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“I’m going to the library.”
A heavy stare bore into Amon’s back. Turning around, the younger angel found his brother’s eyes on him.
“What?”
“You don’t do libraries.”
Amon’s face warped into one of offence. “I do libraries sometimes.”
Those crystal blue eyes squinted at Amon. It was a rare expression on the elder angel’s profile.
There was obvious suspicion in his clear gaze.
“I’m going.” Not waiting for Adam to chime in another word, Amon flew out of their shared bedroom and down the hallways of the Ancient Sun God’s magnificent palace.
The little angel soon arrived at his destination. As the grand abode of the mighty deity housed few occupants, the library was normally unoccupied. The usual visitors of this room included Adam, Mr Ouroboros, Mr Herabergen and the Ancient Sun God. Most preferred the environment of noise instead of the tranquility of wisdom, so rarely would the library had a wandering soul within.
Amon was just an angel who did whatever he pleased. Sometimes, he would confide himself in seclusion, not wishing to be disturbed. Other times, he would wreak havoc wherever there was a crowd, providing much headache to his caretakers and family.
Entering the silent library, Amon gently closed the door behind him and looked around. Confirming that the room was empty, he proceeded towards a table and set down his belongings. While Adam was distracted by the confusion of his brother’s choice of visiting the library, he had not enquired about the bag hung over the younger angel’s torso.
As such, Amon could sneak the items inside the bag without being stopped and interrogated.
The little angel opened his bag and rummaged through its content. Three candles, a matchbox and a small vial of essential oil were procured from the depths. Then, he settled them on the table, quickly arranging a formation.
With the candles placed in a triangular disposition, Amon quickly lit the wicks and dribbled a drop of essential oil in the dancing flames.
As fragrance wafted in the air and surrounded the little angel, he clasped his hands in a prayer and closed his eyes.
He began chanting.
“The fool who does not belong to this era.”
“The mysterious ruler above the gray fog.”
“The king of yellow and black who wields good luck.”
The air encircling the little angel moved faster, creating a shallow howl. As quickly as it had picked up speed, it turned slow until no wind whistles were audible.
However, the atmosphere in the library had significantly became heavy, as if a strong presence was placing pressure upon the room.
Amon let out a breath.
Just then, imperceptible footsteps resounded in the utter quietude of the library.
The little angel instantly turned to the sound. His black eyes lit up, like countless stars breaking out in a night sky.
“You came.”
A distance away, walking steadily towards him, was a figure in a black cloak. The fabric underneath glowed a bright yellow, illuminating the soft masculine features beneath the hood. A pair of molten golden brown met the little angel’s abysmal black voids.
“You called.”
Amon’s gaze followed The Fool as they came beside the table he was seated before. The latter glanced at the burning candles in front of the little angel, then finally turned their attention to the summoner.
“Does your father allow intruders?”
A brow quirked in amusement on the angel’s youthful countenance. “I’d say you’re more welcomed than unwanted.”
The Fool gazed at the little angel, expression unchanging as they pointed out. “Your father doesn’t know of my appearance.”
“But I summoned you, so technically, you’ve been invited by me.” The smile on Amon’s face was beaming with pride.
The explanation made sense. The Fool could not refute it.
The quiet deity looked around the library, absorbing the layout of their environment. They commented idly. “Your father has quite the collection.”
Amon smiled. “Would Mr Fool like to read one?”
The Fool glanced at the little angel. Deep in those golden brown orbs, Amon could spot contemplation and hesitance swimming behind a wall of defence and calm. The realisation that the mysterious deity was controlling their expressions and emotions intrigued the little angel—it made them even more inquisitive of the being in front of them.
“I’ll consider your invitation if the collection includes those involving divination.”
Amon perked up and grinned. Hopping off his chair, he beckoned The Fool. “Follow me.”
The little angel led the way. Silently, the elusive deity followed behind. Soft footsteps echoed in the quiet library, bounding off the far walls and countless shelves.
They eventually arrived at a row of shelves. Amon turned to The Fool and pointed at a random book.
“This whole row stores every book that recorded about divination throughout history.”
The Fool approached the shelf and glanced at the spines of the books. Their fingers gently grazed the tomes before retracting. Slowly, their body turned and their eyes landed on the little angel.
“I’ll keep this in mind for future reference.”
Future reference… Amon lit up, smiling brightly at the implication.
Before the little angel could get a word in, The Fool stated, “Let’s return to the table. I suspect you have much on your mind to question me about.”
Amon nodded in agreement. Leading the way once more, they soon returned to the table the little angel had been sitting at. He quickly took back his seat while The Fool sat across from him, resting their arms on the table.
“Ask away your curiosities,” prompted The Fool, waiting patiently.
Amon already had an enquiry in mind. “What was it like ascending to Godhood?”
The Fool did not respond immediately. They met the little angel’s gaze. Yet, those golden brown did not seem focused.
Finally, their lips parted and they spoke, “Gruelling, like any bit of failure will result in instant death.”
Amon’s interest was piqued. “Was it difficult going from being a human to being a deity?”
Most would view the question as impudent. To casually bring up one’s background, especially when that someone was a being much stronger than himself with full capabilities to smite him, was rude and could be interpreted as looking down on the individual with such past.
Amon was lucky that the deity in front of him was not any other authorities. He would meet his father in a different form very quickly otherwise.
“It was,” affirmed The Fool. A pause, then he continued, “You’ll never know whether you’ll succeed smoothly or lose control and die. Every step towards divinity is another step teetering too close to the cliff of doom.”
Amon tilted his head, probing, “Then why do you insist on ascending?”
There was long moment of silence where The Fool did not answer. They glanced out the windows, taking in the sunset-like view outside.
As the sun streamed into the library, rays of illumination hit The Fool’s face. The strips of light made the deity glow under the radiance. They looked ethereal with the warm brilliance painting across their soft features.
At long last, The Fool replied, “Because there are things I want to protect.”
Amon did not know how to continue after hearing that confession.
Seconds ticked into minutes then stretched into hours. Even as an Angel of Time, Amon found himself getting lost to the tide.
Finally, The Fool stood up.
“I should take my leave. The castle cannot be left unattended, and I believe Arrodes is fussing over my whereabouts by now.”
Amon straightened his back immediately asked, “Can I talk to you again in the future?”
The Fool looked at the little angel. There was geniality and warmth upon their countenance as they nodded.
“I would love that, in fact.”
Amon felt his heart stuttering at the admittance. He was unsure of the reason, but he was not against the feeling.
Hence, he returned The Fool’s friendliness with a smile filled with sincerity. “Then, I look forward to our next meeting, Mr Fool.”
“Likewise.”
A wind blew from nowhere, enveloping the two figures. With just a blink, the deity in black was gone, leaving behind the little angel.
Amon stared at the space where The Fool had just been.
Then, the corners of his lips curled into a satisfied smile.
“See you soon, Mr Fool.”