Chapter Four
"What exactly are you asking, Azrael?"
Must I repeat myself?
"Yes, I think that would be beneficial to us both."
Fine. I would like to request a mortal form, or at least, something close.
"And, what exactly, would this be for?"
I would like to study them.
"Humans."
Yes. They're fascinating creatures. Innovative, empathetic, intelligent. Yet vindictive, violent, caustic. Cruel and kind at the same time.
"You care about them?"
No.
"Are you sure?"
They are merely sources of interest for me, Lord. I just want to get to know them from a different viewpoint than my…usual one."…You must understand my hesitation. If you change in any way, or are somehow unable to continue your normal duties-"
I will be fine. It's your other angels I would be worrying about.
"Will you be able to continue your duties?"
I never stop.
A sigh. "Caring is not a disadvantage normally, Azrael. But considering what your purpose is…"
I will remain unchanged.
"…I don't have much of a choice, do I, Azrael?"
No, you don't.
"You do know what a mortal casing entails, do you not? They are fragile. You may not be able to die like they do, but you can be hurt, and the shell can be discorporated. You will tire, and you will have needs that you have never had before."
I understand.
"You will be able to shift the shell and use your powers, but do so carefully." A pause. "Do not get attached."
It is only an experiment, Lord.
"Yes, but experiments often have surprising outcomes. Outcomes that may be regretted."
…
What are you not telling me?
"Azrael, Archangel of Death,"
Lord, what are you not saying?
"You request a mortal form. A shell to occupy your immortal soul. To walk among those who you reap."
Lord!
"I grant your request."
…
"Good luck."
o-o
And suddenly, Timothy McGee comes into being. He has always been there. Why would it be sudden then? He has always existed, as the moon and sun have in the eyes of humans.
Timothy McGee takes his first breath, which can't only be his first, and looks out into the mortal world (His apartment) with wide immortal eyes.
He blinks.
No, mortal eyes. Well, now they are.
o-o
"I'm worried."
"You're always worried."
"Azrael has always been too interested in the lives of humans."
"Yeah, I noticed. He toes the line admirably. I'm surprised he never fell and became mine."
"He can't fall. He's beyond falling. Beyond you, beyond me…"
"Yes, I know that. It was merely a statement. Have you ever noticed that you take things too literally?"
"I would worry for his safety if he was ever placed into your jurisdiction. It wouldn't do any good for me to ask you to treat your demons better, would it?"
"What about your angels? Do you actually see some of the things they do? What about Michael? And the humans? If I remember correctly, they were of your creation. I only wish they had been mine. Nasty little things, they are. More creative than my entire court put together."
"And now Azrael walks among them."
"I hope this doesn't come back to blow up in your face. If all this goes wrong…I don't even know. How did he come to be…what he is? How did he become the lynchpin of this world?"
A sigh. "…Where there is life, there must be death. I gave him the position, and he became fitted to it. He rose beyond even my expectations."
"Ah."
"Yes."
"And if he fails? If he loses himself?"
"Then…we'll need another plan." A heavy pause. "If there is no death, there can be no life."
"…"
"…"
"Shit."
"Correct."
"What about the Antichrist? I haven't even planted him yet. There are rules, he's-he's one of the four!"
"It won't matter."
"Are you sure that'll be the end?"
"I…don't know."
"…"
"…"
"Fuck."
"Indeed."