Ch. 4
The Angel Gabriel
The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time. -Mark Twain
Meetings with Mycroft became more frequent, and Sheol begins to think of the angel as a sort of brother. Mycroft seems to have similar sentiments, for he often visits Sheol even when there hasn't been a death. The frequent visits begin to occur not long after Sheol's third soul collecting.
Sheol looks down at the glowing body. It's a young child, and her parents are crying, sobbing that their daughter is dying and that there is nothing they can do about it. Shaking, Sheol stretches out an ungloved hand, drawing the light away from the girl. The sorrow is far too much for him, and he begins to cry along with the parents, wishing he brought life instead of taking it away.
"Sheol." The voice behind him calls. Mycroft. "Come with me."
Sheol follows, his body trembling from grief. The angel draws him away from the family. They've forgotten that Sheol was there already, a strange side effect of death.
Mycroft grips Sheol's shoulders gently, encouraging him to look at the angel.
"Sheol, caring is not an advantage." Mycroft speaks kindly. "You will only hurt yourself if you continue your work this way."
Sheol merely nods, trying to stop the sadness and hurt. Mycroft speaks truth, of course. To remember and care about everyone would slowly destroy Sheol, whittling away at him until there was nothing left.
Sheol knows that Mycroft is visiting him frequently to make sure he isn't affected by the deaths, and he works hard to make the angel proud. Mycroft visits him so much, that Sheol begins to wonder if he is the only angel in heaven. It isn't until later that he meets Gabriel.
Sheol follows Abraham and Isaac up the mountain, enjoying the way the boy skips along. The Shining One has ordered Abraham to sacrifice his son, though both Abraham and Sheol know that it's merely a test of loyalty. The trek is long, and the boy and his father soon grow weary, though Sheol remains unaffected. They soon reach the mountain top, and Abraham begins to make preparations for the sacrifice. Sheol starts to worry when a sacrifice doesn't come, and his worry becomes panic when Abraham ties Isaac down and lifts the knife to finish the sacrifice.
Suddenly a hand reaches out to stop Abrahams. The newcomer holds Abraham's arm gently. "Do not sacrifice your son, Abraham. There is a sheep in the bush over there, a gift from The Shining One. Sacrifice the sheep instead." Sheol realises that this is an angel as well. He is different from Mycroft, his hair is silver, and the kind smile on his face puts everyone at ease.
After the sacrifice, Sheol waits for Abraham and Isaac to leave before turning to the angel.
"Who are you?" He asks quickly, not wanting him to vanish. The angel smiles at him.
"I am known as the arc-angel Gabriel." He says softly. "But you may call me Greg."
"I didn't realise that there were other angels besides Mycroft." Sheol mused. "Do you know him?"
Greg chuckled softly. "There are thousands of angels in heaven, but I do know Mycroft. He is my partner."
"Partner?"
"Humans lack the proper term." Greg said patiently. "Here one might call it marriage, but it is far stronger than that. We were created for one another."
Sheol nods, trying to understand. Greg smiles, trying to explain it better.
"The idea of marriage mates one body to another. But in heaven, it isn't just our bodies, but our souls as well."
"Soul mates?" Sheol tries the word out, and Greg nods.
"Yes, that is a proper term. Mycroft is my soul mate."
"Does everyone get a soul mate?" Sheol asks before he can stop himself. Greg understands what he is trying to say.
"Yes, everyone gets a soul mate. Yours is being perfected." Greg smiles, "I must go now, but I shall see you again."
"Yes," Sheol says, not paying attention when Greg vanishes.
From that moment on, Sheol's thoughts are consumed with his future soul mate. He wonders when he'll meet this person, what their name will be, what they'll be like. Will they be a soul collector like Sheol is? A harbinger of death? Or will they be the Greg to his Mycroft. Similar, but opposite? Every time Sheol see's Mycroft or Greg after that, he asks about his soul mate, but his soul mate is never ready.
"Soon, Sheol." Greg says soothingly. Mycroft is less gentle.
"Alone is safe right now." He tells him. "Alone is what protects you."
But years pass, and there is still no sign of his soul mate, and Sheol gives up hope.
After all, love only comes when you're least expecting it.
A/N: This took me unbearably long to write. I cannot believe this story has people who are following and favoriting it. You are all lovely, and your reviews make my entire week. In fact, I'm still grinning foolishly at review from the last chapter, and I posted that almost a month ago. Next chapter, we might see a bit of John. I don't want you waiting too long to see him, for fear of boring you, so I'll think about giving you a taste.
Kisses, hugs and antique rugs,
Robottko