Boston, MA: 202X

Ungrateful trash mongers.

Mia sighed and made another lap around the 100+ filled lecture hall. Her best friend, Gemma, had bribed her into proctoring an exam in her stead. Last night, Gemma, in all of her bohemian vibes and wistful ways drank too much with the postdocs at the humanities college. The woman in question was a graduate student like Mia, only in the math department, and had a burning passion for the hipsters and depressed wretches that packed the philosophy department. Though Mia had no room to judge. The physics department mainly compromised of high functioning alcoholics, ego maniacs, and morons who thought Richard Feynman was synonymous with Hugh Hefner.

Her eyes flitted down the back row. One student was literally sleeping during the exam, another obviously cheating with their cellphone, and a third on the verge of a total meltdown. How sad. Mia felt for the girl losing her mind, jumping back and forth between questions. What sucked the most was that Mia knew the not-so-sneaky cheater would probably get farther than the sweet girl barely holding herself together. The world was a shit place like that where fear and anxiety would more likely burry one alive before punishing another person for amoral and unethical back to the front of the room she clacked on the chalk board with her nails. "That's time, please bring down your exams."

Students piled up tests haphazardly on the table. The poor girl almost in tears was one of the last ones to do and Mia looked her dead in they eyes.

"What's your name?" She asked picking up the girl's exam.

"C-Caylee To-or-rris." She sputtered meekly. Mia felt like she was watching a field mouse cowering in a corner from a hungry cat.

Mia eyed the exam. It wasn't awful but only two questions were fully answered. Six were blank. "Miss Torris you are aware that the math department offers free tutoring correct?" The girl's hands fidgeted with her backpack, nodding. Mia's expression softened and said, "Get out your pencil. Be quick."

Caylee gaped but did as she was told. Mia handed back the exam and started scrawling across the chalk board. On the board were three solutions to the exam. Two of them were technically incorrect but this would at least be enough to get the girl a C. Her eyebrows raised expectantly at the younger girl. "Get to it."

With lightning speed the shivering student jotted down the math on the chalkboard and handed back her exam. Caylee's face contorted even more, large hot tears spilling silently down her olive cheeks. "Wh-wh-y did you th-that?"

Mia sighed. "Caylee, free math tutoring is hosted in the student union every weekday at 8pm. There are also free therapy sessions available to students. I suggest you take yourself to both." The student's mouth hung open and her cheeks were blazing red. Regardless, Caylee smiled, muttered a meek thank you and left.

I must have a brain injury.

If it got out, it would land her in so much trouble. Sure, it was unethical, but Mia never quite concerned herself with ethics. If she wasn't going to snitch on the cheaters, then she could at least lend a hand to those who were easily defeated. With the exams gathered up in a box and delivered to the TA office, she walked out with her cellphone up to her ear. The phone rang and rang but there was no answer from Gemma. Once more she tried calling her friend up to check on that hangover, but no luck.

Thankfully it was Friday and Mia had zero commitments for the next 24 hours. Of course there was always something she could do. Data to go through, papers to write, grant requests to revise, emails …. Blah blah blah.

Her life as a young professional was exhausting and now she wanted to take one night off. Ideally she and Gemma could hit up a few bars. Meet a few guys. Make a few memories. That girl was a whirlwind party animal and probably had over 300K instagram followers. Mia just did not understand the appeal. Her privacy took second place to nothing. Gemma made a terrible habit of throwing tantrums about not being able to post party selfies and stories that included Mia.

Outside the building with a venti latte was her ultra wonderful, soon-to-be-boyfriend Milton. Though he was unaware of her plan.

Stylish cropped blond hair, a smart pair of spectacles, and looked like a posh British model, accent and all. Girls on campus envied her every time she was seen with the angelic man. Smugness washed over her as she watched him gently reject a girl's phone number. Mia gleefully sauntered over, hands clasped behind her back, a grin spreading ear to ear.

"Well hellooooo~" She giggled, taking the coffee from him and threading herself through his arm. A sip from the hot latte caused her to audibly moan. "Ohh it is too good. You're wonderful Milton."

Praise be to the gods of coffee.

He scoffed and looked down his nose at her. Milton could be a bit of an ass but she was a fan.

"How's Gemma feeling?" He asked as they started strolling across the blustery campus. The weather was divine and bright for a Massachusetts February day. Mia loved the sharp cold feeling nothing but elation and joy with her man candy and hot drink. And here he was also checking up on her friend.

Milton was the kind of guy that only existed once every millennia and Mia had every intention of sinking her claws into him. Her younger brothers always accused her of being an overly vain, borderline greedy perfectionist. Mia made her peace with that. Ambition flowed through her body like blood and in the words of Ariana Grande: I see it. I like it. I want it. I got it.

"Do you know that you're perfect?" A smirk played across his lips and he shrugged. "Only when you remind me Mia. And Gemma?"

"I guess she's fine? I haven't heard from her since last night. I think she ended up crashing with Layton or Alex. But I want to make sure she hasn't drowned herself in the bath at home."

Gemma stood as a pillar in Mia's heart. Something about her was warm, caring nature and made Mia feel at peace. Well, when Gemma wasn't partying her face off. Honestly, Mia wished she was sexually or romantically attracted to her darling friend. If that had been the case Mia could say she found THE ONE, close up shop, and call the business of her love life finished. And aside from that, Gemma was ethically polygamous.

Mia giggled at the thought of joining a harem at Gemma's feet. "Are you over there plotting world domination again?"

Her giggle morphed into a full bodied laugh, "Of course I am! I would make the best dictator. Actually, I had a thought that if I wanted to be sister husbands to Gemma's flames she would welcome me with open arms … and legs. She's utterly too precious."

"Your jealousy would be the death of everyone in that situation," he retorted. His voice carried uncharacteristic venom. Mia could feel the negativity rattling in that sentence. What was this reaction? Especially from Milton. She didn't bother looking up at him and let the comment slide.

"So … I would love it if we could get some drinks this evening, whadya say Milton? Let this girl go and show you off to the whole town hmm?" Milton seemed to think it over too hard. Mia didn't get him some days, but he was surely a prize to be won. Typically he responded to her flirtation and humor with a kind smile.

"I think that's a plan." Mia let out a cheer.

"Wonderful. Care to hang around with me and Gemma at home until I'm ready?"

With that they strolled quietly to her off campus apartment. Their walk fell silent and something seemed odd. Was he having an off day? While she didn't know too much about him she knew his family ran a large business. Perhaps there was some drama with them that kept him stressed? Many people called her a loud mouth but when it came to Milton she didn't push. It never got her anywhere. Mia pondered over her theories concerning his mood until they faced her dark green apartment door.

Pushing her way in she sang, "Gemmaaaaaaaa~" No response. Maybe she was till hungover and passed out? Milton grabbed her shoulder from behind. Was this it? Was he gonna make a move?

Mia turned to look at him and instead of the lustful Adonis she hoped for, a concerned look crossed his face. He held a finger up to his lips but apparently Mia was a dumbass. "Milton, what the fuck?"

Instinct kicked in. His odd manner caused her stomach to twist and she bolted into Gemma's room. A scream welled in her throat but didn't escape. In the messy room was Gemma and a … creature?

Blood soaked the carpet. Pools seeped into the bedding and spilled onto the floor. The tattooed, petite Asian girl was gagged, glassy eyed, mangled. Standing next to bed was a bulky figure. The thing held a much too large, ornate cleaver with mottled blue skin and horns twisting in opposite directions. In that moment, Mia acted with no real sense of self preservation. Only a raging instinct to protect.

"What the fuck!?"

She launched herself at the beastly intruder. Milton came in at that exact moment. With inhuman speed his hand twisted into her lion's mane hair and tossed her to the floor like a doll. As she collided back first with the floor, she glimpsed Milton rushing above her. Mia crawled over to the bed, eyes never leaving Milton. Just before bringing what looked like a scimitar down the monster's shoulder, it blinked out of existence.

Gracefully he stood up and looked the same but not the same. Her eyes looked at the gorgeous weapon in his hand. The blade looked like melted gemstones with a silver core. It took a second longer for her to remember Gemma's mangled form on the bed. "Gemma! Hey. Wake up!"

The sticky blood didn't deter her from pulling the girl's limp form into her arms. Despite being shallow, she was still breathing. Milton already had Gemma's phone and used one of her limp hands to open it. He dialed 911, repeated the address twice, then muted the phone.

"Michael. We have to go," he said sternly, using her given name for emphasis.

"Absolutely not. Look at her!" Milton grabbed her upper arm with a strength she didn't know he had. It took no effort for him to drag her to the balcony, kicking and cursing at him. "Milton what the fuck is all of this shit? I can't leave her here like that. We have to wait for the ambulance!"

"And how do you expect to explain what happened here? Do you really think it is a smart idea to tell them about the demon?"

Demon?

Mia started flailing at him full force. His eyes glowed a pale blue, sclera and all. Instantly her arms and legs gave out. Milton picked her up and made way to the balcony. One swift jump later they were flying above. Mia could at least turn her head to see six wings on his back. They dangerously sped between buildings but no one noticed them.

Seconds later Milton dropped down to the roof top of a large building. Gently she was placed against the wall and felt absolutely dumbfounded. Since her arms and legs were dead weights, he was kind enough to move her hair out of her face and mouth.

"Milton! What the fucking fuck is this fucking shit?" Her vocabulary was the only way she she could express her anger, confusion, and frustration. His face twisted in anger but he ignored her and walked a few steps away to make a phone call.

"Vas, we're headed your way. Open the portal." Milton hung up and stared back at her, obviously irritated.

"Milton!" she demanded.

"Stop calling me that."

"Stop calling you by your name? Or let me guess, that is obviously not your name. Ok Mr. Feather Duster, what should I call you?" Did she even have good sense? It was painfully clear to her now that she did not know who he was and she also did not know what his motives were. Was he some bored creature she just got too caught up with? Was all of this an accident? She sincerely hoped it was.

A bright sigil appeared on the wall next to her. "My name is Gabriel."

An instant later they were standing on the porch of a cabin, surrounded by mountains, a lake, and thick pines. Mia had free movement of her limbs again and took the opportunity to grab him by the coat collar. "Ok, Gabriel. So spill it. What is going on?" Before he could answer her another voice chuckled from the door frame.

"You guys should come in. It'll be dark soon and the wolves might be hungry." A short, stick of a man stood gazing at them, but more so at her. He dressed in wide, black trap pants, a mesh undershirt, and a very jagged, oversized venom green cropped t-shirt. His blunted bangs mostly covered his eyes and a chain hung from a nose ring to his ear. The kid looked all of 14 or 15. He walked over to the pair and grabbed one of Mia's hands from Gabriel's coat.

Mia snatched her hands back to her sides, "Creep! Take it you aren't actually a kid though?"

"Wow, she really has no idea. Talk about crazy. But no. I'm old, just not as old as you sister." Mia had three younger brothers but this punk wasn't one of them. Gabriel pushed her inside as a wolf bayed in the distance. The kid went over to a bar cart and poured them all drinks while she begrudgingly sat down on a couch.

"I'm not your sister, punk."

"Yes you are Michael." How'd he know her name? At a very young age she had felt so alienated from kids bullying her for having a boy's name that she no longer told anyone. Mister Milton-Gabriel-Feather-Duster might have spilled the beans though. The kid sat down a wooden tray of whisky and water, then handed her a glass.

"You don't recognize me do you?" After pushing back his bangs, she noticed a deep scar running the entire length of his forehead. The scar was several shades paler against his tanned olive skin that made his Japanese features seem sharp and cunning.

"Can't recognize someone I've never met. What's your name?" The whisky was good though.

He curled himself into the armchair across from her. "Vassago. You tossed me out with Luci. Ring a bell yet?"

She slammed back the drink because this day was not going well. So far she had some random not-brother, a potentially dead best friend, Mr. Feather Duster, Lucy-whoever-the-fuck-she-was, a big bad blue evil guy, and her entire night ruined.

"Another," she demanded. Vassago snapped his fingers and the glass refilled. Cool party trick.

"So you guys want to tell me what is actually going before I lose my shit? Like maybe starting with the blue freak who mutilated my best friend?" Her tone was accusatory, eyes glaring at Gabriel.

"Mia," he said in a softer voice. The nickname being used to lower her defenses. "I am an archangel. My name is Gabriel and this is our brother Vassago We -" She cut him off with hollow laugh.

"Our brother? You're my brother too? Shit my mom must have been the town bicycle and my dad the number one hose on the truck. Glad I didn't fuck you at least." Vassago cackled, wiping tears from his eyes. Gabriel was so frustrated and looked so pissed that the younger was just eating it up. In appreciation for his sister's humor, he topped up her glass. "Cheers. Can I call you Mia?"

"Uh. Sure … so you're an angel too?"

Vas shrugged waving his hand in a so-so, "Fallen, but yeah. It's a touchy subject."

"Let's say for the next ten minutes I give you guys the benefit of the doubt and believe every single thing you say. What's the deal here? What's going on? And more importantly, what happened to Gemma?"

Vassago interjected, "Gabe, what happened?"

The assault of questions was maddening. Their entire situation was maddening. "We encountered a Pagan satyr in her apartment. It found her roommate, a human named Gemma. And before you ask, I do not know what it was doing there. It's been ages since I've had to deal with Pagans." Gabriel shifted his gaze onto Michael.

"I think you can guess well enough who we are. Who you are Michael. Vassago received word last year that you were alive and we set out to find you. To see if it truly was you."

That inkling had grew in her mind this whole time. Could they really believe that she was the/ Michael? It was a preposterous thought. Her mother was a devout Catholic and drilled the Bible into her four children. Mia may be named Michael but she was no mystical and mighty being.

"Maybe you guys have the wrong Michael. I'm not a dude. I can't do any magic tricks. Compared to you both, I'm as vanilla as they come. Plus, if I'm your sister, why don't I know you? Don't tell me I've stepped into some teen novel bullshit. And again, if I'm your sister, why the fuck did you lead me on? Gross."

A smack filled the room as Gabriel defeatedly dropped his face in his hands. Then he groaned, loud and long. Stubborn to the last second, she was. Every time.

In the back of her mind, she knew her excuses were lame. Both of them already demonstrated abilities that she couldn't fathom. Mia felt remarkably, irrevocably human in comparison. Vassago got up without a word and brought over a box. He dropped it on the couch next to her and sat on the floor, shuffling and organizing the contents for her inspection.

Records. Photos. Odd and old pieces of jewelry. Letters. Medical papers. Even a couple sets of car keys. All the contents ranged from the 1940s to the 1980s. Once more she poured the whisky down her throat. Maybe her fourth glass? At least she was still partying somehow.

Mia plucked through the items dumbstruck and tipsy. The alcohol made all of this easier to believe. It was her face in every single photo. Every family photo included different people of the exact same composition: a mom, dad, herself, and three younger brothers. While middle names, family names, and locations varied, she was always Michael.

"I think this is the first time you've lived past 25," Vassago commented whilst bringing out death certificates. There were five.

"Bummer."

With a new lease on the situation she looked at them bewildered. There just wasn't a good explanation for this. She hated what they said, what they showed her, what they were able to do. Pretty much nothing here could be refuted. Mia wasn't in the business of denying the obvious or playing the stupid cliche girl in the movie who denied the angsty plot point until it was too late. But seriously, what did this mean for her?

So many concerns filled her head. All of them pummeled each other to escape her mouth but it was just too overwhelming so she sat speechless.

Another ten minutes of silence passed. "So Luci … you mean Lucifer? Like the Lucifer? Bible, Jesus, Adam, Eve, all that mumbo jumbo?"

Vassago and Gabriel nodded in agreement. "But you said Pagans?"

Another nod, but no explanation. Cool. Cool. Super cool.

"So why can't I go home? From the looks of all this, I'm not relevant. Allegedly, I live, I die. I'm none the wiser. Why fuck with that?" Mia wanted to know, but since she was not special as a human, and all of her past lives seemed text book normal, why uproot her?

"Why do you think Gemma was targeted, Mia?" If her jaw could screw shut any tighter her teeth would shatter.

Meekly she responded, "I don't know."

Poor Gemma. The memories of the girl's twisted limbs, the smell of metallic blood, and the sound of shallow wheezing made her stomach turn. Mia gagged and ripped the ottoman lid open. She slumped down onto the floor, head hanging over what looked to be a couple magazines and throw blanket. A soft hand stroked her back and held her hair. She expected to see Gabriel but the flash of neon in her peripheral proved otherwise.

"Thanks Vas. Sorry." He just cooed soft words to her as Gabriel went to grab a towel.

They gave her a few minutes to recoup. Vassago helped her back up onto the couch to lean back. They gave her a glass of water to replace the whisky she'd been emotionally dependent on moments ago.

Gabriel sat on the floor with his siblings. "Mia, I am sorry. No one knows about you except for Vassago and I. We had zero intentions of changing your life …" His voice became distant and sad. "I made a rash decision in bringing you here."

Great. Now she felt gross and guilty. Heaving her drunk self over she threw her arms around his neck. "I may not know you. Like actually know you or everything about you but I think I know the kind of person you are Milton. Wait, wait, wait."

The words rolled around in her mouth but she continued. Pulling back a little, with the overly sweeping manner of a drunk person, she smiled softly, "Sorry, I suppose I should say Gabriel. Really, you could have left Gemma and I there to die. But you didn't. I would have been fine I guess. Obviously. Just do the whole song and dance all over again. You decided to save my best friend and keep me safe. So we're like super chill, ya know?" The drunkenness was coming through more as she started rambling.

"But fuck," she groaned playfully with an overly dramatic wink, "why did I have to have such a hot brother -hic." Vassago joined the hug as her head lolled off to one side. With unexpected ease Vassago gathered up his older sister and giggled. "I've never seen her drunk. I'm glad to know the mighty Michael isn't so perfect after all."

Michael ruffled his shiny black hair, "I've never seen you at all!" The men settled her into a small guest bedroom. Gabriel magically snapped her into an oversized shirt and shorts. They made their way back into the living room, once more snapping to clean up the bile and filth.

"Do you think they were looking for you?" Asked Vassago. No one knew he was in the mortal plane except Lucifer.

"Again, I don't know. We'll have to do some digging. I'll contact my people, you contact yours."

"Why did you bring her here? After what she put you through? You really could have just left her there. You had many, many better options than this. You don't owe her anything, Gabe." His younger brother's analysis was correct.

"Angels existing in disarray without their general. Hell's overpopulation. The seal collapsing. Now, pagans suddenly exposing themselves in the mortal plane. I have a feeling we're only in the beginning." He said it as if it were an answer. Maybe he missed her. Maybe he just wanted her back.