Page 15 of Reine's Salvation

She was a Human-Guardian. Unfortunately, back then, HGs did not receive training. It was believed natural instinct would drive them to fight against the Sins. Furthermore, mating between humans and Guardians was frowned upon.

Anais, didn’t know she was a Human-Guardian. She simply prayed and wished for the best and didn’t understand that her husband was a man possessed by Wrath himself. Her husband responded to the name of Damien and was an important businessman. Inferums took control of his workers and then of the people in the town. Anger spread like wildfire and soon murder and crime were ripe. Violence caused Shirak to call in the Guardians, and they fought to restore the balance in the little town called Lance.

It was a bloody battle. Many lives were lost to the Sins and many perished to embrace the Creator. However, Anais was not one of them. Thanks to her brilliant idea, Shirak was able to save the town. She suggested placing a mirror in front of the Sin and goading him to believe he was fighting against another, when in truth he was fighting against himself.

“Do you believe it?” he asked Mystique.

“What?”

“Do you believe in the story? The angel that came to save her and all that?” Reine asked.

“Why not? Anything is possible. I mean, you accepted to meet me today.”

Reine joined in her laughter. He ran his fingers through his hair, slightly embarrassed.

“Do you believe in it?” she asked suddenly.

“Yes,” he replied without hesitating.

“You seem so sure of yourself.”

“I am,” Reine said. “So, is there anything else of interest in this town?” He changed the subject, not willing to elaborate on why he was so certain of the “angel’s” existence.

Mystique nodded. “Of course, we have a lot of delicious restaurants.”

“A lot?” Reine pointed with his finger. “I can count five.”

Mystique laughed. “It’s a small town, Reine.”

“And the Bar and Barbeque seems to be the most popular.”

She nodded. “Patrons like coming up there for their day-to-day gossip and what not. We’ve got a friendly, almost family-like atmosphere. Down here, it’s more of a fancy restaurant, date night, sort of thing.”

“So, what you’re telling me is that if I were to ask you on a date, I’d have to take you to one of these restaurants.”

“I, er, that’s not what I said.” She licked her lips. Reine grinned.

“My apologies.”

Mystique cleared her voice. “Anyhow, there’s also the cinema.”

“For a date?” Reine prompted. He was really starting to enjoy making her uncomfortable. Maybe he should ask her out, just to see her squirm. He raised his eyebrows.

“No, yes, I mean, if it’s your thing.”

Reine laughed. “Am I making you nervous, Mystique?”

“No, well, a bit,” she admitted.

“Good.”

“You know, any other girl would walk away right now.” She stopped. Hands on her hips, she glared at him.

Reine looked down at her. Her cheeks bloomed, but she managed to keep her gaze steady.

“But you’re not any kind of girl, are you?” Reine curled his hand into a fist, the need to touch her was starting to become unbearable.

“Of course not, I wouldn’t have offered to show you around if I were.”

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