Chapter Twenty-One

Judas

December 31, 2009

Michael found himself observing Earth for what felt like the millionth time in the past year. He never understood why he chose to do it, but his days seemed to consist of nothing more than dealing with petty squabbles and watching the humans from the comfort of his throne. Raphael wasn't much for company, they simply didn't share much in common beyond being brothers. Michael would never admit it out loud, but he had more in common with Lucifer then he did with Raphael.

He sighed, pushing away thoughts of happier times. It wouldn't do to dwell on the past. Especially with the possibility of Gabriel returning hanging over his head like a poised blade. That, and the grace he felt with his younger brother. The heavy, almost demonic, not that he could make that comparison back at the dawn of creation, grace that had been absent for thousands of years.

The God Spear. Death's right hand.

His sister.

Michael huffed and shook his head. There was no proof, and Lucifer's presence on Earth was simply making him long for a time before all this began. Nothing more.

It would all be over soon. The world, and humanity, would know the ultimate peace. Just as Father had planned.

"Michael, you seem lost in thought."

The emotionless voice jolted him out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see that Raphael had entered the throne room. His dusk colored form and sharp lilac eyes were a stark contrast to the overpowering white that surrounded them. Michael took solace in his younger brother's presence.

At least he wasn't alone. He still had someone to help him run Heaven, to fulfill their Father's plan.

"I was checking on my vessel. Everything seems in order, and it appears our concern from a week ago was for nothing."

"What a relief. The last thing we need-"

Raphael's exhaled statement was cut off by a massive surge of power causing the steady glow of Heaven's light to flicker for a brief moment. Michael sat up straighter, expecting the appearance of Lucifer or Gabriel. Only an archangel, or their Father, could cause such a noticeable reaction.

Well, well, well. So everything's still running upstairs? Good on you, Mikey.

The sarcasm dripping of the male voice clued Michael into whose words were echoing through Heaven. Raphael's mouth had fallen open, and Michael huffed as he relaxed against his chair and responded just as publicly. The last thing he needed was Heaven thrown into chaos.

Must you be a child, Gabriel? If you wish to speak with me, do so in person.

Silence was his only response as the lights flickered once more. What was Gabriel playing at?

No offense to you, brother; The female voice echoed around him, and Michael's head snapped to look at Raphael. His younger brother seemed to be in shock as the voice continued, But I'm not going to walk back into Heaven when there is no guarantee of my safety. Why don't you come see me, instead?

Michael was on his feet, throwing open the throne room doors and entering the chaos both announcements had brought. Angels were yelling, some close to fighting, as questions were being flung around and answers demanded.

It was insanity, but as a location flashed in his mind Michael couldn't be bothered to tame it as he moved through the mob of angels. Most still parted as he moved, but others were far too frenzied to stand on protocol.

He turned back toward his brother and snapped, "Raphael, find a vessel. We're going to Earth."

Line Break

Sam set the take out in front of Castiel and Dean, as they continued to research the latest case. They were getting nowhere fast and it was beginning to look like there may not be a case at all. Sam was beginning to wonder if there was a hunt here at all. That wouldn't make sense though. Bobby had put them on this hunt, so there had to be something. Maybe they just weren't seeing it yet. Dean grabbed his food absentmindedly with a grunt of thanks, not bothering to lift his head from the book he was paging through. Castiel hadn't moved though, and Sam frowned at the glassy-eyed look the angel was sporting.

"Cas, you okay?"

Sam's question made Dean look up from his book, burger halfway to his mouth. When Castiel still didn't respond, Dean set his burger down and gently shoved his shoulder.

"Cas, man, you're freaking us out."

The half-joke fell flat when Castiel's brow's creased, and a moment later the angel ducked his head with a familiar groan of pain. Dean stiffened, and Sam watched his brother gently pull Castiel back into an upright position. The angel's head couldn't stay up though and leaned over to rest on the nearest surface. Sam snorted despite the severity of the situation as Castiel's head slammed into Dean's shoulder as gravity took hold. His brother huffed but didn't push the shaking angel off.

"What are they saying? I've never seen angel radio affect you this badly."

Sam nodded at Dean's question, though he doubted the half-aware angel noticed. Castiel took a deep breath and dragged his head up off Dean's shoulder.

"We are all going to die."

Sam stiffened at the deadpan statement, and Dean shot him a startled look before turning back to Castiel. "Are you sure the yelling didn't knock a screw loose, Cas?"

Castiel shook his head, a frown forming as he sat up straighter. "There are no screws to knock loose, Dean. It seems the end of the world is happening and Michael and Lucifer have no interest in using you now."

Sam felt his mouth go dry, but cleared his throat. "How do you know that?"

Castiel turned his abnormally stormy eyes toward him, and Sam swore he felt the angel's fear. "The five archangels are meeting alone, and that never ends well for anyone."

Sam felt his heart drop into his stomach, as Dean cursed and grabbed his phone. Who his brother was calling Sam didn't know, but he couldn't understand how anyone could help at this point. Castiel was right, they were dead.

Line Break

Gabriel sighed, and Azrial gently kicked the back of his calf in response. "Stop sighing, it was getting old the first hundred times."

Her nonchalant statement made Gabriel shake his head. How was she so calm? His eyes darted back to her, and he noticed her foot tapping impatiently against the ground, and her fingers drumming rapidly against her knee. Well, maybe not calm then, but she certainly put on a good show of it. Her face was impassive, and her eyes completely blank. The fidgeting was something he knew Michael and Raphael wouldn't recognize as nerves because Azrial had never acted that way back in the good old days. It was something he'd noticed when they met up 20 years ago, and it had amused him back then.

Now, it just felt like another reminder of how different everything was. How different he was.

A loud flutter of wings made him stiffen, and Gabriel got his first look at Michael and Raphael in millennia. He felt his back tense, and he knew his wings had reached out to block Azrial somewhat. It was reflexive. He'd only just gotten her back. 20 years was nothing to them, and he had far too much to lose if this meeting went sideways.

"Gabriel," Michael began carefully, and his eyes moved past him to Azrial. Gabriel could see the warring emotions reflected in the vessel's eyes. "Azrial."

Michael had turned her name into an unending question. Gabriel darted his eyes toward Azrial as she stood up. She slowly walked to stand at his side, and Gabriel had to push down the need to put her back behind him. She's not a fledgling, he reminded himself.

"Michael," her voice cracked, and her eyes moved toward Raphael. "Raphael. It's good to see you both."

Michael stepped forward, and Gabriel stiffened as he reached out to touch Azrial's shoulder. His knuckles turned white as he gripped her shoulder, and Azrial gave a tentative smile. Michael exhaled, and it came out like a half-laugh.

"It's so good to see you both."

Gabriel felt his shoulders unwillingly relax at the warmth in Michael's voice. Raphael was still stiff, and his vessel appeared a touch sickly but that wasn't a surprise. Michael was more attached to them both than Raphael, and this turn of events was likely a bit much for the youngest archangel.

"Well, don't get too emotional about it Mikey."

Gabriel teased, and Michael snorted as he looked around the space they were in curiously.

"This is impressive, Gabriel. Your powers have truly grown. We couldn't even detect this space until we were inside it."

Gabriel blinked at the praise but shrugged uncomfortably.

"Well, when you need to get creative," Gabriel paused and snapped his fingers, and the living space reduced into a small area with five comfy chairs. "You do."

"Well, you had a good reason," Raphael said carefully, his vessel's female voice throwing Gabriel slightly. "You didn't want to be found after all."

The backhanded comment irked him, but Gabriel kept his silence. He saw Azrial bristle as she sat back down, but his sister kept silent. Gabriel knew he had as much to worry about between Raphael and Azrial as he did between Michael and Lucifer when the bastard decided to show his face. Michael took a seat with the same royal bearing that Gabriel remembered. Despite the youth of his vessel, his brother seemed to take control of the room without effort. There was something familiar about the twenty-something man Michael was wearing, but Gabriel couldn't put his finger on it. Instead, he sat down next to Azrial which prompted Raphael to fall stiffly into the seat.

"So, what did you both wish to speak about?"

Michael's conversational tone was almost welcoming, but Gabriel doubted it would remain that way. Azrial's lips pulled into a polite smile as she tilted her head at Michael's question.

"Logistics, brother. I'm sure it would be nice to speak with a military equal after so long."

Gabriel shot her a warning look when Raphael huffed. It seemed she couldn't help but get a barb in after all. Michael laughed, which seemed to annoy Raphael all the more.

"I have missed our talks, sister. Is there something you think I could improve?"

If that question was directed at anyone else, Gabriel would scream about it being a trap. In this case, Michael seemed pleased at Azrial offering her thoughts. It may have been back handed, but perhaps Azrial was right and Michael missed having a tactical equal around. Raphael was smart, almost too smart at times, but he wasn't militaristic like Azrial and Michael.

"It's about damage control. You see-"

Azrial was cut off by another flutter of wings, and Michael stiffened as soon as the oppressive aura could be felt in the room. Azrial winced, and Raphael looked furious as Lucifer moved forward with a grin.

"Well, isn't this adorable. Family reunion?"

Michael didn't stand up, but his eyes traced Lucifer's movements as he plopped down into the empty chair with a smirk.

"You're late, Lucifer."

Gabriel knew that would be the case, but he couldn't keep the annoyance out of his voice. Lucifer chuckled and kicked his legs over the arm of the chair with a lazy grin.

"Well, I was in shock. You're the second sibling to come back from the dead in the past few days."

The pointed remark made Azrial bristle, and she looked away from Lucifer, a sickly color taking over her face. Michael's eyes narrowed at the interaction, and Raphael seemed to sit up a bit straighter.

"Speaking of," Lucifer sang, turning to Michael with hard eyes. "You owe me an apology."

"I owe you no such thing, Lucifer."

Michael's growled statement made Lucifer cluck his tongue, the knowing look never leaving his face. His eyes did harden though, and Gabriel felt all the tension coming back.

"Oh, but you do. The last thing you accused me of before shoving me into the cage was killing Azrial, yet here she sits."

A tense silence fell over the room, and Michael looked a touch sick. Gabriel didn't blame him. At the time, Lucifer killing Azrial seemed to be the only logical explanation. Now, they still didn't know who did it, or how they'd stolen Michael's spear to do so. Azrial didn't remember, and even if she did the person had stabbed her through the back. Raphael had only found her in time to see her die and assumed it was Lucifer who'd done it. Gabriel had left shortly after, and he never knew if anything else came of it.

"That doesn't negate your other sins."

Michael's tense response made Lucifer snort as he moved his cold gaze toward Azrial.

"No, but that's the only one you really cared about. It was the reason you got off your self-righteous ass and finally shoved me into the cage."

Azrial huffed, and Michael turned toward her.

"Is it true that he didn't kill you?"

She sighed, and Gabriel could see the weight of everything settling over her. He wished there was an easier way to deal with this, but she was right. Facing this crap head-on was the only way to maybe get their siblings to stand down.

"I never saw my attacker, and Death never told me. Lucifer is many things, but back then I don't think he'd have planned something like that. Especially not by using your spear."

Lucifer seemed pleased, but Michael had grabbed onto something else in Azrial's explanation.

"Back then?"

The tense question had Gabriel looking between Michael and Lucifer. He was ready for them to leap at each other. If that happened, fuck these peace talks. He was going to grab Azrial and bolt to the other side of the planet whether his sister liked it or not. Azrial rolled her eyes and sent a dirty look at Lucifer.

"Well, someone decided that shattering an angel blade in my chest was a good use of their time while throwing a tantrum a few weeks back."

Despite the nonchalant way she said it, Michael looked furious and was on his feet moments later. Lucifer's eyes flashed with panic, and Gabriel stood up without prompting. At least he didn't have to worry about Raphael at the moment.

"Michael, calm down. She's fine-"

Michael pushed him aside with a strength that defied his vessel as he stepped up to Lucifer's chair.

"You dare ask me for an apology after you recently tried to kill her?"

The snarled question was met by Lucifer standing up and pointing at Azrial, "She wasn't even in her vessel at the time! It was just meant to leave her without-"

Michael cut off Lucifer, and Gabriel cursed as the two were in each other's faces.

"You think that makes it better?" Michael's disbelief hung on the question, and it was clear Lucifer was searching for a way to redirect Micahel. His eyes darted to Azrial, and Gabriel paled. Dear Dad, he begged, don't do it Luci.

"Well if miss perfect over there wasn't fucking and protecting a demon, it never would have happened!"

Azrial was on her feet, and Gabriel felt his heart sink as everything began to unravel.

"How dare you! I was trying to reason with you, and you-"

Azrial's angry tirade was cut off by Raphael who laughed, and she turned her furious gaze toward him. Gabriel got between his younger siblings, leaving Lucifer and Michael to fend for themselves as he faced Azrial.

"Azrial, don't. We had a plan-" Gabriel's plea was cut off by Raphael standing up.

"No, let her speak, Gabriel. I'm sure the traitor must have something useful to say."

Gabriel held Azrial back, but she growled over his shoulder. "Oh, that's rich coming from you, Raphael. How does it feel to be the most indecisive bastard in the world?"

Raphael bristled, and Gabriel shut his eyes as the yelling ramped up. Why did he think this would work? Michael's booming voice carried over it all, "Enough!"

For a moment, it was like old times. Silence filled the room and they all turned to look at Michael. His face was pinched, and it was clear he was done playing nice. He turned his eyes toward Azrial and demanded, "Explain the accusation."

Azrial turned from Raphael, and Gabriel watched as she stared down Michael without a lick of fear.

"I won't deny it. There is a demon I'm doing business with, and yes there is carnal pleasure exchanged, but he has his...uses."

Gabriel's heart broke for the way her voice teetered at the last part. He knew there was more than that behind his sister's actions. Whether she realized it, well, he wasn't about to ask.

Michael narrowed his eyes, "What uses?"

Azrial's eyes darted toward Lucifer, and with a huff, she seemed to realize there was nothing else to lose. Crowley was already on his radar, and if she could convince Michael the demon was useful then at least there would only be fire from one side. She threw her hands up and snarled.

"All of you have such a cozy position in this, sans maybe Gabriel. I'm stuck serving two Masters, and it leaves me having to clean up all the shit you cause!"

Her shouting seemed to take the other three back, and Gabriel snorted. She wasn't done yet though, and she gestured to Lucifer as she kept her eyes on Michael. "Hell is in disarray. It needs a strong, competent, leader. So I found one. If you won, Hell would still need to function, or didn't you think of that? If Lucifer won, the balance was going to be so thrown off that Hell and Heaven would be facing an influx of souls. Did none of you think of that?"

Michael's fury bled off, and Gabriel was surprised to see his brother truly considering her words. Lucifer though turned on Azrial with a growl, "You thought I was going to lose?"

Azrial huffed and threw her hands up. "I was planning for all eventualities. You know, like a leader."

"How fucking dare you-" Lucifer snarled, but Raphael cut him off with a snapped question.

"So we are just going to forgive her treason because it's logical?" His demand was directed at Michael, who still hadn't said anything. Gabriel defended Azrial with a pointed comment to Raphael.

"You do realize if she was doing it under Death's orders, it wasn't treason, don't you?"

Raphael shook his head in disbelief, causing his vessel's dark hair to swing from side to side. "She's used that excuse of eons! It's time to choose a damn side. She's either with us or against us."

"That isn't your call to make, Raphael. It's Dad's, and he ain't here."

For the first time in all of this, Gabriel let his anger show. This was ridiculous. They'd had a plan, yet the moment they were all in the same room it was like they reverted to fledglings. They were no better than bickering children, and he was so sick of it.

"No, it's mine." Gabriel looked at Michael in disbelief, and his brother turned toward Azrial. "Are you with us? With me?"

Azrial's eyes looked stormy, and Gabriel realized she was blinking back tears. For the first time in all this, he could see that she was hurting as much as he was. All she wanted was her family back, and instead, she was caught between two old dicks playing a fucked up game of chess with all their lives. Gabriel wasn't naive enough to think Death wasn't just as involved in this as dear old Dad.

"Michael," her voice shook, but she pulled herself together. She lifted her chin, and despite the pain in her eyes, her stance held pride. "I can't side with anyone who threatens to upset the balance so much."

Michael's face fell, and Raphael threw his hands up with a nasty smile. "Well, that's that. She's a traitor, Michael. This was foolish."

Michael looked toward Raphel, but Lucifer wasn't willing to let the conversation rest.

"She isn't just a traitor to the cause, she's a traitor to our kind."

Lucifer's snarled response had Michael snapping, "You assume to be one of us after all this time?"

Lucifer turned to Michael, and with a tone that somehow managed to be saccharine sweet and cold at the same time replied. "Whether you like it or not, big bro, I'm still an angel."

Michael's eyes flashed, and he snarled quietly. "You will never be an angel."

It was the final straw, and Gabriel didn't have a chance to intercede. The two launched at each other, and the room fell into chaos. Azrial had been between them and was trying to break up the fight but failing. Gabriel was frozen, shock preventing him from moving as Raphael moved forward to try and stop Michael. How had it gone so wrong? How had-

A scream snapped Gabriel out of his own mind, and an icy hand wrapped tightly around his heart.

There was blood.

Blood and ashy wings marring the floor.

Michael looked somewhere caught between shock and horror, and his eyes darted toward him in worry. A blade was held loosely in his hand, and Gabriel felt rage building in his chest. Lucifer also had an angel blade in his hand, and he was looking at the body on the ground with a detached glassy look. Raphael's eyes were darting between Lucifer and Michael, and he choked out. "What have you both done?"

Gabriel's eyes stared blankly at the ground and the body that lay there. The tips of the ashy wing imprints reached his feet, and the tip of one had even burned his shoe. He swallowed and moved forward toward the body. His brothers all backed away, and Gabriel knelt down and placed a hand on the still bleeding stomach wound. His grace wrapped around it, and he tried to heal it. If he could heal it, everything would be fine. It had to be okay.

"Gabriel," Michael's voice brought the rage he felt to a boil, but he focused on trying to heal the wound. "Gabriel, even you can't bring back the dead."

His brother's voice was gentle, but at his declaration, something snapped. Gabriel felt his powers building and he whispered. "You did this. You both killed her."

"Gabe, it was an acc-"

Lucifer's voice had Gabriel snapping his head away from the glassy eyes of his first fledging. Lucifer stepped back, fear flashing across his face.

"A what?" Gabriel snarled, his powers causing the room to shake. "An accident?"

"Gabriel," Michael spoke again, "Calm down. You're going to bring this dimension down on our heads."

Gabriel's gaze fell back to the glassy eyes still staring at the ceiling and he realized he could still fulfill their goal, even if not how they'd initially planned.

"That's a wonderful idea, brother."

The cold comment caused Michael to stiffen, and Lucifer launched at him with a shouted, "Don't!"

Lucifer never reached him before Gabriel brought the dimension crashing down on their heads while cradling his sister's body.

Author's Note:

What's this? The next chapter? Indeed. The final chapter will go live on Saturday and then I'll be going on hiatus until January 16, 2021.I'll post an update here to let everyone subscribed know when the next arc is up. The Saturday posting schedule will be kept with the next arc.