"The situation has become dire, sir!" The messenger spoke, reading out a letter to the leader of the Angels. "The demons have massacred nearly half of our troops, and we cannot heal them...but that information presumably is not new." The messenger stumbled on his words as the Angel leader stood up and gently lifted his chin with his large, slender hands. They were now face to face, and the leader smirked before turning away. The messenger breathed a silent sigh of relief, and waited for the tall man’s response.

The leader twiddled his fingers in deep thought, before pushing up his glasses. "Perhaps a peace fire is called for." he spoke at last, a mischievous grin being held behind his cold persona. "Rest assured, this does not mean the war is over. Oh no, we are just beginning. But perhaps it's time for a different approach..."

The messenger looked quizzically at his master, before nodding. "As you wish. I shall inform the fighters immediately."

The leader smiled slightly, and turned from the leaving messenger. "How long must I wait until we're safe...?" he muttered to himself, before seemingly making up his mind. A look of pure determination stained on his face, the Angel picked up the phone.

"Hello? Yes, it's me. It's time..."

*********************************************************************

15 years later...

Lily looked upon her reflection in the rippling puddle. Blue eyes, hair so blonde it could be white, flawless pale skin, and a pair of white, large pristine wings. She was undeniably, one hundred percent, perfect.

And she knew it.

She flipped back he hair and giggled in joy as to the day she knew awaited her. However, before leaving for school, Lilly allowed herself one last second of vanity, gazing into her own deep blue eyes. And then, late as always, she ran.

In her 15 years of life, she had been taught one thing time and time again: demons are deadly. So, the Angel government had made sure that all children were segregated, and that all Angels would learn how to fight at a young age. Then, in their 10th year of education, the exams would begin. The final assessment?

Kill a demon.

Lilly had been training her whole life, and the payoff was nearly here.

She had never really had anything else to do with her free time. Her parents were constantly pushing her to be the best fighter possible, and she was happy to fill that role. At the age of 6 she had already discovered her magical abilities, becoming the youngest in her school. From a young age, she knew what she wanted to be, and how she’d get there. She’d never had time for friends, but she could find company in anyone she met because of her appearance. Lily was never alone, never upset.

She walked in through the school gates, and took in the cool breeze. The marble building stood before her, but she knew that she wouldn't need to go inside. After all, she had an assessment to ace! She heard the teacher beginning to take attendance, and ran over.

"Lily Angelus?" She raised her hand, ignoring the snickers that came with her name. Perhaps the only thing unusual about her was her on-the-nose name. But, when you're a grade-A student who looks like angelic royalty...perfection is subjective. Lilly, relieved to be on-time, sat down on the field as the teacher finished up the register.

As she thought about the day ahead, Lily couldn’t help her butterflies. Just imagine how proud her parents would be when she passes! Her entire life plan, her self-imposed purpose in life, all to be validated soon. She turned to face the teacher, Mr Umbra, who’d just finished taking the register. He wore a grey suit, which contrasted against his pale skin and his bright white wings and hair. He was a tall man, intimidatingly so, and yet the class had learnt of his soft side over time. He had deep blue eyes, which were hidden by dark glasses. Lily had always respected the man, so when he began to address the class she made sure to stay as quiet as possible.

“Okay everyone! Now we know everyone’s here, it’s time to give the final instructions before the transport arrives.” Mr Umbra paused, checking everyone was listening. Seemingly satisfied, he continued. “You can kill by any means, magical or physical, however no other creature (be it human or demon) may find out. If they do, your task is instantly failed, regardless if you succeed in the kill or not. You will have a month to complete your task, so that’s plenty of time to ensure you cover your tracks.” Lilly listened intently, her childlike excitement growing. “Finally,” Mr Umbra continued. “You will be given the demon you must kill’s picture and name. It’s up to you to use your resources and find them.” He stood up and started handing out pictures, as the coach arrived to take them outside of the Angel’s village.

Lily stared down at the picture she was given, confused. It was a young demon, roughly her age, with a skull bandana over his mouth. His hair was black, which contrasted against his pale skin. The only thing particularly unusual about his appearance was the fact he had crimson red eyes. The picture looked like a school picture, and she wondered what a demon school would be like. As she got a good feel of who she was looking for, Lily noticed something strange.

“Sir, why isn’t there a name with mine?”

But her question remained unanswered as she was jolted onto the coach with the other students. She watched helplessly through the window as Mr Umbra smiled and waved goodbye to the class. “Goodbye, everyone, and good luck!” Lily kept watching in disbelief. She couldn’t believe she had a disadvantage! She just stared at her teacher, who lowered his glasses to reveal he was staring right back at her. She shuddered, out of earshot of his final sentence.

“You’re going to need it…”