Category: Darksiders I & II
Rating: M
Couples: Azrael/Abaddon, Zeruch(War)/OC
Warnings: AU, Disturbing Imagery
Chapter: 68
Copyright: Characters & places © By Appropriate Copyright-holder, Plot & OC´s © by me
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Humans would have called this a 'mexican stand-off'; a stalemate, or a confrontation among two or more sides that no side can win. Michael had put Zeruch's well-being above the Charred Council's decree regarding Nephilim, holding the precious Balance the Nephilim were condemned over hostage with his life. No one present doubted his word, he simply was not the type for empty threats and consequenceless words. He would die for the boy Abaddon was still holding and even if the Charred Council managed to kill Heaven's Nephilim without having to strike down its' lord, he would not let it pass as such.
Balance would be following the boy into his grave now. Heaven would not let him die for any lesser price, not now Michael had demanded it to be such. Fire raged, pillars of flame rising to an unseen ceiling in burning fury. They only barely drowned out the white light pouring from between wings and feathered tentacles.
In the end, one side had to fold. Uncorrupted and unsullied, the Charred Council decided the Balance meant more to them that complete and unconditional obedience of their decrees.
But Michael had condemned himself and his people. Now, if Zeruch were to fall to his lesser nature, all of Heaven would pay the price for their support. The angelic Firstborn gave little indication that he cared, retreating with the other two winged males to the City. There, he made no secret of what had transpired.
The Nephilim watched in amazement as Heaven's Ruler left no doubt that he was to be considered an angel, method and place of birth be damned. A statement reinforced by the presence of the other Firstborn. None dared to speak up against the verdict, partly because of the angelic nature of obedience, but partly certainly also because of the fire burning in the eyes of Azrael's parents. They had wakened Michael to defend their only grandchild and would have no one threaten him.
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It was days later that Azrael finally woke, though only briefly. Zeruch had been at the scholar's bedside, nearly refusing to leave it. Azrael was awake for only moments, but the sight of his father's eyes looking upon him removed a massive weight from the younger male's shoulders. He finally consented to leaving the healing-wards for longer periods of time, to the relief of his wife.
It was when he was back in the healing-ward that Azrael woke for a longer period of time. The older male had overheard whispers from the corridors about what had happened. Now, he demanded an explanation.
"I heard... about... Council?" Azrael looked back to his son.
Debating if he could not skip quickly over the topic, Zeruch saw Azrael's eyes narrow in determination. With a sigh, he confessed what had happened to his father. "During the battle with the Corruption, I managed to transform into my Chaosform and one of the lackeys of the Charred Council witnessed it. They know now about my heritage."
The scholar's eyes widened and he tried to push himself up. "No..."
"Dad please, you shouldn't leave the bed. " Zeruch stopped the scholar's attempts to rise up by holding carefully the shoulder. "Don't worry. Uncle - and Michael - already resolved it with the Charred Council."
"What...?" Azrael allowed his son to push him back down, looking at him with wide eyes. "How?"
Zeruch's wings twitched in nervousness. He did not want to know Azrael's reaction to this. "Talking it calmly out?"
Azrael coughed. "I did... n't know... you had... more uncles." There was actually something like amusement in his face. "How?"
"Alright, but just don't get too… emotional about it. It's all resolved now." Taking a deep breathe, Zeruch continued: "When the Charred Council demanded to my siblings to either execute or capture me, Uncle exploded. He bellowed directly at their faces. Then Michael arrived, telling them at they had no jurisdiction what so ever and if they dare to push this issue, he will declare war. "
"Wha...?" On one hand, Azrael was relieved. On the other, worried sick. And a small part of him was also quite touched. "He..." He tried to get up again.
"Dad please, you shouldn't…" Grabbing his father again, making sure he wouldn't try to leave the bed. Zeruch's wings twitched in agitation.
"Damn..." Coughing violently, Azrael allowed the other to push him back onto the bed. "What... were they... thinking?"
Zeruch rather not try to answer that. Suddenly he grinned at the memory of the ordeal a few days back. "Should have seen everybody's faces. They were all shocked, even the Charred Council."