A black–haired guy with glasses and a snow-white priest's cassock embroidered with golden crosses walked arm in arm with a girl of incredible beauty - the Archangel Gabriel.
They walked through an ancient temple destroyed by time, only the tall gray columns remained unchanged through the centuries and millennia, they still supported the leaky vault of a long-abandoned temple cursed by the Gods.
On some walls, half-disappeared writings in ancient Greek were still visible, they described the brave warriors who came to this temple for the sake of fighting with an ancient monster.
They described their fall and brave death, followed by their transformation into heroes.
After all, how else to become a hero, except for a brave death in battle with a bloodthirsty monster?
- Aizen-kun, are you sure that your friend lives in such a creepy place? Gabriel asked softly, glancing sideways at a three–headed rat that ran nearby, modified by a still-active curse.
- Yes, Gabriel-chan. the guy replied, nodding his head.
- So sad... even the light hardly penetrates here, we have to help your friend and find him a good home! – the Archangel's heart contracted, and tears of pain and resentment sprang from his eyes.
Even though Seraphim did not see her Paladin's friend and did not know why he did not leave this place, the girl could not contain her heartache.
One of the first creations of the Biblical God was extremely kind. The kindest being in the world.
And the most naive.
- Unfortunately, she can't, Gabriel-chan. – Aizen said sadly and lowered his head dejectedly. "It's cursed by the gods, just like this place. Cursed for something she didn't do.
- But how so...
"Maybe you shouldn't see her." – Aizen stopped and looked into the sad eyes of the Archangel. – Mikhail personally asked me not to succumb to your "provocations", Gabriel-chan. But if you still want to help, then please control yourself, we will definitely help Medusa-chan, but restrain your aura inside. We will have problems if the Greek Pantheon notices our presence in this place. Ok?
- Of course, Aizen-kun! – Gabriel quickly wiped away her tears and nodded seriously, belligerently clenching her left fist and raising it up. – Only... Don't tell Mikhail that I ordered you to take me with you, okay? – the girl said softly, flashing childish playfulness in her green eyes. – He will scold me again.
- I am your chosen Paladin, Gabriel-chan, how can I disobey yours... requests? – the guy pointedly nodded seriously and smiled, after which he gestured to go on.
Gabriel noticed her future Paladin at the age of six. She followed the world of people, helping whom she could, until suddenly she noticed one little boy at the church...
At first, the girl thought it was impossible, but his level of holy energy exceeded the level of the past Paladin – Saint George, and this at the age of six!
A level comparable to angels.
The archangel began to follow the boy and secretly help him, marveling at the extremely rapid development, growth of strength and his success in the field of service. He quickly learned how to heal wounds and illnesses, helped those in need, performed the duty of an Exorcist, and much more.
In the end, Gabriel could not stand it and decided to get to know him personally, to find out his goals and aspirations.
Eisen was coming. He was completely suitable for the role of a Paladin. The Archangel last saw such love for Him from her brother, whose name is forbidden to pronounce. He went to unthinkable things out of love for his Creator.
Gabriel realized that Aizen needed to be restrained and led along the path of Light, which she, in her opinion, masterfully coped with.
Well, in the end, she liked this boy. She became attached to him and he became her friend.
They easily communicated on any topic, Gabriel often complained to her friend about the difficult fate of the Archangels, about how hard it was for her to see all the troubles that occur in the human world, the enmity between Angels, Fallen and Demons, and they are so similar! And Aizen, in turn, always listened and comforted Seraphim.
Aizen was the embodiment of all those qualities that He saw in people. And Gabriel, an ancient ten-thousand-year-old Archangel, sincerely admired the boy, because Aizen proved His words. Proved that He was right and that people are exactly as He saw them.
Her paladin has firmly taken a place in the heart of an ancient being.
The guy and the girl slowly approached a high, about ten meters in height, arch, from which yellow light streamed. The shadows swirled and a black shadow darted at the black-haired boy, immediately starting to hug him tightly:
- Aizeeen!
- Hello, Medusa-chan, I'm glad to see you too.
The guy was hugged tightly by a young girl with long silver hair, whose silky curls slowly turned into hissing snakes of white color. She had pale skin, ears elongated and pointed like elves, a small smile shone on her pale face, and tears of indescribable happiness slowly ran from her blinded scarlet eyes.
Medusa was dressed in a dark, tight-fitting robe, her arms were covered with golden bracers, and a long golden tail, created from an unknown metal, emanated from the coccyx.
- And I'm glad to see you, Aizen! – the girl exclaimed loudly, sniffing. – Em... and who is it?
- This is the Archangel Gabriel, I am her Paladin. – the guy answered, grabbing the Gorgon's hand and holding it out to Gabriel's trembling hand, looking at the poor child with pity. – I told you about her, she is a very kind girl and really wanted to make friends with you.
- Really? – the girl gently took the Archangel's hand and smiled. – Hi, my name is Medusa!
"Poor child! – Gabriel sniffed loudly and immediately pressed the white-haired girl into her chest.
- Let go... fy mefya zadufyf...* – the Deity squeaked plaintively, trying to escape from the steel grip of the Seraphim.
- She is the daughter of Medusa and Perseus. Aizen explained, hiding his hands in his sleeves. "She has a piece of Poseidon's power in her, he... he copulated with Medusa-chan's mother and left a piece of his power in her, and Athena cursed the poor girl. As you can see, the curse was inherited with Divine power. The gods decided not to kill the "brat", but deprived her of her sight and left her to languish in this place forever.
- Horror... Seraphim whispered, gently stroking the hair of the girl, who lowered her head dejectedly. – My child, don't cry, I will definitely help you. Ok?
- But we just met... Medusa whispered uncertainly, trying to restrain a new wave of emotions received from meeting a stranger with such a pleasant smell and body warmth. "You're so kind, sister.
- Aizen-kun, can I keep it for myself? – Gabriel looked up hopefully at the smiling guy. – I'll take care of her!
- If you do this, you will start a war with Greek mythology, Gabriel-chan, are you sure you want this? Aizen replied calmly, raising his left eyebrow.
- How could the Greek Gods do such a terrible thing to an innocent child?! I can't stand by!
"The gods of this world are not perfect, Gabriel-chan. – the guy answered with a sigh, looking up. – And it's so sad, isn't it?
-= Unknown location. =-
- Yo, Mikhail, Sazex, and you are not in a hurry. – came from a man fishing with a wooden rod.
A dark-haired man with golden bangs hunched a little at a round, saucer-like lake. A gentle breeze was blowing the hair and crimson cloak of the Fallen, next to him was a bottle of red wine with three glasses. He closed his eyes and smiled at the warm breeze gently tickling his skin.
Behind him stood two intelligent ones: Archangel Michael and the present Lucifer, formerly known as Sazex Gremory.
A crimson-haired man with a strong build, dressed in black armor, frowned at the two reasonable people with whom he would like to meet the least. Especially when he is distracted from preparations for a "theatrical production". All for the sake of his beloved sister.
But he couldn't not come. When such a reasonable person sincerely asks to come, he simply could not refuse. No one could.
Sazex respected Mikhail, although, in fact, they are enemies, but one does not interfere with the other. He also respected the second man present – Azazel. Although he was quite strange, but they had a couple of things in common... hobbies.
- Hello, Azazel, Mikhail. – Sazex greeted the men with nods, remaining standing in place.
- Greetings. Mikhail said simply, flapping his wings. "If you'll excuse me, I'll get right to the point and the reason I asked you to come. There is no time for formal scraping... – The Archangel paused a little, waiting for maximum attention, and continued. – He's back.
A powerful aura flashed from Azazel in all directions, from which the space began to crumble, the same thing happened from Lucifer, gloomy as a cloud, but Mikhail did not pay attention to this, continuing to look seriously ahead:
- A new Angel has appeared. We couldn't find him, someone is hiding him, but His system doesn't lie.
- Just like you, Mikhail. Azazel replied softly, picking up a bottle of wine and immediately sipping three powerful sips. – A new Fallen has appeared. I haven't been able to track it down. He is not from your ranks, I understand.
All eyes turned to Sazex, who shrugged his shoulders:
"Do you think we're tracking demons?" Rias' male counterpart asked. – Yes, we are tracking demons and a new one has appeared, not converted by Evil Figures. And, of course, we couldn't find him. But that's not all you wanted to talk about, is it, Mikhail? I would like to remind you that this is the first secret meeting of the leaders of the three factions in a very long time. What is the purpose of our convocation?
The Archangel materialized a shining gold document in his hand, from which Azazel and Sazex opened their eyes wide, after which the Fallen laughed loudly:
- Ha-ha-ha, Mikhail, have you lost your mind? The world?! Right here and now?! Bypassing the others?!
- Yes. The man replied seriously. "I'm afraid there's something afoot in the human world. Six thousand souls have not gone to rebirth, the corpses found are completely devoid of soul energy. They were drunk by a prohibited method. Something is happening with Faith in Him... perhaps the rest of the mythologies found out that He was dead and returned or is going to return. The war will begin. And we will all be destroyed because we are somehow connected with Him.
"That's a bold statement, of course, but demons can take a different side. – Sazex recalled an important nuance, blazing with destructive crimson energy. – Moreover, we need an excuse. Mikhail, as far as I understand, you have no direct evidence of everything that is happening? I thought so. I respect you, but understand me, too, if we sign the peace, they will simply not understand me.
- He's right. Azazel replied, getting up from the ground and crossing his arms in front of his chest. "There are other Fallen leaders besides me. Do you think they'll pat me on the head after signing the peace? Yes, they will devour me with giblets and ask for supplements. Don't think about it, no matter what, I believe that the time of enmity has long passed. That Era is long gone. We should be more open with each other, unite, begin to learn the secret knowledge of the world, create new sacred... ahem, I'm sorry, I got a little carried away.
- I agree with Azazel. Lucifer nodded, pushing a lock of long crimson hair from his face. – That's what it's all about, but we need an excuse. And evidence... however, if no one finds out about the pact, then...
"Are you kidding?" Azazel chuckled, then closed his eyes and shook his head negatively. "We'll all be killed if they find out about our actions. Do you understand?
- Time will judge. We must join forces and find out what is going on in the human world. Mikhail waved his hand, sending the Divine Scripture into the center of the clearing, right between everyone present.
"A war is afoot, isn't it clear? – Azazel winced at his words and bit his finger, after which he silently approached the contract and put an imprint in blood. – Someone is masterfully pulling the strings, everything is too well-coordinated and organized. There are spies everywhere, I couldn't find evidence, but... Kokabiel knows something. Plotting. If I try to talk to him in the language of power, they won't understand me. And that's putting it mildly.
- Everything is quiet here. Sazex said calmly, piercing his finger with a glance and also putting a seal. – Too quiet. Even the ancient families have stopped pestering, I wouldn't be surprised if we have a traitor on a traitor. I would like to exterminate them all, but, unfortunately, it is impossible.
- Everything is too complicated in Paradise. Mikhail replied, cutting his finger on the golden wing and also putting his seal, causing the contract to flash with a golden glow confirming their "connection". – Sometimes it seems to me that the Fallen are among us, but this is impossible for many reasons... But if He's back, then I won't be surprised at anything.
- Well, friends, our trio has just committed the most stupid and thoughtless act in their lives and in the history of this world! Azazel said solemnly, waving his hands with pathos. – I hope you are happy and we will be able to survive the next month! Three former enemies are connected by one secret and one goal, oh, how romantic!
- Where do we start? Sazex asked with a smile, burning with excitement from the upcoming "adventure" in his soul. It's been a long time since he had fun.
"I doubt we'll be able to find Him if He doesn't want to, so we have to find the traitors. Perhaps He is weak and accumulating strength for his appearance, the others could have found out about it and are trying to find Him. We have to stop them, find out their plans and goals. – Mikhail flapped all his wings. – Together we will succeed!
- Sounds like a plan. The Fallen leader agreed, scratching his goatee. "But first, since we're allies, hehe, let's discuss some important news... Have you heard of the Welsh Red?
* Do not mark for a mistake.
I want to remind you that all ancient monsters (such as Gabriel, Azazel, Sazex and Mikhail) are abnormal.