Part 53

Too much is going on. I need to think this through before acting. But first...

Nathan hurriedly moved out of the way of the door, getting several feet away and almost next to Micah before he opened fire. Each shot hit its mark with a loud clang, and the last hit the window square in the center, but not a single one left any dent in the door. Not even a chip in the glass. A faint blue glow from the freezer revealed why.

"I told you it wouldn't work," Alton drawled on the other side. "Micah, I know you can't abandon your charge, but the only way this door will open is either by dispelling the circle and breaking it down, or finding the key."

"Can we dispel it?" Susan asked. "What does that mean, anyway?"

"It means countering and overriding the spell that is in place." Micah's hand shook as he returned the gun to its holster and approached to door again. His lips were press in a tight line, and he stared into the freezer. "Lu, do you know where the key is? Dispelling is not part of my repertoire, and I do not believe either of the two with me is capable of the task." He took a deep, steadying breath. "If you can tell me where the key is..."

"Ira has it," the other angel said plainly. Micah sighed and turned back around while he continued. "I'd tell you to have Nathan hunt it down, but they will not be kind to him if they know he's here."

Nathan blinked in confusion. "They?"

He could almost imagine Alton nodding. "Ira is here somewhere with at least one of her sisters. Gula, I think. They seem to be working together." His wings ruffled. "I would rather you leave, though..."

"Why?" Micah snapped at him, looking back through the glass. "I cannot leave to find the key myself until I can make sure Dexter is safe, and I cannot risk sending one of these two alone to find it. I would prefer both of them search together. Tell me why you would rather Nathan leave."

Alton snorted. "Your dedication as a guardian is already blinding your judgment, but at least you see some sense in not wanting him to go alone. Remember, Micah: Nathan is the only one not affected by the Sins' powers. Ira will likely retreat into her host when confronted, and then he has invulnerability." He paused to let that register. "That means that Nathan is the only one who can hurt her."

Micah growled and banged his hand on the door, then curled both hands into fists as he closed his eyes and leaned against it. "This is not a usual dilemma faced by a guardian." When there was no answer, he looked back again, another growl rising from his throat. "Damn it..."

"What? What happened?" Susan asked. Micah wouldn't look at her.

"He is gone."

"What?" Nathan went back to the door, not daring to push Micah aside, but getting close enough that he could look in. The boy -- he couldn't place why the name Dexter sounded familiar -- was curled in a ball at the center of the circle, but like the angel had said, Alton was gone. His spine stiffened. "Whatever they're doing, they're doing it now."

"Which means we have very little time." Micah slid his glance towards him. "I know Lumiel wants you to leave, but he is a fool if he believes I will not find some way to protect both him and Dexter." He drew a deep breath. "I need you to either find that key and bring it here, or find Lumiel and try to protect him. The Sins see you as a threat, and you may be able to use that to your advantage. If... if it becomes too much for you to handle, then summon me by Name. But only if you must. Forced summons will not violate my duties as guardian, but I will not be able to stay long before I must return here." The angel closed his eyes, but said no more.

Nathan stepped carefully away, walking over to Susan. The photographer was wringing her hands with worry. "So what do we do?"

We have to act fast. Micah can't help us right now, and... Jesus Christ, the angels are the ones who need my help. But who do I help? Do I try to find Alton, and stop... whatever it is that the Sins are trying to do? Somehow that seems like it will be difficult. Or do I search for the key to the freezer, and hope Alton will be alright until then? And what of Enya? We've found two of the three mentioned in the letter; where is she?

What should I do?