There's no more room for forgiveness.

Jasper was used to these early mornings, he'd used to wake up early each time at the temple to scout or train. But, after the nightmares, he'd fallen out of that pattern. Nanari's house had a comfy bed in it, that just wrapped Jasper up and refused to let him leave until late mornings. Naturally, Marzzi was the only one to complain, the others thought it funny, and called Jasper a lazy teenager when he turned up later than usual. But it wasn't like Jasper was constantly needed, the saints were big enough now that they ran themselves, doing their own jobs and being happy. And Jasper hadn't been given orders from the council in weeks. He was starting to feel at home here with Nanari, even during the times she had visitors of the other races. To be honest, thanks to his adopted mother, and seeing first hand the morality of the Angels and Demons during the nightmares, Jasper had his doubts over who was the enemy. He'd tried not to think to much about these issues, hoping the weeks of a simple life could continue. That was until finally, Jasper received an order to report to Baransu Tower for orders. 

He yawned as he walked through the quiet city, early morning meant silence for Baransu, as only the shop owners were awake at the moment. Boots hit the damp stone path, sending small splashes and echoing noises around Jasper, as he slowly reached the doors to Baransu tower. He'd got inside out of the chilly morning air, to see some of the other Saints waiting inside. Jasper frowned, about to ask why they were also gathered here.
"We got the message too." Marzzi grunted, giving Jasper a quick glance before busying his eyesight elsewhere. "The council have something big to announce to us," Came one of the newer voices, Banto, "although I have a feeling I know what it's about." Jasper eyed their new ally up for a moment, before the opening of a door caught his attention. He'd ask Banto more later, the ex-criminal was still suspicious to Jasper, even if he was strong, strong enough to defeat the Angel King. One of the Tower's workers called the group over, and Jasper led them up the many stairs to the council's room. Inside, the nobles sat in their usual positions, eldest in the middle with others around his side, all safe behind a thick wooden table. Jasper and the others positioned themselves before the council, and Jasper dipped his head in respect. "For what reason are so many of us called today?" Jasper asked bluntly, and the gruff elder councilman leaned forward in his chair. 

"We've all decided on it, from today, we are at war with the Angels and Demons." The man said, and there was silence in the room. Jasper was one of the only faces to look shocked. "But-" "There is evidence to prove that the sky races are already against us, Jasper." One of the councilwomen added quickly. 
Jasper swallowed, taking a deep breath to compose himself. "What evidence?" Jasper asked calmly, and the elder gestured to Banto. The thug walked forward, smirking to Jasper and the others. "Just before I was welcomed into your ranks, I did a little research into the nightmares that plagued us all a few weeks ago. We know they were made by a Demon woman. But I know more..." Banto began, "That nightmare woman, Mitasu, was an ancient Demon frozen in a crystal. I found some of the crystal remains, and with the help of my associate, we discovered that the crystal is only 'broken' when Angel blood is spilt on it. Which means two things. One, that Mitasu was obviously frozen by Angels, and two, it was an Angel that set her free." Banto paused, and there was much muttering around the group, even the Saints. Jasper felt a little pale. Of course, of all the Saints, he was the only one to actually face Mitasu at her hiding place, only Jasper could try and explain who really released Mitasu. 
"Banto, I was there to fight her. The previous King of Demons, Mo, admitted to bringing Mitasu back after assuming she'd be friendly." Jasper stated, and Banto grinned even more. "Just what I was getting to boss. So, not only is there proof that Angels helped in her resurrection, but also Demons." Banto added, and Jasper went silent again. He couldn't comprehend anything going on here. He'd always expected a war, but his recent taste of a real life, a happy life, made Jasper hate the concept. 

"We concluded in earlier discussions that the only reason both sky races helped in ending Mitasu's terror was to get us to believe in them, to trust them. It would make us unaware and unprepared for further attacks." The elder claimed.
"But sir, to go to war after a simple discussion? There isn't enough proof, or reason to start a war! Just think of the bloodshed, and for what cause?" 
"To prove the superiority of Humans, boy. And to finally show Angels and Demons that we are not their pawns, or their cattle." 
Jasper gritted his teeth, looking away from the council. The elder glared long at hard at the reluctant leader, before turning to the others. "We have the upper hand in starting this war. The other sky races aren't expecting us to make the first move. Banto, you have proven yourself loyal to our race, you have permission to plan the first strike that marks our journey to the top." The elder said. Banto bowed his head in thanks, "Thanks, and I had the perfect idea just brewing in my head for this kind of thing." He commented, and the council chuckled. "Go Banto, see this as your final act towards repaying your debts, and being a free man." 
Jasper watched silently as Banto turned to the others, ignoring Jasper as he nodded to Marzzi. They both had an idea, and it made Jasper shiver to think of it. The other Saints, encouraged by Banto and Marzzi, began to leave, until Jasper was left alone with the council, in silence. Jasper listened to his own breaths, imagining the horrors to come. He went to leave, before the elder coughed and spoke up. "We know of your new family, Jasper. And your new opinions on matters. These last few weeks have made a dent in your compatibility to lead the Saints, and you rest on a thin thread. Heed this warning, dare to go again our supreme plans, and it won't just end your career, but your new family as well."