Ciel stood in the field, his heart breaking as Azrel stood before him. The crisp autumn wind blew past them. Brown, yellow and red leaves covered the ground around them.
Behind them, Michael, Grace and Gabriel looked on.
"Well, I guess this is it." The blonde weapon sighed, tears filled his eyes.
"I suppose it is. Your companion soul will follow you not long from now, I've been given my brother Michael's word." Ciel replied.
"Thank you. I can't tell you how much that means to me..how much our friendship means to me." The blonde weapon pulled Ciel into a tight hug.
"I really hate goodbyes, this is my first one of course, but I know it's not to be my last. I'm actually really scared." He sobbed.
"Knowing your fate I would be too, and because you'll never hear this from anyone during your life, even though you won't remember I'm going to say it... I'm so sorry for what's to happen to you. No one should endure such things."
"Thank you. I just wish it didn't have to be you. You're the only friend I've ever had. I know I've got to go through with it, it's just really hard." Azrael sobbed.
"I know. That's a lot to do but if it helps,you won't remember me. We've both been given great responsibility,I can't do my job without you. We have to be strong now,if not for ourselves, for each other and those who will come after us. You're saving lives by fulfilling your destiny. You're the one who should get the praise and gratitude.
" if I'm to be such a coward-"
"It's not cowardice, Azrael. You're going to be going through more than anyone could imagine, that'll make anyone insecure and I wish I could say that-"
"Brother, I apologize," Michael called sympathetically. "The time has come." The friends tightened their grip on each other.
"Thank you for everything, Ciel. The time we had together was the best. I hope I've been a good friend to you as well."
"You have. I'm glad we met,if only for a short time."
"Come now, Azrael." Gabriel said sternly, placing a hand on the weapon's shoulder. After a moment of hesitation, Ciel and Azrael released each other. Both forced a smile through their tears.
"Take care my friend. You're going to make us all proud." The blond said, drying his eyes.
"And you, I'm already proud of what you're going to accomplish. Godspeed Azrael." Ciel watched as his brother led the blonde out of sight.
"Ciel." Grace moved closer to the young angel.
"Is there no way to spare him this pain?"
"Oh Brother, such a tender heart. I'm afraid I must give you a destressing answer. Much like the fate of those you will come to know, his has already been chosen. There is nothing to be done now. I'm sorry."
"Why, why must so many suffer so terribly?"
"This is human life,Ciel. Painful as it may be, this is how it must be."
"He doesn't deserve that life."
"No, truth be told, if I had any say in such matters, no one would ever suffer. In the meantime, please accept my condolences and know that you gave him a great gift."
"Again, it offers no comfort."
"For many things in life, there is none. There is nothing in existence that can ever truly piece together a heart that has been shattered. But there are those who do whatever they can to soften the pain." Michael gently turned Ciel around. Sebastian now knelt before him.
"Sebastian, how did you-"
"I summoned the beast." Michael admitted.
"When your brother contacted me, he explained that today would be particularly difficult for you and I simply couldn't sit by knowing that my precious angel was hurting." He reached out, pulled Ciel into a hug.
"What about your contract and-"
"Cynna has taken my place temporarily. You need not concern yourself. I love you dearly, and you are always first priority." Ciel threw his arms around the demon, sobbing on his shoulder.
"There now,it's all right, dear one. I know it doesn't feel that way now, but things will turn out in the end. Please believe me, I shall never lie to you."
"He was a dear friend, next time we meet-"
"Nothing can take his place, but please allow me to comfort you." He continued to hold Ciel tightly in his clawed arms.
"I leave him in your care for the time being, I shall return later." Michael said sternly as the angels spread their wings and rose into the sky.
"It's going to be all right,Ciel. One day, I promise you it will be all right and you will know only tears of happiness. I will make it so." The demon prince vowed.
"Sebastian, please, the pain in my heart is too much, I know of so many things caused by my kind, the mortals-my family, Azrael, they- in one more month, you are to take my grace and send me to the mortal world. My memories will fade and the pain will stop. I beg you Sebastian, if you love me as much as you make me feel, don't be late."
"My Ciel, it hurts my heart to hear these words. Is this truly what you want, it cannot be undone and at the moment you-"
"This is what I want. It's too much, I'm too weak to continue in this form, with the memories I have you're the only one that can make this stop." Ciel sobbed.
"It's not that you're weak,my love. Having this love for all creatures is a great strength, one my kind can never hope to possess. Your tears come from being strong for too long without feeling as though you can lean on another. Know this, I will be your rock in times such as this. I shall be be with you in good time and carry you through the darkness. You shall be my light, the beacon that guides me. I swear that I will always care for you and I will find you whenever you're lost in your uncertainty, I love you so much more than I thought myself capable of loving anything, including my own life. I'll ask you to think before you make such final requests."
"It's not the first time I've wanted to ask you, there were so many times, but my brothers and sisters, I wanted to show them all that I could be everything I have to be."
"You are all that and more, truly pushing yourself in this way proves your strength and more. You're certain?"
"I am." Sebastian gently dried the angel's tears.
"As you wish my precious one. I shall be here on time. I will not fail you."