Zerachial and Azrael
The sunrise arched over the mountains in the distance. Winter had fallen asleep on the rooftop with Gabriel awake by his side. The other two patrol groups regrouped downstairs to take their well deserved sleep. Gabriel looked up to the sky, smiling.
Summer awoke from her spot in one of the stair rooms. Although she had her room to retreat to, she ended up falling asleep there after wanting some time to herself. Summer stood up and stretched. She began descending the stairs to the downstairs meeting room where everyone was gathering for breakfast. Making her way into the line, she grabbed herself two apples and a small plastic cup of water. Taking the furthest corner of the meeting room, she sat alone with her small portion of food. Watching everyone else, she scanned the room for her friends and brother. No sign of any of them yet.
They're all tired after all…she thought to herself, taking a bite of her apple.
Hastings walked out of his room with a plastic cup and fully dressed. He looked over and noticed Summer by herself. He waved to the girl with a smile. She waved by. Snow walked out of her room right after and ran over to Summer the moment she saw her.
"Good morning Summer!" she pipped.
"Good morning Snow, you're very energetic today" Summer replied.
"It's been a while since I've gotten to sleep so well! And my dreams have gotten better as well!" she ranted with her cat-like grin. Summer couldn't help but smile at her friend. She handed her friend the other apple. Snow took it in both hands and thanked her with another smile. The two girls sat side-by-side eating their apples and talking. Summer felt at ease for once. It reminded her of the multiple times they would eat lunch together at their old school. Those were peaceful times for them.
"So, I was thinking" Snow chimed in, interrupting Summer's thoughts.
"You were thinking?"
"Do you want to go find some supplies with me? I was thinking of starting a garden on the roof so we'd have fresh foods. I mean, if that's ok with you and all" the cat-like girl replied, twiddling her thumbs.
Summer smiled at her. "Of course. That would be an amazing idea. I'm sure there's a garden store somewhere around this city."
Snow smiled wide and hugged her friend, excited that she agreed. She quickly stood up and ran to her room and back, procuring two large sacks and two backpacks for them.
"You were prepared" Summer spoke, a sweat drop to her side.
Snow brushed her hair out of her face and smiled.
"I figured I should be ready right away in case you changed your mind later" she replied.
"Alright, well, let's get going then. Oh, we should probably tell Winter."
"Tell him what? Are you going somewhere?" Peach asked, walking up behind them.
"Oh, good morning Peach. We're going to go out for some food and supplies. Snow would like to start a garden on the roof" Summer informed her.
"Oh a garden would be lovely! Fresh food would be a great start to living here. I'll tell Winter when he comes down. Please be safe on your trip" Peach replied, bowing slightly.
"You don't need to be so formal Peach, we're friends after all. We'll try to be back within a few hours if we don't find much."
"Bye Peach! Oh and…" Snow silenced herself as she watched Summer walk away from ear shot. Snow walked over to Peach and whispered in her ear before running off. Peach stared after her. 623 grabbed her shoulder, startling her for a moment.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. Where are they off to?" the silver haired boy asked.
"Getting supplies for a garden. 623, did you…I mean, last night—"
"Yes. Peach, we should talk somewhere more private" he replied, limping over to his room. Peach followed and shut the door behind them.
"Do you think it's just the two of us?" Peach asked now that they were alone.
"No. He told me there were others. Winter was the first. It explains Gabriel. But I don't know who else or how many others to be precise."
"I see. He didn't tell me much other than he would be meeting me soon. Maybe we should talk to this Gabriel?" Peach offered.
"Maybe. It might explain why Summer has been so distant as well…Let's go check the meeting room first to see if they've come down from the roof. Then we'll check up there."
"Right. Here, let me help you walk."
"Nah, it's alright. But, can you go over to that corner over there? There's a cane. I meant to use it earlier but I figured we should talk first."
Peach walked over to the corner and grabbed a brown walking cane. She handed it to 623 and let him take the lead out of his room. The two scanned the room for any sign of Winter or Gabriel, but they were not there. They asked around to see if they had come down yet, but no one had seen them. It was decided then that they had to check the roof.
—
"I see. So you're meeting with them today" Gabriel repeated.
"Yes Gabriel. How goes your endeavors with your chosen one?" Zerachiel asked.
"It's all going well. He's learning slowly, but in time he will be what we need" Gabriel replied, looking over the sleeping boy.
"We have guests" Azrael announced. The three angels looked over to the stair corridor to see Peach and 623 staring at them in awe. Gabriel stepped back, leaned down, and picking up the sleeping Winter. He nodded to his brethren and to the two humans before leaving down the steps. The four stayed quiet for a while, unsure of what to say really.
Peach looked over both angels, not sure which one was the one that talked to her in her dreams without hearing his voice. 623 on the other hand, stared directly at Azrael with a smirk. Azrael returned the look to the coy boy.
Zerachiel gazed at the shy girl standing by the stairs. He walked over to her, bowing when he was close enough. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Momoka."
"O-oh!" She quickly bowed back to him, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Zerachiel!" she replied nervously.
623 and Azrael continued their stare down in silence. It was enough introduction for the two of them.
Zerachiel stood up and looked over to the other two that remained proudly silent. "Azrael, shall we begin?"
"Hmm, why not" he replied with a coiled smile. "Zerachiel, heal his leg before we begin. It'll slow us down."
Zerachiel walked over to 623 and placed his hand over the injured leg. A divine blue light covered the leg as it healed itself in seconds. 623 hopped on his leg, tossing the cane to the side. He thanked the angel before returning his gaze to Azrael.
"What are we doing exactly?" Peach inquired.
"We need to inform you of your destinies in an upcoming war" Zerachiel explained.
"Let's begin. Waisting time is not my strong suit" Azrael interrupted.
"Yes…now, Momoka and Saburo, otherwise known as Peach and 623, you two will fight alongside us and your comrades. You've already met Gabriel, our brother. There are still two more to come. When we are all together, we will begin preparations—"
"Zerachiel, be more clear and stay on topic. You'll confuse the humans" Azrael interrupted.
"Here's an idea, instead of trying to inform both of us at the same time, we separate like Gabriel and Winter did. Sound good?" 623 offered.
"I like this one. I agree. Zerachiel, we'll be taking our leave. Boy, follow."
"Good luck Peach" 623 said before running after Azrael.
Zerachiel sighed. He turned his attention to the anxious girl. "I apologize for his rudeness. He's not very patient."
"I-it's alright. It's less intimidating without him here anyway…" Peach replied nervously.
"Ah, so it is. I've become used to his coarse nature so it doesn't bother me as much anymore. Miss Peach, why don't we start off light with our conversation. We'll be spending a lot of time together, you must have a lot of questions for me."
"That would be nice, thank you. Yes..I do have questions."
"Then ask away."
"Alright…well…I know a little about angels, but I don't remember that much about it. What kind of angel are you?"
"My name is Zerachiel, I'm known for a lot of things. I'm more known as the angel of healing. That's why I could heal 623's leg so easily. I'm also known as, well, I'm like a bridge for you humans to the next life. I guide humans and children alike. I'm also the righthand to Michael. And now, I'm here to guide you."
"You must be pretty powerful…So..what is this war? What am I supposed to do in it?"
"Your purpose in this war, is to both protect the scribe and protect everyone. You've already learned some medical techniques on your own. And, you're already close to the scribe. It's been written for years now that you two would meet."
"The scribe…623?"
"No my dear, your fiancé. He must be protected at all costs. And you, you must make sure none of your comrades die."
"Me? B-but I hardly know how to care for wounds let alone a life!"
"Not to worry, that is why I'm here. I will teach you and guide you through this war. As long as I'm with you, you will succeed."
Peach stood there, taking all the information in. Anxiety filling her head. Zerachiel brushed her hair, using his power of healing to calm her mind. She looked up at him, smiling and nodding.
"I understand…I will do my best to protect those that I love. I should introduce you to everyone so they don't get scared around you. Follow me" she replied with a new found confidence. Zerachiel smiled and followed after her.
—-
Azrael and 623 walked through the abandoned city in silence. Neither had spoken a single word to each other since they began walking. Azrael looked around the torn up buildings, unimpressed with the architecture. He stopped in front of a church with gold lining and dirtied white walls. He stepped inside and gazed with boredom at the mosaic windows. Noticing the pinnacle in the center of the furthest wall, he began walking toward it. 623 eyed him carefully, unsure of what they were doing in there.
Examining the cross with a man imbedded onto it, Azrael started laughing. His laugh echoed throughout the empty room, leaving an eerie trail of noise. He turned to face 623 and pointed to the cross.
"Humans sure are fickle" he chirped out.
"Well, that is true. Why in this case?" 623 asked, examining the statue of the man on the cross.
"I've lived long enough to know what the savior looked like back then, and this is not him. Loyalty. Your kind lacks it, especially in times of war and famine and pestilence. Tell me, who is this man?"
"Presumably Jesus. He was the son of God who gave up his life as a sacrifice to humanity's sins."
Azrael broke out into his hysterical laughter once more before turning serious once more. "Humanity's sins can never be abolished by a mere human's sacrifice. Especially one that was claimed to be the son of God. You see, in case you were unaware, everything is the child of the Lord. More so, in your kind's words, the step parent."
"I'm interested in your explanation, do go on" 623 replied, taking a laid back seat on the pews.
Azrael stood on the altar and smirked at the boy.
"First, do you know who I am?" Azrael asked coyly.
"You're Azrael, the angel of death."
"Very good. At least you humans know that much. What else do you know about me?"
"According to the texts around the world, you're somewhat of a scribe. You're also supposed to have eyes and tongues all over you for every human. But, that doesn't seem like it's the case."
"In another life, I may have been. But you'll never know. You see, you humans were not supposed to know angels existed."
"No? Then what happened?" 623 asked.
"An angel decided to take it upon them to reveal our existence. You see, if you never learned about angels, you never would of had these religions. Many of your wars and crimes would not have existed. Your worlds would actually be in a somewhat more peaceful state than it is now. But alas, it's not. Too bad for your kind. You're stuck in the mess of that same angel now. Congratulations, chosen one" Azrael mocked.
623 continued to stay laid back in his seat and smirking at the angel. He was unfazed by his mockery and scare tactics. Azrael raised his brow, curious why the boy seemed centered and focused.
"Of course you wouldn't be riled by this information, after all, I've watched you for years now. You're not like other humans. Your snide nature made you the perfect choice for what you need to do."
"How about you tell me more about how all of religion is a bunch of bullshit first. I don't like when stories are cut off" 623 replied cooly.
Azrael looked at the boy, smirking back at him, he decided to treat him to the continuation of the story.
"I assume you've learned the name Lucifer?"
"Of course, though I feel like I don't know the truth about him according to you."
"Hmm, he was quite…adored. The big guy really took pride in his oldest, at the time. He was everything you humans were supposed to be. Well, now that I think about it, you are everything he is now. Such wit, such strength and kindness. Beauty, or so I'm told. I was never a looks type anyway. Lucifer was supposed to lead all his brothers and sisters to happiness, to rule over them. He was quite content with his position. Loved, feared, and praised. Now, this was before the Creation. The Creation being your kind. Lucifer often was found alone doing who knows what. Very secretive. When he found out about humans, naturally, he was curious. The big guy didn't want us to have anything involvement with them. They were his prized creations at the time. Lucifer was good at many things, but sharing love from the big guy was not his strong suit."
"So far it sounds like what we know about him. Let me guess, he got Eve to eat the forbidden fruit?" 623 joked.
"Ah, Eve. The abomination" Azrael stated, causing 623 to look t him in confusion.
"I've looked into your kind's interpretation and it's horribly written fiction. Though I can understand where that imagination came from. It's not every day you see beings with power like ours. No, the lord, God as you all call him, he created two humans, Adam and Lillith. Most of your texts refuse to mention her, which, I'm not entirely sure why. She could of saved you all, tried even. Judging by that look, you don't know her. I'm not surprised. Like I said, most of your texts don't speak of her. She was made equal to Adam. From the same soil they rose. And Adam being the charmer he was, insulted her. He demanded she conform to his choices."
"What a dick" 623 muttered out. Azrael smirked at his reply and continued.
"He truly was. Now, annoyed by his ego and presence, Lillith decided to leave him. You see, God wanted two beings just like Lucifer. But he miscalculated their creation. He had made them equal in theory, but they were separate beings with separate traits from Lucifer. When alone, they portrayed him perfectly, but together, they waged war. Lillith was the smart one who left and refused to be around him. This was when Lucifer had come down to them. He had watched them, unknown to the rest of us. He saw the turmoil they created together. He knew they were to be made in his image, but he didn't understand how they represented him when they were nothing like him. He spoke to them both individually. First, to Adam."
"The dick" 623 added jokingly.
Azrael chuckled lightly. "Yes. the dick. Lucifer asked him why he was so brash with Lillith. Adam didn't know. All he could say is that being around her brought forth feelings of uncertainty and anger. They were feelings that were strange to the newborn. He felt the only way was to make her lesser than him. Lucifer didn't want to, but he understood what he had meant. He offered him a deal. Since Adam and Eve were made from his image, they were already lesser than him. Much like the other angels that served him. He offered to make a companion that was lesser than Adam in order to balance his emotions. Taking one of Adam's ribs, he created Eve. She was obedient and selfless, but also curious. Lucifer left them shortly when Adam's demeanor had changed. He ventured to Lillith next. She, unlike Adam, was calm and collected. He found her wandering a barren waste land. When he asked her why Adam and her didn't get along, she couldn't give a sure answer. He asked why she was mad at him. She replied that she wasn't. She just doesn't like his selfishness and fear. They had talked for hours together before Lucifer left her. Unlike Adam, she needed nothing. Lucifer spent time alone after that, considering what was wrong with the humans."
"That's obvious" 623 stated. Azrael looked to the boy, curious and amused.
"He abandoned his throne for a reason. That much I know. If Lillith and Adam were parts of him, they were both him but the two opposing sides to him. One that was calm and collected, the other was anarchy. He gave in to anarchy when he gave Adam Eve. Am I right?" 623 asked, leaning back.
"…You're smarter than you look. Yes. He saw that, but he didn't see it as quickly as you did. He continued to watch the three humans. He watched Lillith leave Adam forever. Adam continued to boss Eve around. He took it upon himself to fix his mistake of making Eve. He told her of the forbidden fruit and that she needed to take it for herself. He had poisoned the fruit in hopes she would die and restore the order between the two original humans. More than anything, he wanted to destroy the subordinate side of him he created for it was weakness in his eyes. When Eve bit into the apple, she didn't die. In an attempt at death, he had created life. Eve was now fertile and could bare Adam's children. He had created more subordinates to Adam and continued to bless him accidentally. Lillith never bore any gifts for her serenity. Lucifer, panicked. He went looking for Lillith to convince her to come back and take over his mistakes. She refused. She looked him in the eyes and told him he picked his side and he knew what he must do now. He returned to the heavens where we were all waiting. We couldn't believe our leader would defy our creator. When he came back though, he wasn't the same. The darkness in him, the part that was Adam, took over. That's when God had to intervene and punish his favorite. He was still too lenient though. He sentenced Lucifer to exile to live with the humans. But Lucifer could not let himself live amongst Adam and his kind. It was his disgusting truth he couldn't face. Instead, he decided to attack us and try to take over. War waged and you know the rest from there I take it?"
"He became the devil?"
"Exactly."
"So, he's behind this apocalypse?"
"Yes. You could say he's hell bent on destroying humans and angels now."
"Was that a pun?" 623 asked, amused.
Azrael smirked and looked back at the Jesus cross. He looked back to 623 with a more serious look now.
"Joking and history aside…your destiny is crucial to our success in this war."
623 sat up, staring intently at Azrael. "And what am I supposed to do?"
"Your destiny is to kill Lillith."
623 looked at him like he was talking crazy. Azrael began walking out of the building. 623 jumped up and ran beside him, demanding answers.
"What do you mean kill Lillith? Isn't she long dead? Hey, Azrael come on!" he whined.
"We are not safe out there. Follow me." Azrael said, grabbing the boys arm.
623 looked around as he followed, unable to see anyone. When they stopped, 623 looked to Azrael who stared up at the sky. He nodded and looked back down at 623.
"I've been informed that Lucifer has scouts following us. Along with your destiny, you must not let anyone who your target is. Like you, no one knows she is alive. My brothers, myself, and God himself are the only ones that know. Now, you as well."
"I understand, but can you at least tell me more about this? You left it kind of vague there."
"Another time. We need to regroup with Gabriel and Zerachiel. Let's go." Azrael whispered to him as he proceeded to walk away.
623 sighed and followed after, scanning the area just in case. "And here I thought you were like me."
Azrael smirked with a crooked smile, "My dear boy, you have no idea what I'm like."
—
Snow jumped up into the trees above while Summer stayed on the ground with one of the big sacks opened wide. As Snow dropped down apples, Summer ran around collecting them. The two girls giggled throughout the experience. When they were done collecting, they lay underneath the trees, eating apples and staring at the sky.
"Hey Summer, can I ask you something?" Snow nervously asked.
"Of course Snow, we're friends after all" Summer replied, rolling over to look at her nervous friend.
Snow's eyes darted away, her cat-like mouth tensed, and her body froze. Summer sent her a puzzled look, unsure what got into Snow all of a sudden.
"Koyuki? You're acting weirder than usual" Summer spoke up, raising her eyebrow.
Snow's eyes darted back to Summer, less tense. She took a breathe and smiled. "I haven't heard you say my name in along time, Natsumi."
"I figured it was my best shot at bringing you back. What's wrong?" Summer inquired.
Snow sighed and looked at Summer, "You're going to think I'm going crazy…" she looked down.
Summer looked at her in surprise. "Koyuki, trust me, I'm the last person that would think you're crazy. My brother was the president of the occult club, remember?" she joked.
Snow smiled and giggled softly. "Promise?"
"I promise. I'm here for you no matter what."
Taking a deep breathe, Snow began speaking, "Well…I've been…sometimes when I…um…ugh, this is weird to say out loud…but, I've been having these dreams."
Summer stared at her, puzzled. "What kind of dreams?"
"Well..I kind of talk to someone I've never met before…and he knows me and says he's going to come see me soon. And he also said that I'm important for some big mission…" Snow replied, looking over to Natsumi for acceptance.
Summer stared at her incredulously, causing Snow to stand up and look more nervous.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't of said anything, you think I'm crazy and—" she was silenced by Natsumi grabbed her hand and gently pulling her back down.
"It's alright, I believe you. I had something like that happen to me too. He hasn't come in my dreams yet…Fuyuki too."
"R-really? You're not just saying that to make me feel better right?" Snow asked, retreating once more.
"No, I'm being serious. That Gabriel guy, he's the guy from Fuyuki's dreams. Some guy named Michael is supposed to talk to me but never does…you're part of that destiny Gabriel was talking about then!" Summer announced.
Snow tilted her head, confused.
"Gabriel won't tell me much about it, but so far, Fuyuki, you, and myself are part of some destiny. There's others too but I don't know who else. Oh! He said the other names too…um…there's Gabriel, Michael..Zera-something, Azrael, and…oh! Uriel! Those were the names!" Summer exclaimed, looking to Snow who was now staring at her incredulously.
"Uriel is who takes to me in my dreams…you do believe me! Oh thank goodness I thought you were just joking with me haha…" Snow replied sheepishly.
"It's alright, I wouldn't of believed it right away if it hadn't of happened to me either. More importantly, did he tell you why he's talking to you?"
"Well, he did talk about a destiny, but he wouldn't say what it was until we met. He did tell me that he should be coming soon to meet me. Do you think he'll be nice?" Snow asked.
"I can't really say. Gabriel seems pretty ok, Michael on the other hand…he's kind of a jerk. I'd say you have a 50-50 chance there" Summer joked.
Snow smiled and hugged Summer close to her. "Thank you, Natsumi. Oh, the sun is above us."
"It must be past noon. We've been out here for a while. Let's go see if we can find a garden shop and get some seeds and supplies and then head home."
"Right!" Snow exclaimed, jumping up and grabbing the bag of apples.
"I'm going to need you to stop right there ladies" a man with a shotgun pointed at them said as he came out of the bushes. Four other men followed right after him, pointing their guns at the two.
"What do you want?" Summer asked, preparing for a fight.
"Why, your food of course. And any weapons, medicine, and other things you might have on you" the man with the shotgun replied.
"Hey Joe, they don't look too bad. Don't see too many women wandering around" one of the others chimed in.
"You're right, how's about you ladies come with us? We'll take good care of you as long as you do as we say."
"I'd rather you shoot me" Summer replied cockily.
Snow stood her ground, eyeing Summer and the guys surrounding them. "We can't run from this one, Summer" she whispered.
"No, we can't, but you can" Summer replied, lunging at the men, luring their attention to her.
"Summer!" Snow shouted, reaching for her.