She was waiting for him once he exited the room and both walked to the elevator. They were the last ones to get in.

But before getting in as they walked Armisael uttered, "Are we finally ready to head out there?"

"No," was his answer. "Despite years of simulation training the higher ups that are the council of Eden Paradiso still won't let you and your siblings combat Hell on the battlefield. In their collective minds they agree you're too valuable to lose, in spite of the fact that the Angel Project long ago managed to produce only a handful of you compared to the vast planetary systems of armies we have. But to them, if one of you fell to the enemy then it is considered a big dent to our forces."

"Are we that much of a big deal?" Armisael asked, a bit befuddled. "Like you said, armies of Eden Paradiso are vast but I don't see why we're put on a high pedestal. It's like saying a single drop of rain can make such a difference when added to an ocean. Why are we viewed as high prestige to the High Council?"

"Because you were the first." The Chief said. "More specifically, the Angel Project was one of the first projects we, the Praeleanthor, created after we came in contact with Hell. The threat they possess was enough to turn our more scientific and peaceful way of life to a more militaristic one. Along with Lance Project and Soul Project, we placed high hopes on Angel Project due to the fact it has a higher chance of defeating a vast quantity of what Hell houses." He stopped talking when both of them entered the elevator last, prompting Kaworu to press the button and the elevator went up.

He continued with all the Angels in the metal box listening in. "Unfortunately, once we managed to create a less than ideal amount of the Seeds of Life, Hell attacked us with a full assault. We were unprepared and for that we were forced to leave our original home, leaving the Soul Project and Lance Project, that were complete, behind in their clutches. The Seeds of Life, housing Lilith and Adam, your father, were miraculously still in our possessions, along with uncompleted Seeds. But, once again, we were forced to set both of them to planets due to the fact that we were now scientifically inadequate with minimal materials to even start civilization again. However, slowly, but surely, we managed to get back up to our feet and reach new heights we never dreamed of reaching before. But the fact remains."

He took a look at each of their faces. "Hell has managed to become even more powerful than ever after they took out our greatest ally, Argenta. Diverse and varied, the armies of Hell used Argenta's own power and made it its own. As you already know, or in this case fought, how each one is stronger than the next in the simulation. Actual ones, justifying, have gotten the High Council spooked over the hyperbolic chance of one of you dying in the battlefield and, worst case scenario, all of you slain."

"Like that's gonna happen." Arael cut in. "We were strong back on Earth and we're still strong now. Getting killed by those Hell punks, ha! That's almost laughable."

"Says the one who got taken out like a punk."

She sent her brother a searing glare. "The fuck you just said, Zeruel? Say that again, mother fucker."

"Got earwack in ya? I said, 'says the one who got taken out like a punk.' In a single shot, no less."

Snarling, she turned around and stared at him down, regardless of being the shorter of the two. "Talk shit like that and I'll fuck you up beyond imaginable."

He chortled at her pathetic attempt of imitation. "I'm so scared. It's not like I wrecked Lilith's Copy and the Red One, reached almost all the way through the Seed of Life to Lilith, before we still thought she was Father, and almost destroyed Earth. Yeah, I should be scared by the one who just mentally broke the Red One and then died."

Already about to let her fists fly she suddenly gained a smug smirk and said something that definitely will set Zeruel off. "At least I didn't die like a bitch by getting eaten alive."

That struck a cord as he sent his own searing glare at her. "Want me to kill you? Cause I'll do it with immense pleasure."

Before she could let insulting words pass her lips Armisael shouted. "Enough! Both of you. It doesn't matter how one of us dies to them, we're alive again to kill the spawns of Hell. Any lingering hatred for the Pilots should now be focused on them." She looked at the other Angels. "And that goes to all of you. Any negativity you want to vent, release it on the enemies." Looking back at the non-angel in the elevator she said, "I apologize for my sister and brother's behavior, Chief."

"No need for apologies, Armisael." He waved it off. "As for facing the enemies, as you said, that time would come when the High Council has finally faced the truth that we need you on the field. For now, simulation training shall continue and other training such as firearms and tactics will also be continued."

The elevator came to a stop and its door opened for all of them to step out. Walking across the lobby with the empty reception desk now filled with a woman, from a different alien race, waving to them a good morning. Once outside where the sky is brushed with orange and purple, the Chief then said, "Well, I must be off. I've many meetings scheduled for today. Being an advisor to many military higher ups, as well as overlooking you Angels is no easy task. As you already know General Cassatt will be overlooking your training for today. He's a strict one, that Cassatt, so be in your best behavior and excel in the simulation. In his eyes, only the best can be in the forces so bear that in mind."

They came to a stop in front of a small building. "Be patient, all of you, your time will come. For now keep honing your craft in war and experience this new life you've been given. Farewell everyone." Saying goodbye he then entered the small building, leaving everyone's view.

"Chief Satsuma, wait." Kaworu ran after him, leaving the rest outside.

"Whelp, I don't know about you guys, but I'mma go back to bed," declared Matarael, having a slim build with long black hair that has unusual eye patterns. "Sure, there's a chance I'm going to be called soon but I want to see if there's anything good on TV. Thousands of channels and one still hasn't clicked with me."

"Did," Sahaquiel looked at Matarael, having a similar build as him but the color of his hair is the same as his eye from his old body. "Did you make a pun."

Sahaquiel shrugged and turned around, walking back home. "See you guys at lunch."

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Armisael couldn't hide her irritation that passed out of her lips. "Disregarding Sahaquiel's actions each of you have to choose to either stay around here or leave the area to your own devices. But whatever is occupying you during that time when you're called, drop it and return to the simulation for training, understood?"

Each one utters in agreement and they disperse. Some went back to the apartment complex where they live while others went to the small building. Armisael was about to go to the small building as well when she felt a smug tug on her sleeve. Looking down she saw her smallest brother, and smallest of the Angels, Sandalphon looking up at her with those child eyes, filled with anxiety any child has had as he looked troubled, if he wanted to say something but couldn't for unknown reasons.

"What is it, Sandalphon," asked Armisael. She's patient with arguably the weakest of her siblings. And the youngest, as they found out, as he was born sometime around in the war against the Lilins. From his own account after he 'hatch' he immediately latched on to the Red One thinking she was his mother before getting killed by her after literally hatching from his 'egg'. "Take your time, little brother. I'm not going anywhere important, I'm just planning to walk around the city for the remainder of the day."

Opening his mouth to finally say something before closing he leaned his head as tears were starting to gather in the corners of his eyes with his lips quivering. Armisael grimaced, she was not that well equipped to socialize with people, her siblings included, and she probably did something on her end to make him an embarrassing mess. Not knowing what to do she decided to just leave and let her brother there all alone when a hand suddenly settled on his dark blue ocean hair and caressed it.

Looking up to see whose hand it belongs to only to witness mothering eyes gazing at the small Angel with love in them only a mother would have for her child. It's weird. Very much so to Armisael who identifies the one who's stroking Sandalphon's hair who looked peaceful at the petting.

"Ramiel."

Shifting her gaze, Ramiel directed that bright smile of hers to Armisael, who thought it looked out of place for someone who has the most destructive power among all the Angels. Her arms encircle the small angel's head. Her long blue hair, that the ends of it let off tiny octahedrons that trail off into the air before disappearing, and that gentle face, combined with the pale skin and red eyes they all share, can captivate anyone who even takes a peek.

"Armisael." Her voice was a melody to people's ears, but to Armisael that's just Ramiel's normal speaking voice. She doesn't understand how people can dreamy sighs whenever she passes them. Then again, she barely understood social rules and all that baggage it carries, and the others have that problem as well, except Kaworu of course, so she just chalks it up to people just being people. "It seems to me that Sandalphon wants to be with you today. How cute, the little brother wants to be with his big sister."

Quirking an eyebrow she views down on him who averted his gaze to the ground with such an embarrassing blush across his baby cheeks. "Is that so? Is that what you want, Sandalphon?"

He stiffly nodded, causing Ramiel to giggle that would surely bring anyone weak knees. "How cute. But you must know, Sandalphon, that I must accompany you wherever you go."

'That's right,' Armisael thought, 'she volunteered herself to take care of Sandalphon when he was nothing but an infant since our revival. Why she did that I will never understand.' Added in her confusion was one of the Doctors that were overseeing them labeling her as 'best girl' as years went by.

Looking down on Sandalphon again, not minding both of them accompany her, she mimics the actions of mothers extending their hands to their children she notes on her walks around the city. "Take my hand, little brother."

He beamed, with the happiest smile she ever saw. An unknown feeling swells within her. Opposite of what she felt when she connected with Ayanami. That loneliness. That sadness. Is the reverse of what she's feeling. So much so she can't help but smile back, unknowingly having the same smile Rei had when Shinji told her to try smiling.

Once he took her hand and both began to walk towards the small building Sandalphon held out his other hand to Ramiel who happily took it in her own gentle way.

Three Angels happy in their peaceful tranquility they momentarily forgot their purpose. Of the origin they were assigned to. But very soon, these small tranquility will be far and in between of the inevitable line they would have to cross. Either they like it or not.

The Holy City

After going through the slipgate and walking out the military station that houses the gate they took in the sights of the capital city of Tei Tenga, Araboth, and the capital city of all ten planetary systems, before them. Multiple buildings bundle together, plaster with deep color neon signs and projections that illustrate massive holograms of various things being advertised for everyone to see. Crowded by people of all races across space and time Armisael breathed the surprisingly clean air as Sandalphon took in the sights with wonder in his eyes, being one of the Angels that rarely goes out and needing Ramiel as a chaperone. Ramiel herself still is taken aback of how much of a melting pot this city is. First founded by the Praeleanthor after being driven away from their original home planet, they rebuilt their civilization by starting here. A small society struggling against the elements of the planet's badlands and its beastly wildlife.

But over time, against the odds they adapted to the harsh environment of Tei Tenga. Able to live with limited resources around them and the ones they brought with them. But, decades later after building the colony that would soon turn to the city that is today, a Martian of the name Tomas Hallim found a material that would revolutionize and jump start an empire that would spread across the Milky Way galaxy.

Fire Dust.

A material, in the words of those who first study it, Hallim included, that has unlimited potential of being used as resources and applications, it was also renewable. With it, the Praeleanthor advanced quickly, more so in their military forces. Firearms, especially, are their forte. Weapon engineers and scientists are always trying to one up each other. Creating outlandish and overpower weapons that can annihilate demons in a big swoop. Those who are in the plasma weaponry department, in particular, are in an arms race to design the most outlandish plasma weapon there is, and that's not even getting into the BFGs.

Nudging her head, Armisael signaled the other two as the three began walking through the crowd, side by side, with Sandalphon between both older sisters. Where they're going both Raimel and Sandalphon don't know as Armisael just kept walking. Wonder in his eyes, Sandalphon looked at each person walking by and each one was different from the next. Most of them were humanoid in shape and stature with contrast features that stood them out apart. Skin colors from red, blue, green, purple, there was even one that was rainbow. Their hairs were close to humans but some of them were odd and bizarre shapes. It looked like they belonged to those odd fashion shows he watched with Ramiel. Some had more than two eyes, like three to five to eight to even twelve. Webbed feet and hands, pointed ears, tails, odd limbs that took the place of arms and legs. Some were short, shorter than even him, and some were big, big as, or bigger than, his big brother Gaghiel. Some had wings of different kinds with some even flying high up in the air.

But that was the humanoid aliens of Eden Paradiso, for a shadow suddenly cast over them making him look up to see a tall multiple legged figure who looks similar to Matarael's old body back on Earth before he got shot to death. His eyes linger on the giant shape before looking straight back. So many people, so many races. Native and across space and time, living in the empire. Humans as well live in Paradiso but so far he hasn't seen any here.

Then something caught his eye. Looking over from Ramiel's side was a small open vendor filled with little forgien trinkets and toys. Excitement rolled into him as he tugged Armisael's hand who looked down seeing his rather very intense stare like that of a cat.

"What is it, Sandalphon?"

Letting go of her hand he pointed at the small vendor which both her and Ramiel looked at. Armisael furrowed her brow as Ramiel arched her in amusement. Sandalphon was still looking at his big sister with those big red eyes that certainly would creep out anyone.

But Armisael finds it cute, if that's the right word to put it.

With a sigh of defeated acceptance even though she didn't raise a finger of resistance towards his wanting, she went over there with the other two following her. One who is chuckling at the instant breakdown of her sister's aloof demeanor and the other who didn't say anything but whose eyes brighten like a Christmas light.

Once over there the person who's operating the vendor greeted them. "Welcome, welcome. Like what you see? Like what you like? Buy as much as you want. Very cheap, very affordable. Anything that catches your fancy let me know. Take your time."

Before them were small little figurines. Refined with material that seems to be some kind of metal similar to bronze. It was freshly polished with a shine. Each trinket was carved with such detail Armisael wondered if this seller was a master sculptor, how many hours it must have taken to get it just right. Scanning each little figure that was posted in a heroic fashion she recognized each one was modeled after Eden Paradiso's Sabaoth force. A Powers Paladin, a Principalities Mage, an Archangel Marine, just to name a few.

As Armisael continues to survey the models, Sandalphon eyes one for some time now. Something Ramiel picked up. Her hand passing over his head she brought a little Powers Marine closer to him whose eyes sparkled and giddy with child excitement.

"Do you want this one, Sandalphon?"

He nodded, which caused her to giggle at his wonderment that the motherly Angel was about to take her wallet out of trench coat pocket when she heard the hawker say, "Thank you, come again."

Moving her head she saw the hawker pocket the money as Armisael put her wallet back in its place. Taking a hold of Sandalphon's hand again, she asked Ramiel in her usually dull and slightly cold voice. "Ready to go sister?"

Slight agape, enough Sandalphon took the small figurine from her hold with a very wide smile it might hurt his cheeks later on as he said a 'thank you' to Armisael who rubbed his hand affectionately, Ramiel then, again, let out a small giggle that the hawker who was counting today's profit couldn't help but shudder hearing her enchanted laughter. "Of course. Both Sandalphon and I still want to see what this holy city still offers."

"Wouldn't call it holy, but alright. Let's go little brother."

For many hours they toured various areas of Araboth. Ramiel took in the sights, particularly those of clothing stores and landscapes of the city as Sandalphon looked everywhere and everything his kid mind could take in. Armisael just kept walking. Then they came to a stop for a rest. Both older sisters sat on a bench in a park to rest their aching feet as Sandalphon sat on a stone basin of a very large and very aesthetic architecture foundation which its foundation built smack in the center of the park. Its sculpture is that of the Tree of Life which made two of the three Angels antsy but not in any shape or form discomfort.

Taking a sip from an energy drink, something she started to develop a habit of, Armisael slacks her body against the wooden public seat. Moving her feet around, hearing those satisfying pops, she finally relaxed as Ramiel suddenly lay her head on her shoulder, something she didn't mind or protest. Another sip, she looks around the park, seeing the civilians passing by, the blue trees rustling from the gentle wind she finds comfortability, the sky now blue with the clouds, all big and puffy, floating harmlessly. So peaceful all this was. Araboth was a city she deemed a peaceful serenity she could lose herself in forever. And it was a city among the billion she had to fight for, keeping it safe from the sanguinary and malevolent teeths of Hell. Such a high order for anyone not mentally equipped to combat the endless planes of damnation, some of them might even take their own lives instead of facing the living nightmares.

But not her or her brethren. It's her mission, her order, her new and sole purpose in this new life. She'll give it to the cause without a second thought. It's meaningless to herald Chief Satsuma's words of experience in this new life. The chances of falling before Hell were high for this newly born body was vastly weak compared to her old one. Moreover, she… hates knowing this burden of knowledge of what happens back on Earth after her death. Rei. An enemy Armisael views needing to be killed, hardwired by instinct and directive need. But that connection. That feeling they both shared. Transfer over to now. She hates it, she hates it so much. It's painful and ugly to her. She wants to rip it off and never experience it again. The sentiment of welcoming death with open arms with no resistance and no regard to her own being. It disgusted her. It scares her. But… it was something she agrees with Lilith's Copy. Armisael, she wants death to take her. She… wants to die.

"Young people all over the empire are joining up, fighting for the future." Looking up, she, as well as Ramiel and Sandalphon, saw a large visual holograph playing one of those recruitment videos. "To fight the enemy that is Hell we need you to become the Angels people pray for to save them, and kill all demons." It then swifts to an Apuslension. "I'm doing my part." Then to a Ariesseon "I'm doing my part." And lastly to a child Canisnecedy. "I'm doing my part, too." "Even the young ones of the better tomorrow are doing their part. We have the weapons, the technology, the latest state of the art of warfare. The only thing that we desperately need right now is you! If you like to know more, then visit our website or the nearest recruitment post for more information, or sign up immediately today! For Eden Paradiso and her people."

"Well isn't that persuasive." She heard Ramiel say. "A bit too tacky, don't you think?"

"Not to other people's perceptiveness." She took another sip. The strong artificial flavor hitting her tongue hard. "To some, it acted as if destiny was calling them. It also acted as the catalyst for those who wanted revenge and avenge their fallen close ones. It has also swayed others who wanted fame and glory, the lure of being lionized in the memories of the people forever after their passing. And the ones who saw that as their start of the path of a hero. Saving the lives under the attack of Hell. Giving and never taking is the only reward they want, to rescue as many people as possible."

Another snip as Ramiel looked at her rather quizzing. "My, that was rather sound. Is Tabris's influence rubbing off on you?"

"Nah, that's just my observation of the people of Eden Paradiso when I first stepped out of our home. So many desires they have. Primarily those involved in the Sabaoth. They all want to reach the goal they set the pavement to. Goals most of them know they will never reach but they will never stop striving for."

"So you're saying the goals we have will never be achieved?"

"Maybe," she took another, "if we're killed on the battlefield. But as long as we still stand then maybe." One last sip she crushed the can as if it was paper and threw it on a nearby trash can flawlessly, straight in the hole. And now she's craving another one.

Placing her head back on her shoulder Ramiel sighed. "If we don't die."

"Ramiel."

"Is not that I don't want to fall, much less wishing the same death back on Earth. Just, I find it very hard to believe when informed that we'll be the ones to change it all. As if we're the saviors everyone prays for when we were born destroyers, wanting to reunite with Father and destroy all those who stand in our way."

She chuckles as she watches Sandalphon playing with his new toy. "If this is fate then it has a strange way of being humorous. This rebirth, a second try, if I am to die somewhere along the line then I don't want it to be soon, not until I explore what this new life has to offer."

Something then vibrated in her coat. Taking it out she checked the phone all Angels received. Both saw a notification that caused Ramiel to get up from the bench and stretch. "Looks like it's my turn for training simulation." She looked over her shoulder, a smile sending Armisael's way. "Want to accompany us back home."

Armisael shook her head. "No, I want to walk around a bit more."

"Then make sure you come home early in the night. Don't want to be in some depraved alleyway in the late night." She then called out to the smaller one of the three. "Sandalphon! Let's go sweetie, we're heading back to the training facility."

Quickly scurry back to them Sandalphon took Ramiel's hand, pocketing the little figure in his pocket and held out his other hand to Armisael.

"Sorry, Sandalphon, I'm going to be in the city for a little while."

Downcast, Sandalphon was about to mutter an 'okay' when he felt something rustling his hair. Looking up he saw that warm smile again from Armisael. "I promise, next time, once we receive a day off we'll have a whole day just the three of us." She ended, planting her forehead against his which made him very happy.

He then felt his hand being applied with slight pressure he looked at Ramiel who too also smiled at the small but affectionate interaction. "Come, Sandalphon, we best hurry or we'll get an earful."

With a goodbye both left the park and headed back. Sometime later Armisael would also leave. Getting up she twisted her upper body, hearing those satisfying pops. Having another craving for an energy drink she walked to the nearest store.

But not before she took out two small pods and placed them in each ear. Taking out her own phone she thumbed it for a few moments before pressing a play button as she began to walk. Listening to an audio recording as she blends in with the masses.

"In the first age, in the first battle, when the shadows first lengthened, one stood."