Kitty's Pad.

Claimers: I own them. Thanks.

Title: System of A Down, own the line, not me.

Name: Aurora is the Goddess of beautiful creatures

Jude's POV

LAoC XXXII - We Will Fight The Heathens

'I heard from one of the Amazons that Discord's been bragging about the challenge, Jude. I told them not to pay any attention to her. She's stirring up a lot of trouble though. I'll be glad when she's gone.'

'Thank you, Arminius. It will certainly be a day to remember.'

Of that we can all be sure.

The day will not be forgotten again.

I will make sure of that.

I will burn it into the memory of every Angel.

You shall not be forgotten again.

I will not allow it.

'I will speak to you both later. Elle wishes to see me. I will try and keep my hands away from knives and desks this time.'

I pat Arminius' hand, and leave him and Dominic to their lunches.

They have been my true supporters through this.

I will not pass them by.

I get to reception, but Sam is no where to be seen.

Why Elle keeps her on is a mystery to me.

She would be better suited to something less... taxing.

I am not sure what to do.

I do not want to be rude, so should I wait here?

Then I realise it was not the real me Elle wanted to see, it was the other.

And that Jude would not wait in reception.

I close my eyes for a second.

I am tired of all this pretence.

But soon it will be over.

Soon.

I walk to her door, and take a deep breath.

Then I knock quickly but do not wait for an answer.

I simply open the door and walk in.

'Your eminence? Sorry for the interruption but there was no one in reception.'

She looks up at me for a second before shaking her head.

I want to get down on my knees and beg her forgiveness for my behaviour.

I wish to tell her that I have not lost respect for her, even if it appears that way.

But I do not, for that is not why I am here.

I am motioned to sit down.

I move to take a seat, but stop myself.

'I'd rather stand, your eminence. Firstly, do not invade my thoughts, I find it annoying. If you need to know something ask me, like everyone else has to. Secondly, I have a lot of work to do, so I must beg your forgiveness and ask that this meeting be kept short.'

I focus on the technique that Arminius taught me.

At least this way I can feel if she reads my thoughts without my permission.

Then I can recite the Bible back to her or something equally as dull.

Arminius.

A true friend.

'Please, sit down with me?'

She moves over to her couch, patting a space next to her.

Is this a trick?

I study her for a second, but she does not look angry.

Just very tired.

I sit down next to her, leaving a significant amount of space between us.

'Jude, I have this for you.'

She hands me an envelope.

I hold it my hands, because I do not understand.

I look down at it, then back up to her.

She motions for me to open it, so I do.

If this is a trick then I will find out soon enough.

My fingers pull the contents out and I see... you.

I stare at you and can't help but smile.

I have not seen this picture.

I can tell it is from many years ago, your hair is longer.

But your eyes still hold my own, even in a photograph.

You had beautiful eyes, they showed such promise.

I remember staring into them the first time we met.

Vibrant blue, so pure and deep.

I feel a hand on my own, removing me from my thoughts.

'I'm sorry for what I did in your office. I wanted you to have this. I know it can't replace what you've lost, but... I don't know. Maybe it can make up for my actions a little?'

I run a finger over the surface of the photograph.

You look so happy and I wonder what you were thinking?

'I have not seen this one before. Who took it? When...'

A finger on my lips stills my questions.

'I took it about five years ago. I have no idea why. We were all being silly and taking each others pictures... wait, I remember now. We'd read some religious article about a sect refusing to allow cameras. They thought it took their souls away. We all took our pictures and sent them to the leader in a little parcel. Ridiculous, I know.'

Not ridiculous.

A happy memory of you.

A new memory of you.

'No... it is... '

My voice begins to betray me, faltering.

So I stop, afraid of crying over you again.

It always upset you to see me cry.

So I return to letting my eyes scan the image, studying it.

Trying to take every little detail in at once.

'I can keep this?'

'Of course. It's a gift. I'll try and find some more. I know I have a few others of Aurora. I was going to look this morning, but... something came up.'

I think this is the closest to feeling happy I have been in a long time.

And all it took was a picture.

Small things, they are often what count.

'Thank you, your eminence.'

'Jude? I'm sorry for forgetting about the anniversary. I have no excuse, none at all.'

I put your picture back in the envelope, keeping you safe like I should have done before.

Then I turn to face my maker.

'Why would you remember? She was always so... good. She never caused waves or disobeyed you. She simply loved you with every part of her. A true Angel, adoring her God like she was supposed to. So why would you remember the anniversary? You do not pay attention to Angels like her. That is how it works, yes?'

'Jude, that's not true. I... it's not true.'

But my God, you know it is true.

Then, I feel arms round me, holding me like you used to and I return the embrace.

And for that small second I feel safe.

I feel at peace; for those--few--seconds.

But, like it always is, my solace is broken.

For it seems that I am no longer destined for happiness.

Only sorrow.

Because suddenly the door opens.

Discord.

'Get your hands off her, Jude!'