He loved her. He loved her like she was his own flesh and blood.

Gabriel and Babylon, the most powerful Tricksters, had been close since they had met one another after Babylon's birth. Gabriel himself was still rather young upon their meeting, only about 300 years old, born of the early Sins of Men. As were all of the original Tricksters, born of the sins of men, fed off their misery and their misfortune. And such was the thing that made their kind scum in the eyes of all supernatural creatures.

But they didn't care. Babylon and Gabriel, they were thick as thieves. There was not a single thing that bothered them, that would ever dare get between them. In the eyes of many, it seemed that they were True Mates, destined for one another when the time was right. But for now, they were content. Content to laugh together, to travel together, to explore and to learn. To be together as friends often were. She was his world, and rightly so. Because he was her world, too.

There was nothing that Gabriel wouldn't do for the younger Trickster, for his Moon Princess. She would dawn her best gems and jewels, her best silks and robes, her tiaras and bells, and dance for the Moon. She would dance the moon into the sky and out, dance for its brightness, dance for its warmth and its love and its mercy. Dance to thank it for the tides, and the coolness of night, and the pale glow of her own skin, as she believed the moon had kissed her upon her birth and blessed her. The four, massive black wings upon her back carried her high into the air as she danced, the shimmering green flecks in them shimmered like stars as she danced, matching the glowing green of her eyes and the dark curl of her brown hair. And Gabriel concluded it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

Gabriel himself shone like the sun. Eyes like honey, hair like spun gold, his four wings shimmering like sunlight as they flapped, ruby flecks embedded in the golden feathers of all four wings. Strong, and courageous, and tanned, and beautiful. Like a sun god. And seen together, in their full glory, the two Tricksters seemed like such opposites, literal Day and Night. But, perhaps, that is why they went together so well. They were made to complete one another.

Their lives together were a blur, full of laughter and sugar wine and other things Trickster. And he loved her in every way one could love another. And she loved him just as strongly. And for a while, everything was perfect. Gods in their own rite, the Tricksters traveled and wandered and flew and danced, their world a whirl of love and life and happiness. They were, unofficially, the King and Queen of Tricksters. The rulers of those left behind, forgotten, and mischievous. Of the troublemakers and the schemers. And they reveled in it.

So, when they were approached by Angels, they were brought into a state of shock.

They stood there, shining and bright in their glory, and there was no doubt in either of their minds that these were Archangels. The Tricksters felt a hint of fear, knowing that these were beings of absolute power, beings that hated them above all, and the fact that they were even there confused them. Gently pushing Babylon behind him, Gabriel turned to the Archangels and spoke in his solid, echoing voice.

"Who are you? Why are you here?"

The Archangels spoke, their voices soft but loud all at once, quiet and booming, echoing over nothing and everything.

"We come on acts of good will," one of them said, his vessel solid and emotionless as he spoke, "To offer a way of redemption for your kind. A chance to change the fate of Tricksters and other mischievous, sinful beings."

Babylon's eyes surveyed them, not missing a beat as she looked past their vessels and into their True Selves, as all Tricksters could do. "And what is this Redemption of which you speak?" the female Trickster spoke, her voice cool and smooth but filled with hidden fire, "Your Angels have done nothing but hunt and smite our kind. Why should we trust a word you speak?"

The Archangels looked to one another, as if expecting such an answer.

"We will offer one of you a chance to leave behind your sinful ways and become an Archangel," the other spoke, his skin dark and his voice deep, "And in doing so, your species will become an ally of Heaven, and no more will Angels hunt and destroy Tricksters. They will be considered kin. Your power is already unlike any of the beasts and creatures upon Father's good earth. You are closer to Angels than most ever dream to be."

"You will study, and work, and obey," the other interjected, his eyes boring into them, "And then, one day, if you are ready, you will be tested. And the one who passes will become an Archangel, a teacher of Heaven and enforcer of its laws. A guardian and a brother. And in doing so, earn redemption and safety of your species. Do you accept our terms?"

The Tricksters looked at one another, silently debating their answer. But they knew, deep in their hearts, they truly had no choice. The Archangels always got what they wanted. And if they wanted a Trickster in their ranks, they would have one, and that was the end of it.

Silently, Babylon gripping Gabriel's arm, the two Tricksters nodded.