John stared across at them. His anger quickly mounting the more they said. “Are you fucking kidding me?” he exploded. Michael gave him a stern glare for interrupting. “You have not exactly helped the situation.” John stood up, turning his back to them both. “Excuse the hell out of me for not being excited over being left out of some key fucking facts.”

Azrael was next to him in an instant, his voice booming, “you will mind your tongue here, or you will leave with nothing.” John wisely kept his mouth shut. Even though he was seething, he inclined his head. Michael gently pulled him back to his seat, “sit, Uriel. Let us talk.” “Could you please not use that name.” Michael looked down at him, shaking his head. “It is a good name, it is your given name. You must learn to embrace that part of yourself, or you will never live in peace.” John sighed, but said nothing. He seated himself across from Azrael. Michael shifted, his wings making a soft feathery sound. John stared at him as he waved his hand, making the wings disappear so that he could sit. He was still in shock at Michael’s lie. He wasn’t even aware that angels could do that in their true form. Apparently, they could. Michael leaned forward, glancing at John and then up at Azrael. “We had to make sure that you are ready.” John’s mouth opened, but Michael put up his hand silencing him. “I understand that you have questions. I would too, Broddah. But you must understand, you were far too emotional over this girl.” John sighed, “She isn’t a girl, Mikail . She is so much more than that.” Michael nodded, “more than even you realize.” John blinked. He couldn’t look directly at Azrael like Michael, but he could sense his feelings. He had been angry at being left out of their plan to test him, but more so betrayed that Michael had not trusted him in his human form. He didn’t want to accept it, but he knew they were right to have done it. This was far more than just his love, this was something that affected all of the realms. It meant the difference between all of them existing and not for every creature in the known universe. So? Fuck them, just run with Mitsuko and to hell with them all. Your own brother in battle has lied to you, his human side screamed. He tried his best to ignore it. No, Michael redeemed himself and they were right to have done this. They had to make sure that he was strong enough to never give up and to fight for the cause.

“How many men have assembled?” Michael smiled, “There he is. The man that is eager to charge into battle.” Azrael’s voice rasped and bubbled, “We are legion, Uriel Broddah. You would not be able to comprehend our numbers, as your mind has long become poisoned by the many sons of Adam. Just know that you are on the right side” A long, sinewy appendage emerged from the billowing folds, resting itself on John’s shoulder, “the winning side.” John nodded, looking out across the vast expanse. From their view in the sister towers, there was only the blinding light, met with a clear line of impenetrable darkness. They both were so dense that you couldn’t see what existed below or above. How long had it been since they had seen what existed on the other side? “Azrael Broddah, what exists from within the darkness?” he asked. Azrael emitted warmth and color, conveying happiness to John. “That will all be explained to you in time. For now, please focus on what we have told you.” Azrael stood, then walked behind him. “First, allow me to do something for you. Stand, Uriel.”” John shook, but did as he was told. They had been speaking to him for what felt like hours. So many, that he was sure almost a year had passed in the human realm. Time worked different here. He hoped this meant that all would be righted for him and Mitsuko. Mostly, that she would be treated as he had with mercy and forgiveness. John secretly hoped that above all else, she was safe with the Jade Emperor. Tentei was not well known for his temper, but what had come to pass between him and his daughter were many years ago. Perhaps she had found her own forgiveness, much like he had with the divine beings that stood before him.

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He knew that meant that the two of them would spend many years apart, but that was a drop in the bucket to beings such as themselves. Her soft locks and vibrant green eyes comforted him. Whatever he faced, he would never have to face it alone again. They would cure her, once and for all and she would remain at his side─ She his goddess, him her protector. He ached for that moment. The moment that the two of them may be alone to find their own personal paradise among the stars. He knew that he must become what he once was, but he allowed his mind to wander just a bit longer─ savoring the past memory of finding her again. She was lost, broken, and alone. Wandering the streets, rejected by her own mortal guardians. Anger rose in the pit of his belly. How could humans be so vile? Why were they all so eager to save such wretched creatures? Surely, they must have value at some point to the cause or Messiah would not have done so much for them. A gentle breeze caressed his body, tugging at his anger. It was a double-edged sword, allowing as much humanity as he had and yet hating them all the same. It was a dangerous path for the Fallen to go down.

He felt a strange sensation wash over him. It was as if a part of his mind were surfacing like a submarine, making its slow ascent. His body responded, a dull glow snaking around his limbs. The sigils burned one-by-one into his flesh. He stumbled back from the table, his eyes growing wide as he felt Michael’s hand holding his own. “Shaâs, Uriel Broddah. Oesh’ braė hâ. He said soothingly.

Uriel roared in anguish, his wings ripping from his flesh. His body bent and contorted as his angelic features returned in an instant. Michael smiled, his eyes filling with tears. Uriel’s memories flashed, his mind grasping at each that flew by. As quickly as they came, they dimmed and then faded. “I─ I can’t.” he cried softly. “You will learn, in time.” Michael held on, leaning into him. “This is only the beginning.”