Heavenly Hellions, Hellish Angels, Human Bodies
Story By: Maeleana
Disclaimer: See how that says Maeleana? Not God or Hajime? So guess what:fingers snap: Darn it, but I don't own anything other than some personalities.
Chapter 8: Actions
The tension was running high that morning. Despite the appetizing foods Lailah prepared no one could bring themselves to eat breakfast, at best they would pick at their food, before giving up and going to the living room.
The living room, which was comfortably spacious, now seemed crowded. On the couch were: Michael, Raphael, Uriel, and Metatron. On the love seat sat: Lucifer and WuFei. Finally scattered about in various chairs were Gabriel, Heero, Duo and Trowa. The latter three next to each other. Lailah had excused herself as having to see to Quatre as she had promised.
The deafening silence was broken by Metatron, "So have you three decided?" At Trowa, Heero and Duo's nods he continued, "Very well then. Heero Yuy?"
Heero looked at Duo and Trowa, they were the only ones who saw his regret. "I would like to return to Heaven." He stated plainly.
Michael closed his eyes and sighed, relieved that he wouldn't loose another Lt.
Metatron continued to speak, "Trowa Barton?"
"I wish to join Lucifer's forces. I wouldn't belong in Heaven." Not even blinking Trowa answered.
Uriel lightly frowned, as Raphael lightly squeezed his hand in understanding.
"And you, Duo Maxwell?" Metatron almost faltered, fearing what he was fairly certain of.
Duo looked around at everyone, the Archangels and Lucifer were obviously trying not to seem anxious. Lucifer, for obvious reasons, and the Archangels, because his choice would decide the balance of power until Quatre was healed.
Duo noticed that WuFei had loosened up, though he didn't know why. He wondered how long he should drag this out, but seeing Lucifer look nervous he decided to just say it, "I'm going to Hell."
Gabriel twitched at the method of delivery Duo had chosen, "The three of you are certain?"
"Very. We talked it over through almost all of last night. This is what we want." Trowa answered for them.
Metatron sighed and started to get up, "Very well then, Mister Yuy you have two weeks to set your affairs in order. You can make it look like you're going on an extended trip, since you will be allowed to return once you've been situated properly."
Before Heero could answer the house shook with a rumble.
"What the Hell was that?" Duo asked getting up, reaching for the gun he didn't have on him, the other three ex-Gundam pilots reacted similarly.
All six Celestial beings' phones started ringing furiously, each answered and listened. Lucifer let out a curse, Raphael's eyes narrowed, Metatron got as near to swearing as an Angel could, Uriel and Gabriel sank back into their seats, and Michael frowned.
Lucifer was the first to hang up, "Duo, Trowa, WuFei, I have to go save my people from an unwarranted attack." He glared accusatorily toward Michael and Metatron, "You three have two days to settle things here then I'll be calling you down to help. Apparently our attacker is as powerful as the Archangels." With that he disappeared.
Michael glowered at the spot Lucifer had been in, "I'm afraid this will cut short your time Heero, you also will have two days. If I'm correct, which I hope I'm not, we may be going to war again sooner than planned." He nodded to his brothers and Metatron, and they too disappeared.
Michael was pacing his office. The angels he had sent to retrieve Quatre hadn't returned or reported in. Gabriel was unable to help because his personal feelings rendered him useless with worry, so Uriel was also unavailable, and Raphael was looking for Lailah, who had also disappeared. Michael wasn't sure which was more frustrating: to have a rogue celestial being, to have lost a Compassionate, to be on the brink of a Celestial war again, or to have only Metatron available for assistance.
A pounding at his door drew his attention back, "Enter." Michael was surprised to see not only one of his scouts, but his brothers as well.
The scout handed him a scroll, bowing.
Michael almost screamed in frustration as he read it.
Gabriel's voice held hints of dread, "What does it say Michael?"
"It's an official declaration of war..." Michael handed the scroll to Gabriel, then turned away.
Raphael read it over Gabriel's shoulder then dismissed the messenger, swearing the scout to silence on the matter.
"What do we do Michael?" Uriel's voice was soft and fearful, as the keeper of Heaven's records he knew what could come from a war, and that was not something he looked forward to recording.
Michael punched his desk. After a few moments he straightened and faced his brothers, "I'll present the message to Our Lord. I'll find out what He wants to do. I'll let you know what to do once I find out."
Iblis was half-kneeled, half-writhing before Lucifer.
"Of all the idiotic, imbecilic, moronic, obtuse things to do! I left you in command for not even an hour and you sent a declaration of war!" The shadows seemed to close in on Iblis as Lucifer's voice thundered around him.
Iblis cowered, "F-f-forgive me, I thought it was the best action to take at the time. I mean we were being attacked without reason..." He trailed off as Lucifer glowed in anger.
"I am not in a forgiving mood. You are to report to Olivier, you will serve under him until I say otherwise. Perhaps time with the incubi and excrementals will teach you the value of conferring with me before you make such decisions. Now get out of my sight before I decide something worse." Lucifer nearly growled at Iblis, who wisely disappeared, then summoned Mephistopheles. "Do we have an identity on the Angel that attacked?"
Meph conjured a viewing window, "Yes sir." The window displayed the attack in its entirety.
Lucifer watched thoughtfully, as he saw the young angel tearing through his defense forces. Luckily the angel could get no further than the Purgatory border, only true Fallen angels could pass completely into Hell. Ironically Lucifer counted that as a blessing. He continued watching, Gabriel will be devastated. It was no exaggeration, Gabriel would suffer great emotional pains when he learned his son perpetrated the attack.
Thousands of angels had gathered to hear the Lord's decree. Varying degrees of anxiety rippled through them, some were hoping for a battle as a chance to strike at Lucifer, some feared an attack by Lucifer's forces that would find them unprepared. And it was Michael they all looked to for information.
"Our Lord has decreed that we shall accept the declaration." Furious whispering caused him to stop.
Raphael stood off to one side, quiet in his disapproval. Near him was Uriel holding Gabriel's hand comfortingly. The three looked to their elder brother, giving silent support.
As the gathered angels started to calm Michael continued, "As General of the Lord's Armies I am to take command of Heaven during this time. My Lts. will be available for your questions and to relay any orders." He already was fighting the urge to sigh at what was expected. "We will send a messenger with our response to Hell. Phaleg," indicated his top Lt. "will be available to deliver any orders, he is to be assisted by the scribes." Michael glanced to Uriel who nodded.
"What about the one who attacked Hell?" Came the question from within the crowd.
Michael had hoped the rumors wouldn't have started yet, "Gaddriel is searching for him. Such rebellion and disregard for the laws of Heaven will not go undisciplined." More whispers met that statement. Raising his hands for silence Michael continued, "When he is found he will be dealt with, for now continue about your usual duties unless otherwise notified by either Phaleg, Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael, or myself."
Though everyone recognized the dismissal many lingered in the pavilion, talking amongst themselves.
Michael escaped to his office the moment he could, seeking the reassuring solitude.
"You know why the Lord decided to accept don't you?" Raphael spoke up quietly.
Michael looked up at him, not bothering to hide his weary expression, "When did you sneak in? That's not a very good example to be setting Raphael."
"Michael..." Raphael started to admonish him.
Michael raised his hand, "Yes I know, He's preparing us. But this is one preparation I could do without."
Raphael nodded, "True. Any news that you didn't share yet?"
"None. We still don't know where Lailah is, or Quatre, and we still don't know who or where the Anti-Christ is. And Gabriel may hate me for this but I'm beginning to think Quatre may be the Anti-Christ." His tone somber, Michael brought himself to look Raphael directly in the eye.
Raphael sat in the chair opposite Michael, "And if he is? Then what?"
"If Quatre is the Anti-Christ then we will have to destroy him. Your efforts to heal him have obviously failed, though I know you tried. He's too wild to be trusted alive." His tone indicated that Michael wished to hear that it wasn't true.
Raphael merely nodded then got up and left.
They had kept the 'farewells' as brief as they could but it still hurt Duo that Heero was not going to be with him and Trowa.
He, WuFei and Trowa had just arrived at Hell, and were being briefed by Mephistopheles.
"...and that's everything we know so far." Meph concluded.
WuFei glanced at Trowa, then turned his full attention on Meph, "So we have to battle the Angels in less than 48 hours?"
"Yes and no." Meph began, "Lucifer doesn't want you three involved in this particular battle."
Duo bristled, "Why not?"
Meph sighed, "There are three main reasons he gave: one, none of you have the experience for this kind of battle; two, your friend may be fighting with the other side; and three, he doesn't want to risk losing you sir." His last comment was aimed directly to Duo.
"What do you mean we don't have the experience?" Asked Trowa in a plain tone.
"None of you have been in a Celestial war. You don't know how to use a flaming sword, you haven't learned how to fight while flying, without damaging your wings. And you haven't discovered the full extent of your powers."
"Makes sense." WuFei's voice cut off the protest forming on Duo's lips.
Duo frowned, "I refuse to just sit by while there's a war going on. Isn't there something we can do?"
"Actually there is." The four of them turned to see Lucifer entering.
Mephistopheles bowed to him as he continued to speak, "Our healers will need help. Most of the injuries that will be received in this battle will be minor physical injuries, but there will be an occasional psychological injury, as well as major physical injury. I would like for you three to assist with the physical healing."
Lucifer raised his hand as he saw WuFei about to protest their healing abilities, "You will each be given a healer's kit, it contains potions and special bandages. Kerrideon will explain how to properly administer them."
As his name was spoken Hell's Healer entered and bowed. Kerrideon then motioned for the three Fallen Angels to follow him out.
"Mephistopheles." Lucifer began the four had left, "I want you to do what ever it takes to ensure that Abbadon makes it through the battle."
Meph nodded, "And his friends?"
Lucifer looked at the door through which Duo, WuFei and Trowa had left, "If you have to sacrifice them for him to live then do so."
Author's Note: I know cliffhanger ending for this chapter. Oh well.
