Greyashe chapter 310 is entitled 'RE-claiming what we lost.'

Previous chapter 309: The flower which should not have been there.

Next chapter 311: Last rites of the unloved.

Summaries page.

-Short summary-

Possessing new knowledge of new allies and their enemies, the heroes begin to move forward.

-Long summary-

The Goddesses of spring and summer follow Ex-Deus Dio up into the clouds for what seems to be a silent eternity until reaching their apex, and then step off onto a cloud bank. Aimend takes great joy in bouncing on a cloud bank as Dio glances around for a moment. Aine boredly surveys the landscape and comments that she's not a fan of white, as it reminds her of a certain winter somebody. Behind her Dio makes a mocking motion with his hands akin to someone talking too much. He almost gets away with his wordless satire until Aimend catches him and giggles. Aine turns around and Dio quickly turns his head up and whistles to himself, which earns him a glare-o-death from the summer goddess. Suddenly Dio's backpack begins to levitate, and in rapid succession flies quickly off in a north trajectory. Aimend asks what's going on, and he replies that the head is going back to it's owner. He then beckons to the goddesses to follow him, as they need to talk to that head's owner, so following it to it's destination would be a good idea. The ladies glance at each other and nod in unison which signals the beginning of the chase. The trio pursue the flying backpack head, and as they do so Dio tells Aine that 'Winter' isn't here, so she doesn't need to act so stiff. Aine doesn't show interest in his statement at first, but after a moment nods and thanks him for telling her. Aimend looks crestfallen briefly, and asks Dio what happens to the dead from their world? She was under the impression she'd be able to see her family again up here...

Dio smiles warmly and shakes his head. This is where the angels are born and dwell their whole lives. As in, they are not simply an extension of those who died down below. They have their own lives that begin and end, even if they are longer than an ordinary humans. The boy admits honestly that he has no real idea where the dead of their world end up. He apologizes for being unable to mince words to spare her feelings, but he's a proponent of the truth no matter how painful it is. As such he tells her the possibility of human life being contained to the world below and nothing else. Maybe once they die, they simply cease to exist, with no hope to ever return again. Aimend nods sadly and with resignation in her voice admits she thought as much while she was listening to Dio's story. Aine cuts in, asking if that's really a bad thing? After all it is 'death' that keeps them from complacency, and ultimately is what makes humanity so fierce, to the point that even angels marvel and are maybe just a smidgen scared of them. She then turns to Dio and adds that knowing there is no 'do-over' in life makes it all that more precious doesn't it? That's why he had even gone as far as screwing up their lives to find Ambriel....cause he doesn't want her to die alone, especially if she won't have another chance to live her life. Dio glances at her and mutters an apology which Aine quickly rejects. It's too little too late now, and beside that she doesn't really care. With the knowledge they have of life's finiteness, what they should be doing is finding means to make the best of things. It's what the goddesses stood....stand for, and what 'Winter' would have wanted if she were still alive. Aimend perks up and asks her 'sister' if she's really going to fight for Ancasta's beliefs? The summer goddess shrugs a shoulder and replies that 'it depends' on whether she has something better to do or not. She thought she'd kill Claire, but now doesn't feel like she can. She thought she'd hate Dio after finding out what he did to her....to them, but now she sort of pities him. At it's foundation life is a bunch of moments and decisions, and she's decided that the best way to handle things without going insane is to make precious what lies before her. Her two adoptive 'sisters', the current world, and her power. Dio surmises that his story has had an effect on Aine, even if she'd never admit it, and takes back most of the 'immature brat' images he had of her.

The three arrive at a gate, and watch as the head flies over it. Aimend asks Dio if they should knock on it, and he shakes his head stating someone should be on their way in a moment. He knows they know he's here.

True enough, the gates slowly open and a group of angels appear. They immediately drop to one knee before Dio who acknowledges them and asks they stand up. One of the angels is the one who had met Claire upon her memories returning, and recognizes Aine and Aimend. He gives them a warm welcome and asks if they'll be staying? Aine half grins and asks if they've got a place for her? The angel bows and replies with a hearty 'of course'. Dio cuts in and asks where the current Deus is, and the angel bows and offers to lead them to his current location. Dio asks the girls to follow him, and the three make their way through the cloud banks to a huge cathedral-type building. They are escorted inside, and follow the angel down several corridors, until they reach a set of doors engraved with a scene of angelic bliss. The angel raises his hand to knock, but a voice from inside gives him permission to enter before he can put his fist to the door. The angel bows and opens the door for the trio, standing aside for them to enter. Inside an angel wearing golden robes and sandles sits upon a yellow throne at the end of a walkway adorned with a ruby red rug. On both walls is a mural of heaven, and above hangs a huge chandler. Dio whistles and remarks that they've redecorated. The angel on the throne stands and places what seems to be a shawl on the seat behind him. He walks down the stairs from his throne and stands a short distance away from the group. He moves his head back and forth akin to someone doing stretching exercises and the girls can see that the head from earlier now sits upon his neck. He narrows his eyes after finishing his stretching, and with a stern expression confirms that Dio wants to talk to him about the fate of the world below? Dio smirks and comments that he would appreciate just a little small talk....you know, to catch up? The angel stands remote and Dio whispers to the girls that things are probably going to get interesting from here, and not to leave his side.

Kani and the others below collect themselves after the long story and begin to discuss what to do next. Guy suggests finding Reid and involving him in their conversation, since he is essentially a member of their party too. He glances over at Candle and adds that it might be a good idea to also make sure they're all okay with being in this whole journey thing for the long haul. Things had gotten a mite bit more serious now, and he'd hate to involve people who aren't ready to make a commitment. Kani agrees with this, and recalls Delaney wanting to discuss something with her as well. She thinks about blowing him off and going to meet Reid directly, but decides that any information he might have could prove useful in some capacity. Guy then asks Anu if she's availble later, and the goddess not following his inqury replies she is. Guy grins, but feels Kani's glare on him. He points out that they're waiting for Reid, she's got to find that guy from the election hall, and they haven't decided on what they're going to do next. What's wrong with him having a little bit of fun? Kani can feel her ire relaxing as she inwardly admits that most of what he says is true. She still doesn't like the idea of him schmoozing up with a goddess, even if she is human now, and advices Anu not to get too close to him. The fighter is miffed at this apparent game block and begins to say as much to the witch until Claire's laughter shakes them both out of their imminent argument. The angel apologizes commenting that they still are entertaining to watch even if she's seen this all before. She sighs sadly and admits that this would be the point where Van would come in and try to assuage the situation. Kani sadly nods and admits she misses those days, where they traveled together with no real destination....the days before the threat of the sentinents. The witch realizes her current audience and apologizes to Candle, who shakes her head and replies that she's not upset.....it is the truth after all. Guy asks Claire what she'll do now, and if she'll come with them or...look for....

Claire replies that her search for alies hasn't ended yet.  Even if the angels decide to intervene on their side, their help will be limited at best. Now she would try to find more 'terrestrial' means of help. Anu asks if she means the 'Ambriel' from Dio's story? Claire denies this on two fronts. One, if Dio can't find her, she has no real means to do so either. Two, and most important...if Ambriel intended to fight on their side, she would have come looking for them not the other way around. She should know the threat of the sentinents the most as she was the one who met two of them personally. While her angel remnance would be a great tool in their hands, even if only passively, it is impossible to make her fight if she doesn't wish for it. It's exactly why she's going to rally more human support. They will be the ultimate deciding factor in this battle of deities, magic and agape. Of couse if someone could find Ambriel and convince her to join their side that would only make their cause greater.

Kani sighs and succinctly states that Claire figures with some 'acts of Deus' or in this case 'Deus's agent', that humans would be more than willing to fight. Not to mention Claire's remnance could stave off the effects of the 'recall'. Meanwhile, Ambriel might be more willing to help if she were approached by the natives she is so entranced by. In short, Claire wants them to try to locate her, while she convinces humans. Claire nods and claps, applauding Kani's astute observation. Kani is less than thrilled to be thanked for what she feels is obvious, but replies 'their group' will put it on the list of their 'projects'. Claire thanks her and notes that since remnance causes good things to happen to those who are around it's source, they may want to look for a place that is prospering despite the recall's 'despair'. Guy thanks her for the tip, and Kani wishes Claire good luck in her endeavors. The angel bids farewell again, and promises she'll keep an eye out for Van. Kani is reluctant to promise the same, but finally does for Claire's sake. Claire activates her own wings and in a flash is in the air and out of sight. Kani comments that she had 'run' before, which means there is a reason why she didn't use her wings even after having the knowledge of their existence. Guy comments that he realized the same thing, and figures it has something to do with the timing of Dio's departure. He then sidles over to Anu and asks if she's hungry, claiming that he knows a few good places in town to chow down at. Anu despite herself agrees, and the two head off into town, leaving Kani and Candle. Kani starts to tell Candle that she's going to try and find Delaney, and that she should try and locate Reid on her own, but recalling her earlier question gives her pause. She decides instead to invite Candle to go with her to find the son of the old Kaizer mage, and the former sentinent agrees to come with.

Meanwhile in a cave far away, a man puts on a leather duster and heaves a sigh. He complains about having to go out now of all times, but admits that the bad feeling he's been having has become an all out alarm that demands his attention. He then calls out to someone named Roysé that he's going out for a bit and asks if she wants anything? He remarks that she seems to enjoy the teen mags he finds at newsstands when he reads them to her so maybe more of those?

A hand tugs at the man's sleeve, and as the clouds part outside the form of a teenage girl becomes clear. She's wearing a simple one piece dress, and her blue hair reaches the middle of her back. She's about average height, but seems shorter next to the man who has red hair and blue eyes. He looks to be in his late twenties or early thirties, and has a face that tells of a kind but firm disposition. He turns to the girl and kneels so that he's at her eye level. The girl, Roysé asks if he'll be 'right back', and the man nods earnestly and grins widely. He reminds her that he made a promise to always be at her side. He's her knight after all! The girl blushes and shakes her head, saying she doesn't need a knight, and it's a little embarrassing for him to keep saying that. The man waves off her concerns and says things will be fine. He adds that he should get her better clothes too since her 'debut' will be soon. The girl shudders and looks up at him, her eyes closed. She says she's still too scared to venture outside. The man's voice remains gentle, but gains a firm edge as he reminds her that this is a part of their deal. Roysé nods and apologizes, she didn't mean to make him upset. The man rustles her hair and replies happily, genuinely that he's not angry in the least. He knows she is blind, but he intends to show her the world.....hasn't she been in seclusion for long enough? He couldn't stand being away from people for three seconds, but here she is almost passing up several men's lifetimes on her own....holed up like she had done something wrong. When he had found her alone in the dew of a summer rain, he named her after it and listened to her story. Angel or not, he won't stand for her loneliness because....and then he turns to the girl in a heroic pose and asks her if she remembers why?

The girl blushes bright red, but still giggles to herself and replies 'You're Colin Rayleigh, busybody extraordinaire!' The man replies with an enthusiastic 'Damn straight'! He then straightens his jacket and gives Roysé a small hug. He promises to be back, and with luck it might even be with a friend for her! Roysé tilts her head and asks who? 

Colin turns and with a sly smile replies 'Who is classified information, but lets just say a Dad's gotta do what a Dad's gotta do'.