Chapter 26 – The Little Guardian
After the doors closed, Joshua let out a deep sigh of relief.
Finally — peace.
He brought a spoonful of soup to his mouth and closed his eyes as the flavor hit his tongue.
Warm, savory, rich — it filled him with comfort he hadn't realized he'd missed.
> "Hmmmmm… delicious,"
a voice said.
Joshua froze, spoon still halfway to his lips.
Before he could react, a small shimmer of light appeared above the bowl — swirling, spinning — and then, with a soft pop, a tiny figure emerged.
A miniature version of the angel floated in the air, arms crossed, looking tired.
His golden hair glowed faintly, and his wings fluttered lazily behind him.
> "I thought they'd never leave," he groaned. "This is so exhausting — having to hide from children and everyone while also protecting you…"
Then, suddenly, his expression brightened as he sniffed the air.
> "But there is one upside — Grandma's cooking is the best!"
He whined and complained like a spoiled child, then quickly turned back toward Joshua.
> "Hey, have some more!"
The tiny angel spun midair — only to find Joshua staring directly at him.
> "Eeeekkkk!"
The angel shrieked and tumbled backward, falling face-first onto the blanket before scrambling up again.
> "Y–You can see me!?" he shouted, eyes wide.
Joshua blinked.
> "Was I not supposed to?" he asked, genuinely confused.
The angel froze, then smacked his forehead dramatically.
> "Ohhh, right. I did wake you up earlier."
He let out an awkward laugh that didn't help his case.
Joshua tilted his head slightly.
> "What is this, then?" he asked, gesturing at the small glowing being hovering over his bed.
> "Uhmmm…" The angel scratched his cheek nervously.
"This is, uh, my physical representation — kind of like a projection of my true form."
"I've been using it to protect you, and I'll keep using it to guide you."
Joshua raised a brow, setting his spoon down.
> "So… you're my familiar now?"
> "Yeah," the angel said, puffing out his tiny chest proudly. "Something like that!"
Joshua smiled faintly.
> "Do you have a name?"
> "Of course I do! I'm the Great Angel Ray!"
Joshua nodded casually.
> "Okay, I'll just call you Ray."
> "No, no, no! Add Great Angel to it!"
> "Not happening, little Ray," Joshua said with a smirk, taking another spoonful of soup.
Ray flailed his tiny arms, his wings fluttering in outrage.
> "Not little! You mere mortal — it's Great! Great!"
Joshua couldn't help it — he chuckled, shaking his head as the angel kept ranting and circling him like an angry firefly.
Finally, Ray crossed his arms and huffed.
> "Fine. Whatever. Just hurry up, eat, and leave this place already."
Joshua paused mid-bite, his expression softening.
> "Hey, Ray…" he said quietly.
"I'm not sure I'll be able to leave."
Ray turned to face him, his playful look fading into something serious.
The air around them seemed to dim slightly, the light from his wings pulsing faintly.
> "You have to," Ray said.
His tone was calm now — but firm, almost pleading.
"You don't understand yet, Joshua. But staying here… it's not safe anymore."
Joshua stared down at his bowl, the reflection of his own tired eyes rippling in the soup.
> "Yeah," he murmured. "I know."
Silence filled the room — soft, heavy, and uncertain.
Outside, a cold breeze brushed against the window, rattling it faintly.
Something was changing.
And deep down, Joshua could feel it.