Off through secret portals and hidden realms ventures a Four Horseman and last of the Nephilim. While the former title stirs pride, the latter never fails to ire, for it was Death himself who wrought that distinction. He has been requested anew by the angelic hierarchy for reasons unknown, though surely involving demons with ill intent. Whether they rose from Heaven or Hell is yet determined. Abaddon assumes his contact at the precincts of Eden. His role also is a mystery. Not the usual protocol, though he too is a warrior with ample scars to attest.

What lies ahead remains to unfold, but the time for answers is now, as Death has reached his station and is greeted by trumpets heralding his arrival. Like a visiting dignitary hailed with pomp, pageantry, plus a touch of deference, two confederates unite.

"Thank you for coming, Death. Your penchant for alacrity inspires."

"My presence is bound by duty, which I take pride in performing."

"Despite our differences you'll receive no debate there."

"A welcome rest, given the continual debate adopted whenever I face the Council. Their edicts are unreasonably stiff."

"Some say the same about you. Perhaps familiarity does breed contempt."

"You're confusing diligence with intransigence."

"We're talking semantics now, are we?"

"We're talking accord without needless discord when plenty already exists."

"You wear your passion on your sleeves. Understandable, yet detrimental to the task at hand."

"Passion fuels the fire of the eternal conflict. I'm merely the vessel."

"With faith its granite cornerstone. Flip sides of the same coin, no doubt. Passion is just more deployable."

"Thus the cause for my summoning. What dirty deeds does the Council need expunged this time?"

"There are indeed deeds to remedy, though the Council has no role in its pursuit. Consider this petition a secret mission."

"Have you considered the consequence of your proposal?"

"I've considered the consequence of proposing nothing. You said it yourself. The Council is rigid in their ways, only reaching consensus upon long review. Time is critical."

"This is a conclusion that you, in your infinite wisdom, reached alone?"

"You'd be amazed at the decisions I've reached alone, with nary a fear of repercussion."

"Single mindedness of deed is one thing, deliberation another."

"No decision I make is derived in haste. All factors are considered before consent is rendered."

"What is this mission you request of me?"

"There are reports of a traitor in our ranks, whose identity needs to be uncovered, immediately, and eliminated, permanently."

"Yet another fallen angel. What makes this so special?"

"The height from which they've fallen."

"What are you saying?"

"Simply that anyone is suspect, anyone."

"Even you?"

"Do you believe I would draw attention to my own transgressions?"

"To deflect attention? Yes. The endgame could entail greater goals, with stakes unimaginable."

"Indeterminate stakes bear imprecise effort. I assure you the stakes are well defined to the perpetrator."

"What are the stakes?"

"While I have an inkling, I require confirmation first."

"Are they alone in their quest?"

"Unlikely. The scope is beyond the reach of one individual."

"Which suggests a conspiracy. How did you uncover this plot?"

"Through agents abroad. I'm not without means or copious allies."

"You better well be. Unfounded allegations may filter back to the wronged party, and I will not abide entrapment amidst your self induced crossfire."

"Your role is to inflict damage, not become the target of it. Should that occur our efforts will go for naught."

"No effort goes for naught. You'd be wise to think the same."

"I am forever an optimist, however life's tribulations have a way of tainting that appraisal."

"Tribulation is a daily rite for purveyors of peace. Now is no different."

"I fear you're wrong. The implications go beyond anything we've contested before."

"Then it's best I get started, and may heaven be true to its just purpose."

"On that we agree."

Death's commission is vast, but personal import must be weighed. Too many factors make it necessary. Self awareness is critical to any soldier, especially one defending the heavens, with conflict compounded by an unknown foe. He has fallen to subterfuge before so no precaution is needless.

Not only is the Council unapprised, their possible complicity sparks deeper concern. Trust has always been deficient in their dealings, yet now that conviction may be absent entirely. One cast which fortunately entails no trust issues is the horsemen, and in particular one special horsewoman.

"Fury, I have need of your services."

"For you, Death, to Hell and high water. You need only ask."

"Your loyalty is a profound bounty for there is a severe shortage currently."

"What can one expect in the crusade against darkness."

"Yet darkness resides in many places, at times your own back yard. That is the heart of the crisis."

"Then it's time we shed some light, don't you agree."

"I prefer fighting fire with fire, or facade with facade."

"Are we talking an undercover mission?"

"With you in the starring role. You've got the looks. What remains is the guile."

"I was born for the part."

"You were born to seek corruption in varied form. Which form you will find is the question."

"I will not fail in the search for answers."

"Of that I have little doubt, yet beware. Everyone will not be as they appear."

"An unfortunate aspect of life, and death. Still we can play the same game."

"But not everyone plays by the same rules."

"Perhaps results are best attained adhering to no rules whatsoever."

"Use whatever tactics deemed helpful, just remember. Vigilance is paramount."

"One question remains. Who are we discussing?"

"The Charred Council."

"I see. The stakes have officially risen."

"We are in this alone. If all goes wrong they will disavow any knowledge."

"So once again we are left exposed. What else is new."

While Fury has her instructions, Death has own reconnaissance to perform. His agenda will require succeeding steps, for if others are involved each will be connected. The beginning of his trek takes place in painfully familiar surroundings.

"Time for our monthly meeting, Lilith."

"You again. If I didn't know better I'd think you had a thing for me."

"I have many things for you, revulsion, pity. Not exactly what you were referring to, of course."

"Rude and insolent as ever. For that you'll have to get in line with the rest of the rabble and fight for my affections."

"I didn't come for your affections. I'll leave that to the sorry souls already bidding."

"Last I heard you were feeling sorry yourself. Oh well, we were both outfoxed. For me it was another day in Hell. For you it must seem like an eternity."

"All my battles are eternal. You and your infernal ilk have made certain of that."

"Yet I'm able to see the folly in the frenzy. You on the other hand cannot. Hell forbid you have a heart attack. Then where might you end."

"Heaven forbid we reside in the same realm. The cosmos would never be the same."

"And just when I was considering taking you home to mother."

"I'm more concerned with your father. How is Mephisto these days?"

"A raging demon as usual, but is your question mere civility or something more."

"I would never waste civility on you. My presence signifies there is more involved."

"What are you insinuating about father?"

"There is a conspiracy afoot. You two naturally came first to mind."

"I'm honored. Any opportunity present to place a thorn in your side is most welcome."

"Should I take that as a yes?"

"I wasn't admitting anything, just acknowledging the pleasure from the thought."

"Your vagueness conceals deeper intent."

"My frankness reveals deeper content. It's up to you to figure the meaning."

"Do I perceive a misdirection or possible bluff?"

"Poker is a delightful game, with so few cards known to your opponent. It adds spice to the proceedings."

"I neither travelled far to play poker or partake in hellish cooking."

"You came as envoy for Abaddon."

"So his fears were justified. There is a traitor among the ranks."

"That depends on your perspective. One party's traitor is another's hero."

"I wouldn't think even you would use that word to describe a defector in the angelic hierarchy."

"I was using it as an example. Your frustration with the Council is known. You cannot say a change in management hasn't crossed your mind."

"What I think is closed for debate. I've been tasked to uncover a conspirator. My beliefs do not cloud my effort."

"But have you considered the source of the charge. Does he have ulterior motives?"

"Are you accusing Abaddon of being the traitor?"

"I have news for you. We know about the sacrament bomb. Your side believes it a guarded secret, but it isn't, and my side couldn't be more furious. A weapon designed to kill demons?! And you think we're monstrous."

"Your info continues to shine. This mole is indeed well placed."

"You're ignoring the issue. How can you condone this heinous device?"

"I ignore nothing nor condone anything. The bomb is contentious even among my ranks. We knew once word leaked repercussions could arise. Still the weapon's deployment is highly doubtful."

"I should take your word as a guarantee?"

"My reputation for integrity is renowned."

"Perhaps, yet you're still a pawn. It's your superiors who scare the hell out of us. I suggest you return home and resume your task from a different angle."

"I'll decide what I do, meanwhile you're still at the top of my complicity list."

"I'd be disappointed if I wasn't."

Fury's duty is straightforward. She's to go to the Council and confide her suspicions of a conspirator. She'll then look for a reaction, inflection, anything that may give sign of previous knowledge. Naturally when conferring with impassive deities one cannot expect emotional demonstration. Yet it can be words not spoken that say the most. All the Council knows is she needs to see them about a matter most urgent. Considering her steady past and infrequent visits, her request was granted with minimal delay.

"To this impressive assemblage before me, I thank thee for granting my petition."

"Gratitude is superfluous. You stressed a matter of substance and are not known for excess. Proceed."

"Rumors of alarm have reached my notice, rumors that cannot go ignored."

"Who is the source of these rumors?"

"Someone inside the White City."

"Are they someone in position of high esteem?"

"Exceedingly high."

"Did they contact you directly?"

"I was informed through a third party, one of unimpeachable integrity."

"So you act as envoy."

"In part. There is more involved than just reporting."

"With each party discrepancy grows. Do we have freshness of time on our side?"

"This is all quite recent."

"Should we presume your reason for appearing in place of your colleague is due to logistics?"

"Yes, but with due respect and concern for a quick resolution their identity will remain secret."

"Tell us of this matter."

"There is talk of a traitor in the angelic hierarchy."

"A traitor? In what way?"

"In ways affecting the eternal conflict."

"The ranks of Hell are ruled by former residents of Heaven. Surely they have contacts within this realm. What that affords them is moot. Our battle is one of spiritual reign, not physical."

"Yet it is a numbers game. The side with the most advocates can exert control over other realms, and more importantly enforce it."

"Spirituality is a chosen path. To enforce it requires force."

"And how best can one exert force?"

"…With weapons? Is that what this is about? But we possess few weapons."

"I myself am aware of one once thought secret but is no more. This weapon could tilt the scales immeasurably."

"Do you know the possessor of this weapon?"

"Yes."

"Are they also the source of the rumor?"

"Yes."

"Does this not present a conflict of purpose?"

"That is for you in your divine wisdom to determine."

"We demand you reveal their name, now!"

"Abaddon."

"….This meeting is over. Leave, and do not disclose details to anyone about what occurred."

"I make no promise till I confer with my colleague, though rest assured. We will not do anything rash."

"You best not. The Council's wrath is eternal."

"Understood."

Death's trip to Eden is brief. His mind is consumed with deceit and conceit. Fury has informed him of her meeting. While void of valid facts, her insight proved useful. It confirmed Lilith's allegation. Abaddon has been contacted and awaits anxiously. Given the context he has reasons to feel so. Answers should be coming shortly.

"So what do you have?"

"That remains to be seen."

"Hopefully more than we had before."

"And what did we have before?"

"I don't understand."

"You made claims of a pretender. Perhaps that allegation embodies the same precept."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying this whole thing has been a fool's errand from the start, with me the chosen fool."

"It's not what you think."

"It's exactly what I think. You tasked me to find a traitor when there was another goal in mind, and Lilith was the one who perceived it."

"I had to shake things up."

"You certainly did that."

"What does she know?"

"Everything. It's all about that bomb you created."

"It was meant to be a deterrent."

"That's what they all say, but the only thing any weapon deters is peace."

"We needed an edge. Hell's ranks were swelling. We were losing the battle."

"Couldn't you see the propaganda value against us if word leaked?"

"I am a soldier, not a politician or diplomat. When a problem arises we face it directly. There are no shades of grey on the battlefield. It's either us or them. I believe in our cause. There can be no peace with Hell. The weapon proves it."

"The weapon proves nothing. Where is it?"

"…..It's gone."

"That explains everything. You should have told me upfront."

"I didn't know how you'd react. Would you have helped? Would you have told the Council?"

"They already know, or at least suspect. You can expect a request for your presence shortly."

"Their involvement will only complicate matters, which I was trying to avoid."

"Things couldn't be more complicated. That web was weaved long ago."

"What in heaven's name have I done?"

"Do you dare invoke that validation?"

"I do when true."

"I suppose your intentions were good, but you know where that leads."

"While I accept responsibility, I refuse to wallow in recriminations. I'll fight to the end."

"With an opponent yet to reveal themselves."

"Or their intent. What does one do with an unknown foe?"

"Wait and see."