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Humans are most entertaining creatures. Though they are said to be the most intelligent animals dwelling upon the earth, it seemeth they possess no true understanding of the danger present everywhere in the world around them. They would likely not survive long were none to watch over them each day. To keep them safe and shield them from harm was the charge entrusted unto the angels. These beings, clad in flowing white garments, bearing majestic wings with feathers like unto doves, and crowned with a golden halo of light above their heads, were naught but divine fantasy to mortal eyes. Yet they exist indeed, and have been those appointed to guard humankind since the dawn of time.
Yet this mission wearied Agott greatly. She spent her days watching over a small, quiet domain. The humans here weren't doing anything excitant. She had observed them from afar for hundreds of centuries, and the only thing that had truly marked her was their immeasurable foolishness. She often wondered why beings so hostile toward other living creatures, toward the earth they inhabited, even toward their own kind, deserved any manner of protection. But she could do naught about it — it was her duty — and so, in time, she ceased questioning and simply obeyed what was asked of her.
Thus each day she sat at the foot of a tree and observed humans. Day after day, week after week, year after year. Small wooden or stone dwellings gave way to immense structures built with ingenious methods. Agott refused to admit it, but despite her disdain for human nature and the angels’ prohibition against direct contact, she had grown curious... fascinated, even. Or rather, she had grown curious about one human. She could not explain why, but ever since she first beheld her, the girl’s face had remained carved into her memory.
“Meow.”
Agott was pulled from her thoughts by the sound of a small black cat meowing beside her.
“Oh? Art thou able to perceive mine presence?”
The cat rubbed its head against her leg and purred. Agott stroked it gently.
“It hath been at the least one hundred and fifty years since any creature hath addressed itself unto me. Thou bringest me delight, little furred one.”
The cat leapt onto her lap and lay down, making Agott smile.
“The view is fair, is it not.”
She gazed upon the landscape, the blue sky dotted with clouds, the city stretching before her, the wind brushing through her curls and the feathers of her wings, all while petting the small cat. Suddenly, she felt something through her back: one of her scattered feathers in the city had signaled her.
“Mine apologies, little creature, but I must depart.”
She lifted the cat from her lap, rose, and unfurled her wings to take flight.
Once airborne, she flew toward the city until she hovered above a group of four teenagers. She descended into the street and crouched upon the sidewalk, holding her head in her hands as she observed one of them, a young girl with olive‑green hair, sparkling eyes, a captivating face, and a radiant smile.
“Cute...” Agott thought, before blushing at her own thought. She shook her head, embarrassed, and hid her face behind her wings, though none could see her.
She continued watching as the group approached, and when the girl passed beside her, she turned her head and smiled. Agott’s eyes widened, she spread her wings and shot upward into the sky. Her heart pounded, her breath faltered.
“Why did she bestow upon me a smile?! Can she perceive me?! Nay, nay, such a thing cannot be. It must needs be mere coincidence.”
She looked down, the girl continued walking, laughing with her friends.
“Hath mine judgment failed me?”
Before she could think further, a letter appeared before her in a burst of golden dust. She seized it.
“Dear Agott, please come meet me, for we must speak of a troubling matter.”
Golden circles formed a portal of pure white. Agott cast one last glance downward, then entered. She landed upon a ground both firm and cloudlike, and behind her she heard the portal close. All around her stretched pure white mist upon the horizon, save for the two enormous golden doors before her. Beside them slumped a guard over a lectern, looking as though life itself had abandoned him. She approached to greet him as he lifted his head, revealing long black hair falling over a pale, exhausted face.
“Mine salutations, Master Easthies.”
“Just get inside already, I’m sick of opening these doors.”
The doors opened without a single sound, despite their immense size.
“Ever courteous,” she thought, without irony, her soul was far too gentle for that.
Agott thanked the weary angel and flew into the city. Hundreds of angels dwelled here. The architecture was indescribably beautiful. Unlike the world below, the city was filled with countless colors, all brilliant and radiant, making Agott’s heart flutter each time she beheld them. The angelic city could not be compared to the human world — even attempting such a comparison was senseless. No human word truly described this place. The closest must surely be “marvelous.”
Here, there were no problems, no tension, only perfect peace and warmth, perfect climate, and golden‑grass meadows bordered by endless rivers. The place was so pleasant that angels assigned to watch the human world were considered unlucky. Some visited the lower world out of curiosity or pleasure, but since the city contained everything one could need, they were few, rare were those willing to abandon such comfort. After flying for some time, she reached the doors of a chapel and entered. It was a long room lined with benches, with a beautiful altar at its center. Before the altar stood a tall angel with white hair reading a book. His build was impressive, three pairs of wings spread upon his back, and his golden halo adorned with ornaments. He heard her steps, closed his book, and turned toward her with a warm smile.
“Thy Excellency Qifrey, illustrious Seraph, I present myself before thee.”
“Come now, Agott, we hath spoken of this ere now. Thou needst not address me with such formality. Yet I too rejoice to behold thee once more.”
“What tidings didst thou wish to impart unto me?”
“We have detected the presence of a demon within thy domain of surveillance. Thus, an archangel shall be dispatched to hunt it.”
“But if such matter unfold within mine jurisdiction, why grant me not the charge thereof?”
“There shall be no ‘but,’ Agott. Loroga shall oversee this investigation.”
“Him, of all beings?!”
“Thou must honor the hierarchy of angels. And forget not that angels such as thee are forbidden from entering direct contact with humans. Hast thou understood mine words?”
“Most clearly, Master Qifrey.”
“Thou art permitted to resume thy duties. Go, my child, and may joy attend thee.”
Agott obeyed and departed, though displeased by the news. But as she left the building, she heard a voice behind her — a voice with such a peculiar high pitch that most angels despised it.
“Sooo, what did he tell you?”
She turned to see two angels descending to land beside her. The one who spoke was extremely cheerful and euphoric, easily recognizable by her long pink hair and the bow hidden beneath her loose garments and large wings. The other angel was calm and thoughtful, speaking little, easy to overlook. She had blue hair with a small fringe, and wings so tiny they could not lift her; she wore winged sandals to fly. They were the very embodiment of “opposites attract.”
“Apparently a demon was reported in my supervision zone, but the superiors preferred giving the search to that scoundrel Loroga.”
“Even when you insult people you talk like that,” Richeh teased.
“Mine speech beareth no oddity, it is but the fruit of mine refined upbringing. And that scoundrel deserveth no better title. For once I might have found amusement.”
“Then just go yourself,” Tetia exclaimed.
“It is not because thou goest every day to play with humans that all angels do the same.”
“Richeh! You said you wouldn’t tell!”
“Tetia... thou goest to the world below and enterest in contact with them?” Agott asked, shocked.
“Well yeah. Most of the time I shoot two random people with my bow to make them fall in love, then I disguise myself to watch how it goes.”
“But that is fundamentally illegal, Tetia.”
“It’s only illegal if you get caught. With Richeh’s and my disguise techniques, nobody ever notices anything. Sooo, wanna try too?”
Agott stared at Tetia for a moment, then answered:
“Very well.”
Tetia squealed and hugged her.
“I’m finally gonna get to do your makeup!”
“Thou needst not do more than necessary... Ugh, release me, Tetia.”
Thus Agott now found herself walking through the city, her wings hidden thanks to Tetia’s disguise. She was even surprised by how effective it was — she could barely feel her own wings anymore. As she walked, she stopped before a shop window to see what she looked like. Her appearance was that of a typical human teenager, perfect for blending in and investigating. She had spent much time observing humans and learning their customs and ways; this should not be too difficult. Her attention drifted from her reflection to one of the items on display. “What creature is this, shaped like a stick holding another stick? ‘Triple T’... what a peculiar invention. Pay it no heed, Agott, be not distracted.” She resumed walking. “Where might I beg—”
But after only a few steps, at an intersection, lost in thought and not watching her surroundings, Agott bumped into someone. The impact knocked her backward onto the ground, and she hit her head lightly. As she sat up and rubbed her head to ease the pain, the person she had collided with crouched before her and gently lifted her chin with her fingers.
“Are you okay? Sorry for bumping into you.”
It was the green‑haired girl, only this time she was closer than ever. Agott could admire her up close, her face nearly touching hers. She could see her own reflection in the girl’s eyes and lose herself in it. She could feel her breath on her skin, and the softness of her cool fingers on her face drove her completely mad. She did not understand what was happening, only that her heart should not be beating this fast, and that the girl before her was outrageously beautiful. Her face turned red all the way to her ears, and the only thought she managed to say aloud was: “Oh fuck.” before she began to nosebleed.
“Oh no, crap, you’re bleeding!? I’m really sorry!”
Other teenagers arrived behind her.
“Don’t grab people’s faces like that, Coco, you can’t do that.” said the second girl.
“I just wanted to see up close if she was okay, Jujy.”
“She got mogged by Coco, I can’t believe it,” mocked the dark‑skinned boy with black hair.
“Stop teasing her, Custas,” said the red‑haired boy, handing Coco a tissue.
“Thanks, Tartah. Here, take this for your nose. How’s your head? Can you tell me your name?”
Agott paid no attention to anything around her, she only looked at the girl before her, and the only thing she truly heard was the beating of her own heart.
“What sorcery hast thou cast upon me, Tetia...” she whispered.
“Huh? Did you say something?” asked the girl.
Agott closed her eyes, took a deep breath to regain her composure, swallowed, then spoke:
“I pray thee forgive me for having collided with thee. Mine name is Agott.”
Coco stared at her for a few seconds, then burst into laughter, making Agott blush even more.
“What is so humorous?!” Agott asked, embarrassed.
“Oh, sorry, but you talk like an aristocrat from the 17th century. Maybe you’re a princess, and I’m your prince, and we were destined to meet.”
Smoke metaphorically poured from Agott’s ears as her brain shut down.
“Go easy on the flirting, Coco, or she’ll join the 17th‑century aristocrats for real.”
“Stop saying nonsense, Custas. Anyway, nice to meet you, Agott, I’m Coco. You’re new here, I’ve never seen you around.”
“Hun hun.”
“You go to the high school too?”
“Hun hun.”
“Wanna be friends?”
“Hun hun.”
“Coco, are you sure she’s still conscious?” asked Jujy.
“Of course she is. Right, Agott?”
“Hun hun.”
“I can already tell we’re gonna get along great.”
On a nearby rooftop, Tetia and Richeh watched the scene with amusement.
“Wow, I’ve never seen our Agott like that. And I didn’t even shoot her with my arrows.”
Richeh said nothing. Only the wind could be heard... and the faint buzzing of a stray virevoltant no matter how it got there.
“We shouldn’t have done this.”
“Absolutely not. Come on, Richeh, let’s leave before we get caught.”
Several months later, at the high school.
“Custas, stop sleeping on your desk.”
“Leave me alone, Tartah. Hey Coco, are you sure it’s a good idea to let Agott come to school on her own?”
“Yeah, no worries. And Jujy’s with her anyway. Look, they’re here.”
“Hi everyone.”
“Hi Jujy,” said Coco and Tartah at the same time.
“’sup,” mumbled Custas, slumped over his desk.
“How are you, Agott?” asked Coco.
“Could you tell me what ‘six‑seven’ means?”
“Zero aura.”
“Custas, would you cease speaking to me in such a manner? It displeaseth me... I mean, it’s unpleasant.”
“You’re talking less and less like a snob, that’s progress.”
“This child piss me off.”
“That’s not something you say, Agott,” Coco laughed.
“Geez, I’m leaving. I don’t want your girlfriend to kill me. You coming, Jujy? Let’s go see what’s for lunch at the cafeteria.”
“Okay, I’m coming.”
As he left, Agott stared at him, still blushing.
“I am not her... her lover! And you defend me not?”
Coco rested her head on her hands.
“Nope, don’t feel like it. You’re cute when you get mad.”
“And I suppose you will not tell me what it means either.”
“Nope, you’re cute when you don’t understand. And you’re cute when you turn all red.”
Agott closed her eyes and turned her head away so she wouldn’t see Coco, which made Coco laugh even more.
“I’m sure if you had wings, they’d be flapping like crazy and you’d try to hide behind them.”
Agott froze.
“That is not true... Wait how do you know about wings?”
“Stop teasing her, Coco,” Tartah intervened.
“Don’t be jealous just because you can’t flirt with Custas.”
Tartah’s face turned bright red.
“What does that have to do with anything?!”
“Oh, so they’re gay.”
“Don’t add to it!”
“Yep, that’s why he tries to act mysterious and aloof.”
“Mind your own business.”
Agott laughed softly.
“You are cute when you laugh.”
“Please go flirt somewhere else,” Tartah complained.
“You’re right, you’re killing the vibe. Come on, Agott, let’s go to the library.”
Coco grabbed Agott’s hand to pull her along, but Agott happened to glance outside and saw someone pass by with wings, a silhouette she knew all too well. She froze.
“You coming, Agott?” Coco asked.
“Yes... I’m coming. Go ahead without me, I have something to attend.”
Coco left. Agott hurried outside to find the winged figure. She found the angel in a secluded corner where no one could overhear.
“What are you doing here, Loroga?”
The angel turned.
“I thought I recognized that insufferable voice. What happened to your fancy language?”
“Why does everyone remark upon this? And for the second time, what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to hunt the demon?”
“Yes, dear Agott, I’m doing my job, unlike you, who seems to be slacking. But congratulations, you were very quick to get close to the demon.”
Agott frowned.
“What are you talking about? I mingled with humans to seek it, but I found no demon.”
“Seriously? After all the time you spent next to that green‑haired girl, you noticed nothing? Poor thing, you’re pathetic.”
“You speak of Coco? Cease your lies it is impossible.”
“Believe me or don’t, it won’t change the truth.”
Loroga tossed her a strange stone. Agott caught it.
“Take this and check for yourself. I’m being generous I’ll let you say goodbye and deal with her yourself. I’m going home, I don’t want to stay here.”
He flew away, leaving Agott alone with her confusion. Agott went to find Coco in the library to clear everything up. She walked until she reached the doors and opened them to enter. Once inside, she wandered between the shelves filled with books to find Coco. After a few moments, she spotted her reading a book about two witches, the same book they had begun reading together. When Coco noticed her, she stopped reading and lifted her head with a bright smile.
“Hi Agott, sorry, I read a bit ahead without you.”
Agott didn’t slow down. She walked straight to her and grabbed her wrist with her left hand.
“Well then... I knew you wanted a date, but I didn’t think you’d be this forward. What’s on your back?”
“You can see my wings.”
Coco froze, she understood instantly.
“Oh shit. Listen, Agott, it’s not what you think—”
“You have always been able to see them, haven’t you?” Her voice trembled with anger.
“You lied to me from the beginning... and all those moments we shared... were they lies too?!”
“Agott, let me explain, I—”
As she tried to pull away, Coco noticed the stone in Agott’s right hand.
“Agott, what is that? Please, Agott, don’t do what you’re about to do.”
But her pleas did nothing.
Agott brought the stone closer. A harsh light burst from it, burning Coco’s skin, reddening it, making a horn push out from her forehead.
“Agott, please— it hurts!”
Coco tried to escape, but Agott held her wrist tightly.
“Agott... please...”
Agott didn’t stop, until she saw Coco’s face contorted in pain. Her own eyes filled with tears. She let go. She threw the stone away. She looked at Coco one last time, her eyes shaking, then tore off her disguise and flew away at full speed, shattering a window as she left. Coco held her left arm, now fully demon‑like. She touched her horn, watching Agott disappear into the sky.
“Agott...”
“NO NOISE IN THE LIBRARY!” shouted a voice.
“Oh crap sorry ma’am.”
Coco rushed out to chase her. Agott flew faster and faster, her breath uneven, her heart pounding. She pierced a cloud and instead of emerging on the other side, she found herself near the angelic city. She landed by a river and exploded with anger, striking the ground and the water again and again. Eventually she tired, crouched, and let her feet sink into the cold water. She stared at her reflection. Every moment she had lived with Coco flashed before her eyes. She cried harder.
“How could I have been so foolish...”
A voice came from behind her.
“Will you give me a chance to explain?”
Agott turned. Coco stood in the grass, fully in her demon form with red skin, dark green roots fading into black tips, small goat horns, dragon‑like wings, a thin pointed tail. But her eyes were still full of warmth and brightness.
“What are you doing here?” Agott asked, her voice flat.
“It’s actually pretty easy to sneak in here. The gatekeeper never watches anything, and there’s a hidden passage behind the... okay, that’s not what you meant.”
She sat beside her. They stayed silent for a long moment, watching their reflections side by side. Finally, Agott spoke.
“Why did you hide that you were a demon?”
“I think your reaction answers that. You literally tried to kill me.”
Agott didn’t respond.
“But I don’t blame you. That’s what angels do. Watch humans, kill demons. But the risk was worth it if I got to meet you.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“We demons live a long time too. And we know the angels who watch us, especially when they're a gorgeous girl as you are. So maybe I admired you in secret for centuries... and maybe I left traces so you’d come hunt me.”
“You could have been slain.”
“I could have. But if it’s for you, I’d take any risk. You asked me if everything we've lived was a lie, well I can swear that everything I did, I did sincerely. And don’t worry, I wouldn’t have been caught. I’ve learned to hide pretty well.”
“So you lived all this time among humans... watching me?”
“Hehe, exactly. And humans are hilarious. Remember when they discovered electricity? Or when they chopped off their kings’ heads? Comedy gold.”
“And all the wicked things they do... is it you who influences them?”
“What? No! We’re demons, not monsters. You really didn’t know that?”
“We are taught only that demons are wicked and diabolical creatures that must be slain.”
“And do you think I’m wicked or diabolical?”
Agott hesitated.
“...No.”
Coco stood and stretched.
“You know what? Let’s play a game. If you catch me, I’ll give this back.”
She showed a pendant.
“Hey that’s Jujy’s gift! Give it back!”
“Hehe, come get it.”
She spread her wings and took off. Agott followed. They spent the whole day chasing each other. Every time Agott thought she had caught her, Coco vanished in smoke and reappeared behind her. Finally, in front of Qifrey’s chapel, Agott caught her. But Coco wrapped her tail around Agott’s ankle and pulled, making her fall. She caught her before she hit the ground. She laughed.
“You really fell for my charm.”
Agott blushed. But instead of looking away, she grabbed Coco’s collar, pulled her close, and kissed her. The kiss felt endless. Coco’s lips were so warm they almost burned Agott's, like a snowman melting at the sun. Coco pulled away first, stunned, her face bright red, more than usually. Agott smirked.
“Why do you grow shy now, when you are always so confident?”
“Sh‑shut up, idiot...”
Coco looked down.
“I caught you. Give me the pendant.”
Coco murmured:
“Only if you kiss me again.”
Agott lifted her chin and kissed her softly. Coco’s tail wiggled. She placed the pendant around Agott’s neck and kissed her again.
“So beautiful...”
Agott blushed and tried to hide behind her wing.
A voice thundered behind them.
“Agott Arklaum?!”
“Oh shit…”
Qifrey approached.
“Might I know what thou art doing?”
“Master Qifrey, I—”
“I judge thee not for kissing another girl, such a thing is normal. But a demon? How hast thou come to this? And why speakest thou in such manner now?”
“Why does everyone speak of that... Anyway. You cannot judge her for what she is, she has done nothing deserving death. Demons are simply beings like us. Yes, she can be irritating, vexing, insufferable, prideful, deceitful, vengeful, a tad possessive and hypocritical, but I love her as she is.”
“She is consuming an apple of Eden.”
Agott turned. Coco had an apple in her hand, her mouth full.
“Coco!”
“Itch no y fau hey loo elichious.”
“I hate you. Anyway, Master Qifrey, she is not wicked. So let me love her.”
Qifrey sighed.
“So be it. But tell me, young demon, I wish to speak with a figure of authority from thy kind. Might thou assist me?”
“Oh yech of cous.”
Still chewing, Coco summoned a photo in a flame.
“Itch hich oto.”
Qifrey took it. It showed an adult demon with black hair and a black beard. Qifrey stared. Then his nose began to bleed.
“Oh fuck.”