Michael sat and worried. Lucifer was in the cage and no one had found Gabriel after 150 years. Raphael had taken on more duties in the intervening years. So it was that Raphael spent quite a bit of time on Earth protecting Father's prophets. Michael sighed as he remembered happier times. The Archangel's all cuddled together there in their nest.
Michael could remember them all grooming each other or just resting, their wings tangled together. Michael missed those days. It was becoming obvious that Lucifer's banishment was not something that the remaining Archangels could put behind them, they couldn't even try to put it behind them because Gabriel refused to to speak to any of the angels. The Messenger went out of his way to avoid them.
But now, for once, there was a chance to actually confront his little brother. Michael knew that Gabriel had a message to deliver to Constantine and the that time was running out to deliver that message. Michael would be waiting when Gabriel arrived. For all that Gabriel avoided Michael and the garrisons, Gabriel would not disobey father. So he would be here in the Roman camp today before the battle.
"Michael, why are you here?" A Roman Centurian stood in front of the Archangel a heavenly glow surrounding him.
"Father. Where have you been?" Michael asked. "We need you. Heaven is not the same."
"You do not need me Michael, you know all that you need to know." God said. "My remaining to hold your hands would only make you even more dependent on me. You must learn to stand on your own feet. But my original question still stands, what are you doing here?"
"Gabriel has a message for the Emperor, I am waiting for him." Michael said. "I intend to take him home."
"Aha, and what if he does not wish to return to Heaven? What if he no longer considers it his 'home'?" God asked.
"Heaven is his home! He is an Archangel! How can you even suggest such a thing?" Michael asked.
"Gabriel has declared his intention not to return to Heaven until Lucifer has been redeemed." God said. "I have granted him his request. You will not force him to return. Look at this as a lesson Michael."
"A lesson? What Lesson can I learn from losing another brother?" Michael demanded.
"Consequences Michael, our actions carry consequences. I gave you an order to confine Lucifer. You chose to carry out that order in the harshest manner possible." God said. "In doing so you set things in motion. You must live with the consequences or fix it."
"How am I supposed to do so when He refuses to speak to me?" Michael asked.
"I guess you will simply have to be patient until Gabriel is ready to speak to you." God turned toward the field where Emperor Constantine stood looking at something in the distance.
Michael stood up quickly as he felt the familiar grace of his little brother. "Gabriel." He breathed taking a step forward only to be drawn to a halt as God reached out and placed a hand on his arm.
"This is not the time Michael. He's not ready." God looked at his oldest son as Michael's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Have faith, he can't hold a grudge forever. Go home, You have other brothers and sisters who need you. Gabriel will come around in time."
