#the only first-order archangel in the room

[drconstellation]

First-Order Archangels

Part 1: Maybe You'll Spot An Archangel

GABRIEL: I told you you could ask. However, I am the only First-Order archangel in the room, or, you know, the Universe, so I'm not gonna answer so much. But you feel free to knock yourself out with all the asking.

While I was writing my meta series The Passion Of Jimbriel it became fairly obvious to me there was something more going on between Crowley and Gabriel in S2 than just the numerous pointers to Crowley's pre-fall angel status. They are acting as both parallels and foils to each other, and in places you can swap their characters and get the same story at a different time – and that just opens up a whole new window of context and insight into things. For pre-reading, see this meta from @vidavalor that nicely lists some obvious parallels. It doesn’t mention everything though, so I’m going to discuss parts in more detail.

A foil is a character who contrasts with the protagonist, to highlight or differentiate certain qualities between the characters. Crowley and Gabriel do this because they have come from essentially the same place, and share some story elements, but they still end up in different places.

There is a lengthy original discussion about Crowley's pre-fall angel status here, for pre-reading. It points out the obvious and some not so obvious points that ops have noticed in S2 telling us about Crowley's pre-fall status. Rather than just go through them all again, I'd like to look at some other scenes in S2 that also tell us something about both the similarities and the differences between these two high-powered entities as I go along. In addition, I’ve done a series of posts looking at Gabriel as a shoulder angel (links at the end of post,) because quite often he’s on the demonic left-hand side – which makes sense when you realize he’s a Crowley parallel.

Take the arrival of Gabriel to Whickber St and the bookshop. I’ve already mentioned this parallel story line a couple of times now, but lets look at it again in more detail. It mirrors the opening of S1E1 where the serpent climbs the wall of the Garden of Eden, morphs into a demon and starts to converse with the angel standing on the wall.

Back in the present day, we have a Gabriel, who also tends to present on the sinister-side, walking up to the gate of the present day Garden (the bookshop), which is still guarded by the same angel as it was 6000 years ago, and basically tells Aziraphale he has “fallen.”

How to we know this? It is a reference to the Fall of Man, when Adam and Eve ate the apple the serpent offered them, they suddenly became aware of their nakedness, and hid from God. Gabriel has already upset the love-apple tomato cart on his way to the door of the bookshop, its a sign of the chaos to come.

The fallen angel is not sure of his name, so he prompts with a question…

And asks for shelter under the (reluctant) angel’s wing..

But there is one thing he does know, the one thing that drew him to Aziraphale in the first place:

AZIRAPHALE: Then why did you come to my shop? GABRIEL: I don't know. I just thought I should. You know what it's like when you- when you don't know anything at all, and yet you're totally certain that everything would be better if you were just near one particular person?

Later, Aziraphale realizes that he must give Gabriel a new name to hide him – because fallen angels take on a new name, don’t they? Just like Crowley did.

Then we get a confession:

Which is what Crowley loves about Aziraphale as well - that bit of unpredictability, because you know how humour kind of works? It throws the unexpected at you.

Early on in S2 we find out they are both in trouble: first His Royal Smugness, then Our Hero himself. Our view is turned upside down, with the angel made the bad guy and the demon the good guy who needs to win. But both of them are being hunted by Shax.

Then we get one of the early clues pointing to Crowley's high status as an angel:

SHAX: A miracle of enormous power happened last night. The kind of miracle only the mightiest of Archangels could've performed. CROWLEY: Mm? SHAX: Somewhere very close to your friend's bookshop. Are you telling me you don't know what caused it? CROWLEY: How'd you know I didn't do it?

Shax stalks and threatens both of them, sometimes at the same time:

Another parallel Gabriel and Crowley shared in S2 were associating their identity - no, lets rephrase that - "essence" was one description I've seen - with boxes.

Gabriel arrives with a box that strategically covers his front, and quickly tosses it aside once Aziraphale opens the door to the bookshop. It lies forgotten until Gabriel mentions it a while later. Inside it is the fly from Beelzebub - an object from Hell - so it really needs to be 'invited' across the threshold of the bookshop by Aziraphale to be able to enter. The box initially appears to be empty, Once inside, the fly is free to roam. It has a message written on one side of it.

The same goes for the matchbox. Message included.

ah, wot? you say. Yep.

The matchbox represents Crowley, probably in more ways than one, but I'll just go through the stuff relevant to this meta here.

I notice I'm not the only op to connect the line from the Book of Job on the side of the matchbox with Crowley. The line is from Verse 41, which talks about Leviathan. Among the various shapes it is described to take is a great sea serpent. This deserves its own meta for further discussion, which I plan to do after this one, because yes, Crowley is Leviathan in disguise, but there is much more to it than that. But for now, just know that the matchbox is Crowley.

Once you know this, it makes sense that Muriel finds it - a discarded cardboard box by the front door to Heaven - and deals with a material object that shouldn't by rights exist in Heaven. Then a certain demon finds Muriel lurking outside during the siege on the bookshop at the end of S2E5, and talks them into letting the certain demon be escorted up into Heaven where he doesn't belong, where he's free to roam around - only he needs a guide because he's not sure where to go. Ah Muriel, you poke the Serpent, he's going to poke you back. Good thing he likes you, and it just was a gentle nudge.

Two empty boxes, two cases of memory-loss. That is what S2 seems to suggest to us at first glance.

Gabriel's seems to be the most straight forward in hindsight - find the fly and restore Gabriel to his original "Gabriel-ness." But its more complicated than that. When pushed to remember, his lilac eyes return and another voice can be heard speaking through him of the past. This happens twice, with the second one being part-prophecy. What is really triggering these episodes of channeling? Is it God or someone else speaking through him? We really aren't sure at this point in time.

Then there are questions around Crowley's memory. Did he have his memory wiped when he fell? Was it wiped repeatedly? Was it not wiped at all, and he just pretends he doesn't remember? Neil has even said he is an unreliable narrator about his own Fall, so who are we to trust at this point? Crowley does seem to understand in the end some of the problems Gabriel is having with his absent memories and that brings them to a temporary truce.

Both Aziraphale and Michael inspect their respective "empty" boxes, and neither notices anything obviously amiss. Gabriel's box just seems empty to Aziraphale, he takes no notice of the fly container in there, and archangel Michael tentatively inspects the matchbox brought to them by Muriel but nothing seems out of place there either.

Crowley's change in costume in Heaven during his little infiltration caper with Muriel is also another clue to his past status as an archangel. He has a silvery-gray suit, similar in style to Saraqael's to reinforce the link with them, but at the same time he is also mocking the other archangels and their elite status. We've assumed for a while now that the appearance of the tactical turtleneck signals that Crowley is up to something sneaky or spy related, but I'm starting to think it also relates to a bit of a power play (and Crowley certainly laid the power on for Mr Brown in the pub!) Looking back at S1, Gabriel's not adverse to wearing one either when he needs to be at his worst (or best. Your choice.)

The way one dresses is a way of expressing and reinforcing authority, and its something both Gabriel and Crowley do without much thought. They have been used to being in a position of power and/or independent authority for much of their existence, and I would say that even if Crowley is a few steps down now from where he started, and he's more cautious around those higher ranking than him than he used to be, he still retains that knowledge of what its like to be at the top.

Crowley's usual near all-black costume is a form of power dressing in itself. Whether is was in the past, when black was an expensive color to buy and maintain in clothing, or in the present day, we are still respectful of those in a stylish cut of black.

Gabriel's impeccable tailoring as Supreme Archangel also commands respect. So it's no wonder that one of Gabriel's first requests on regaining his memories was to ask for new clothes! He wasn't just being the vain archangel we believe him to be (although, I think there is still some of that) you also need to consider the elements of the reference characters that went into his shop assistant character: Granville, the belittled shop assistant nephew from the sitcom Open All Hours, who got stuck with all the shop duties from his uncle and felt like life was passing him by, and the silly Monty Python gumbies, that complained of hurting brains - lovable and much loved characters, but not ones you'd really want to be forever. We all want to be loved, but we want to be respected as well.

For all his fierce posturing around Gabriel, there is a brief moment in S2E3 where Crowley backs down and treats Gabriel as an equal - and that is reflected in a change of dress as well. His outside jacket off and sleeve-garters on, Crowley sports a look we haven't seen since S1 when he was home alone in his Mayfair flat. He patiently explains gravity to a curious Gabriel and then describes his "Operation Lovebirds" plan to his puzzled companion. He admits he hasn't "done weather in ages." It's just a quiet, charming moment, watching two ex-archangels get along together.

You're smiling, aren't you?

This meta continues in Part 2: Foils of War, where the differences between Gabriel and Crowley get explored in more detail, and how Aziraphale and Beelzebub act as mirrors to each other a few times as well.

This meta is part of a series on Gabriel: Gabriel as a Shoulder Angel: S1 Study S2 Study Part 1: Ep.1 The Arrival and Ep. 2 The Clue S2 Study Part 2: Ep.3 I Know Where I'm Going and Ep. 5 The Ball S2 Study Part 3: Ep.6 Every Day

First-Order Archangels Part 2: Foils of War

First-Order Archangels Part 3: Seeing Eye to Eye

[vroomvroomwee]

Crowley is Lucifer

(Ok I know some of you don't believe this theory but I highly suggest you give this a quick read anyway. I tried to make it short and easy and I'll be going chronologically, from s1 all through s2)

- First, let's get this out of the way, Lucifer and Satan aren't neccesarilly the same person. Even in the show the devil that appeared in s1 has only ever been reffered to as Satan, not even once as Lucifer.

- In the bible Lucifer was the one to tempt Eve with the apple, and who do we know that does that in the show. Crowley is literally THE snake from Eden.

- An obvious one perhaps, but the red hair is also a giveaway

- In the bible Jesus was tempted by the devil for 30 days, in the show Crowley says "I showed him all the kingdoms of the world", so that's another role Lucifer has that Crowley had in the show

- It's well known (even mentioned in the Sandman) that Lucifer was the most beautiful of all angels, and our demon is played by no other than David Tennant

Now on to season 2 because there's a LOT to unpack here

- He litterally started the engine of the universe which was one of Lucifers roles

- He's the first to say "let there be light", which is pretty fucking huge since that is Gods line

- "I worked closely with upstairs on it" even in the first scene they're telling us Crowley is an angel of very very high rank

- He fell for asking questions, which is litterally what Lucifer fell for, for questioning God. This in and of itself should be a pretty big indicator. "I only ever asked questions"

- Shax: "a miracle of enourmous power only the mightiest of archangels can perform"

Crowley: "How do you know I didn't do it"

And Shax just... doesn't counter that. She looks even skeptical, as if it COULD be a possibility, unlike Uriel who says to Aziraphale don't excpect us to believe you did it. Shax litterally doesn't shut the option down which confirms Crowley has the power not only of an archangel but of the mightiest kind

- In the bookshop with Gabriel/Jim he says "I don't remember. It [gravity] seemed like a good idea when we were all talking about it"

- "You're welcome to come in, you might even spot an archangel" don't tell me this was Crowley just egging Shax on and not being sneaky

- The fact that he could sense the demons coming. "Somethings wrong""It's coming in waves", when Aziraphale couldn't. It could be a demon thing but we saw Sandalphon, an archangel of lower rank, in the first season mention "something smells evil" so obviously angels can sense demons too, they just have to be powerful enough. And keep in mind Sandalphon was already in the book shop for quite some time, Crowley sensed them even before they had arrived (he also sensed the hell hound who was some fucking miles away)

- The.fucking.folder. "You have to be a throne or dominion above" and this dude opens these clasified documents like it's nothing. If this isn't an indicator of his high position as an angel I don't know what is.

- He's worked with Saraqael, another very high ranking angel

- "I'm the only first order archangel in the room"... and the camera imediately pans to Crowley, and for anyone who's read the book and watched the show you know that rarely anything is coincidental

- When the Metatron says they can't lose another prince of heaven. This... this fucking line. So it's relatively well known that Gabriel and Lucifer are brothers, and if Gabriel is one of the princes of heaven I wonder who the other one could be. "Two princes of heaven". And the Metatrons words were very careful, he doesn't say lost as in heaven can't find him, he says it in the context that they won't be sending Gabriel to hell since they won't lose another prince to downstairs

- In the bookshop when no one can identify the Metatron he turns to Crowley who imediately recognises him. Now you have this dude, who's literally on top of the angel hierarchy and is responsible for running heaven and the connection to God themself, surrounded by archangels and a principality you spoke to face to face with just a few years ago and... none of them can tell who you are, the only one who does is the literal demon. That tells us that Crowley has not only seen him in this form, but has probably worked with the Metaron himself personally. "Always asking damn fool questions", 10 million angels and he remembers what this one particular angel was like 6000 years ago

- Crowley is also very reluctant to reveal his identity as an angel. Now if he were just an ordinary angel of no real significance he wouldn't have a problem revealing his name, but... if his name was one that's the literal representation of all evil in this world, then it is understandable he keeps it a secret, in fear he might scare Aziraphale away

- And I wanted to leave the best for last. So you remember in the book when Crowley has to sign his name to start Armaggedon, and Hastur tells him "no, your real name" after which he reluctantly writes it. Now in the book we never see him write anything, but in the show we see him write a sygil, something that looks very mich like an L. An L... A FUCKING L. And now I wonder how this theory didn't come up sooner.

(Also he can fucking stop time, like dafuq)

Edit:

- "Oh looky here it's Lucifer and the guys" we all thought he was talking about someone else, he's just refferencing things other angels have said about HIM. FUCK

- I keep seing people saying Crowleys memories were wiped because he couldn't remember Saraqael and Furfur. But I think people forget, demons lie. He's lying to make them think he's not that angel they worked with, that he's not Lucifer. (In season 1 we hear him a few times refferencing his life as an angel, so he does remember most of it)

- Also saying if the Raphael theory were true then as showrunners they would have mentioned him somewhere for those not that familiar with the bible (or don't read much fanfiction). The refferences for Crowleys past are so so vague that it would be too sudden and confusing if he were Raphael. But there is one name that everyone is familiar with, no matter who you are how old you are or where you're from, a name that needs no introduction.

Edit 2:

- Back to him being the most beautiful angel, I don't think it was ever quite explained how every single demon when they're in hell looks... awful, but Crowley doesn't. Beelzebub has the spores all over their face, Hastur the maggots and the sh-, Dagon the scales etc. But Crowley doesn't, not even when he's in hell, he's always just so, well, pretty.

- I saw a few people asking about how Lucifer started the rebellion and Crowley wouldn't do that. I think it's the same Crowley who wouldn't get stuck in traffic after creating the M25, or the same Crowley that wanted to call Aziraphale after bringing down the entire London network, "you told them you invented the spanish inquisition, and started the second world war""so the humans beat me to it that's not my fault", "so all this is your demonic work?""no, the humans thought it up themselves nothing to do with me"

- Also I think Satan's in charge of hell not Crowley the same way the Metatron's in charge of heaven and not Gabriel (and who can very easily demote angels if he so wishes)

Edit 3:

- like some of you pointed out Lucifer is also known/means Light-bringer. And Crowley was the first to say "let there be light."

- The file he opens with Muriel is Gabriels file, a class A archangel, so if he knows the password to that it means that either he's on the same level as Gabriel, or above him.

[ctinalk]

Is Crowley already the new Supreme Archangel?

A few oversights made millennia ago, and suddenly we have a demon archangel on our hands.

Caution: I came up with and wrote this in the last few hours so potentially crackpot theory ahead. Apologies if this has been proposed before, it’s not one I’ve seen. And I’ve seen A LOT.

So supposedly the miracle Aziraphale and Crowley performed together was something only the mightiest of archangels could have done. Everyone assumes it was Crowley because they think he was a high ranking Angel formerly. Or that it was the two of them together. Or that Jimbriel amplified it. But what if…

“There is always a supreme archangel”

Michael says this in S2E1 when talking with Uriel about who is in charge now that Gabriel was missing. Gabriel was removed from office in the trial we hear, he’s no longer Supreme Archangel. If so, Michael’s statement would imply that as soon as Gabriel’s removal happened, a new archangel already existed. Now obviously the Metatron is making a show of choosing Aziraphale as the new Supreme Archangel. But is that within his power to do so? Or is he suggesting working with Crowley for a different reason, possibly unknown even to him?

“I am the only first-order archangel in the room, or you know, the universe”

During the “2nd Armageddon-that-wasn’t” discussion, Gabriel says these words. As he says them, it cuts (ominously isn’t the right word here, pointedly maybe?) to Crowley leaning against the desk, and lingers there just a bit too long.

“How do you know it wasn’t me?”

Another clue to the powerful angel Crowley was. It was clearly said in a teasing manner throw Shax off. But much like the barrel of red herring in the intro, is it a red herring to something else?

“Can you send lightning bolts and get them to report back to you?”

The only other time we see someone calling lightning or using it is, you guessed it: Gabriel in S1 on the airbase to port in and out. I’ve read the theory that Angel!Crowley was the lord of lightning, which I’m not opposed to, but to me this is another link.

“Never change their passwords”

We have one HUGE instance of Heaven being sloppy in their record keeping (passwords), and lax in their security protocol (Crowley bopping about with Muriel). Whereas Hell is meticulous in their record keeping, as shown by the bills, admissions process, and S1 contract.

So what if: when Gabriel was stripped of the title, a new Supreme Archangel was automatically appointed. Except instead of someone else, because heaven neglected to double-check their logs after The Fall, Crowley was still on the books as next in line? This would absolutely play into “God playing games with the universe” and “just think what would have happened if we’d been at all competent” themes running through both seasons. It would also follow the theory that people noticed Aziraphale and Crowley were on the “wrong” side for much of the season. It would also explain a few continuity errors along the way (how did Crowley know Muriel’s rank? He knows it through the knowledge automatically given to the Supreme Archangel).

“Funny ol’ world, isn’t it?”

Caveats and potential weaknesses:

I have no idea how this fits into the fact that S3 will be the actual continuation the Neil and Terry planned, as to my knowledge S2 was essentially a “Neil’s chaotic angsty ineffable husbands fanfic”. But clearly S2 has to play well into the plan for S3. I also kind of hate my theory because Crowley specifically declined to be an angel again, and his hand has been forced too often already.

Now I am a staunch advocate of the body-swap theory, and I’m not sure how this would play into that. Does Metatron know? Does he think he has the power to appoint? Does he think the title went to Aziraphale because of the miracle? Does he try to get Crowley to come back with Aziraphale to exploit his power? Does he know about the body swap in S1 and if so, was he trying to trigger another one to get the right “soul” to heaven?

There are a few other things I haven’t figured out how to incorporate into this post yet. I’ll try to put them into coherent thoughts in the next few days, but thought I’d throw this to the wolves universe for the time being.

Thought 1: “How have your lot managed to stay in charge all this time?” “I’m not so sure we have.”

Thought 2: I need to do (another) rewatch before I nail this one down (such a sacrifice I tell you), but does Crowley have a visceral reaction like he does in S1 to being called “good” in the current, post Gabriel-removal timeset? Obv in Edinburgh/Job, but that’s in the past. He denies it, sure (with Jim), but he straight up flashes a smile and thanks Mrs. Sandwich when she says “You’re a good lad” (after the denial).

2.1: No one calls him “good” in present day except these two instances. Vast difference in the visceral reactions of season 1 and flashbacks.

Thought 3: Crowley is the only one who can trigger Jimbriel’s recall memory.

[libby-for-life]

Back by popular demand. Adam gets sick. Part 2. Just some context before we continue. Adam reveals some...startling news about Lilith's true nature in Eden when he was sick with a fever. Onwards....

Lucifer could only stare at Adam's sleeping and exhausted form. Just two hours ago, Adam gave him startling news of Lilith. A huge part of the devil wanted to believe that Adam was lying. He had to be! Lilith, while not sweet, was not outright cruel to anyone in Eden.

But...Adam was in no state to lie. He had never seen the man cry before. Not since Eden. His fever left him unable to tell convincing lies...

Lucifer tugged at his hair. What was he supposed to believe?! A fever plagued Adam or his wife, estranged, for thousands of years? The choice was obvious. Lilith had never steered him wrong. Adam, while maybe not intentionally, was telling Lucifer lies brought on by his fever.

So why was there a nugget of doubt?

Suddenly, Lucifer got an idea. He hadn't used it in forever, but he was able to see memories with enough prodding. He can solve this and be completely sure about Adam's ramblings.

Breathing deeply, Lucifer's eyes glowed a deep red as he entered Adam's mind.

It was messy and cluttered. Exactly how he expected Adam's memories to be. Lucifer shifted through memories as quickly as he could, making sure to not look too deeply at things. Some memories were...graphic.

Finally, he saw a memory that made him stop. A familiar garden...Lucifer eagerly but carefully extracted the memory and watched through Adam's eyes.

'Adam woke up to a bright light. Everything was so colorful and new! He felt the dirt between his fingers, could smell ripe fruit, and saw tall beings with light coming out of them.'

Lucifer hummed. This was Adam's first memory. The day he was created. Sifting through more of Eden, he watched through Adam's eyes how excited he was to see Lucifer. The emotion was bright and held onto deeply. The former archangel blushed when he realized just how Adam thought of him in Eden.

Was this why Adam was always trying to feed him? Or give him flowers and shiny rocks? Lucifer indulged him but he didn't really see the point in them back then.

Moving forward, he came to Lilith's creation. She was made to be equal with him. Lucifer felt Adam's confusion when Sera told him that he must love, protect, and procreate with Lilith. Lucifer never realized just how firm Sera sounded when giving this order. It left no room for argument. No wonder Adam was so determined to have sex with Lilith. Sera made it sound like Adam would be committing a great sin if he didn't.

' "What is love?" Adam asked, gazing at Sera. The Seraphim looked surprised, as if not expecting questions. "Uh, it's when you want to spend the rest of your life together." Sera finally managed to say. Adam looked at the ground. Oh. He didn't want that with Lilith. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with Lucifer. He must be in love with him!'

Lucifer immediately backed away from that memory as fast as he could with a blushing face. That was far too personal. He felt like he just witnessed something that was trying to stay buried.

He needed to be quick with what he came for. Quickly, he found a memory of Eden with Lilith. They were sitting on a rock as Adam rambled on about how two salamanders raced each other. It was...endearing. Adam seemed so innocent back then. Since he was looking through Adam's eyes, he didn't notice the hand on his neck until Adam was already being choked.

Lucifer gasped as Adam's gaze turned to Lilith. She had an angry look to her. "Do you ever shut up!?" She yelled as she choked Adam.

The First Man tried to pry her hand off, but Lilith had always been strong. "I don't care about some dumb animals! Can't I have any peace from you?!" The memory went blurry and it took a moment for Lucifer to realize it was because Adam was crying.

"I'm sorry!" Adam choked out, his vision growing hazy with the lack of oxygen.

Lilith squeezed one more time before letting go. "Let that be a lesson. No one wants to hear your voice." And then she walked off, leaving him alone. Lucifer. I want Lucifer.

The devil's eyes widened. Adam must've been scared enough to be thinking of him. And why wouldn't he be? He was just choked for apparently talking too much.

He needed to know more.

He watched memory after memory of Lilith hurting Adam for some reason or other. One time, she had threatened to hang him from a tree if he continued trying to be with her. She would slap, kick, and comment terrible things about him. He was...abused. That was the only thing Lucifer could think of. Adam was abused by Lilith and no one seemed to care.

So, when Lucifer found a memory where Adam had found Lilith and him having sex in the garden, Lucifer wasn't surprised that Adam cried silently to himself, the image blurry because of his tears.

Why? Why are they doing that? I thought Lucifer was my friend!

Lucifer winced in guilt. From Adam's perspective, he could see how hurt and betrayed he was. And also the longing. A part of Adam wanted to be Lilith. To have Lucifer caress him and make love to him under the tree.

Lucifer didn't want to see it, but he had come this far and he knew he would be a coward if he didn't. He watched as Adam and his past self fought for the first time.

Lucifer had accused Adam of hurting Lilith, forcing himself on her. Adam was heartbroken at the accusations and glanced at Lilith who had a small smirk. She was playing Lucifer like a fiddle. Adam tried saying that she was lying but Lucifer wouldn't hear it. They left the garden and the devil watched as Adam held the pieces of his broken heart. He watched as bitterness and anger set in. His distrust of women that later turned into misogyny.

He had caused this. Lucifer was the one who made Adam who he was. All because he was too blind to see what was truly going on.

What has he done?

Lucifer came back into himself and he realized that he had been crying as well.

[beebopboom]

Archangel Raphael

Is it Crowley? Is it Aziraphale?

What if I said he is the both of them?

I know a little out there thing to say but it’s a theory i’ve had hanging around in the back of my head for a while now because the thing is,

Crowley seems to have held the rank Raphael has but Aziraphale shows more of his actions.

These two theories have been around for a while and at no point am I trying to take away from what people have put together. This is just for fun and silly purposes. and I wasn’t kidding when I said I’ve had this theory for a while and just didn’t know how to put it in words so it might not be the best.

But let’s just start with who is Archangel Raphael

Raphael

The Angelic Prince of Healing

Well let’s start at the beginning, or well before the beginning.

According to the Midrash Konen, before he was Raphael he was the angel Libbiel.

In this God gathers all their angels before Adam is created and hears their opinions. While some angels praised God for their creation others spoke out against it. The Angel of Love and the Angel of Justice were both in favor while the Angel of Truth and the Angel of Peace both objected.

For this the Angel of Truth is cast out Heaven by God. God then summoned a band of angels under Michael, Gabriel, and Libbiel. Both of the bands under Michael and Gabriel scornfully called out against the creation of man and were too cast out. Libbiel seeing what happened to those bands warned his own to call out in favor of creation of man and thus was rewarded with the new name, Raphael, for his efforts.

Raphael, the rescuer, Angelic prince of Healing.

This is just one story of Raphael, if we take a step outside religion but still the very important book, Paradise Lost by John Milton, we can find Raphael there as well.

He is the angel that comes to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to warn them against temptation. Through him we hear about the rebellion and war in Heaven. He eats with Adam and Eve and doesn’t just directly quote God but rather shares his own views and opinions.

An interesting and very important take on Raphael but let’s just jump back into the religious stuff.

In the First Book of Enoch he is the angel over the spirits of men and set over all diseases and wounds. He was instructed to bind Azazel and heal the Earth that has been corrupted by the Watchers.

In the bible Raphael was one of the three angels that appeared to Abraham in the oak grove of Mamre. His task was the heal Abraham and save Lot. (Genesis)

Though not identified with name he is credited to be the angel who periodically stirred the pool of Bethesda (John)

His main story though comes from the Book of Tobit. He acts as a guide on Tobias’s journey to Sarah disguised as a human peasant. On this journey they gut a fish that they then end up later using to expel the demon, Asmodus, and heal his father, Tobit. This is the story where most of his depictions come from including the one above.

In Jewish text, under the name Israfil, he is depicted as the angel who stands eternally with a trumpet on his lips waiting and ready to announce the day of judgement.

Wooh that was a quick run down. (pls correct me if any of this was wrong) But moving on for now.

Title Sequence

Disclaimer: Not main supporting evidence. Secondary at best. Really just something interesting that didn’t fit anywhere else.

Now before we get into how this all connects in the show I wanted to make stop to point out something from the s1 TS that I have never been able to explain away.

Both of them getting sucked up into the spaceship and then it burst into fish.

Fish huh? Interesting…

Gabriel’s Trial

This is the part that gives us some of the biggest pieces of evidence for a Very Highranking AngelCrowley.

Before we even get to the trial we have Crowley able to get into the file that only a throne, dominion, or above could access.

Then we have Gabriel saying he is “the only first order archangel in the room, or yknow the universe” with the immediate cut to Crowley. Visually this is a very obvious signal that this is something to pay attention to, foreshadowing that something is not right with this statement.

The clip above also gives us that this being would have been considered a Prince of Heaven.

Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, and the last three kinda vary. But we are just going to focus on these four anyway since that seems to be the number the show likes.

The only one missing from those four is Raphael and it seems that the Metatron still holds quite the grudge and memory of this being….*cut to Metatron glaring at Crowley*

But there is also something else we learn in this Trial.

That the name Gabriel is tied to his angelic status, a name he was about to lose along with his memories. A name he does end up losing while he doesn’t have his memories, getting replaced with Jim.

But one thing I did want to mention in this section before leaving, even if it didn’t happen during Crowley’s trip to Heaven, was when Michael says “there is always a Supreme Archangel.”

All of this has some very interesting implications of what happened in the past, and let’s not forget that Aziraphale was battling demons while all this was happening.

Now though that this has all been laid out let’s get into the meat of this.

Aziraphale and Crowley

yknow for this being about them I haven’t talked about them a lot lol. But let’s start at the beginning of them, the time one became two.

Originally they were written as one character, a fallen angel, until it was eventually changed into the two characters we know and love, Aziraphale and Crowley.

Now I’m not claiming to know what was going on in their heads during the creation process, just that the absence of a single prominent archangel when they were originally a single character is…interesting.

but that’s what got me thinking.

In Before the Beginning there doesn’t really seem to be a rank system more along the lines of groups that have certain jobs in the creation process of the universe. Not saying there wasn’t a ranking system but I doubt it was as large and complex as it is in present day.

However there is no denying the parallels that Gabriel and Crowley play to each other, particularly with their Angelic Ranking.

So what I’m proposing is that yes, Crowley was a very high ranking angel, perhaps on the same level as Gabriel - an angel named Raphael.

But he Fell, his name taken away from him in the process and he became Crawley.

With this though it left a space open, a Raphael shaped space up in Heaven and History. The Job of who Raphael was supposed to be.

A job that another certain angel seems to take up through his actions, Aziraphale.

Aziraphale’s name quite literally means “helper of Raphael” which technically he did do when he helped start up the star factory.

but even in that moment it was the two of them doing a job that was supposed to be only meant for one.

It’s a theme they continue throughout their years together, they cancel each other out, they take to doing each others jobs that never tip off the other side. They are the most powerful when they are working together, helping to stop Armageddon and the 25 Lazarii miracle they perform together. Two sides of the same, single coin.

The spot for Raphael was only meant to be held by one, the place Crowley held before the Fall. The place Aziraphale took up in the aftermath. There is always a Raphael.

However one does not just lose the power of being a first order archangel hence why Crowley is still so powerful.

The only one to realize this - The Metatron and well probably God too. Hence the need for at least Aziraphale back up in Heaven, as well as just keeping an eye on him.

and this really all just makes me want to point out that after Armageddon was diverted and they were out there on the bench and Crowley asks if God,

“Planned it all like this, very beginning.”

and I can’t help but say, yes. Two angels designed for the same role, one fallen and one not. Together they are complete and bound through history. Together they are the most powerful. 

[lenaellsi]

Something I've been thinking about: Crowley was not sent to kill Job's children.

(Under the cut for length; this got away from me.)

I think we can safely infer that Hell actually did send him to destroy the goats. He has his permit ready when Aziraphale shows up, and even cheekily calls himself one of Satan's "diabolical ministers." I wouldn't be surprised if he was sent to supervise the family during the bet as well, reporting in on whether Job seems to be losing faith. We don't know whether he volunteered for the assignment or whether he was chosen because he's one of Satan's favorites, but it's clear he's meant to be there in some capacity.

But it's specifically mentioned in the basement scene that Satan sent a storm to kill the children. Not Crowley--a storm. And that means that Crowley is in that house against orders. He's not just refusing to do something terrible on behalf of Hell, he's actively working to thwart them. That's a step further than "a demon who goes along with Hell as far as he can" would imply, and it has to be incredibly dangerous for him to meddle in something Satan has such a keen interest in. So why help these humans in particular? He can't save them all--he knows that. He knows that better than anyone. (Nothing lasts forever.)

And there are a lot of reasons Crowley might choose to help Job's family, despite the risks. We know from the Flood that Crowley is disturbed by the idea of killing children just to make a point. We know that Crowley loves humanity, and that he dreads their eventual, inevitable destruction. We know that Crowley is brave enough to stand against Hell when it counts, even when it could mean his own death.

But I'd argue that in the case of Job and Sitis, it's personal. He's angry about this bet because it cuts to the core of the reason he Fell in the first place. This isn't about getting one over on Hell; it's about God. And we know that because the moment Crowley intervenes at the end, the moment he runs into a room full of archangels with no plan and no allies except an angel he's still not sure he can trust, is the moment where Sitis snaps.

Sitis is surrounded by impossibly powerful beings, the only human in the room save for her husband, who still refuses to fault God for anything. She is distraught, raging at the unfairness of it all, the callousness of the angels who have shown up to congratulate her even as she drowns in grief for her children who will never grow up. (Plenty to say here about star nurseries, about wasted potential, about futility and senseless endings--but this post is too long already). So she says so, because what else does she have to lose? If my children are dead, then I will curse God--

Enter Crowley. That never ends well, he says, barging in with a big silly grin, but we've seen Crowley as an angel, now, and we know what he means: I know how that ends. I know how it ended for me. I won't let you Fall the way I did.

This is especially interesting because earlier in the episode, Crowley seems to be nudging Job the other way. I burn with fury, Job says, and Crowley says of course you do. (That's just how it started for me.) Crowley is encouraging Job to see things his way, zeroing in on the righteous rage he thinks he's hearing, because truth and knowledge are important to him. Crowley has never been able to stop himself from offering the apple, even when he knows the stakes. (See you in Hell.)

But then Job turns his anger inward. If he's being punished, he reasons, if he's so horrified by what must be God's will, then he must be the one at fault. (I lied, Aziraphale sobs, to thwart the will of God!) And Crowley is visibly confused, maybe even a bit frustrated. What do you mean? What have you done? And you know he wants to say, You didn't do anything wrong.

Neither of us did.

Because he knows. He's read the contract. He knows that Job is a good, kind man, and that he's done nothing at all to provoke God except to be the perfect pawn for Her game with Satan. He knows that if Job objects to the obvious injustice he's suffering, he'll be damned for failing a test he had no knowledge of and no hope of passing. And of course that feels familiar. How could it not?

The Job contract is as much confirmation as Crowley will ever get, from a God who answered his first questions with a Fall into boiling sulfur, that his suffering has never been 'deserved.' God is willing to take the best of the humans, Her special favorites, the ones his stars were built for, and cast them into damnation at the first sign of doubt. So when he Fell--

You didn't do anything wrong, Crowley is thinking, as he sees Job in his despair and Sitis in her fury and the children in their fear and Aziraphale in his guilt. And even if you did, even if you weren't perfect, even if you were angry and resentful and full of doubt, how could any transgression be worthy of this?

I'm sure plenty of people have talked about how the flashbacks in S2 are from Aziraphale's point of view, and course the purpose of that is to show the audience how he comes to his decision in 2x06. We follow Aziraphale closely this episode, from when he first hears about the contract to when he decides to lie to the Supreme Archangel's face. It's an important story beat for him, one of the high points in his character arc. This episode isn't about Crowley, really--it's about what Aziraphale thinks of Crowley, and about Aziraphale's long journey to discovering his own sense of right and wrong outside of Heaven's dogma.

But that means that we never see Crowley accept the assignment to kill the goats. We never see him worry over the danger he'll be in if he refuses. We learn that he's going against Hell only when Aziraphale does. Crowley isn't the kind of person to stew in self-reflection--he spends millennia doing his best to outrun his own emotions--but even if he was, we as the audience aren't often privy to those thoughts. Crowley is as closed-off to us as he is to Aziraphale for most of S2's flashbacks.

But we still get more than enough to understand exactly why Crowley is so disgusted by the offer to return to Heaven. Because the one scene in the Job minisode that happens before Aziraphale shows up, and one of the only scenes in the flashbacks that takes place from solely Crowley's perspective, is this speech:

You should know why you’re about to die. God has abandoned you. The god who claims to love you, who demands your praise, has given you up to be destroyed.

Bad luck.

[vidavalor]

The Gabriel's Trial Video

Say you're The Metatron...

Why would you send your minion Saraqael to make sure that Crowley was shown the footage of Gabriel's trial and then let him go back and tell everyone about it?

Especially when the only person who comes out looking great in it is Gabriel and the rest of you just look like the evil fucks that you are?

What is the advantage to The Metatron?

It's this bit:

The Metatron knows they'll never convince Crowley that they're not evil (because they are) but if their temptation of Aziraphale is going to be successful, then Satan is going to have to make it look genuine by letting Aziraphale go talk it over with Crowley first.

As we've seen before back in 1.01, Satan can possess and control Crowley against his will if he is able to look at him. He has to be there in the room with him-- and, indeed, he does just that again in 2.06.

He takes over Crowley and tells Crowley that he's The Metatron, which also effectively makes Crowley incapable of considering the idea that this being is anyone but The Metatron for the rest of the season. Satan then has Crowley identify him to the angels as The Metatron-- all of whom cannot recognize him because they are not familiars of The Devil.

The Big Villain Music shows up in the moment that he forces Crowley to stay in the chair and not accompany or follow them so he can tempt Aziraphale:

Like we said, though, in order to have a shot at convincing Aziraphale that he's really The Metatron and that the job offer is real, Satan will have to leave Crowley and Aziraphale alone in the bookshop to discuss it. Satan can watch them-- and does-- but he can't possess and control Crowley unless he's looking at him directly. It's the biggest potential hurdle in Satan and The Metatron's plan. As a result, it matters to Satan and The Metatron what Crowley thinks the risks of the Supreme Archangel position are because if Crowley has a solid argument against that could dissuade Aziraphale, it will be harder for Aziraphale's temptation to be successful.

Showing Crowley the Gabriel trial video was meant to convince him of something that is actually true, which is that the Supreme Archangel position comes with immunity from being sent to Hell. It was to try to allay Crowley's fears about Satan getting ahold of Aziraphale which, as we know, is one of Crowley's worst nightmares-- maybe even his very worst.

Crowley does see that it wouldn't benefit The Metatron to send The Supreme Archangel to Hell... However, Crowley, wisely, doesn't believe that Gabriel's old job doesn't come with immunity from death, though, because his "oh, you are too cute" response to Muriel's whew! reaction to The Metatron's stated punishment for Gabriel was to lightly punch their arm in a way that showed he thought them naive.

Crowley believes that if The Metatron ever got his hands on Gabriel again, he'd try to kill him, but he is convinced from the trial video of the one, true thing that The Metatron's ever really said, which is that it is a political liability for him to keep casting Supreme Archangels to Hell left and right. Doing it once gave him a good story to use to keep the angels in line but more than that and it becomes apparent pretty quickly that The Metatron is the problem and not the angels and that threatens The Metatron's power as it could lead to a revolution.

The Metatron and Satan depend upon one another being in power to keep their own power so they've teamed up for this one so they can get revenge on these rebelling angels and demons and finally get their Armageddon on.

The Metatron is assisting Satan's temptation of Aziraphale by showing Crowley this video.

What our villains have greatly underestimated, though, is Crowley's ability to find something new and terrifying to have an anxiety attack over. They didn't anticipate that he have been stressed half to death for the prior week over a thing that doesn't exist that he and Beez made up ages ago-- The Book of Life. They're just like ok, we showed Crowley the movie, that should do it. They achieved their goal in proving to Crowley that anyone who has the position of Supreme Archangel won't be tossed to Hell because that much is true.

Crowley is just too fixated on The Book of Life being the threat to notice that there's no surety that the job offer itself is genuine.

Between the video and Satan influencing Crowley to believe that he's really The Metatron, Satan and The Metatron have tricked Crowley into believing that the job offer is genuine and that Aziraphale won't be at risk of being tossed to Hell...

...which is pretty ironic, considering that's actually exactly what's happening.

[thefallennightmare]

Mercy-two

gif created by me. feel free to use, simply give credit*

Pairings: Noah Sebastian x Fallen Angel!OC

Warnings: swearing, angst, fluff, smut, mythological talk, violence.

Summary: "Blinded by a fear of feeling, these are the kings we chose. Lost and looking for the meaning, I've been searching high and low" It came crashing down on him. This is the story of the highest banished angel from where she came only to find home in the arms of a mortal man. This mortal realizing he'd face Lucifer himself to keep her.

Lethia: Archangelus Oneironaut also known as Archangel of Dream Walking. Across worlds and dimensions, she walks within. Uncovering dangerous secrets, leaving her cast out, isolated- that is until she begins to learn what it means to feel.

Authors Notes: I hope you all enjoy what I have planned for this story because it's going to be amazing!

Tags[OPEN]: @thescarlettvvitch @blackveilomens @crimson-calligraphyx @cookiesupplier @lyschko666 @shilohrosechicken @thebadchic @iknownothingpeople @sammyjoeee @malice-ov-mercy @kaelyn-lobrutto24

LETHIA

I stood before the old, cracked, mirror, completely bare, and a scowl stared back at me as I took in my new appearance. I felt off; wrong, and despised the darkness that encompassed the room. I held my hand out in front of me to look at the long black nails; sharp as knives. My gaze then took in the sight of the wings that protruded from my shoulder blades and a sob left my lips when I realized that I didn’t look like myself. The ink that covered my arms had no true meaning or designs but one held my gaze longer than the others. 

It was on my ribs and the design was of a snake wrapping around a hand that held an apple. I titled my head in confusion at it, unsure as to why this design was the one that stood out to me so much. 

Up in the kingdom, my hair was down to my back in golden waves, my nails were short nubs, and my skin was pure with no ink. But I wasn’t sure what I was more afraid of, my wings or my eyes. 

My eyes were blood red as I stared at myself in the mirror. It was as if pure evil was in my presence.

The devil. 

My body shook at the thought, not knowing where that word came from, and the noise my wings made echoed throughout the abandoned building I was holed up in. The wings that I felt disgusted by. Angels were known by their wings and everyone knew of my bright golden ones. But now, the darkness that caused my fall had taken over every aspect of my form. 

My wings were black as the night sky but seemed to almost glow in the darkness of the building. What used to be soft and weightless was now heavy and jagged as it felt like a crushing weight against my back. I wrapped them around myself, hiding underneath the dark feathers, and I let out a shuddering breath. I despised the way I looked now and turned my back to the mirror, refusing to look at myself any longer. 

During my time in the Kingdom, I never was present when angels fell but I heard many stories. In all of them, an angel never changed during their fall. They lost their wings but their looks remained the same. Throughout the entire history of angels and the Kingdom, as far as I knew, I was the only angel that drastically changed. 

Was it because I went against the King? Was it because of who I found myself in bed with before my fall?

I didn’t know where I went from here, unsure of the path I needed to follow. Since creation, I followed some sort of leader or order but now my purpose didn’t matter. 

Through all the doubt and confusion, there was one thing I knew I needed to do. I sat with my legs crossed and took a deep breath while letting my eyes flutter shut. I’d been in this place for the last few days, hiding away from the outside world, as I tried to center myself. Even though I was upset with the way my appearance changed from the fall, I was glad that my powers remained; especially the fact that I was able to become aware of my surroundings. I was in a different time period and while at first, I felt different, an outcast among mortals, with hours spent dream walking I was able to learn more about where I fell.

The cool air brushed along my bare skin, my nipples perking, as I let out a long breath, finally feeling weightless when the scene in front of me changed. No longer was I sitting in the abandoned building but instead, I was standing in front of yet another mirror, still naked. I looked in the reflection of the glass seeing a bed behind me with orange lights glowing from behind it. There was a figure sitting at the edge of it with a piece of fabric wrapped around his waist and water dripped from the long strands of his hair. 

The window to the bedroom was open and a crow perched itself on the sill of it, cawing when our gazes locked. I’d seen this crow many times before when I dreamed walked, almost as if it was my familiar. 

With another caw from the bird, the man on the bed snapped his head, brown eyes drinking me in as I shifted on my feet and when his hand extended towards me, I studied the tattoos that seemed to cover every inch of skin. 

“Lethia.” 

I twitched as if hearing my name on his lips awoke something within me. 

“Come here.” 

Instantly, he pulled me into his lap and my hands rested on his shoulders. It wasn’t only his hands that were tattooed, almost every inch of his chest, stomach, and arms were as well. 

He brushed the hair from my face but I kept my gaze cast away from him, not wanting him to see the darkness behind them. 

“Don’t hide from me, Lethia. I want to see those eyes.” 

A finger lifted my chin where briefly our gazes locked and my heart beat widely in my chest. His name weighed heavy on my tongue but I refused to say it. He licked his lips before they pressed delicate kisses along my jawline, down to my neck, and I sucked in a breath when he used his grip on my hips to move me back and forth on his lap. The fabric that covered his bottom half did nothing to hide the outline of his cock as it pressed against my heated core. 

“Say my name,” he rasped in the crook of my neck leaving bites against the skin. 

I did my best to shake my head as a moan fell from my lips. Unlike outside of the dream state, I was able to feel his touch; his fingers gripping my hips, his teeth scraping along the pulse point of my neck, and the head of his cock breaking free from the fabric and sliding against my folds. 

There were many times in the kingdom that I found myself intimate with other angels, my most recent lover the reason for my fall, but something with him was different. The way my heart pounded so hard in my chest, I could hear it in my ears. Or the way my stomach burned with desire and spread through my entire essence. 

“Say it,” he poised the head of his cock at my entrance. 

I shook my head. “No.” 

A grunt sounded from the back of his throat before he switched our positions so he was leaning over me while I lay beneath him. My fingers quickly worked through the long strands of his still-damp hair, marveling at the softness of them. Intense eyes stared down at me, lip caught between his teeth. 

“You’re an angel.” 

“Shit,” I mewled when he finally pressed his cock between my folds, filling me up completely. 

Not giving me a second to breathe, he began slamming into me with such force I scratched my nails down the tattoos of his chest and stomach to try and grab onto something. 

“Say. It.” He punctuated each word with a hard snap of his hips. 

His fingers linked through mine and held our intertwined hands above my head. The fire burning from his eyes was almost too much to take so I dropped my gaze lower to his neck and I sucked in a breath at the tattoo. 

A snake wrapped around a hand that held an apple. 

The pad of his thumb brushed against my swollen clit in fast circles and my toes curled as the orgasm washed over me in a tidal wave, his name finally falling from my lips. 

“Noah.” 

My eyes snapped open with a choked breath as I nearly stumbled over in my position on the floor. I was back in the abandoned building, alone, and quickly rose to my feet while trying to gain my composure. When I dreamwalked in the past, there never was a set destination, only going where my brain and heart guided me. I wasn't sure why it led me to the man who saved me a few nights ago. 

My skin prickled with desire, the feel of Noah still heavy on my senses, and I squeezed my legs together hoping it would kill the ache in my core. It wasn’t uncommon for angels to lay with other angels; I had before, more recently with Lucifer. Which, some above in the Kingdom would say that’s the reason why I fell. 

But with this mortal, Noah, something felt different inside of me. An unknown heat burned my entire soul at the mere thought of him. Although I couldn’t feel his physical touch, his emotional touch hindered me in the most confusing ways. 

With a deep breath and a roll of my shoulders, my wings sank into my back while I reached for the jeans and shirt I stole from the store around the block. I quickly got dressed and slipped into my black boots. I tried not to let the thoughts of those brown eyes and the tattoo on his neck hinder me from my current mission. 

I needed to find a church. 

NOAH

My feet pounded lightly against the pavement as I left my car parked in the street, ready to meet up with the guys for a late lunch. I’d been in the studio most of the day and when Jolly called about getting something to eat, my stomach growled in agreement before I could. 

“You need to get out of the house, Noah. You’ve been locked in the studio the last three days.” 

I didn’t bother arguing with Jolly because it was true. The old, battered, notebook I used to write my lyrics never left my side the last few days, my current page being bookmarked by the long black feather; the one Lethia left behind in her wake. The image, the thought of her taking over every part of me. Even in my dreams, she felt so real. The touch of her, the scent of her, and her sweet sounds especially the dream I had mere hours ago felt so fucking real. Even the crow that watched us from my window. 

I was still perplexed as to why for the last few weeks I kept dreaming of Lethia, long before even meeting her. And why ever since I did meet her, the dreams felt more intense; real. 

Running a hand through my hair, I rounded the block and pushed past the large crowds of people that poured out from the bar, stumbling into the streets; dressed to the nines in costume. With Halloween a couple of weeks away, some of the local bars were having Costume Nights, hence what I was seeing right now. There was a sudden commotion just past the group of people and I stopped at what I saw.

“What the fuck,” I muttered the curse into my hand as I rubbed my jaw. 

Lethia was standing at the corner of the block with her hands wrapped around a man's wrist. 

“What gives you the right to say those vulgar words to me?” the anger in her voice radiated down the block. 

The man, dressed in a white toga and golden leaf crown, tried to rip his arm from Lethia’s grip but hissed out in pain. 

“Those jeans do wonders for your ass, sweetheart. Those tits are begging to be grabbed.” 

A scowl pulled on her lips. “Mortals. You’re disgusting. You all think you’re owed anything you desire.” 

“I’ll give you whatever you desire,” the man traced a finger down her face. 

Jealousy stabbed my chest seeing how close he was to Lethia but before I could step in, she had twisted his arm over her head, causing him to flip over onto his back, slamming into the pavement below. He tried to fight it but Lethia simply stepped on his chest, keeping him locked in place with her boot. 

“What the fuck,” he struggled. 

Lethia pressed the heel of her boot harder into his chest. “I should eviscerate you, right here. In front of your friends who simply can’t stand up for you. How pathetic.” 

One of the guys’ friends snuck up behind Lethia to try and wrap an arm around her neck to pull her away but she must have heard or sensed him because she whipped around, knocking him back with elbow. 

“Fucking bitch!” The second guy cried out, clutching his bloody nose.

Toga guy scrambled to his feet but Lethia was two steps ahead of him and kicked him in the nose, knocking him back down. 

“How is she so strong?” Toga guy spat out blood. 

Hearing the crowd next to me muttering something about calling the police, I cursed and pushed my way through, knowing that if I didn’t do something soon, Lethia would be in a position she couldn’t fight her way out of. 

“What the fuck!” She screamed as I quickly scooped her up, tossing her over my shoulder. “Unhand me! NOW!” 

Her hands smacked against my back but not wanting to risk staying around the mess of bodies at my feet, I quickly ran back down the block toward my car. 

“Can you stop smacking me?” I grunted while shifting her position on my shoulder. 

“LET ME GO!” Lethia tried to knee me in the gut but I wrapped my arm tighter around her legs, keeping her locked in place. 

It took a bit of trouble but I managed to reach for my keys to unlock my car just as I walked up. Yanking the door open, I gently dropped Lethia into the front seat, her feet kicking widely at me. 

“I swear to gods if you don’t stop kicking me, I’m going to leave you here to deal with those assholes on your own,” I said with agitation. 

It was a lie. I had zero intentions of leaving her here with them, even if she could handle herself. 

Lethia halted her thrashing for a moment, tilting her head up towards me as I leaned over the car. 

“Gods? What Gods? There is only one King,” she said. 

Sudden commotion from where we just came from caught my attention and I saw Toga guy and friend frantically looking around. 

“Shit,” I cursed while quickly buckling Letha into her seat. 

“What is this contraption? Why can’t I move?” 

Ignoring her shouts, I shut the door and ran across to the driver's side, easily slipping behind the wheel. Thankfully I was able to drive away without the two guys noticing Lethia was in my front seat.

“What the hell was that about?” I asked, glancing at her briefly. 

She kept pulling on her seatbelt. “Those men said such vulgar things. I couldn’t allow them to get away with it. 

The sound of the blinker echoed in my car as I turned left, our destination unknown. 

“I’m pretty sure you broke both of their noses,” I chuckled. 

“I would have done more if you didn’t pull me away,” Lethia grumbled under her breath, the seatbelt snapping against her chest. 

She didn’t even flinch. 

“You need to let me out of whatever this thing is.” 

I raised a brow. “Have plans?” 

Her red eyes assessed every inch of my car before her gaze fell on the side of my face. 

“None that concern you,” Lethia replied flatly. 

I hummed while pulling the car to a stop at a red light. My fingers drummed against the steering wheel as silence filled the tiny space between us. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Lethia stared straight out through the windshield of the car. 

“Do all mortal men have staring problems?” Her lips were pulled in a tight line. 

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my smirk away. “I’ve never seen eyes your color before.” 

When the light turned green, I began driving again, hoping Lethia would give me an inclination on where she wanted to go. 

“There’s quite a lot you don’t know about me, Noah,” she clicked her tongue on her teeth. 

My cock twitched in my jeans at the way my name sounded on her lips and I shifted in the seat, my knuckles turning white from how hard I was grasping the steering wheel. 

I cleared my throat. “I’m glad to see your injuries healed up nicely.” 

“I said they would, didn’t I?” Lethia smugly smiled. 

Ignoring her witty remark, I pulled into a parking lot. She gazed up out of the window at the large yellow M sign. 

“Mephistopheles?” 

“No,” I shook my head with furrowed brows. “Mcdonalds. I thought you might be hungry.” 

She fell back into her seat. “I don’t eat.” 

I continued to stare at her, confusion etched in my bones. This was only our second meeting and every time she either said or did something that made me question where she came from. 

“I know you said you weren’t hungry but what if-.” 

Lethia suddenly sat forward. “Is that a church” 

With narrowed eyes, I followed her finger as she pointed to a building across the street. 

“Uh-yeah?” I answered with hesitation. 

“Thank you,” she gave a curt nod then all but scrambled out of my car. 

“Wait,” I followed her movements by walking in front of the car. 

But it was too late, Lethia was already halfway down the block. 

“Where are you going?” I called after her. 

“I need to talk to the King!” She waved a hand over her shoulder and then slipped into the sudden darkness that encased the church. 

I never pegged her to be the religious type, needing to talk to her king this late in the evening but then again, I didn’t know much about her to begin with. 

My feet went to follow but the buzzing from my pocket halted me and when I peered at the screen, I knew I couldn’t ignore this. With a long sigh, I got back into my car, Lethia still heavy on my mind. 

LETHIA

I sat in the long, beaten, pew, and stared up at the altar where a lone statue of Jesus stood. His arms spread wide as if it was accepting everyone’s sin with a stone face; literally. A low scowl pulled on my lips as I glared at the statue. 

“I don’t understand why your creation was more important than ours. The King always favored you more than us.” 

An ear-ringing silence filled the large space of the church as I continued to sit there, waiting for any kind of sign from above. 

“I’ve followed you since my creation. I was your number one for as long as I can remember. However, you cast me out because I loved someone other than you? We were all your children but didn’t think twice about turning your back on me.” 

I sat forward with a start, hands gripping the pew in front of me and my long black nails dug into the wood. 

“Why did you cast me in a different time? Is this punishment?” 

The only noise in the church was the sound of the old building creaking with the blowing wind from outside. 

“Fuck, give me some sort of answer!” I bellowed, my voice echoing. 

More silence and that’s what finally made me rise to my feet with a start and I spat on the floor. 

“Why did I think I’d get any answers from you? I’ll figure this out on my own.” 

Turning my back to the altar, my footsteps bounced off the marble walls as I pushed open the doors of the church, bounding down the steps with newfound adrenaline. It was foolish of me to think I’d get the answers I deserved in a building that was built for two things; worship and greed. 

My fire eyes stared straight ahead as I pushed my way through the bodies of mortals whose problems paled in comparison to mine. My mind was filled with so many different things, that I hadn’t realized I walked straight into a body, never feeling his touch, until my voice was called; quite loudly. 

“Lethia!” 

My gaze snapped up towards those familiar brown eyes, filled with warmth and concern. 

I was wrapped in one of his arms, although I couldn’t feel it, I knew his fingers were grazing over my lower back; I felt it in my heart. 

“Are you alright? You look pretty upset,” Noah asked. 

His scent tickled my nose and it brought back memories of when I walked in his dream earlier. I was able to feel everything in his dream; his touch, his lips on my skin, his cock as it buried deep inside of me, and my orgasm as it ripped through me. 

But here, in the flesh, I couldn’t feel any part of him on my skin. My lip quivered because out of all the confusion on where my life went moving forward, what dug the knife deeper into my chest was the fact I couldn’t feel him. 

He’s a mortal! Why does my heart yearn for him in ways I don’t understand?

“Are you following me? It seems like everywhere I turn, you’re there!” I snapped, ripping myself from his embrace. 

Something flashed in his eyes. “I promise you, I’m not.” 

The tattoo on his neck caught my attention as it peaked through the hood of his black sweater and I felt my hands twitch at my sides. My long nails practically begged me to dig into the bright-colored ink because it mirrored the one on my ribs. There had to be some kind of connection between us, hence why I thought of Noah when I fell and how easily it was to walk into his dream earlier. Not to mention our matching tattoos. 

His long hair was pulled back, only a few strands falling into the soft features of his face, and it was then that I noticed the large bag on his shoulder. 

“What’s that?” I motioned towards it.

“My guitar,” Noah shifted it on his back. 

“Guitar?” 

“Yeah,” he nodded with a faint smile. “You know, for music.” 

Music. 

“You play- music?” I spoke slowly. 

“Yeah, I have a band. Bad Omens.” 

The proud smile on his face made something flutter in the pits of my stomach and I shifted on my feet at the uncomfortable and unknown feeling. 

“Do you know Luce, then? He used to play music all the time for me.” I wondered. 

If the King couldn’t give me the answers I sought, I knew Lucifer would if I found him. 

Noah’s brows furrowed. “The name doesn't sound familiar, sorry.” 

Cursing, I ran a hand through my hair, it still shocked me that my hands smacked my shoulder instead of continuing to run through long longs. The short length would take time to get used to.

“Why don’t you let me take you home? It’s getting kind of late.” He suggested. 

I waved him off. “I was kicked out of my home.” 

Noah’s jaw dropped slightly. “So, where are you staying then?” 

Movement over his shoulder caught my eyes and I sucked in a breath; familiar emerald eyes staring back at me. They were calling me in, pulling my soul back to his. Black strands of his hair were combed back, further showcasing those bright eyes. His olive-colored skin I spent many nights in the Kingdom kissing sparkled under the moonlight. 

“Lethia, come home.” His deep rich voice spoke to me. 

“Lucifer,” I breathed. 

Noah’s face twitched. “What?” 

Ignoring him, I pushed past him and through the sea of people, trying to reach Lucifer until his form vanished with the blowing wind.

[ineffablerainstorm]

You cannot convince me Crowley wasn't a really high-rankling angel before he fell. Like on a level with Gabriel. Not when this is literally the look on his face, after Gabriel says: "However, I am the only first order archangel in the room or, you know, the universe." Hard cut to this ⬇️

Then there is the password clearance (“you'd have to be a throne or a dominion or above") and the extreme sanctions bit ("to frighten the cherubs").

And also: Crowley doesn't remember the people he worked with: Saraqael and also Furfur. Even though they remember him clearly. Just like you can remember that one boss you had once, but they probably forgot about you immediately. And tbh angel-Crowley didn't pay that much attention to Aziraphale, when they first met and he was busy creating a nebula.

(someone probably said it all before, but I just watched that scene again and just had to get something about it out)

So if he was... well, he knows first hand that Aziraphale won't be able to make a difference. Time to cry some more.

[berdevosque]

I have THE theory, please stay with me. I'm currently rewatching season 2, and these days I gaved some thought to the question what angel was Crowley.

WELL. FINAL EPISODE. Crowley looking through the archives of Gabriel last meeting with the Archangels.

THE CAMERA. While the sequence is playing the camera has some distance so you see the conversation between Michael and Gabriel, and Crowley in the back giving some reactions to it. But something happens. Please check it out: minute 9:36, episode 2x6.

Just when Gabriel says: "I am the only First-Order Archangel in the room, or, you know, the Universe", in that precise moment THE CAMERA GOES AND DOES, FOR THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME, A CLOSE UP TO CROWLEY'S FACE. What could it mean??? Why in THAT moment???

Not when Gabriel is saying nah to the second armagedon. So it might be important to show some preocupation from Crowley. Not when the other Archangels are in disbelieve. So it might be the moment Crowley can be certain that Gabriel was in danger because of that. IT DOES IT WHEN GABRIEL SAYS HE IS THE ONLY FIRST-ORDER. WHY??

Seems to me a perfect s3 foreshadow of Crowley being the other first order who didn't intend to stop being one. And it is true that we have to think in Lucifer, and he had to be there in the upper rankings. But the WHY THE "the only first-order Archangel in THE ROOM". It has so much power as a moment to show how does Crowley feel there in heaven, having to go through those corridors, listening to his old companions, showing us how the old dynamics, even after the war and all the time passed, stays the same, giving that all the second and third order Archangels show Crowley so much respect. And how Heaven lies. It is a lie. Gabriel IS NOT the only First-Order Archangel neither in the room or in the universe. And Crowley seems to be the only one who notices it and it makes him feel so many things that IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE CAMERA TO DO A CLOSE UP.

And men does it makes sense. I can't scape the idea of Crowley being Rafael. Thats why there is no Rafael in the Good Omens universe. Thats why he knows better than Azirafel how is it like to be an Archangel.

I am sorry about my english, it is not my first languaje, but I hope some people reads these and we can share some thoughts. Apart from all these, I love the idea of Crowley being Baraquiel thought, just because of the easter egg in the Demons Guide. "Wait and see"

[koji-haru]

Okay!!! Here a random idea, but only if you get bored. -also hope the pumpkin pie went okay.

It’s a classic cute dumb, but I can’t resist.

Since heaven is basically perfect, I’m assuming that the most damage you might do is to your wings or halo. Either by rough housing with Lucifer or by sparing with Lute, either one of his wings or halo gets messed up. So they have to take Adam to the healer to get them fixed, but in order to do that they have to put them to sleep/ aesthetic. And when Adam wakes up he’s all out of it with hardly any memory. Just the classic of calling Michael pretty and crying when he mentions their married.

Sorry! I just saw a video and I loved it so much!

[Ah, I like it! Just them being very cute together! Also, this is a perfect palate cleanser considering my last few updates. - And I know I already answered it, but the pumpkin pie was great! Even better than what I expected!

Anyway, something short and sweet, and maybe a little funny? I tried, but I'm no good at humour ┐(´～｀)┌ ]

Lute sat a little nervously outside of Adam’s room at one of Raphael’s clinics, twiddling her thumbs in awkward silence. Michael was sitting beside her, also waiting to be let in the room, though the expression on his face clearly told her that he was not impressed, with her nor with Adam. Having to explain to Michael how Adam got his halo damaged in the first place was embarrassing enough, but now she also had to wait with a displeased archangel by her side for a few hours. She kept her head down like a child who had been caught doing things they shouldn’t, which actually wasn’t that far off from what had happened. 

The door clicked open and one of Raphael’s students finally invited them into the room. Inside was Adam, resting on the bed, eyes looking particularly looking at nothing. 

“He just woke up, so his mind might be a little foggy. But other than that, his halo has been fixed, no major damage, just a few minor scratches and cracks,” the student said before leaving the room. 

Michael sat on the chair beside Adam while Lute decided to remain standing by the foot of the bed. 

“So, how did wrestling with leviathans go?,” Michael asked with a plastered smile. 

Leviathans were colossal beasts that lurked around the edges of purgatory, ensuring that no wayward soul stumbled their way into either Heaven or Hell. While angels could normally deal with one easily enough, they were still dangerous beasts, and dealing with multiple of them would be quite foolish. And today, it seemed that both Adam and Lute decided to be foolish as the two decided that the best way to spend their day off was to see who could subdue the most leviathans between them. 

“Huh? Levywhatnow?” Adam squinted at the blurry figure in front of him. “Who are you?,” he asked, one hand wobbling towards Michael to cusp his face.

Michael let out a light-hearted laugh, “You don’t know me? I’m Michael, the archangel of justice.”

“Your hair is so soft,” Adam mumbled as he played with Michael’s hair between his fingers, fully immersing himself in its delicate softness. Then he turned his gaze back towards Michael’s face as if only remembering now that there was a person in front of him. He squinted again, trying to get the blurriness out of his vision. In front of him, there was a pale face, cool dark blue eyes that he could easily get lost into, and…were those stars around his eyes? Adam brushed his thumb over Michael’s star markings, golden eyes shining in fascination and wonder. He let out an audible gasp, “Woah, justice is so pretty.”

Lute covered her mouth with a hand, trying to hold in her laughter while her other hand reached for her phone in her pocket. There was no way she would pass up on a chance to record any embarrassing thing that Adam did. This would be a good leash for when Adam would act like a dick in the foreseeable future. 

“Really? You think so?,” Michael asked, his smile widening at Adam’s look of absolute adoration. 

Adam didn’t reply, too absorbed admiring the most beautiful sight he had ever seen, mouth slightly agape and eyes glistening in admiration. Eventually, his hand stopped caressing Michael’s face as it slid down to grasp at his hand instead. Again, fascination was in his eyes as he held Michael’s hand. It was calloused from a lifetime of training and work, yet it was also the gentlest hand he had ever held onto. It made him feel safe and at home. He squeezed Michael’s hand then looked seriously at the archangel. 

“Are you single?”

This time, Michael also had to hold in his laughter along with Lute, who was ready to burst in the background, phone in hand recording everything. “No, I’m married.”

Tears welled up around Adam’s eyes as a heavy disappointment dropped onto him. “Oh, I lost the chance…,” he sniffled, eyes looking absolutely devastated at the news he just heard. 

“I’m married to someone called Adam,” Michael added. 

Adam simply hummed in response, not looking back towards Michael, he didn’t care who he was married to. He was just too upset that the archangel was already out of his reach. 

“You’re Adam, you idiot,” Lute told him. 

“What?,” Adam snapped his head back towards the pretty angel beside him, eyes suddenly bright and hopeful again. 

Michael smiled back at him, a hand caressing Adam’s cheek. “That’s right, I’m married to you.”

Tears flowed down Adam’s cheeks as an overwhelming amount of happiness rushed out of his very being. He couldn’t believe it! He was married to the most beautiful angel! “No way!!,” he cried with happy disbelief. “I’m married to you??”

Michael nodded, “We are married. See?” He showed Adam his wedding band on his finger, a proof of their union. “You have yours on your left hand. Take a look.”

And Adam did, pulling his left hand from under the blanket and stared shocked at the gold band on his left ring finger. He kept turning his hand around, watching the ring sparkle under the room’s light as if not believing its existence on his finger. 

“We’ve been husbands for over a millennia now. That’s how much I love you,” Michael added, the final nail on Adam’s happy coffin. 

“You love me??,” Adam asked, looking very teary eyed towards Michael. He felt like his heart was about to burst from the sheer joy of this sudden revelation. This angel, who was the prettiest he had ever laid eyes upon, was married to him and had loved him for over a millennia already? Adam had never felt so blessed in his life, he felt as if he was in Heaven. He grasped Michael’s hand with both hands, eyes looking very earnestly at Michael as he professed his feelings, “I love you too! My husband!!” 

Then more happy tears escaped from his eyes.

[hoverboards-and-dragons]

My Hazbin Archangels;

Asks about them are more than Welcome

These are very developed OCs so at this point I need to make masterpost for how my interpretation of them works

Listing I'm using is;

Lucifer, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, Gabriel, Jophiel, Zadkiel |__________________| |___________| |__________________| ^ ^ ^ Elder Sister syndrome, Forgotten middle children, family babies

I don't include Azrael mostly cause weirdly intense and underappreciated job are covered by Michael and Lucifer and I feel it would undermine both of their supposed isolation, you can only have so many outcasts and loners in a group of seven that are also a team.

Yes I did make up all the titles based vaguely on translations and mythological roles, it felt weird for just Luci to have something like "the morningstar"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Originally called Angels of Creation or Heirs of the Almighty; they were uniquely Imbued with powers of Creation and raised as His own offspring. (He kinda had to there was nothing else)

Each was hatched in tandem with a realm they were charged with overseeing the development of; in line with the Seven Days of Creation.

Later these seven were named the Archangels and designated the highest authorities within Heaven; however most their duties are distant from the rest of Heaven's hierarchy, the most involved they get is in delivering commands, as God is rarely willing to talk to anyone other than them.

While they were all hatched over the course of a single week, the order was still very important as it defined the chain of command; so much so that the oldest two were called twins just cause they were equal in power. (practically speaking, they're all septuplets)

They all call each other brother, only three have genders, only two are men and Luci's mostly doing it as a bit. They can be a child, a kid, a hatchling, or a fledgling of God but never a son or daughter, isn't gender fun?

Day 1: Lucifer

‘Let there be light’

Lucifer(he/him); the Morningstar, Herald of Creation. The fallen one the brother below Made to be incapable of worship so he could never be satisfied with God's perfection alone and would seek out other paths to take creation.

(which does count as a neurodivergency, angels are inherently creatures of worship)

He'd find flaws in his brothers' realms and expand them into something entirely unique. He was less in charge of anything and more excluded from the control of anyone else. He also regularly got into arguments with their Father for shits and giggles, giving his very reverent brothers fucking heart attacks. (they assumed he was allowed to do this because he was the favourite and not perhaps the other way around)

Day 2: Michael

"the Heavens are separated from the Earth",

Michael(he/it); the Divineblade, Archangel of Power, Highest of All Angels, Charged with the creation of the Heavens and all other angels.

Most devoted to the Father's will; Chronic workaholic and quite resentful of his own personhood, all he wants is to be God's perfect tool but he keeps having feelings. Well-respected as a leader by his siblings; relentlessly bullied by them (out of love) as a brother for being unable to comprehend 'outgrowing their first intended purpose'. Hes got a famous polite stoic demeanour that's equally infamous for being broken by Lucifer's anything and nothing else. He is getting steadily worse at his job and its going to break him any day now.

Day 3: Raphael

"the waters are gathered, the earth brings forth life"

Raphael(all/they); the Healingspur, Archangel of Life, Keeper of Balance, Charged with the creation of the seas and flora.

Mediator of the twins' constant arguments, most consistent voice of reason in any room; Michael's right hand and the only reason he remembers to eat(they don't need to but its good for them). Gentle and controlled but also quite stern. Very strong sense of empathy that is systematically destroying them as they face others on their worse days over and over again. They are the most aware of how Lucifer absence is tearing each of their brothers apart and how unwilling anyone is to even acknowledge it; they have pretty much resigned themselves to the approaching all-out breakdown, there's not much a healer can do before the injury.

Day 4: Uriel

"the sky is filled with signs of days, months, season and years"

Uriel(all/they); the Kindlingprose, Archangel of Stars, Keeper of Knowledge, Charged with the creation of constellations and planets.

Likes things quiet and tidy. Ordinarily quite reserved; preferring to keep to themselves, focus on documenting and organizing and simply observe the others. But unwilling to be resigned, has stepped up as the only one willing to call Michael on his bullshit, like refusing to officially promote Raph to second in command despite them already taking up all of Lucifer old duties; and even hesitantly but directly questioning their Father on some things, which is a lot for any of them. Has an arrogance streak, doesn't enjoy reminders of what they don't know; especially that they are just as in the dark about God's big plan as anyone else.

Day 5: Gabriel

"the earth is filled with creatures"

Gabriel(all/they); the Witnessrite, Archangel of Progress, Keeper of Revelation, Charged with the creation of creatures and their instincts.

Gabe is a somewhat of a Hermes figure, Michael’s left hand. Quick and always eager to provide their services to anyone who asks; especially known for getting last minute tasks down for Michael. Their wings buzz like a hummingbird at the speeds they fly. Always set on efficiency with a reputation for being deadly serious but is secretly bit of a prankster. A gremlin when they get their mind set on something and will regularly startle others out by clinging to walls or ceilings. In charge of most of heaven’s military and had A bit of a complex about being weaker than Michael despite being the soldier of the seven.

Additional; a Channel suited for Him also sometimes called a sockpuppet, they can be possessed as God's vessel to act as his direct body and voice (without the negative repercussions to their body and mind or discomfort to Him other angels or creations would cause)

Day 6: Jophiel

humans are brought forth as caretakers of the earth

Jophiel(she/her); the Ribbondance, Archangel of Beauty, Keeper of Passion, Charged with the creation of humanity

Highlight of every room she enters, quick-witted and an equal to Gabe, even a challenge to Michael on the battlefield. Always up for a good challenge, puzzle or debate. An open prankster, Gabriel is her hidden accomplice. Will defend the potential of humanity to her last breath, a more and more controversial stand; she's pretty upset at never getting to finish her masterpiece since she lost a lot of control of mankind once free will was introduced, she still tries to influence them probably more than she's really technically allowed. Knows about politics.

Day 7: Zadkiel

creation was finished, and the day was blessed

Zadkiel(all/they); the Righteouspeace, Archangel of Grace, Keeper of Faith, Charged with miracles and blessings.

Detached, muted and kinda smug but well meaning. They try but they don't really know how to interact with those of their equals. Their devotion rivals Michael’s but they’re quieter. Insecurity about having such an unclear purpose next to the other seven has let them entirely give themselves over to ferver. If it happens, Father means it. Spends by far the most amount of time on earth(Gabriel is a distant second) and has strong opinions on every individual sect of Christianity and how they build their churches. They are continually surprised by how out of touch their brothers and rest of Heaven is to the religion that worships them, come on guys at least Our Brother Down Under has an excuse.

Additional; also a Channel suited for Him

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The youngest three are very close on account of being shut up out of important arguments and being left to gossip upon themselves

Michael tries really hard to convince himself Lucifer is The Enemy (he can't live with the alternative) but the other five are of the opinion "He transgressed, he got punished, still being angry at this point is just petty" and still want to be in his life. However, they still don't really get what he was trying to do, Lucifer is also hung up on how none of them came to check on him.

He didn't see any of them for 5 000 years and when he did it was Michael holding a sword to his throat and demanding to know why he was on earth.

From Luci's perspective; the fall very nearly killed him and only didn't because the Sins found him before he bled out; it was then years of painful recovery that never quite healed right. It wasn't like there was anything in hell that could hold a candle to the power of an Archangel, he would know. There was nothing stopping them, he was always there for them when they needed him, but when he was scared and hurt, they just abandoned him.

From their perspective; archangels were, and still are, assumed unkillable, and practically indestructible. This was the first time Father had ever punished like this before and they were terrified. No one was willing to risk it now that Falling was on the table; now that they saw He absolutely was willing to sacrifice His children for the Plan, whatever it was.

[devilmen-collector]

In Heaven

Characters - GN!MC, the Archangels / Seraphim

SFW but there’s mention of murder and gore

This fic takes place in the scenario where Gabriel managed to capture you and he brought you to Heaven

Also MC’s implied to have religious background

Swearing

The moment you regained consciousness, you felt a sharp pain running rampage throughout your body. Your head felt painful as you tried to remember what had happened and where you were. One name came to your mind.

“Minhyeok…” you mumbled as the images of what had happened ran through your brain. You remembered a beautiful man who called himself an angel came out of the computer screen on which you were watching porn. That man intended to kill you but your best friend, Minhyeok, took the blow for you and…

“No, Minhyeok…MINHYEOK!” You cried out his name with your dry throat.

“I see you have woken up.”

You saw three men in white entered the room. One of them was the one who cut down your best friend. Oh how strong was you desire to wipe that smug smile off his face. With him were a handsome man with long black hair, and another with short blond hair and a medical eye patch, the black haired man stood in the middle of the three.

“This is Heaven. Therefore, all must observe reverent silence.” The black hair angel said, his voice strict and rigorous.

“Don’t scream, don’t be loud. Speak with only a soft voice.” The blond hair angel with a medical eye patch spoke, it was like he was explaining the words of the black hair angel.

“I think we should forgive MC. It’s their first time here after all.” The white hair angel, the one who called himself Gabriel, said.

“Let’s begin with some introduction, shall we?” Gabriel spoke again. “The serious one is Michael, our leader. The simple looking one with the eye patch is Raphael, our healer. And I’m Gabriel, please to make your acquaintance again, MC. Like I said before, I have no hard feeling for you.”

“Stop being hypocrites. You killed Min, don’t pretend to be all so holy and innocent.” You said with a harsh tone.

“Min? Who’s that?” Gabriel cocked his head, puzzled.

“Minhyeok, my friend, the man you killed!!!” You were pissed off by Gabriel’s attitude.

“Hmmm…it seems he has slipped from my mind and I can’t remember him.” Gabriel smirked.

“What!!! Fuck you! Die and go rot in hell!” You screamed at Gabriel’s face.

“Silence! And don’t swear!” Michael ordered.

“Rot in hell? I don’t want that.” The white hair angel answered without a hint of being disturbed by your words.

“Instead of worrying about a dead man, shouldn’t you be worried about yourself, human?” Raphael said as he signaled for you to look around yourself.

Looking around, you found yourself chained to something that looked like an altar by white chains which were as light as feathers, allowing you enough freedom to move a bit, but not escaping. They were so light that you didn't notice they were there until the Archangel Raphael told you to look around.

"Enough chit-chat, it's time." Michael said, taking out his sword.

"What time?" You asked, panic. You could guess what the angels intended to do, killing you and making you a sacrifice or something like that.

"Release you from the shackles of your mortal body." Gabriel answered, clearly amused by your panic face.

"Don't worry, human. Soon, you won't feel pain anymore." Raphael said, smiling.

Michael raised his sword up. You knew you had to do something, and fast. But there was nothing you could do, your four limbs were chained to the altar, you could not escape. Plus even if you managed to break the chains, you were sure that you couldn't outrun the three beautiful angels before you.

C'mon, think, you stupid brain. But nothing came to your mind. And Michael was ready to split your body into 72 parts.

Suddenly, you remembered the image of your grandparents, they were not rich but devout believers and they prayed every day, in the morning and in the evening. One word came to your mind - God.

"WAIT! I want to repeal to God." You cried out, even though you found it weird to say those words yourself.

The moment you spoke the word "God", Michael's sword stopped, only an inch from your head.

"That name is not to be said so lightly." Michael humphed as he returned the sword to the hidden space where he had taken it from.

Michael then turned around and left, with Raphael following him.

"Thought I could get some blood on my white clothes today. Guess it won't happen." You heard Raphael said as you could make out Michael glaring at him, like he was telling him to shut up.

You then looked back at Gabriel, who smiled at you as he approached the altar and began to release your limbs from the chains.

"It's the law of Heaven that any creature who repealed to God would have to meet God directly and receive their verdict from Him. But since Father's absent, you have to stay in Heaven for the time being, until He returns or we find him."

The moment Gabriel finished taking off the chains for you, you plunged at him, trying to attack him. Since the near-death experience had passed, you just need wanted to beat Gabriel for Minhyeok's sake. But Gabriel managed to catch you before you could do that.

"You bastard!" You cursed him.

"For the time being, how about you staying at the Seraphim Palace with the three of us?" Gabriel smirked, making no mention of your attack attempt, treating it like it was nothing. "Living together with the Child of Solomon, I'm looking forward to it."

[actual-changeling]

their arrangement goes like this: once a week, usually on a saturday, they meet up in the same room in the same hotel, which always not only finds itself empty but also in possession of a desk big enough to comfortably fit two immortal beings and their paperwork.

they arrive early in the morning, early enough to catch the sunrise once the seasons change and the nights grow longer, and stay for however long is needed to work their way through an unholy and blessed amount of administrative work, respectively.

in the beginning, it had been nothing but the occasional phone call to share important information both sides could make use of. they became more frequent and began to include complaints about their current bosses, or lack thereof, in dagon's case, since hell couldn't for the life of it decide who to put in charge. then the odd personal vent. then the first "and what about you?", which left them both mildly disoriented once they hung up; reciprocation of emotional matters is unheard of in both their offices, after all.

maybe a human year into their new work situation, the majority of calls stopped being business and instead approached something closer to pleasure.

the first time michael caught themself laughing over a joke dagon had made, they hung up immediately and spent the remainder of the day terrorising a handful of poor 30th-order scriveners in an attempt to soothe the anxiety crawling beneath their skin. someone is always watching, listening, waiting for a chance to rise in the ranks by throwing a fellow angel under the bus - whether those angels are fallen or not doesn't matter; heaven and hell are the same in this regard.

which is how they eventually ended up on earth on a saturday evening in a room brimming with months and months of reapplied miracles, and dagon does not think as much as act on a needy desire that has been growing in their chest for ages.

"let me tempt you to some wine," they say softly, their paperwork only half-done but forgotten.

michael drops their pen, but they only freeze for a second before looking up and meeting the by now familiar steel-blue gaze. neither of them has gone as native as them, but...

changes are bound to happen, and they happen to even the mightiest of dukes and archangels, whether they like it or not. there are dozens of reasons to decline, to respond with bite and anger, to disappear in a rush of feathers and lightning, to never talk to the demon trying to tempt them, the archangel fucking michael, into earthly pleasures ever again, but-

it's not a demon.

it's dagon.

the one being in the universe whose presence has become a constant more secure and comforting than the eternal sterile halls of heaven.

they shouldn't, and yet michael snaps their fingers and sends their paperwork into the void, where it will wait until it is needed again if it knows what is good for it, and the desk morphs into a much smaller table.

"temptation accepted," michael responds, and a smile that had once been reserved for watching the creation of the universe blooms on their face, small and almost imperceptible, but it's there all the same.

[theonevoice]

Rumination n. 6 - It was all Jim's fault

Well, not all his fault. He walked right into a 6000yo situation of unspoken "do I... would you... could we...", but I think, since he fills the role of comic relief, we are not fully taking into account his impact on the whole ineffable miscommunication mess.

Because he is not just a plot device, he is a character that pushes Aziraphale and Crowley to act in unplanned ways and - most of all - brings some of their worldview biases and traumas out of their dark corners. And I am increasingly convinced that his presence plays a major role in the final breakup, acting as a catalyst for their millennia-long misalignment of hopes and fears.

Sure, he is there to make us smile and Jon Hamm is a joy to watch (I cannot get to his line in ep 1, when Aziraphale tells him that he can see that he's naked, and he goes "Oh! Well, what do you know? Ahahah!" without burst out laughing, even after countless rewatches), but that humor is mainly for us viewers to detect. From Aziraphale's and Crowley's point of view, he doesn't appear as funny as he does to us. For them, he is a source of worry and danger, and I would argue that he is also an incarnation of different desires. And that's the point.

Let's consider for a moment Aziraphale's perspective. He sees his former boss, "most holy archangel" Gabriel, pop up one day at the bookshop, reduced to the mental capacity of a smart dog, vaguely aware that someone was planning to do "something terrible" to him. It is a terrifying spectacle to behold. It's not just the mere danger of having one of the most powerful entities in the universe, possibly still in posess of all his powers, acting like a child. It's the terror of witnessing what Heaven can do to your identity and your mind: imagine Aziraphale - book-lover, diary-writer, Antichrist-locator Aziraphale with the capacity, as per the book, to solve math problems that only people with Nobel prizes could master - trying to process the idea that his former boss doesn't know the alphabet anymore. The idea that he could be reduced to that degree of utter ignorance and unawareness if Heaven decided that their truce is over.

At the same time, what Aziraphale sees is that, once stripped of all the layers of Heaven's legalism, Gabriel is legitimately a great guy. 

We all love Muriel to death, of course, but the more I watch s2 the more I believe that Jim is the most similar "angel" to Aziraphale out of all the ones we see. He is jovial (think at whatever that cheeck squishing thing is that he does during the ball), he is enthusiastic (think at his reaction at his first sip of hot chocolate, and also his genuine "hurray! Let the bookselling commence!"). He is affectionate and open about it ("You're funny, I love you"). He is caring (sure he was struggling to read the room during the demon attack, but still in that moment of danger he has the altruism of thinking to ask if anyone wants hot chocolate, and hot chocolate is the symbol of comfort for him, it's the first thing Aziraphale offers to him to make him feel at ease in the bookshop and the thing that Crowley brings him to soothe his angst after the memory conversation). He is helpful or at least he wants to be (rearranging the books in an order that, if you think about it, follows the criterion of medieval manuscripts illuminators, who usually embellished only the first letter of the first sentence on a page, which makes sense as a frame of reference for an angel whose only experience of books probably goes back to some old Bibles). He is generous and brave (giving himself up without a second thought when he realises that Shax is threatening Aziraphale and all the others because of him). 

As Jim, memory-wiped Gabriel is both Aziraphale's worst fear and his deepest hope: that after all Heaven is the side of good, that all the cruelty and the callousness and the total blindness to the value of life on Earth is just a mishap, that if you scrape off the absurd obsession with World Ending Great Plans you will find underneath a form of good that is pure and gentle. I think Jim, way more than the Metatron and his shitty offer-threat, is the main thing that brings Aziraphale back on the mission of fixing Heaven, "making a difference," not for the greater cosmic good, but to create a safe place for him and Crowley. So they can be safe together.

But something similar happens from Crowley's point of view. He also sees Gabriel as the concrete manifestation of both his worst fear and his deepest desire. The former Supreme Archangel renews the momentarily forgotten awareness of what Heaven and Hell can do to you if you cross them: destroy you either by throwing you into hellfire or holy water, or now by hanging the threat of the Book of Life above your head. Force you to live in a constant state of danger, pressing you against the possibility of your non-existence, making you feel like you have a loaded gun constantly placed against your skull and no magic trick to avoid the bullet.

At the same time, just as Aziraphale, what Crowley sees is that, if you are determined and lucky or maybe just inconsiderate, you can get away from Heaven and live your happy thoughtless life on Earth. Think of how bitter he is when he confronts Jim in ep5, calling him Gabriel and "Oh, yeah yeah, no no no. You're Jim now. Got everything just the way you want it?" I think here Crowley is projecting his desire to be "on the lam having a wonderful time and never be seen again." Sure, everyone is after him and they had to perform a joined miracle to hide him, but let's not forget that Crowley was not doing it to save Gabriel, he was doing it to keep Aziraphale safe. From his point of view, Gabriel did it: he run off, cut ties with Heaven, settled in his little neat new identity, cared and protected, not a thought in his head. And yes, Crowley is painfully aware of how awful it is to have your memory erased - I don't think he would consider it an acceptable price to pay for freedom. But still, Gabriel did what he would like to do. And it does not help that memory-wiped Gabriel presents specifically to Crowley some aspects of his personality in which he can recognize himself. He is curious and asks questions (think of the gravity conversation), and even more important he is ready to dispute the answers that are given to him ("but they don't stay where I put them"). He hears the plan about Nina and Maggie that Aziraphale didn't listen to, and afterwards asks Crowley how it went. He is insightful in his own instinctive way (when he tells Crowley "you're really nice" he's not just saying "you are nice a lot" but also "in reality you are nice", he's seeing through Crowley's rough mannerism even if just seconds before he was angrily shouting at him). He has lost his memory, which by now I think most of us agree it's what also happened to Crowley, at least partially ("I know, looking at where the furniture isn't"). And then, the final nail on the mirror-coffin: Gabriel run away from Heaven for his love. They run off together.

Having Jim right there, in front of his very eyes, I think it's the thing that pushes Crowley back to his old plan of running off together with Aziraphale: he is the living prove that it can be done, further confirmed by his final departure with Beelzebub. Of course, for a brief moment both sides of the metaphisical universe where hunting him down, which is not desirable. But Gabriel was the Supreme Archangel after all, it's only fair that they're looking for him. They are but a former bullied angel and a former already-replaced demon, maybe Heaven and Hell would not mobilised their hosts for them. They could be finally safe together.

So, when you put everything together, I think that what happened at the end of ep6 has more to do with Gabriel and how his presence affected them during the season, than it has to do with the Metatron, or even with the Nina-Maggie foil. It is Jim that pushed a wedge into the thin crack that had always been there, separating what each of them sees as the best way to be safe together.

[sparrowrye]

Demi Demon || Alastor x Reader, Act 3 part 20

Synopsis: the fight has begun

Previous Part

Part 20: the final stand

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I felt a presence more than a soul.

I lunged out of bed as quick as my knife flying across the room. It missed the man by a hair and halted him in his tracks to the crib. The lights and fireplace flashed to light and revealed a man I had never seen before. The blood drained from my face as I watched my vision come true. Only this time, it wasn't Adam.

The man wore black knee-high boots over pure white pants. His black jacket had gold trimming and buttons that matched his black hair and gold wing clip. His jacket cascaded behind him like a peacock's tail.

Alastor was up an instant later, radio screeching and magic running through the cracks in the wall.

"Good morning, Mrs. Dragon and Mr. Radio Demon." The man gave a short bow and I caught sight of gold on his eyelids when he blinked. He wore a smile—a smug one—that sent anger skittering across my skin. I glanced at the girls stirring in their sleep. "I'd say it's a pleasure to meet you but...it's really not."

I can't sense his soul, I noted to Alastor.

"Who are you?" Alastor moved to stand adjacent to me in order to corner the man. He was dressed in his usual suit, his cane tapping the floor as he stalked to his position.

"The name is Azrael." He paused and sent a pointed look at me. "The archangel."

I recalled a conversation with Lucifer years ago. In one of his depressive moods, he told me about life and the hierarchy of Heaven. Azrael, who stood before me, was the Angel in charge of all Archangels. They were tasked with 'helping' Humans from life to death. Once they were judged, they moved on to the next Human. Essentially, their job was to intervene.

I took a step forward, forcing my eyes on the man and not my children. "I suppose you're here to finish your lackey's job."

"You would be correct." He leaned his hand on the edge of the crib and looked down at the two girls. They were awake now and began to cry. Two kinds of magic were surrounding him like a snare; waiting for him to do something so they could pull his nonexistent soul apart. His eyes met mine. "You've been a thorn in my side for a long time."

This man—this Archangel—was the one who had been watching from the very beginning.

"But you didn't want to get your hands dirty," Alastor spoke first. His body stood relaxed but his arm was stretched as far as he could while still resting on his cane.

Azrael sucked in a breath as he straightened up, turning his head to look at Alastor. "How was your conversation with your master, hm? Did you enjoy that eight year sabbatical?"

Alastor seethed. His antlers grew and his face turned entirely inhuman.

"Why do I matter so much?" I switched the conversation back to me. Alastor had already melded into his beast form and crawled ever closer to the man. His demonic eyes occasionally looked to the crying twins.

"You're not my mess but I have to clean you up anyways." He placed his hands on his hips. "You're an abomination to Creation and today you will be erased."

My magic stretched further to the city but it was still sleeping save for the farmers and early laborers. Something else was at play here. I could feel it. Why hadn't he just killed my girls yet? What was he waiting for?

"I haven't done anything against Heaven. I have tried to do nothing but survive."

He let out a petty laugh. "You're not innocent, sweetheart. What about all those Demons and Humans you killed in the rings? What about those people you killed in the streets? All those Humans?"

"People who have come after me," I corrected. "I have never gone out searching for blood. Everything I have done has been in self defense."

"So killing Blackwater's employees in those factories wasn't murder?"

"Blackwater was a constant threat to me and my safe haven."

"So murder." He glanced down at my girls.

"I am no different than any other Human--" I stepped forward, "that has tried to cross my borders and murder me or my people. Humans are not innocent either. Especially since they've all got a little Demon inside them."

"Don't think you're special." He took a step away from the crib and dropped one a hand to his side, jutting his hip the other way in a casual demeanor. "We've long been trying to rid Earth of the Demon sickness that's plagued it for centuries." My eyes kept glancing down at the girls.

"There hasn't been any evidence of that," Alastor said from his normal form. "Is Heaven too scared to show themselves?"

"Heaven has always been an advocate for free will."

Alastor and I both snorted at his statement.

He casted a disgusted look before continuing, "We meddle only when it's important, leaving the rest to the Humans."

"It's a shame Lucifer isn't here to hear all this," I remarked, arms crossed. Alcine and Alastor's shadow melted together and yanked him backwards. He banished the shadows with a swipe of his hand but we had already moved. Both girls were in my arms and Alastor between us and the Archangel.

Azrael collected himself, tugging and fixing his shirt from where he had been pulled. His smile dropped only for it to return as an evil smirk. "Your reign has come to an end. I suggest you make your peace and...find an open window." In a puff of gold dust, he was gone.

The only sounds came from the crackle of the fire and the crying of the girls. I shifted them in a safer, more comfortable position in my arms. Alastor watched and waited while my magic ran out to the city. Still nothing.

"Take the girls and leave the coast."

My head snapped up to look at Alastor's back. "What? No!"

He turned around, his posture rigid with tension, stress, and an air of command. "They need to be safe and you are—"

"Bound to you. We share the same fate," I was quoting the phrase he had used on me when I first came here. "If you die, I die."

"Something is about to happen and I need you far from it." He grabbed both of my shoulders as if to ground me in his words.

"It will be useless if I'm dead too!" I argued.

"And they're Heaven's primary target!" he yelled. I had never seen him yell like that. My ears fell back and I took a step away, but his claws tightened and brought me closer. "I love you and I love our daughters, but we are one big red target as a group. I need you gone and I need them safe so I can handle this."

"Whatever happened to working as a team?" I jerked forward in his grasp, our noses brushing. "Charlie is the literal princess of Hell. If anyone can defend anything, it's her. You know from the fight with Adam that she doesn't have the experience we do."

"Darling!" He forced his claws off my arms and swung a fist through the still air. He abandoned the staff against the table with a loud thud then stalked back over to me. "I am trying to be kind and give you a choice! Keeping the girls safe is working together. I trust you to handle whatever finds you. I can't guarantee safety with three of the most precious things in my life sitting right on the battlefield." His voice had softened at the end, hand coming up to press his palm to my cheek.

Then the ground shook.

It was so strong that it sent vibrations through my chest. I could practically see the ravine Angelic magic had opened right in the middle of the city. The earth shook again, less so this time, as buildings crumpled to the ground.

I blinked back to Alastor, mouth agape and face pale. Azrael was going after the city. For years we had been corralling Humans and Demons alike into one single place, as if lifting them up to Heaven on a silver platter. The wolves had broken through the fence and were ready to eat the sheep.

"I will be careful this time." Alastor placed a kiss on my forehead then turned for his staff, but I grabbed his sleeve with my fingers.

"This isn't right. We're strong together. We are powerful together. This is my haven, too. Please, Alastor," I bent forward a little and met his eyes in a bow, "allow me to fight alongside you. The girls are safest with the Princess of Hell, the defender of all."

I watched the confliction in his eyes as easily as his mind. He believed me. He believed we could be a strong force. He had always believed that we could rival Heaven one day. But now...now that he had just added to the number of important people in his life, he wasn't so sure he wanted to risk it.

"I can draw him away," I went on. "He wants me too. He'll be far too focused on us to even think of the girls. We'll scare him back to Heaven."

The ground shook again. I could hear the screams as easy as the twins' cries. I needed to be down there. I needed to go. I needed to do what I do best.

Alastor let out an angry growl then pulled his arm away. He snapped his fingers and a disoriented Charlie and Vaggie fell into the room. Vaggie already had her spear in hand and was ready to point it at the one person she detested most. Without another word, Alastor slipped into the shadows.

That was his answer.

"Charlie, listen, I need you two to look after the girls." I ran over to the pair, holding out the most important lives I had ever considered.

"Wha—I uh...what are you gonna do?" She didn't take the girls yet, putting a hand up and looking between me and her girlfriend.

"I'm going to do my job. But I need someone I can trust and who is capable of protecting my daughters." I felt a sting on my arm. Alastor was already fighting Azrael.

"But our city...we need to help and fight and stop whatever—"

"It's an Archangel."

Charlie's expression suddenly dropped, all previous notions of happy and go lucky completely gone.

"It's Azrael."

She blinked at me. "But...my dad...where's my dad?" She shoved her hand in her pocket and pulled out her phone. I danced on the balls of my feet, eyes flickering to the door.

Hurry UP!

"He's not answering. Why isn't he answering!?" Charlie tried to dial again.

"Just take my girls and get to the far end of the beach. Stay hidden in the woods and keep trying for him." I tried to hand off my daughters but she backed up again.

"But I need to—"

"Charlie please," I begged the princess. "You're the only one who can defend them. Let me take care of everyone else."

"But I...they're getting—"

"Slaughtered, I know. This is my field. Please protect my girls and I'll protect your haven. Please, Charlie, trust me." My eyes were the widest and most pleading I had ever shown. She looked between me and the door, then down at the crying, defenseless babies in my arms. She wasn't a monster like I was; she wasn't a killer. My whole life had always been about defending what was mine at any and all costs. This was no different. "Please. Our chances are better if I can fight beside Alastor."

Charlie looked at my girls again. "Alright."

I let out the breath I had been holding. "Thank you, Charlie. Thank you." I placed a kiss on both of their heads then forced my arms to unlock. Vaggie came up to hold one so they each had a free hand. "I will come find my girls."

Throat tight with tears, I teleported them to the area on the beach I felt was far enough away from the battle. I then slipped into the shadows before I could change my mind. I formed outside the house in my Dragon Demon persona, minus the purple jacket I adored. Time to get my hands dirty.

Alastor's magic had created a dome over half the city. Angels flew all over the place, some killing stragglers and others trying to break through the black and green shield. Twelve Archangels hovered in the sky above it, Azrael among them. He had brought a whole fleet.

I dove into the grass as a shadow and slithered into the part of the city Alastor wasn't covering. I made trees sprout from cracks in the stone and vines climb the unstable walls. Roots and vines struck out at the nearest Angels and pulled them far down into the earth. Each citizen that ran in my field of vision fell into a portal and reappeared in Hell near Rosie's store. Surely she would understand.

Angel after Angel was swallowed by the earth and each citizen safely dispatched to one of the safer parts in Hell.

Something hard slammed into my back. My cheek hit the concrete and a hand grabbed a fistful of my hair. His knee dug into the spot between my shoulder blades as he leaned close to my ear. "You will not embarrass me a second time." I recognized John's voice.

A knife scraped my neck as a vine yanked him off. I healed the injury and grappled to my feet, fingers sticky with my own blood. He wiped his nose with the back of his hand then stood in a fighting stance. In the blink of an eye, he lunged. My claws glinted in the light in defense right as I disappeared into a shadow. Alcine broke off to grab his feet while I ran to help Alastor. His shield had fallen.

You need to kill him! I scolded myself. I couldn't just keep ignoring John. Not when he was so weak and scrambled in the mind. Not when he can seemingly get out of everything. How had he gotten out of the basement?

I manifested beside an Angel and shoved their spear through their stomach. Vivian appeared in a doorway directly across from me, covered head to toe in dirt and gold blood. I opened a portal inside and she shoved child after child through it. My magic spread through the streets like veins in a hand. I caught sight of Alastor's shadows mimicking me; using his tentacles to pull Angels deep into the earth where the pressure, heat, and lack of air brought them an edge closer to death. It would take hours for them to resurface.

Alastor's magic was pulsing through me like my own blood. I could even see my veins glow a faded green when I used it. It became increasingly more difficult to distinguish between our magic. We were borrowing from each other. Were we even separate souls? Was that the essence of a soulmate?

Working together. The one thing they didn't want. I couldn't stop the smile on my face as a vine dragged an Angel down by the neck. Shadows, all shapes and sizes, were scattering along the walls and wrapping around citizens. They manifested them near the portals I could see. Tentacles, from my own doing, were keeping any and all Angels trying to fly through to the refugees.

This is me. I grabbed a child hiding in an alley and practically threw her through the portal. I couldn't see the other side but I still hoped Rosie was doing something to keep them protected. Where was Lucifer?

"Look out!"

Vivian shoved me from behind with such force I had never known her to possess. My hands stopped my cheek from hitting the cracked concrete. I turned over to see John stalking towards us. His hands were in tight fists and an ugly smile splayed across his face.

No more. He has to go.

But he was my father. A man I had misjudged. A man who was cast out of Heaven for loving a Demon woman and having a child with her. A man who suffered the same fate as his family. His alternate personality was hard to deal with, though. If I killed John, I killed Judah.

"Um...I'm...I'm sorry." Vivian turned to face me. All blood drained from my face as she revealed a knife buried hilt-deep in her heart. She fell to her knees, blood dripping out of her lips and splattering on the stone. I slid to her side right as she fell. I covered her chest and sent my magic through to her heart. Her hands were shaking. Mine were shaking. I needed to close everything before pulling the knife out. I would need to do it in increments. One pull of the knife and she would die.

White chains wrapped around my neck and yanked. Vivian fell from my arms as I landed flat on my back. Judah and John blinked back and forth above me. He pulled on the chain and it cut off my air, as well as my magic. He pulled another knife out of his boot, this one shining a bright white. I pushed on the palms of my feet so my horns slammed into his hips. I yanked them free as gravity took him backwards.

I pulled the chains off my neck and closed the portals. My head was hurting and I couldn't focus on so many things. I rolled to my knees and scrambled back to Vivian.

Azrael had her in his arms. Her head was limp over one arm while the other held the knife from her heart. A red spot was growing larger on his white pants.

The world went silent.

I don't remember if I screamed or not.

My body lurched forward as it grew many times its size. My face lengthened into a snout, teeth razor sharp and ready to eat.

Cold, white chains clamped my mouth shut. Weight landed on my horns and dragged my head to the ground. I felt blood on my feet before they were yanked out from under me. I pulled at the chains around my mouth but more of them hooped my wrists and jerked them away. I tried lifting my head but the weight on my horns was pinning the side of my face to the stone.

At the end of each chain was an Archangel. They had been waiting. I walked right into their trap.

Azrael let Vivian's body slide to the ground. Rage filled my chest as quickly as tears. Snarls turned to whines as I fought and cried for my best friend. I tried to pull my limbs inward but they were hauled back so fast and with such force that I was surprised they weren't ripped off. I was losing. I had lost Vilcin. I had lost Vivian. Lost probably more than half my people. Now I would lose my girls.

Azrael stepped so close that I couldn't look up at him. Instead, I was only able to stare at his black boots and blood stained pants. A black cane punched the floor an inch from my eyes.

The weight on my horns shifted so my snout was forcefully lifted off the ground. Fire and smoke surrounded my vision as Azrael's face finally came into view. His staff was a cross with a circle under it.

He said something but the words weren't registering.

Little black wings continued to fly across the sky.

The chains were starting to burn my skin.

I felt Vivian's soul find the spot where I kept Vilcin safe. What would happen to them when I die? Where would they go?

Azrael caught sight of something. A black creature lunged at his face and pushed him out of view. There was a give in the weight on my horns as I turned to watch. More black creatures multiplied and covered the man from head to toe. Standing a few yards down the street was Alastor, hands over his cane like he didn't have a care in the world.

Bright light flashed across my eyes. Azrael stood clean and free of dark magic. He turned to face Alastor, staff hitting the stone like a gunshot. Word by word, I started to understand language again.

"...soulmate is weak without you," Azrael shouted.

"It takes an army of Angels and seven Archangels to take down a halfbreed. How disappointing for you." Alastor lifted his cane and sauntered closer. He was trying to connect with me but the Angelic chains were making it hard to hear him. What was he trying to tell me?

"If this had been left to me to fix from the beginning, we wouldn't have reached this point. Her father would be dead, she wouldn't even exist, you'd be without a soulmate. All the troubles you've faced could've been solved and avoided altogether." Azrael took a few steps forward.

"Ah but then I'd be without a powerful soulmate," Alastor argued, still walking closer. "She would never have learned how to reach me through our connection," he made a pointed look at me, "never would have learned to use my magic. I would never be as powerful without her. And the day will come when we will be untouchable, even by Heaven's hands and the King of Hell himself."

Reach him through the connection. That was the hint. Though I couldn't use magic with the chains on me. The event he was referencing was when Adam had me locked in a bunker while Blackwater's man tried to surgically remove a part of Alastor's brain. He had been on lockdown from Blackwater's technology, nearly unreachable if I hadn't--

That was it. That was his message.

I closed my eyes and touched the burning white magic encasing mine. Magic wasn't endless. It had cracks.

I threaded through my magic in search of the Angelic aspects. I touched my healing, plant-life, and soul magic to the restricting white one. It melded nearly perfectly with it. It had a tint of my color as it spread to the rest of the cage. It felt like my mind was being stretched thin as the purple grew bigger and bigger until the white was no more.

My eyes flew open. The chains were now purple.

I pulled on Alastor's magic and let shadows jump out of the chains, racing to touch the Archangel at the end of it. They dropped the chains to evade the dark magic but the shadows lunged. I grew twice my size, shoulders bumping into broken buildings and sending debris across the street. Azrael disappeared.

I was careful to step over Vivian's body as I searched for my new prey. The Archangels took flight to avoid being flattened by my feet but my tail caught several of them midair. Vines grabbed at their limbs but they sliced the plants like butter.

My eyes caught sight of John. Judah flickered in and out as Azrael cornered him down a street. I followed after, climbing over buildings to the small intersection they had stopped in.

"You are no longer of service to me." Azrael grabbed one end of his staff and slammed the other end into Judah's chest. My father coughed up blood and tried to remove the staff, finding it firmly lodged in the wall behind him.

My claw slammed down on top of Azrael. I felt his hair on my palm but it connected with nothing but concrete. I barely registered the black gnat in my eye before something sharp sliced into it. I reeled back with a snarl. I healed the injury as my claws and mouth tried to find the ugly bird.

The Archangels kept their distance as the tentacles and shadows chased after them. Their magic stung like a wasp but it wasn't killing me. It was similar to the type that Adam used on me, one that was meant to swipe anything out of existence. The same kind that had cracked open the earth in the middle of my city.

Something sharp punctured my mind. My form abruptly shrunk and my face hit the pavement from several feet in the air. My strength was suddenly gone. I barely managed to push myself up to my arms. Ahead of me was Azrael and Alastor. My soulmate was sagging against the wall, hand clutching his chest. He was losing so much blood. It was already pooling around him.

I reached through our connection to heal him but my magic barely grazed his before it was shoved back like whiplash. Azrael held up his hands and closed his eyes. His brows furrowed together in concentration. I didn't understand what was happening until I felt it.

The same feeling.

The same feeling as before.

The same feeling as when Alastor tried to sever our link. Azrael pulled his hands apart in one swift motion.

My scream was cut off as blinding pain shot through my body like electricity. My whole body went stiff as it rode out the pain. Alastor's magic was removed so quickly, so easily, as if nothing had been keeping it anchored to me.

My head hit the pavement as the rest of my body lurched upwards. A choked whimper tore from lips. My heart contracted as his soul left mine. I rolled onto my back as the last traces faded from view. The red sky, as red as Hell's sky, was the only thing I could look at. The colorful string over my heart was no more.

He was gone.

Alastor was gone.

I reached for him through the connection but there was nothing but my own thoughts.

I was alone.

I was cold.

I started to shiver. I curled on my side, hand still clutching my heart, and couldn't stop the tears. I looked at Alastor's lifeless form. He was completely on the ground, clothes and ears soiled in his own blood.

My whimpers turned to sobs then to wails. My throat vibrated painfully with each sob. I could do nothing else but scream for the loss, screw for the unjust, scream for the pain. This wasn't supposed to happen.

My hands shook as they touched the stone. It hurt to swallow. I forced myself onto my knees. I felt unsteady as I crawled towards my ex-soulmate. My tears created a clean line down my dirt-covered face. Everything felt off kilter. Everything felt quiet. Everything felt cold.

My hands touched his blood.

Then my knees.

Then my feet.

Then my stomach as I fell beside him. My black claws smeared blood on his forehead as I touched him. No energy buzzed between us. No feelings. No thoughts. No magic. I felt so small, so weak, and so alone.

"Love," he whispered.

"Al?" I pulled myself closer.

"We may not know who chooses soulmates," Azrael said from behind, towering over me, "but we can break a bond for the betterment of humanity."

"But not Demon-kind." Azrael's head jerked upwards to find Lucifer standing on the roof. His horns and wings were on full display. "That's my jurisdiction." He hopped off the roof and landed a pace from our cluster. He stood shoulder-width apart and cupped his claws over his cane.

"Wasn't your council hearing supposed to last two hours?" Azrael remarked.

"Wasn't Heaven supposed to follow their own rules?" Lucifer tilted his head to the side. "I'm afraid your job here is done."

"I don't think--"

"Heaven and Hell have being playing Creation wrong for too long," Lucifer interrupted him. "It's been agreed. All portals to the surface will be closed in two days. Demons will decide which realm they wish to remain in. In return, Heaven will remove its interferences from the surface." He paused, then summoned a scroll in front of Azrael's face. "Feel free to look over the specifics of the deal." Then snuffed it out of existence before the Archangel really had a chance to read it.

He looked at Lucifer then over his shoulder as if he heard something. The distant hum of a horn was heard only to Angelic ears, calling a retreat on the attack.

"You were always destined to ruin Creation," Azrael said as he turned back to face his ex-brethren, "Lucifer the Devil."

"I am disappointed with how you've handled Creation thus far, Azrael the Archangel of Death."

Azrael let out a short laugh. "My very existence was made to interact with Creation. To ensure a balance remains."

"Well it looks like you're being called to the principal's office for failing your assignment." Lucifer's eyes returned to their normal color but his smile was as wide and smug as I'd ever seen.

"Heaven always wins, don't forget that. See you later, Luci~" Azrael tuned his pitch higher as his wings sprouted and lifted him into the sky.

"See you in a hundred years," Lucifer said softly. He watched them funnel towards the portal. It closed after the last Angel flew in.

"Lucifer," I cried. He ran over and took my blood covered hand in his, ignoring the blood drops that stained his white clothes. "He...we...we're--we're not...our bond its..." I couldn't even finish my sentence as sobs shook my shoulders. Lucifer touched Alastor's arm.

"Don touch me," Alastor mumbled.

"Our bond...it's..."

"I know." Lucifer placed his other hand over mine. "I know. I'm so, so sorry."

My head dropped as I screamed into the earth. He lifted me by the shoulders and dragged me out of Alastor's blood. "N-no, I have to heal him. I have--"

"He's alright. I closed his wounds." Lucifer was surprisingly strong for someone of his size. His arms kept mine pinned to my sides as he held me against his chest. He was radiating warmth but none of it reached me. I couldn't feel anything.

I turned my face into his soft clothes and screamed again. I couldn't stop until I made myself physically sick and stripped my vocal cords. My cries of grief were dissolved into whispers. My limbs had long gone numb from staying in that position for so long.

Alastor coughed up blood and tried to sit up. I climbed out of Lucifer's arms to crawl over to him. His blood soaked my pants even more as I leaned my weight into his back to help him sit up. How did I even have the energy to move?

He leaned his back against the wall and I leaned my cheek on his shoulder. I threaded our fingers, held onto his arm, and curled up as close to him as I could so our legs were touching. No amount of touch brought any magic or connection to the surface. It was gone.

Our bond was gone. Severed. Cut. Dissolved out of existence.

"Dad?" Charlie's voice echoed down the street. I lifted my head to see her and Vaggie running down the street, a bundle of blankets in each arm. Relief lessened the mental and spiritual pain by a smidge.

Alastor's chest heaved with each breath as if he had just run a marathon. His chest stilled as he turned to kiss the side of my head.

"Al," I whispered into his shoulder. His fingers finally had the strength to hold my hand in return. His claws felt cold, not warm.

Charlie ran up and carefully handed one of the girls to me. I shifted to sit up more as the light weight settled in my arms. Vaggie handed the other one to Alastor who made an obvious effort to keep his claws away from the little one's skin.

Lucifer pulled the pair away from us to explain what had happened. Both women's faces dropped.

"I'm sorry, Alastor," I said through more tears.

"Me too," he whispered.

"I feel...cold."

He tried to swallow. "Me too."

He lifted his daughter up and pressed his forehead to her tiny one. Her little hands reached out of the blanket to touch his cheeks. The sight brought more tears but I found I had nothing left to cry. Instead I drew in short, sharp breaths and shaky exhales.

"But we made it." His voice sounded as if he had been yelling for hours. The radio filter was nowhere to be heard. "All four of us."

"You...still want this?"

His beady eyes found mine. "I don't need magic to tell me you're mine."

I jammed my head into his shoulder to let out a weird noise. It was a cry of relief, sadness, and a bunch of other things. I preferred to have tears to cry with instead of whatever hitched breaths and weird noises I was making.

He swallowed and opened his lips to reveal his yellow smile. "Maybe I'll even indulge you and we can have that wedding." My heart skipped a beat. "Would you like that?"

I lifted my head to see if he was being serious. It certainly looked like he was being serious. I coughed up a laugh. "Only if you propose."

He rolled his eyes then looked down at his daughter. "Why don't you wait until I'm physically capable of kneeling?"

I hummed in response. For a moment we sat there leaning against each other, hoping that our bond would magically reconnect if we stayed close enough. I could see the thin little line that connected the twins and wished desperately to see one connecting my heart with Alastor's.

This battle...it hasn't been nearly as difficult as Blackwater's and yet, it had been the most devastating.

"Where were you, Dad?" Charlie demanded. Her voice pulled me out of a doze.

"Talking with Heaven's council." He said it in a way that revealed both embarrassment and venom. So, Heaven tried pulling all its cards this time. They tried to kill my children first with John, then sent their Archangel, then split us, and all the while had Lucifer busy in a council meeting.

"So what now?" Vaggie asked.

"Now comes the hard part," he said, turning slightly so he could lay his eyes on me and my family.

****

Judah coughed up blood as he limped through the woods. His tattered white uniform was not longer white—not even gray. Mud, soot, and blood equally shared the lay of the fabric. His arm was still in sore condition and his newly broken ankle was tiring out his good leg. Had his daughter and soulmate not distracted Azrael, he surely would've died on that street. Instead, he was leaving a trail of spotted blood in his wake.

Judah couldn't help but feel a mix of disappointment and relief at the failed mission. Would Heaven finally leave him alone? Would they leave his daughter alone? Pride swelled at the thought of his daughter being exactly who she was and fighting Heaven head on.

Runs in the family, he mused to himself.

He collapsed under a tree to rest. His eyes closed as the soft breeze touched his cheeks. It was nearing midday and the trees were providing a cool shade. He let himself drift off into a peaceful slumber.

He dreamed of his wife. He dreamed of their first time meeting. He had been on a task for Archangel Jophiel to gather more information on different languages in the world. All the languages had shifted and melted together since the fall of civilization back in the late 2000s. He wasn't supposed to see anyone but the Demon had caught him sneaking for a book in one of the old libraries.

He had to pretend to be Human and talk his way out of disappearing. And yet, he found himself talking to her for over an hour. He had fallen in love in a matter of seconds and basked in the feeling until he needed to return to Heaven. That was the beginning of it all.

For months they met in secret. He began to let slide the little secrets of Heaven and the never ending battle over Creation. Sometimes, when they were quietly soaking up each other's presence, he tried to will a soulmate bond between them, knowing that Angels were never allowed such a gift.

They had laid together several times, not caring for the consequences, until they were forced to care.

He had fallen down the hierarchy of Angels already so his random disappearance shouldn't have warranted alarm. But it did.

He married his lover and within one week after the ceremony Archangel of justice, Michael, paid him a visit. He tore his wife from his hands and shoved her in a cold cell in a fighting ring, where she gave birth without anyone who loved her by her side. Michael dragged him back to Heaven and attempted to erase his memories. Judah remembered very few things about his time in the clouds. He could only form strong memories of his time in Vox's fighting rings.

If only he had remembered his wife, he may have been able to reach her before she was subject to that violence. By the time his memories came back in little pockets, it was too late. He was several years too late. He expected his daughter to be dead, too.

But she wasn't.

Judah knew he had served a tragic sentence. He could feel it in his bones that his time was up. He had evaded Heaven by some miracle long enough but soon he wouldn't be here to walk Creation. He was as much a mistake and ruin to Creation as Lucifer was; the only exception was that Lucifer fought for Humanity and was prisoned by his own creation.

Judah wished he shared the fate of Lucifer. He could see his brethren was starting to take charge of his realm. He was becoming a King. Meanwhile Judah...Judah would die a broken soul for falling in love with a Demon.

Yet he still felt a swell of pride. His daughter—his daughter—had lived to become the strongest being in Creation and had evaded Heaven in every possible way. Her soulmate was an equally powerful Demon and her own children would likely harbor both of their powers. They would have to fight Heaven one day, too. Heaven never gave up but so did Humanity and Demon-kind.

Judah just wished he could be around to watch it happen.

"Who would've guessed," Azrael's voice jolted him awake, "that a simple Angel could cause a such a ripple in Creation?" He stepped out from behind Judah's tree, staff in hand and clothes spotless.

John flickered to the surface, "You flatter me."

Azrael gave a low, quiet chuckle. "I'm afraid you've lost your purpose, Judah."

"Is that why Micahel isn't here and you are?" John answered instead.

"He may be justice but I am death. It is time to end your tarnished soul." He stepped closer and Judah resurfaced with ease he didn't know was possible.

"Time to see my wife." He leaned his head against the tree and looked up at the soft blue sky and rich green leaves of the trees.

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Author's Note:

...

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