I'm glad I did," he smiled. The smell of ginger and cinnamon making me dizzy. But I couldn't help but notice the underlying reason for him coming so early.

"I'm glad too," I mumbled.

Michael walked around and I quickly made sure that the doors were locked and the alarms were set. I was in the back room getting my bag when I heard the front door open. My heart seized up—thinking that the robber was back—and I peeked my head out to see a young girl, about a year older than me, talking with Michael. Her hair was a deep brown color and her eyes were amber…like Michael's, she also wore a similar necklace to Michael, and she was wearing jeans and a white t-shirt, along with black running shoes. She also looked out of place here. She had a perfect figure, slender, athletic, and all around inhumanely beautiful. Her face told me that she didn't like being here and I wondered why she didn't just leave. After a few more minutes, the girl left and I returned to my locker, embarrassed that I spied on Michael. Why am I acting like a jealous girl? I don't even like Michael...do I? Great, I was beginning to doubt my own feelings for Michael.

I walked out a few minutes later to see Michael leaning against the counter with a smile looking absolutely perfect . "Hello."

"Who were you talking to earlier?" I blurted out, my face turning red. I was never a good liar or secret keeper.

Michael only gave a light chuckle, walked over to me and removed a stray piece of hair from my face. For some reason, it felt more intimate that it should have been and again, the jolt of electricity raced through my veins. "Her name was Gabrielle. We're old friends. She wanted to work out but I told her that you were closed and that I was giving you a ride." I saw a spark of mischief in his perfect amber eyes and I barely registered the cool wind blasting into the building, making me shiver. "Breanna?" he asked as he offered me his coat.

I shook my head, turned the lights off and the alarm on, and walked out to his car, and put on his warm jacket. I opened the passenger side door and I was immediately encompassed in warmth. I sighed in contempt and Michael got into the driver's seat. "Next stop, the school," Michael stated as he took off and about fifteen minutes later, we were sitting in a parking spot near my car.

"What're we doing here?" I asked, oblivious to the fact that he told me where he was taking me.

Michael gave me a confused look. "I fixed your car for you, remember?" he whispered. Suddenly the entire car felt like it was humming with electricity and I wondered if Michael could feel it too. I wanted so much to run my hands through his perfectly messy golden blonde hair, amongst other things. I shook my head quickly and opened the door, the cold air making me gasp. "Uh, Breanna," Michael said as he gracefully got out of the car and walked over to me. "I think you need these." Michael took my hand and set some keys in my hand. I looked up at him and I swore I saw some silver run through his eyes.

"T-Thanks," I stammered as I opened my car door, threw my bag in the backseat, and started the engine. I rolled down the window and Michael leaned down, resting his arms on the open window. "I can repay you tomorrow," I assured him.

Michael reached into my car and gently turned my face so I was staring at him. "You don't have to repay me, I did it because it was the right thing to do."

His breath still smelled of ginger and cinnamon, but I was also able to smell leather, sandalwood, and bonfires at the same time. Each smell was perfectly mixed. "Are you sure?" I asked as he gave me a smile.

"I'm positive. I'll see you tomorrow okay?" Michael grinned as he stood up.

I nodded. "Oh!" Michael said as he leaned down again, "If you are having trouble with the car tomorrow morning, give me a call. I can fix it."

Before I could give him an answer, he was already speeding out of the parking lot. I started the car (it started with a low purr instead of the loud snarling noise it usually makes) and drove home. I grabbed my bag that was thrown into the backseat and I saw something that made me look twice. Another white feather. "What the heck?" Then I felt the soft lining of the jacket I was wearing. And what did he mean he would see me tomorrow? Tomorrow was Saturday...

I put the feather behind my ear as I walked into the house to find my mom sitting on the sofa with a cup of hot coffee. "I'm home!" I said as I put my school bag on the table.

My mom walked into the kitchen and she had the most anxious expression on her face. "Can we talk?" she asked, noting the new jacket I was wearing. Strangely enough, it smelled like Michael...well it couldn't be that strange.

"Sure. What's up?"

My mom fidgeted for a moment and I couldn't help but realize that she was acting more like a teenager than an adult. "It's about…me," she murmured into her coffee.

I sat on a stool and crossed my ankles. "I can handle it," I assured her. Behind the smile I was praying that she didn't have cancer.

My mom took a deep breath and looked at me. "I'm seeing someone. We've gone on a few dates already and he is really sweet, caring, nice…"

My jaw dropped but I quickly snapped it shut. "You're dating someone?" I asked. My fear of her dying on me dropped.

"Yes, he's not from around here, but he is moving here soon. I know he can never replace your father, but times have changed."

"What's his name?" I asked, this wasn't something that was uncomfortable for me to talk about. I knew my mom was going to move on sooner or later. I however was hoping on the later part.

"Jason. He works for a Law Firm in Denver."

I raised an eyebrow, "And he wants to move here?" Vail, Colorado isn't one of those cities that need a Law Firm. In fact, our crime rate is low. Well considering that I was recently robbed, only to have the robber break down at the sight of Michael and return the money...

"Breanna," my mom smiled as she set her coffee down, "Jason has more than enough money to live off of. He gave a two week notice and plans to get a more…mediocre job here in Vail."

"Oh…" I frowned.

"Here's the best part, he says he wants to spend the rest of his life with me!" my mom squealed. Right there killed it for me. My mom said that my dad told her that before he proposed.

"Oh…" is all I said, air was hitching in my throat.

My mom nodded and I only looked down for a moment. "That's…that's great. Really, it's great," I mumbled, I could feel a lump in my throat forming.

"Breanna…"my mom trailed off, she heard the hurt in my voice. I shook my head, tears threatening to spill over, and ran up the stairs and into my room. I broke down again and the feeling of safety, protection…and love washed over me. It was if someone was holding me and I was crying into their chest.

I changed into a pair of grey shorts and a black t-shirt and went to bed—but on my pillow was a single white feather and a single rose. Hoping that I don't have any nightmares about my dad dying again. I hadn't had a nightmare like that for a few months now. But this news was probably enough for me to have one. I put the rose on the bedside table, curled up under my covers, and clutched the feather close to my chest.

I was running through the school, it was dark, the power was off and I couldn't help but feel like someone dangerous was chasing me. I turned my head and saw the soulless black eyes of my pursuer. I tried to scream, but no noise came out.

Ahead of me, I saw a black hole in the ground. I skidded to a stop, but my pursuer pushed me in, I was falling. Falling into nothing but a void.

Before I hit whatever was at the bottom of the void, a hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me out of the black hole. "I will always protect you..." the velvet voice purred.

As I was about to answer, the grip on my wrist vanished and I was falling again, but this time I was able to scream.

I woke up clutching my heart just before my dream-self would have hit the ground or whatever was at the bottom of the void. It felt so real. Like I was falling from the sky or something. I rubbed my eyes, looked at the alarm clock to see that it was two in the morning, and went back to sleep. Thankfully, it was dreamless.

I woke up to the sound of Margaret vacuuming downstairs. It was a Saturday for crying out loud! Margaret never worked on Saturdays. I groaned as I got up and did my mundane morning routine. I walked downstairs and Margaret greeted me. "Sorry for vacuuming, but I had to do it today, your mom has a guest coming over this evening…" Margaret trailed off as she noticed my uneasiness at the mention of the unwanted guest. "I'm sorry hon," she said softly as she walked over and gave me a warm hug.

I sat down as the first migraine of the day hit me and I rested my head against the table.

Poor Breanna. I knew she wasn't ready for the news yet. I wish I could do more for her… Then I saw someone with dark hair and equally dark eyes, tan skin, and a sweet smile.

I opened my eyes and stared at Margaret. She wasn't looking at me, she was busy doing dishes and washing the counter. I heard someone thinking, and I saw an image of someone. I'm definitely a freak now. I can't tell anyone about this! I looked out the window(trying to hide my hysteria at this new revelation as best I could) as Margaret continued clean. I noticed the sun was out and I grabbed an apple as I walked out of the house and to my car. It was perfect outside. It wasn't warm or cold or anything. Just right.

I hopped into my car and drove around. I didn't know where I was heading, but when I pulled into a parking space, it was Campo di fiori. I frowned as I got out and found that the place was open. The hostess looked rather peeved that I walked in. "Welcome," she said in a fake enthusiastic tone.

"I'm not here for something to eat. I was wondering if Michael Prince was working today," I said with somewhat of an attitude.

"Oh," the bottle blonde said as she inspected her nails, "he doesn't work on Saturdays or Sundays. He does some charity for the church."

"Thanks," I murmured as I left.

What a loser…

I stiffened and turned around to see the hostess only looking at her nails. I didn't have a migraine attack, but that voice sounded exactly like the hostess' voice. I shook my head and walked outside and to the car. I drove around town and I happened to drive by the church. With my curiosity (and unreasonable amount of interest) peaked; I parked at the church and walked in. I frowned and suppressed a gag (old ladies really need to lay off the perfume) I saw someone in a white robe, kneeling before the altar.

"Theologi invoco in auxilium mihi duodecim opportuno," I heard them pray.

The person in the white robe stiffened, as if God was actually talking to him. I kneeled quietly in the back of the church and watched. The person remained still as could be. Then they glowed ever so slightly and instantly it was over.

"Tibi gratias ago pro fortitudine tua. Thronus ... revertar ad vos cito."

However, when the person kneeling rose, I didn't need to see his face to know who it was. Michael turned around and his face grew somber as he realized that I had just witnessed him praying. I gulped but Michael only beckoned me forward. "Breanna, what brings you here?" he asked.

"I was just wondering if I could talk with the Priest?" I murmured. And what the heck you were doing, speaking perfect Latin.

Michael offered a hand (giving me a warm smile) and I took it. It felt…warmer for a lack of a better word, like I could literally feel the vitality of his blood (like a thousand jolts of electricity was coursing through his blood). I looked into his eyes and I saw the amber swirling around with life. The barest hints of silver were intertwined and I was left breathless. "The Priest is available if you would like to do a confession," Michael nodded, his sweet breath making me lose my focus. "And I'm guessing Tessa was working at the restaurant when you walked in," he frowned.

"Yeah. Is she always so…mean?" I stuttered, not wanting to curse in a holy place. Michael scoffed a little bit.

"She prefers having weekends off…but with my charity work and all…" he winked when he said that and I couldn't help but question the "charity" he does around here.

He led me to a rather large wooden box and allowed me to enter. Once I was seat, he closed the door and the Priest was on the other side, his face away from me. "Forgive me Father, for I have sinned," I began. I thought I heard someone laughing behind the wooden door.

"You are forgiven child. What brings you to me?"

"My mom has recently started dating someone and it just…I can't stand to think of someone replacing my dad…"

"That is not what is truly bothering you," the Priest said.

"How do you know…" I whispered.

"God speaks to me in many ways. His Prince, for an example, speaks to me on a regular basis, tells me who needs to be forgiven and who needs to be punished."

I bit my lip. "Who is God's Prince anyway?" I mumbled. For some reason, that was nagging me.

"In the Book of Daniel…God makes a mention of his Prince," the Priest said, leaving it at that. It was almost as if he was expecting me to make the connection.

Then it hit me. That day in Philosophy. When the Bible pages fluttered to the Book of Daniel. When Michael ditched school. "Thank you Father," I acknowledged as I hurried out of the church (Michael looking at me weirdly) and sped to the library.

When I arrived, I sprinted into the old building, claiming a computer (before a kid around ten could take it—earning me a nasty glare from the mother) and researched the Book of Daniel.

I found the passage that the pages landed on and reread it over and over.

"At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book."

I frowned and as I was about to give up, two words stuck out at me. "Michael" and "prince". There is no way that is possible! It's just a coincidence that…I only shook my head and decided to Google the name Michael. I read the information and came across that it means: "Who is like God". But I also saw that it was really popular back when I was born.

Maybe his parents just named him after the angel. I mean, it's not like Michael is this all powerful being that can vanish, fly, heal, and do whatever angels do…Until I remembered the locker room. Michael glowed; I saw something outlining itself on his back…the silver in his eyes. I erased the search engine and typed in: Angels and their abilities.

I found non-reliable information online (mostly stuff on Wikipedia), claiming that angels have unlimited amount of power, so I settled for searching the books at the library. I found a few on angels and their place in the Bible, more on their place in history, a few on angels before death, and two books on Archangels. I took them to the back of the library (after grabbing some loose-leaf paper and a pencil) and I opened the first book in the small tower that I had made.