The fight for the survival of mankind is over, and Michael soars up into the sky, leaving the little family to salvage what's left of the world after its brush with the apocalypse.
The clouds part before Michael, accompanying the width of his black wings, and he shields his eyes from the raging white light, descending into Heaven. He tumbles onto the marble floor, and under the protection of his wings, he hears arguing a few feet in front of him.
"How dare you put your hands on me! Remove yourselves at once!"
Gabriel roars like an enraged lion, and when Michael folds his wings back, the soldiers pause when they see their General.
Gabriel sets his gaze on his rebellious brother, and he wipes the blood away from his forehead, pushing the soldiers away from him with his mighty wings.
"Call off your dogs, General, or I shall dispose of them myself."
Michael looks at him with serene eyes, and he motions to the door. The soldiers stand down, and they exit the room, leaving the two sons of God alone.
Michael relaxes his stance, and Gabriel stares at him, silently telling him to keep his distance. After the recent battle on Earth, there's nothing Gabriel wants to say, but there's something that he wants to do. The silence continues to add thickness to the air, and a messenger stands in the doorway.
They don't regard him at first, but Michael eventually turns his gaze to third party present.
"Father wishes to speak to both of you. He demands your presence at once."
Michael bows his head, and the messenger turns to leave. Gabriel lowers his shoulders, the sharp tips of his wings scratch the floor, and Michael watches his expression change.
"Gabriel, I know you're upset, but we must go see Father."
Gabriel ruffles his feathers, agitated at the idea that his brother must be present when he receives his judgment. The dark haired archangel turns to leave the room, and Michael follows a few steps behind him.
They say nothing as they stroll through the hallway, and they walk by the garden to catch whispers from the lesser angels. Michael looks forward, carefully watching his brother, and silence falls among those that were once speaking. They walk up the steps, and the colossal doors open, bathing them in the holiest of lights.
In this moment, Michael sees an expression that Gabriel rarely lets anyone see. He looks like a young warrior facing an army alone, and his knees begin to buckle. Michael inwardly struggles to place a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder, and Gabriel tilts his chin a little higher, stepping into the room to converse with his Father.
Before the two archangels stands God, and He opens His eyes, taking in the sight of two of His loyalist sons. Gabriel steps before their Father, and he's afraid to look into His eyes, assuming that he'll only see disappointment, but what he fears isn't there.
It brings him some comfort, and Michael watches the exchange on the side, listening to the secret words that no human will ever hear. God passes His punishment, and Gabriel pretends not to hear what has been said.
The archangels are quickly excused, and Gabriel takes off as soon as his wings have enough room to spread. The meeting was short, the judgment was delivered, and His words are law. No one that enjoys the pleasures of Heaven would question that, or so everyone believes.
"Gabriel, wait!"
Michael follows his brother, and they take flight to the same location: the silver forest. The forest didn't get its name for the way the moonlight strikes it every night, but because of the trees.
The branches and leaves are silver.
"Gabriel!"
Michael calls out to him, but Gabriel ignores his name, heading to the clearing in the heart of the misty land. His heavy boots crush the grass below his leather soles, and Gabriel folds his wings, pacing back and forth in a straight line. Michael lands near the edge of the clearing, leaving a safe amount of space between him and the possible threat.
The light breeze ruffles their feathers, and Michael places his hands together, letting Gabriel calm down on his own. He continues to pace for several minutes, and he places his large hand on a tree, fogging the trunk with his warm skin.
"Did you hear my punishment? You were there." Michael shakes his head, and he takes a step closer. "I was listening, but your judgment was for your ears and yours alone."
Gabriel sighs, and he looks at his reflection in the silver wood, seeing his harsh gaze look back at him. He closes his eyes.
"Father's sending me to Earth, and I'll be stripped of my powers. I'll have to learn what He believes that I've always been lacking."
He opens his eyes, and he turns to Michael, clenching his jaw. Gabriel stares at him, wanting Michael to say what he's been lacking, but he wisely remains silent.
"Mercy."
Gabriel growls the word, whispering it like a sin, and he wrings his hand around a branch, making the leaves tremble at his touch. Michael feels some of the tension dissolve into the air, and he comes closer, touching his brother's back.
"When do you leave?"
Michael speaks with a soft voice, and Gabriel lowers himself on a stone bench, lacing his fingers together. Michael sits next to him, exuding silent strength with his nearness.
"Tomorrow morning. I must go to the purge cliff to have my powers removed, and I'll be taken to Earth with an escort of my choosing."
Gabriel doesn't want to ask, but there's no one in Heaven that has stood beside him longer than Michael has. Michael comfortingly squeezes his brother's shoulder.
"I'll be there to deliver you, Gabriel."
The morning eventually grows into the afternoon, and they sit together, saying nothing for long periods of time. Neither archangel had much to say after such a morning, but it was the last afternoon that Gabriel could enjoy in Heaven.
He didn't want to stretch his wings, or dine in the great hall. He didn't want to surround himself with fellow archangels, or read scrolls in the library. He didn't want to have more than a few reasons to miss the glory of his home.
The afternoon grows old, and the brothers become restless. Gabriel rises to his feet, and Michael follows his lead, standing next to him.
Beyond the silver forest lies an ocean of clouds that weave the dying sunlight into their seams, creating golden linings that are wondrous to those in Heaven, but ordinary to those on Earth.
Perhaps, after what happened, the humans will start to gaze at the sky in newfound fear, or more gratefulness than before. No one knows for sure, God made all of His children different, but they were created for the same purpose: to simply live, and enjoy life.
Gabriel begins to walk to the white city, and Michael's not far behind. While strolling, the gentle sound of neighing catches their attention. Both archangels take a moment to look at each other, and Gabriel nods to left. Michael follows his gaze, and a herd of stallions race across the dark hills to feed on the grass near the stables.
A shadow moves closer to the wild horses, and the two brothers walk to the gate, identifying the shadow to be a fellow archangel.
"Raphael!"
Gabriel calls to him, and in a sweep of brown owl-like feathers, Raphael turns on his heel to face his brothers. He smiles, and approaches the gate to address them.
"Sir Michael. Mister Gabriel."
Raphael brushes some dirt off his cowboy hat, and his brown hair's taught in a ponytail. He sets the hat on his head, and he unlocks the gate.
"Please, come in."
Michael looks at Gabriel, and he places his hand on the gate to politely decline the offer.
"That won't be necessary. I should get some rest."
Raphael looks at Michael, reading his expression, and he slides his hands in his pockets.
"I saw both of you early this morning."
Gabriel raises his chin, unfamiliar with opening up to another brother, but that's what they are: brothers.
He sighs, and he nods his head, shifting his eyes in an uncomfortable manner.
"Father has passed His judgment on me, and I must return to Earth to learn more of what I lack."
Silence passes between the three brothers, and the horses neigh, calling Raphael to join them. The cowboy archangel knows his place, and he knows the rage that Gabriel possesses is legendary. He decides to remain quiet, not wanting to stoke the fire with his curiosity.
A breeze passes by, and it tips his hat over his left eye, leaving him with a playful expression on his face. Raphael fixes his hat again, and he shifts from foot to foot, growing anxious when he hears his horses calling him.
"Well, I sure hope that you can return home soon. We'll sure miss you around here."
Gabriel meets the eyes of his other brother, and Raphael offers him a gentle smile, which Gabriel subtly returns. Michael brushes Raphael's brown wings down, and he chuckles, shying away from Michael's grooming hand.
"Go to your friends."
Raphael tips his hat, and he returns to his horses.
Michael checks the lock on the gate, and Gabriel continues down the path to the white city, keeping his eyes straight to avoid any further distractions. Michael quickens his pace to catch up, and he follows the footsteps of his brother.
When the archangels approach the city, torches come to life to light their way, and the guards step away from the entrance, allowing the brothers to enter.
Walking through the crowd of lesser angels and peasants, heads bow in their direction, and Gabriel keeps moving through the sea of respectable dwellers. Michael bows to everyone, recognizing many faces, and he touches their shoulders, whispering words of greeting. Gabriel ignores the eyes on him, and he pauses when he hears the laughter of women.
The people part in front of him, and Gabriel follows the cheerful noise into a house. It reeks of wine, and Gabriel touches the door on the left, pushing it open to reveal a group of women burying a man with their lustful lips.
"Remove yourself from him."
The laughter of the women immediately dies, and they scatter away from the booming voice, revealing the man they were smothering. Michael steps into the room, and he gives a stern look to the one being addressed.
"Darling brothers, I was just having a bit of fun."
The arrogant voice belongs to Uriel, their promiscuous brother.
Uriel's different from the others. He's not noble like Michael. He's not humble like Raphael, and he's not strong like Gabriel, not in the same way. He's unlike any of the other archangels, and everyone in the kingdom of Heaven knows that.
"Uriel, why are you in the company of these… Women."
Gabriel glances at the women, and they shrink away from his feet, covering their legs.
Uriel combs his fingers through his blonde hair, and he flashes a mischievous smirk, loudly sighing.
"I lost my way, and they were kind enough to give me directions."
The women giggle, and Gabriel shifts an inch in their direction, making them nervous.
"Leave us, or I'll have you flogged for placing your hands on an archangel."
The women gather their belongings, and they leave the room, racing upstairs to hide.
Michael shakes his head, and Uriel notices that there's more than one of his brothers present.
"'Lo, Michael."
Gabriel steps in his way, blocking his view, and Uriel rolls his eyes, getting to his feet to pull on his tunic.
"I was just having a bit of fun. I didn't realize that you were on patrol tonight."
Uriel searches for his other boot, and Michael finds it behind a chair, picking it off from the ground. He offers it to him, and Uriel sits on the armrest, lacing it up his foot. Gabriel folds his arms against his chest, glaring.
Uriel smirks again, and he puts his hair up into a ponytail, placing his hands on his hips. His green eyes catch the blue eyes staring at him, and unlike most, he can return the gaze for more than a few seconds. Gabriel sees it as a challenge, and he grips the handle to his sword.
Michael glances down at his belt, and he steps forward, breaking the eye contact.
"Uriel, you shouldn't be here during this time of night, or any night at all. Father turns a blind eye to those that aid Him the most, but we'll not take advantage of that. If He has a reason to look at one of us, then He'll have a reason to look at us all."
Uriel softly laughs, disregarding the comment, and he flutters his hand dismissively, lifting a cup of wine to his lips. Gabriel knocks it out of his hand, and Uriel wipes the red drops from his chin, losing some of his patience. He looks at Gabriel, trying not to glare back.
"I guess I'll come in the afternoons then," he retorts.
Gabriel balls his hand into a fist, ready to strike his brother for his attitude. Michael wedges himself between the two of them, and he nods to the door.
"Gabriel, we should head to our chambers. I know that Uriel will follow. You do have a busy day tomorrow morning."
Gabriel lowers his eyes an inch to meet the eyes of his brother, and he absorbs some of his control, deciding that it's best to agree.
"Of course."
Gabriel hesitantly turns to leave, and he pauses by the door, sensing the women watching him. He speaks in a calm voice, but there's the essence of danger just below the surface of his words.
"I hope the next time you find yourself lost, these women will give you the right directions, and send you on your way. I don't want to return."
A squeak of fear echoes down from the top of the stairs, and Gabriel exits the house to continue his venture to his chambers. Michael waits for Uriel outside, and they stroll several feet behind.
Uriel tosses a gold coin to a haggard looking woman, and she smiles at him, baring her stained teeth. Michael notices that rare act of kindness, and he looks up at the sky, admiring the constellations.
Uriel has his eyes on Gabriel.
"You said that Gabriel has a busy day tomorrow. Care to enlighten me, brother?"
Michael lowers his eyes to Gabriel, watching the way his wings sway as he walks.
"Father's displeased with him, and Gabriel will be exiled to Earth tomorrow to learn mercy from His children."
The longhaired archangel raises his eyebrow and he fixes his sleeves, unimpressed.
"That's quite comical for a punishment. Father seems to have a cruel sense of humor."
Michael shakes his head, and Uriel glances at him.
"Father's not cruel. He just wants us to improve."
Uriel wraps his right arm around Michael, squeezing him to his side in a brotherly embrace, and his laugh rings through the night sky.
"This coming from His star child. That's the reason why Gabriel was so eager to please Him, don't you remember?"
Michael looks at his blonde-haired brother, and he walks closer to him, lowering his voice.
"Did everyone witness that?"
Gabriel glances over his shoulder, trying to catch their conversation. He continues to walk, attempting to keep control of his emotions. Uriel opens his left hand, and a star falls from the black sky, landing on his palm. It shrank to the size of a quarter as it fell.
He stares at the beaming light, watching it dim by degrees.
"No, I only witnessed it. I was curious, so I took a vile from the sacred room, and I watched the battle. I was certain that you would win."
The archangels reach the edge of the city, and they walk up the stairs engraved into the hill. Uriel lowers his arm from Michael, and he flutters his white wings to fluff his feathers. Uriel blows the dead star into the river like a kiss, and he wipes his hand on his tunic.
"It was quite a match. The only thing that was missing was a coliseum."
Michael watches the star die in the darkness between the stones, and he moves up the stairs, reaching flat land again. He remembers the battle.
"Desperation… Gabriel was desperate."
Uriel chimes in, and he looks knowingly at Michael.
Michael stops reflecting and he softly sighs, walking a little faster.
"It's rude to read minds, Uriel," he scolds.
Uriel shrugs, and he increases his speed to catch up.
"If I'm blessed with such powers, I'll use them. You have the power to keep me out."
Gabriel pauses by his chambers, and Uriel opens his door, brushing his hair away from the corner of his eye.
"Good night, brothers."
He steps into the darkness of his chambers, and Michael walks up to Gabriel.
"I'll be there for you tomorrow, Gabriel. You're my brother."
Gabriel lowers his eyes to the grey swirls inked in his marble door, and he nods his head.
"Thank you, Michael. I'll see you at dawn."
Michael steps back to let Gabriel enter his chambers, and he goes to his, closing the thick door with the curve of his wing.
He starts to remove his armor a piece at a time, and he drapes a robe over his naked body. Across the hallway, Gabriel opens his balcony doors, and he stares at the moon, resting his hands on the stone railing. He hears voices in the hedge maze below, and he watches two servants stroll closer to a dead end.
Gabriel reminisces about the unfortunates, pondering their status in society in both Heaven and Earth, and he thinks about the judgment that was placed on him.
"Servants!"
The two women glance around, and they look up at Gabriel, bowing their heads in respect. He sighs, and he scans the leafy labyrinth with his eyes.
"You're headed for a dead end. Take thirty-seven steps back, and turn to the left. Keep turning left."
The servants repeatedly bow, and they count their steps back. Gabriel returns to his chambers, and he relaxes on the edge of his bed, shifting his wings to sit comfortably.
He wonders how long he'll have to stay on Earth, and he wonders if there's going to be any conditions that he'll have to live by. It troubles him, the idea of being limited by particular laws, and he tries to comprehend the duties that has lead him to this moment.
Gabriel moves on his bed, lying down on his chest to let his wings stretch open.
"Mercy."
He sleepily whispers, and Gabriel closes his eyes.