⛧°. ⋆༺♱༻⋆. °⛧

@manywingedangel

1,024 posts

"The holy light has fractured us to pieces and yet we still remain."

⛧°. ⋆༺♱༻⋆. °⛧

This is a roleplay/ask account of Gabriel!

Run by { @hiddens-studio }

__

General information:

#gabriel ultrakill #ultrakill #roleplay blog #ultrakill rp #ultrakill roleplay #Divine Answers #Divine Rambling #<- tags for answering questions and posts

salve, Child Gabriel! how are you? still delivering messages i hope? how is everyone else? the humans? I've been trying to reach out to them via flood but alas no response. do you know what happened to them? I've tried asking one of my great-grandchildren, V1, but that...uh..didn't go so well.. ahah...hah...uh anyways love you and sorry for being absent for 6000 years

xoxoxo

@the-father-god

(ps, still trying to get used to this technology stuff, hah! why can't we just go back to clay tablets?)

"Blessed be, father... I've been as well as I can be! Haha... Over the course of your absence I've had a few children of my own, overthrew the dictatorship that tried to take your place in heaven, ah.... Well a lot has happened!"

Gabriel fidgets with his hands, his wings fold tightly against his back from his nervousness.

"ah... Father I have not been a messenger in forever. The council had me... Repurposed. But I would like to return to my former duties! ..... However .... That does lead into why the humans haven't been responding to you ... For they are extinct."

#divine answers

// HIIII sorry about vanishing for a while, I was sick :(( but I'm back now!!! And Gabriel has an updated design! Check him out! - mod Hidden

#ultrakill roleplay #ultrakill rp #gabriel ultrakill #gabriel ultrakill fanart #ultrakill

manywingedangel

It was reaching into the afternoon, the air starting to cool, yet Azrael had not arrived back home yet. He left early in the morning, supposedly to work, but he could not be found in his office. He instead had spent his day in the training fields.

It wasn’t often that the archangel took time to train on his own, usually practicing combat with Gabriel, but as of late things had…changed. He needed to get stronger. He needed to be able to aid his partner. He couldn’t be weak any longer. He needed to work harder.

Azrael practiced with his scythe, his victims being the scattered training dummies around the field. He was swift and particular with his movements, not even taking a single moment to rest in between strikes. He couldn’t rest, not yet.

His combat had improved greatly over time, but it still wasn’t good enough. He needed to be better, he needed-

Thump.

The head of one of the training dummies landed hard on the floor, stuffing pouring out of the spot where Azrael’s scythe had severed it. He sighed, pausing for a moment before turning to another dummy.

Again.

( @angelofamber )

"daddy!!"

Anshel ran over to Azrael, crying. Lailah is on his head, tears in her little eyes as well.

"daddy!!!"

He tugs on Azrael's sleeve. Something seemed... Horrible wrong.

Azrael froze, his scythe dematerializing as he turned to see the children. He immediately crouched down, pulling Anshel and Lailah into a hug.

"Sweetheart, why are you crying...?"

He tried not to panic, but his mind was already swimming with thoughts, tightness starting to bloom in his chest.

manywingedangel

"papa is gone!"

Anshel sniffles.

"he's missing! I-I- tried asking uncle Raphael and-- and the powers but-- Papa missed training! He never misses training the powers!"

Azrael felt his heart drop. His hands began to tremble as he pulled out of the hug, his chest feeling even tighter than before.

No. No.

Without a word, he scooped Anshel and Lailah into his arms, his wings opening wide before launching him forward, flying faster than he had ever in his life.

"I'm going to take you two home. Go to your room and lock the door. Stay in there till I am back."

He landed in front of their shared quarters, opening the door. He didn't want to spend any time not looking for Gabriel, but...he couldn't risk the children getting hurt.

manywingedangel

Anshel cried the entire flight home. Shaking as he held his sister.

He's terrified, but...

... He does as told, running to his room with Lailah and locking the door.

Azrael left the two, letting out a deep breath before quickly taking flight once again. He was terrified.

He quickly surveyed Heaven, directionless in his search until-

He got a feeling. He wasn’t sure how, or why, but he knew where he had to search. He had to go to Fraud.

Azrael flew at the speed of light, finding the entrance to Hell and rapidly making his way down the layers till he arrived in the layer of deceit. He didn’t even take a moment to survey the layer, despite never visiting it before, flying forward in search of his lover.

manywingedangel

........

Halls twist and change.

In a room mimicking the lovely scene of limbo: a huge, beautiful birdcage hung from a structure.

The birdcage is locked tight, made of a powerful, holy gold that only the creator could break. Or someone with the key could unlock.

The birdcage is dressed with beautiful lilies....

... While Gabriel lay inside. Scratches all over the metal from failed escapes.

He's trapped. And he's given up.

Azrael quickly made it to the room, bile building up in his throat at the sight.

Without a second thought he darted forward towards the cage, tears welling up under his helmet. This was all his fault, he should’ve been more vigilant, he-

No. Now was not the time to spiral.

The archangel was practically hyperventilating as he got to the cage, shaking the bars with his hands in a desperate, albeit stupid, attempt to open it.

“I-I’m here, I’ll get you out, I’m sorry I took so long, I-I’m so sorry-“

His stammered as he frantically tried to find an opening, his body trembling.

“I’ll kill whoever did this to you, I swear on the father..”

He murmured quietly under his breath, his voice choked out from sobs.

manywingedangel

Gabriel took a breath, crawling over to reach his hand through the bars,

"Azrael-- Azrael you need to flee-- please this is too dangerous for you-!"

He pets Azrael's head gently.

"Dorelor is a powerful throne angel. You can't break the cage... Only he or his key can."

Gabriel sinks down onto the floor of the birdcage.

"haha.... Some seraphim I am... I'm supposed to be the strongest kind of angel... And yet here I am! Haha...."

Azrael shook his head quickly, leaning in to rest his hand on Gabriel’s cheek. It was clear just how much he was trembling.

“D-Don’t say that…”

His breathing calmed a bit, trying to center himself. He can’t be useful in combat if he was panicked.

“I’ll kill him with my bare hands.”

This sort of aggression was beyond out of the usual for Azrael, the usual pacifist commonly being terrified of this sort of action. But rage had boiled up deep in his soul, the thought of that disgrace of an angel even daring to lay his hands on his lover once again made Azrael see red.

manywingedangel

"Azrael-- baby, please ... You can't do this alone. I'll . .I'll think of something!"

Gabriel gasps and freezes up when footsteps began ringing out.

"please-- he's coming and he'll kill you-! Run!"

He's terrified, wings trembling.

"please-! I'll be okay, you can think of something later, RUN! GET SISYPHUS!"

using his power, water and light forms and wraps around Azrael. Whisking him back to heaven.

Azrael was caught off guard, being pulled back from Gabriel by the water and light. He screamed, trying his hardest to fight back but he couldn’t. He was sobbing under his helmet, eyes squeezed shut, terrified beyond belief. He couldn’t lose his lover.

When the archangel opened his eyes again he found himself in Heaven, far away from where Gabriel was being held. He cursed under his breath, regaining his footing and immediately being tempted to journey back to Fraud, but…Gabriel was right. Even though he had improved in combat, he wasn’t nearly proficient enough to take on a throne. He would have to get help.

Azrael thought back to what Gabriel had told him, to go to Sisyphus…He let out a sigh, taking off from his spot in Heaven and descending through Hell once again, stopping in Greed to go speak with the king.

He approached the palace, hoping and praying to an absent god that Sisyphus would be able to help.

( @helios-ploenexia )

helios-pleonexia

*Sisyphus was on his piramid as usual, he was worried.. he had been worried for a while lately, a lot on his mind, when he heard the sound of the angel's wings, he turned around, surprised to see Azrael.*

“Azrael? What brings you here?”

*His voice was.. rather cold, not because of him, but because of everything that had been happening, it was too much for him and he couldn't help but be.. cold to others. And since.. he talked with Minos for the last time, he had been even more worried..*

Azrael looked at Sisyphus, trying to collect himself enough to speak.

“Gabriel, he-“

He couldn’t hold himself together. His voice choked up, tears starting to stream down his face once again, though obscured by his helmet.

“H-He was taken- by Dorelor- I t-tried to save him but-“

He was sobbing now, his body trembling again. It was clear just how scared he was. Just how weak he felt.

helios-pleonexia

*..He listened, soon understanding it all..*

“I get it now.. Let's go there as soon as possible. Dorelor won't hurt him, we'll stop him, is he okay? Did you see him? How are the kids..? Is someone with them? We can't leave them alone.”

*He said, worried but.. his voice was firm.*

“Calm down, Azrael. We can't.. do anything if we.. break down, okay?.. We shall go there and beat that.. motherfucker.”

"I-I didn't see him- Gabriel forced me to leave before I could- and the kids, they're together in Anshel's room, I made sure they kept their door locked but they have nobody watching them- but I can't bring them-"

Azrael slowly started to calm down a bit, nodding in response to Sisyphus's reassurance. He was right. There would be no progress if he was panicked.

"...right."

He needed to keep himself collected. For Gabriel's sake.

helios-pleonexia

“Let's go see Gabriel.. okay?.. Let's see what we can do. If we can't do anything, then we'll go talk with Michael and bring someone to look after the kids, maybe Minos will be able to do so. Now, let's focus on Gabriel, can you take me there?”

*He gave Azrael a little pat on the head, wanting to calm him down, he knew how this felt, but they needed to be focused and.. calmed.*

Azrael nodded again, letting out a deep sigh before speaking once again.

“He’s in Fraud, I…I can take you there.”

While he was still uneasy, he was more calm and collected, not panicked like before. He made his way towards the descent, leading Sisyphus down the layers till they arrived in Fraud, approaching the room once he had adjusted to the twisting of the layer.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Gabriel still lay in the birdcage. Dorelor isn't there. Though now the seraphim lacks his clothing. Sitting there ... So exhausted.

The birdcage is so beautiful. But those wise know those fancy little cages can never be a bird's home. Not even big enough to spread ones wings.

"..."

So tired ... Especially from the bruises on his body.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*..As he saw the birdcage, he approached quickly, seeing how Gabriel lacked clothes made him furious, he knew what he had done..*

*He would have yelled, but.. he knew that wouldn't do anything, his voice was colder, serious, focused.*

“Gabriel. We are here for you, do you know how did he enter?.. We'll save you.. We are here.. He won't touch you again, I-.. I promise..”

*A cape of light and warmth wrapped around the archangel. Why was Sisyphus so.. emotionless?.. They all knew how much he would yell if he wasn't like.. this..*

@angelofamber

Azrael quickly followed behind Sisyphus, the feeling of bile building up in his throat once again. His hands trembled, tears clouding his vision as he shook with rage.

“L-Love- I’m so sorry, I- I’m going to fucking kill him.“

The last part was murmured quietly, his voice coarse from sobbing. He was beyond furious at this point. His hands balled up into fists, if not for his gauntlets his nails would be breaking skin.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Gabriel takes a breath, sighing before he wraps his wings around himself.

"it ...I'm okay. I'll be okay...!"

He said as reassuringly as he can...

...

Footsteps and humming begin approaching.

"..."

He immediately froze up.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

“Azrael, let's hide. If he does anything, we.. catch him and beat him up. Understood? Now, calm down, and wait.”

*His brightness lowered till' it was gone, hidding in the room the best as he could, always watching the scene, his gaze focused, piercing on the birdcage as he waited.. and waited. He almost looked like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to pounce and kill his pray, because maybe, that was his plan.*

The thought of waiting, standing by and letting that monster get any closer to Gabriel, made him sick to his stomach. But he knew Sisyphus was right.

He nodded, taking a deep breath to center himself before his wings pulled tight to his back, hiding in a spot on the other side of the room. He was still trembling, but was entirely silent.

He was not going to lose his partner.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

"oh, beautiful songbird...."

A voice spoke ... And out a door came Dorelor. An angel still wearing old, long time unused council garb, two sets of wings. Golden chains decorating his body.

Dorelor was once the council's warden. His job was to chain and capture angels that broke heavenly law. His powers when it came to ensnarement and capture is powerful.

"I've returned, my dear..."

Gabriel looks at Dorelor, taking a breath before responding. Trying to remain level headed to keep the situation as controlled as possible.

"Dorelor."

Dorelor hums sickly sweet. Producing a key to unlock the cage.

... Which means now is the chance to act.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*..As soon as he saw Dorelor producing the key, he jumped out from his hidding spot, taking Dorelor from the wings and crushing them easily. He held him high, his brightness so very bright.. He wanted to blind him.*

“You.”

*His touch was painful, burning.. it burned like fire itself, and even more. He never let Dorelor leave his grip, only crushing the feathers even more, he didn't even need his two hands, just with one was enough to easily break the structure of the feathered limbs. His touch left burns on the wings, burning the feathers that weren't already hurt, and even those that were. He wasn't going to have mercy, not after what he did to Seraph.*

@angelofamber

Azrael came out of his hiding spot, wincing and shutting his eyes as Sisyphus grew brighter. He waited for a moment till it was safer for him to move forward, his scythe materializing in his hand. His wings flared out, producing an imposing presence. The Archangel of Death, in his full truth.

He kept his eyes tightly closed, his grip on his scythe firm. Despite not having said a word, his anger could clearly be felt, the energy emanating off of him.

“You.”

He repeated, his voice harsh and low, trembling from rage.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Now that the cage was open, Gabriel immediately flew out and into the air, ready to teleport and flee to safety. But--

Dorelor, struggling from Sisyphus's burning radiance and his wings being crushed-- he summons a chain to grab and shackle Gabriel's ankle. yanking him back down harshly. He crashed into the ground with a huge booming impact.

"you can't do this-- you-- you won't! You won't take away my songbird!"

Dorelor shouts as he kicks Sisyphus, looking at Azrael as if he didn't just gravely injure Gabriel.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*As he heard the impact, he threw Dorelor to the ground with all of his strength. His brightness lowering as he ran to his child, crouching and taking him up into his arms.*

“Gabriel! My child.. Are you okay? Is everything okay? Come here, you are safe now, he won't hurt you again..”

*He promised, covering him once again in a coat of light and warmth, so he would feel better.*

“What hurts?.. Tell me, I can try to ease the pain with warmth, I fear I do not know much about medicine but if it brings you comfort it will work.”

*..Then, he realized maybe Azrael gave Gabriel more comfort than him, but he also understood Azrael would want to beat Dorelor for some time.*

At the sound of the impact Azrael’s eyes shot open, darting from Gabriel to Dorelor. His first instinct told him to run to his lover, but it seemed like Sisyphus had gone to comfort Gabriel already, so that only left….

The archangel whipped back around, his armored foot slamming hard into the fallen throne’s chest. Not even a moment after, the blade of the scythe was pressed hard against his neck, Azrael glaring down.

“If you do as much as utter another fucking sound I will not hesitate to rip your throat out with my own bare hands.”

His eyes were kept on Dorelor’s hands, so if he tried to pull any bullshit, he’d be on it immediately.

“You’re lucky I haven’t slit your throat yet.”

He spat, the rage clear in his voice.

manywingedangel

Dorelor struggles for a moment, looking up at Azrael.

"you.... You wont-- take him away from me----!"

Cw: Gore, vauge mentions of past SA

helios-pleonexia

*..As he saw Gabriel piercing Dorelor's skull, he smiled softly, approaching them and holding that.. angel's wings, easily ripping them from that disgusting being. He didn't deserve those. He threw the wings to the floor, seeing as the blood dripped from them.*

*Sisyphus stayed silence, he knew his job there was done, now Seraph and Azrael needed to go back to the kids, and Azrael could calm Gabriel down easily. He only watched as more and more blood dripped from that being, sighing. He did not feel bad for him, he was just thinking, he really had to go back.. to just a weapon, eh?.. For others, for the ones he loved.*

Azrael’s body still trembled, eyes wide under his helm as he stared one spear go through the body, then another, then another. He was silent the entire time. Once Sisyphus came to rip off his wings, Azrael stepped back, staring at the mangled corpse with a sense of satisfaction, but… he was stunned. Somewhat like a deer in headlights.

But it didn’t take long for him to come to his senses. Not even a minute later he darted to Gabriel’s side, kneeling down beside his partner. He reached out as if to want to hug Gabriel, but pulled back, unsure if that was what his lover wanted in the moment. He tried to speak, but his words got caught in his throat. After a few tries, he finally was able to utter words.

“I-I will never leave your side, I will never let anyone hurt you like that ever again, I swear on my life- I-I failed you, and I’m sorry.”

He wasn’t sobbing, but it was clear his voice was strained.

“Let’s get you home.”

He murmured, his voice a bit quieter.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

"w-wait--"

Gabriel hiccups from his painful sobs, his voice having grown rough.

He digs his hand into one of the stab wounds at Dorelor's chest. Physically ripping out the throne's soul.

...

"... His powers will never be used to hurt someone like he hurt me again."

He presses the glowing orb to his own chest, it merges into him.

"I'm taking his powers for myself."

Azrael slowly got up from his kneeled position, nodding. He didn’t say a word, but it was clear that he was starting to calm down, the adrenaline settling. Once his mind was clear, it started to wander…shit, the kids.

He knew Gabriel would need space but he couldn’t leave Gabriel’s side to take care of the children, he couldn’t take his eyes off of him. Maybe he could ask a favor from Michael or another to watch the little ones for a while, at least until things calmed down a bit.

Azrael walked up to Gabriel, gently resting his hand on his lover’s shoulder. He didn’t utter a word, but it was clear he was asking if the other was ready to go.

manywingedangel

Gabriel nods, taking a breath before holding Azrael's hand. He nuzzles his face before raising his free hand. Light beaming onto both angels as they're teleported back to heaven.

"... I need my clothes... And a barf bag."

He sighs, the entire event is weighing on him... But he did feel relieved. Closure knowing Dorelor is gone for good.

Azrael sighed, gently squeezing Gabriel’s hand as they returned to Heaven. He nodded quickly as the other spoke, walking him back to their quarters.

“There are fresh clothes in our room, and you can take as much time as you need to rest- I can watch the kids, and if not me, we can always ask one of your siblings for assistance.”

Once they got back, he opened the door, walking Gabriel back to his room. He then turned to Anshel’s room, letting out a sigh before knocking. The poor children must be terrified.

“Anshel? Sweetheart, it’s me, you can open the door now.”

manywingedangel

Anshel slowly opens the door. The poor kid was still crying, holding his baby sister closely as she whines and shakes from fear.

"daddy ...."

Azrael immediately dropped to the floor, kneeling down and gently hugging the two of them. He held back tears, staying silent for a few moments as he just held Anshel and Lailah. After a little bit he came back to his senses, letting out a deep sigh.

“Papa he.. he’s safe. He’s home, he just needs some space for now, alright?”

He leaned back, taking his helmet off for the first time in hours. His eyes were tired, but still held the same compassion they always did.

“I’m so sorry I had to leave you two alone…”

manywingedangel

Anshel wipes his tears.

"it-its okay, daddy! I was... I was really brave while I waited for you and papa!"

He did his best to be brave. Even through tears. For his baby sister who didn't quite understand yet what happened.

Azrael smiled with his eyes, pulling the two into another soft hug.

“I am so proud of you Anshel, so proud.”

He couldn’t even begin to imagine how scary this situation must’ve been for the children, but hearing Anshel say this brought him a bit of comfort.

manywingedangel

"a-and papa is okay . . Right...?"

Anshel asks shakily, still sniffing back more tears.

"papa wasn't hurt....?"

Azrael froze up.

He didn’t want to lie to Anshel, but…telling him the truth….no. He couldn’t bring himself to lie.

“Papa was…hurt, but he will feel better soon, I promise.”

He sighed, leaning back once again, his hand gently resting on Anshel’s shoulder.

manywingedangel

Anshel nods slowly, looking up at Azrael.

"a-and is... Is the bad guy gone ...?"

He felt ... Very complicated about Dorelor. Since that man is... technically his father too. But he knows he never would be one to him. Never.

Azrael quickly nodded.

“He’s gone, for good. He can’t hurt you or Papa ever again.”

In all of this chaos, all of these muffled complicated feelings, there was a sense of relief under it all, that Dorelor was finally gone, dead.

Finally, Gabriel could rest.

manywingedangel

Gabriel left his room, now wearing some white robes since he didn't really need his armor right now. His helm off too.

He rubs his eyes, which were tear stained.

"papa-!"

Anshel ran over to hug his leg. Gabriel kneels down to pick up his son.

"im here, darling... I'm here..."

Lailah hovers around Gabriel's head, chirping.

Azrael smiled with his eyes, slowly approaching the three and resting his hand on Gabriel’s cheek.

“How are you feeling…?”

It was a stupid question, really, to ask how he was feeling after all of that. But he had to.

He tried to not make his worry clear, but it still seeped through the cracks. He wasn’t perfect at covering up his emotions.

manywingedangel

Gabriel leans in to nuzzle his face to Azrael's.

"tired, but to be honest, I'm more hungry than tired right now."

He laughs a little.

Azrael laughed a bit too, nodding. God, he was so glad to hear Gabriel laugh. He loved his laugh.

“I can make dinner, you rest. Anything in particular you wanted?”

He started walking over to the kitchen from the hallway, happy to be able to cook for his family. He loved his family. Even though there was hardship, it always circled back to this.

manywingedangel

Gabriel nods slowly.

"I bought some good quality meats before I was ... Taken. They're in the fridge. Perhaps the ham with some bread and wine..."

It's fair he wants something light on his stomach. After everything..

Azrael nodded again, starting to get some stuff out of the fridge. It was hard to try and turn back to normalcy after everything that happened, but he would have to try.

He took out the meats, bread, and wine from the fridge, setting them up and pouring two glasses of wine, one for himself and another for Gabriel. He also set up a plate for Anshel, setting it aside for the young angel.

He walked back to Gabriel, handing him one of the wine glasses before nuzzling his face against the other’s, purring softly.

manywingedangel

Gabriel purrs and nuzzles Azrael's face back. Smiling with his eyes.

Anshel looks at the wine bottle, tilting his head and reaching up towards it-- no baby that stuff tastes yucky :((.

Azrael almost instinctively ran over, snatching the wine bottle and keeping it out of Anshel’s grasp, storing it where the young angel couldn’t grab it.

“Nope, that’s for adults-“

He laughed, his head wings fluttering a bit as he turned to the fridge to get some juice for Anshel, handing a cup to him.

manywingedangel

"I'm mature enough!" He's not.

Anshel pouts as the wine was taken, though all of his frustration immediately fizzled away when giving the juice.

Gabriel drank a sip of his wine, watching the interaction quietly. He felt... Odd. He thought he would be more upset after everything. Though the fact Dorelor is dead for good brings him comfort.

the-heavenly-strategist

Seraph slowly enters Michael's archives. Not wearing any of his armor, instead his old angelic robes. White fabric covering his skin, golden accessories decorating the white.

He picks up a book from the shelf, his wings folded tightly against his back.

"..."

{ @manywingedangel }

“…S-Seraph..? Is that… actually you..?”

Michael walks out of his office, looking as presentable as possible, hiding what had just happened, he was shocked to see you… especially in those old robes

“Brother, is everything ok..? You haven’t worn those robes in ages… and… fuck, I heard what happened… sorry I wasn’t there but, I’m glad you killed him.”

manywingedangel

"...I just... My armor shows too much skin. I... Need to feel comfortable with my skin again if I want to don my armor.

Seraph sighs, looking at Michael.

"sometimes I wish I never came up with that nickname. It feels like people forget at the end of the day I am gods will. Gabriel... It was supposed to just be a nickname Arch could call me."

the-heavenly-strategist

“I see, considering everything, I don’t blame you for doing this, if anything, I’d be more concerned if you soldiered through everything. You’re giving yourself a chance to heal.”

Michael walks closer, the sol behind him flickering back to life, he was so glad to see that not only were you ok, but also letting the healing process begin, something you deserved for such a long time now

“Brother, I know you are God’s Will, you’re still Gabriel, nothing will ever change that, I just… find it easier to call you “Seraph”, but if you want me to refer to you as Gabriel again, I will.”

manywingedangel

"... I suppose I just ... Think I'm not enough of a Seraphim to be called any variation of one."

Seraph grabs another book, opening it to skim before closing it and setting it back on the shelf.

"part of my healing is fixing the council's wrongdoings. Starting with their rewriting of history."

He seems to be checking books for the council's influence of events.

the-heavenly-strategist

“To me, you’re more than enough of a Seraphim, brother, far better than ones from eons past… especially a specific one damned to Hell who’s active again…”

Michael walks over to the bookshelf, skimming over each book with his shrouded eyes, fixing past mistakes… rewriting history…

“I truly believe that you’re capable of pulling this off, I saw how you were able to give King Sisyphus his human body back, that’s more than enough proof for me. Plus, there are many who’ve been erased from history here in Heaven, who deserve to have their names remembered. You have what it takes, Gabriel.”

manywingedangel

Seraph nods, picking up a few more books to skim through.

"that does give me a good idea of where to start; the prime souls. I doubt they were written in the proper light here."

He's already on the floor, grabbing pens and sticky notes to begin writing addendums to books.

"I'll need many...many edibles if I want to get this done."

His daughter, lailah, chirps. She's been hanging out on his head, bested in his hair.

the-heavenly-strategist

“It annoys me to the core of the fucking Earth and back how much was erased regarding them… unfortunately all that remains regarding King Minos and King Sisyphus is… their uprising and you killing them… brother… everything else before had become null and void…”

Michael couldn’t hold back his frustration regarding the erasure of the Prime Souls, how kind and compassionate they were before revolting against Heaven… before being killed and imprisoned… it drove him mad…

“I swear it- wait, has Lailah been here the whole time, Gabriel..? I just now noticed her… also, I fully understand needing multiple edibles for these things, but please do take it easy, don’t overdo it.”

manywingedangel

Gabriel looks up before snickering.

"ah, yes... I suppose she followed me here."

Lailah flutters off Gabriel's head to hover over to Michael, chirping and chiming at her uncle. ,

"wrong.... Wrong.... Wrong...."

He sighs, some pages are quickly becoming more sticky notes than page.

the-heavenly-strategist

Seraph slowly enters Michael's archives. Not wearing any of his armor, instead his old angelic robes. White fabric covering his skin, golden accessories decorating the white.

He picks up a book from the shelf, his wings folded tightly against his back.

"..."

{ @manywingedangel }

“…S-Seraph..? Is that… actually you..?”

Michael walks out of his office, looking as presentable as possible, hiding what had just happened, he was shocked to see you… especially in those old robes

“Brother, is everything ok..? You haven’t worn those robes in ages… and… fuck, I heard what happened… sorry I wasn’t there but, I’m glad you killed him.”

manywingedangel

"...I just... My armor shows too much skin. I... Need to feel comfortable with my skin again if I want to don my armor.

Seraph sighs, looking at Michael.

"sometimes I wish I never came up with that nickname. It feels like people forget at the end of the day I am gods will. Gabriel... It was supposed to just be a nickname Arch could call me."

the-heavenly-strategist

“I see, considering everything, I don’t blame you for doing this, if anything, I’d be more concerned if you soldiered through everything. You’re giving yourself a chance to heal.”

Michael walks closer, the sol behind him flickering back to life, he was so glad to see that not only were you ok, but also letting the healing process begin, something you deserved for such a long time now

“Brother, I know you are God’s Will, you’re still Gabriel, nothing will ever change that, I just… find it easier to call you “Seraph”, but if you want me to refer to you as Gabriel again, I will.”

manywingedangel

"... I suppose I just ... Think I'm not enough of a Seraphim to be called any variation of one."

Seraph grabs another book, opening it to skim before closing it and setting it back on the shelf.

"part of my healing is fixing the council's wrongdoings. Starting with their rewriting of history."

He seems to be checking books for the council's influence of events.

the-heavenly-strategist

“To me, you’re more than enough of a Seraphim, brother, far better than ones from eons past… especially a specific one damned to Hell who’s active again…”

Michael walks over to the bookshelf, skimming over each book with his shrouded eyes, fixing past mistakes… rewriting history…

“I truly believe that you’re capable of pulling this off, I saw how you were able to give King Sisyphus his human body back, that’s more than enough proof for me. Plus, there are many who’ve been erased from history here in Heaven, who deserve to have their names remembered. You have what it takes, Gabriel.”

manywingedangel

Seraph nods, picking up a few more books to skim through.

"that does give me a good idea of where to start; the prime souls. I doubt they were written in the proper light here."

He's already on the floor, grabbing pens and sticky notes to begin writing addendums to books.

"I'll need many...many edibles if I want to get this done."

His daughter, lailah, chirps. She's been hanging out on his head, bested in his hair.

manywingedangel

Ori had been a mess recently. Torn between his anxieties about Lust, about Minos, about Sisyphus, his partners, and… whatever else that was causing a constant thrum of anxiety in his chest. He was hard to get a hold of, erratic, and pacing the streets of Lust every day and night, when he wasn’t holed up in his office.

It was a miracle Seraph managed to get a hold of him at all, and especially to just… visit. Nothing else, just an innocent visit to Heaven, as much as it made Ori want to throw up being away from Lust too long.

-@hellsfavoritefallen

"Ori ..."

Seraph could tell something was wrong, very wrong. .. but he knows better than to interrogate Ori.

"come, friend... The heavenly pools await us."

... But what he does know is how much water can calm him down.

hellsfavoritefallen

Ori hated being away from Lust, but he especially hated being in Heaven, being in the place that he once resided. Seraph’s Heaven was different enough from his own that it wasn’t traumatizing, but it was still enough to make him unsettled, anxiety curling in his chest, hand hovering by his knife as his wings twitched.

“I have not been in the bathing pools of Heaven since…”

He trailed off, the answer quite clear. He had no reason to be in them after he fell, Greed’s pools did just fine, and he wasn’t entirely sure he could get into Heaven in his own world.

He followed behind Seraph, wings twitching at every stray sound.

manywingedangel

Seraph has been different recently, he couldn't fault Ori for being different as well.

The seraphim of water has been... Happier. Or at the very least more serene, as if having overcome a great hardship and is finally able to recover from it all.

The grandest heavenly bathing pools, reserved for the elite... Marble carved so carefully, water crystal clear, stained glass making the rooms light filter into many colors..

"here we are."

hellsfavoritefallen

Ori could tell that Seraph seemed calmer. Perhaps some of that would rub off on him through spending time with the seraphim, but he severely doubted it. There was nothing that could truly quell his anxieties, but they were a necessary evil to protect his loved ones.

The bathing pools were gorgeous, and Ori desperately wished he could relax enough to enjoy the architecture of them, take notes for new designs for Lust (which would be destroyed any day because of his own failure–)

He shook out his wings, before tucking them tightly to his back, glancing over at Seraph for a moment.

"How have you been? You seem.... content."

manywingedangel

"Oh, I was kidnapped and assaulted by Dorelor.... Then I killed him. I feel a lot better after killing him."

Seraph hums a bit, removing his robes to dip into the water.

"it was quite cathartic to stab his face repeatedly until he was unrecognizable."

hellsfavoritefallen

Ori was silent for a long moment, looking at Seraph critically. He was completely still, wings frozen in their movement, stomach turning with nausea.

"...What."

Seraph had been kidnapped and assaulted? Was everything else that he had been through not enough? Could he not just relax–?

Ori's wings were creeping amber as his thoughts raced, clearly not focusing on the part of the statement where Seraph said that he had killed Dorelor.

manywingedangel

Seraph settles into the water, relaxing.

"Yes, he kept me in a birdcage in fraud. Quite cramped..."

He shrugs, stretching his wings as the warm water soothes his still fresh bruises and cuts.

"but again, I killed him in cold blood as he deserved."

hellsfavoritefallen

Ori was horrified. He sat down by the edge of the pool heavily, hand picking at his knife as he stared at Seraph. What the hell could he even say to that? He felt sick.

"...I am glad he is dead. I am glad you are the one who killed him and got closure."

He shuffled off the boots of his armor, just dipping his feet in and nothing else. He hadn't had his armor off since...

...

He couldn't remember. But the thought of taking it off made him even more anxious.

manywingedangel

"indeed. His fate makes me... Very happy. Especially as I stole his powers for myself."

Seraph hums, manifesting a golden chain between his hands briefly before dispelling it.

"not even his chains can hurt anyone again."

manywingedangel

It was reaching into the afternoon, the air starting to cool, yet Azrael had not arrived back home yet. He left early in the morning, supposedly to work, but he could not be found in his office. He instead had spent his day in the training fields.

It wasn’t often that the archangel took time to train on his own, usually practicing combat with Gabriel, but as of late things had…changed. He needed to get stronger. He needed to be able to aid his partner. He couldn’t be weak any longer. He needed to work harder.

Azrael practiced with his scythe, his victims being the scattered training dummies around the field. He was swift and particular with his movements, not even taking a single moment to rest in between strikes. He couldn’t rest, not yet.

His combat had improved greatly over time, but it still wasn’t good enough. He needed to be better, he needed-

Thump.

The head of one of the training dummies landed hard on the floor, stuffing pouring out of the spot where Azrael’s scythe had severed it. He sighed, pausing for a moment before turning to another dummy.

Again.

( @angelofamber )

"daddy!!"

Anshel ran over to Azrael, crying. Lailah is on his head, tears in her little eyes as well.

"daddy!!!"

He tugs on Azrael's sleeve. Something seemed... Horrible wrong.

Azrael froze, his scythe dematerializing as he turned to see the children. He immediately crouched down, pulling Anshel and Lailah into a hug.

"Sweetheart, why are you crying...?"

He tried not to panic, but his mind was already swimming with thoughts, tightness starting to bloom in his chest.

manywingedangel

"papa is gone!"

Anshel sniffles.

"he's missing! I-I- tried asking uncle Raphael and-- and the powers but-- Papa missed training! He never misses training the powers!"

Azrael felt his heart drop. His hands began to tremble as he pulled out of the hug, his chest feeling even tighter than before.

No. No.

Without a word, he scooped Anshel and Lailah into his arms, his wings opening wide before launching him forward, flying faster than he had ever in his life.

"I'm going to take you two home. Go to your room and lock the door. Stay in there till I am back."

He landed in front of their shared quarters, opening the door. He didn't want to spend any time not looking for Gabriel, but...he couldn't risk the children getting hurt.

manywingedangel

Anshel cried the entire flight home. Shaking as he held his sister.

He's terrified, but...

... He does as told, running to his room with Lailah and locking the door.

Azrael left the two, letting out a deep breath before quickly taking flight once again. He was terrified.

He quickly surveyed Heaven, directionless in his search until-

He got a feeling. He wasn’t sure how, or why, but he knew where he had to search. He had to go to Fraud.

Azrael flew at the speed of light, finding the entrance to Hell and rapidly making his way down the layers till he arrived in the layer of deceit. He didn’t even take a moment to survey the layer, despite never visiting it before, flying forward in search of his lover.

manywingedangel

........

Halls twist and change.

In a room mimicking the lovely scene of limbo: a huge, beautiful birdcage hung from a structure.

The birdcage is locked tight, made of a powerful, holy gold that only the creator could break. Or someone with the key could unlock.

The birdcage is dressed with beautiful lilies....

... While Gabriel lay inside. Scratches all over the metal from failed escapes.

He's trapped. And he's given up.

Azrael quickly made it to the room, bile building up in his throat at the sight.

Without a second thought he darted forward towards the cage, tears welling up under his helmet. This was all his fault, he should’ve been more vigilant, he-

No. Now was not the time to spiral.

The archangel was practically hyperventilating as he got to the cage, shaking the bars with his hands in a desperate, albeit stupid, attempt to open it.

“I-I’m here, I’ll get you out, I’m sorry I took so long, I-I’m so sorry-“

His stammered as he frantically tried to find an opening, his body trembling.

“I’ll kill whoever did this to you, I swear on the father..”

He murmured quietly under his breath, his voice choked out from sobs.

manywingedangel

Gabriel took a breath, crawling over to reach his hand through the bars,

"Azrael-- Azrael you need to flee-- please this is too dangerous for you-!"

He pets Azrael's head gently.

"Dorelor is a powerful throne angel. You can't break the cage... Only he or his key can."

Gabriel sinks down onto the floor of the birdcage.

"haha.... Some seraphim I am... I'm supposed to be the strongest kind of angel... And yet here I am! Haha...."

Azrael shook his head quickly, leaning in to rest his hand on Gabriel’s cheek. It was clear just how much he was trembling.

“D-Don’t say that…”

His breathing calmed a bit, trying to center himself. He can’t be useful in combat if he was panicked.

“I’ll kill him with my bare hands.”

This sort of aggression was beyond out of the usual for Azrael, the usual pacifist commonly being terrified of this sort of action. But rage had boiled up deep in his soul, the thought of that disgrace of an angel even daring to lay his hands on his lover once again made Azrael see red.

manywingedangel

"Azrael-- baby, please ... You can't do this alone. I'll . .I'll think of something!"

Gabriel gasps and freezes up when footsteps began ringing out.

"please-- he's coming and he'll kill you-! Run!"

He's terrified, wings trembling.

"please-! I'll be okay, you can think of something later, RUN! GET SISYPHUS!"

using his power, water and light forms and wraps around Azrael. Whisking him back to heaven.

Azrael was caught off guard, being pulled back from Gabriel by the water and light. He screamed, trying his hardest to fight back but he couldn’t. He was sobbing under his helmet, eyes squeezed shut, terrified beyond belief. He couldn’t lose his lover.

When the archangel opened his eyes again he found himself in Heaven, far away from where Gabriel was being held. He cursed under his breath, regaining his footing and immediately being tempted to journey back to Fraud, but…Gabriel was right. Even though he had improved in combat, he wasn’t nearly proficient enough to take on a throne. He would have to get help.

Azrael thought back to what Gabriel had told him, to go to Sisyphus…He let out a sigh, taking off from his spot in Heaven and descending through Hell once again, stopping in Greed to go speak with the king.

He approached the palace, hoping and praying to an absent god that Sisyphus would be able to help.

( @helios-ploenexia )

helios-pleonexia

*Sisyphus was on his piramid as usual, he was worried.. he had been worried for a while lately, a lot on his mind, when he heard the sound of the angel's wings, he turned around, surprised to see Azrael.*

“Azrael? What brings you here?”

*His voice was.. rather cold, not because of him, but because of everything that had been happening, it was too much for him and he couldn't help but be.. cold to others. And since.. he talked with Minos for the last time, he had been even more worried..*

Azrael looked at Sisyphus, trying to collect himself enough to speak.

“Gabriel, he-“

He couldn’t hold himself together. His voice choked up, tears starting to stream down his face once again, though obscured by his helmet.

“H-He was taken- by Dorelor- I t-tried to save him but-“

He was sobbing now, his body trembling again. It was clear just how scared he was. Just how weak he felt.

helios-pleonexia

*..He listened, soon understanding it all..*

“I get it now.. Let's go there as soon as possible. Dorelor won't hurt him, we'll stop him, is he okay? Did you see him? How are the kids..? Is someone with them? We can't leave them alone.”

*He said, worried but.. his voice was firm.*

“Calm down, Azrael. We can't.. do anything if we.. break down, okay?.. We shall go there and beat that.. motherfucker.”

"I-I didn't see him- Gabriel forced me to leave before I could- and the kids, they're together in Anshel's room, I made sure they kept their door locked but they have nobody watching them- but I can't bring them-"

Azrael slowly started to calm down a bit, nodding in response to Sisyphus's reassurance. He was right. There would be no progress if he was panicked.

"...right."

He needed to keep himself collected. For Gabriel's sake.

helios-pleonexia

“Let's go see Gabriel.. okay?.. Let's see what we can do. If we can't do anything, then we'll go talk with Michael and bring someone to look after the kids, maybe Minos will be able to do so. Now, let's focus on Gabriel, can you take me there?”

*He gave Azrael a little pat on the head, wanting to calm him down, he knew how this felt, but they needed to be focused and.. calmed.*

Azrael nodded again, letting out a deep sigh before speaking once again.

“He’s in Fraud, I…I can take you there.”

While he was still uneasy, he was more calm and collected, not panicked like before. He made his way towards the descent, leading Sisyphus down the layers till they arrived in Fraud, approaching the room once he had adjusted to the twisting of the layer.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Gabriel still lay in the birdcage. Dorelor isn't there. Though now the seraphim lacks his clothing. Sitting there ... So exhausted.

The birdcage is so beautiful. But those wise know those fancy little cages can never be a bird's home. Not even big enough to spread ones wings.

"..."

So tired ... Especially from the bruises on his body.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*..As he saw the birdcage, he approached quickly, seeing how Gabriel lacked clothes made him furious, he knew what he had done..*

*He would have yelled, but.. he knew that wouldn't do anything, his voice was colder, serious, focused.*

“Gabriel. We are here for you, do you know how did he enter?.. We'll save you.. We are here.. He won't touch you again, I-.. I promise..”

*A cape of light and warmth wrapped around the archangel. Why was Sisyphus so.. emotionless?.. They all knew how much he would yell if he wasn't like.. this..*

@angelofamber

Azrael quickly followed behind Sisyphus, the feeling of bile building up in his throat once again. His hands trembled, tears clouding his vision as he shook with rage.

“L-Love- I’m so sorry, I- I’m going to fucking kill him.“

The last part was murmured quietly, his voice coarse from sobbing. He was beyond furious at this point. His hands balled up into fists, if not for his gauntlets his nails would be breaking skin.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Gabriel takes a breath, sighing before he wraps his wings around himself.

"it ...I'm okay. I'll be okay...!"

He said as reassuringly as he can...

...

Footsteps and humming begin approaching.

"..."

He immediately froze up.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

“Azrael, let's hide. If he does anything, we.. catch him and beat him up. Understood? Now, calm down, and wait.”

*His brightness lowered till' it was gone, hidding in the room the best as he could, always watching the scene, his gaze focused, piercing on the birdcage as he waited.. and waited. He almost looked like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to pounce and kill his pray, because maybe, that was his plan.*

The thought of waiting, standing by and letting that monster get any closer to Gabriel, made him sick to his stomach. But he knew Sisyphus was right.

He nodded, taking a deep breath to center himself before his wings pulled tight to his back, hiding in a spot on the other side of the room. He was still trembling, but was entirely silent.

He was not going to lose his partner.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

"oh, beautiful songbird...."

A voice spoke ... And out a door came Dorelor. An angel still wearing old, long time unused council garb, two sets of wings. Golden chains decorating his body.

Dorelor was once the council's warden. His job was to chain and capture angels that broke heavenly law. His powers when it came to ensnarement and capture is powerful.

"I've returned, my dear..."

Gabriel looks at Dorelor, taking a breath before responding. Trying to remain level headed to keep the situation as controlled as possible.

"Dorelor."

Dorelor hums sickly sweet. Producing a key to unlock the cage.

... Which means now is the chance to act.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*..As soon as he saw Dorelor producing the key, he jumped out from his hidding spot, taking Dorelor from the wings and crushing them easily. He held him high, his brightness so very bright.. He wanted to blind him.*

“You.”

*His touch was painful, burning.. it burned like fire itself, and even more. He never let Dorelor leave his grip, only crushing the feathers even more, he didn't even need his two hands, just with one was enough to easily break the structure of the feathered limbs. His touch left burns on the wings, burning the feathers that weren't already hurt, and even those that were. He wasn't going to have mercy, not after what he did to Seraph.*

@angelofamber

Azrael came out of his hiding spot, wincing and shutting his eyes as Sisyphus grew brighter. He waited for a moment till it was safer for him to move forward, his scythe materializing in his hand. His wings flared out, producing an imposing presence. The Archangel of Death, in his full truth.

He kept his eyes tightly closed, his grip on his scythe firm. Despite not having said a word, his anger could clearly be felt, the energy emanating off of him.

“You.”

He repeated, his voice harsh and low, trembling from rage.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Now that the cage was open, Gabriel immediately flew out and into the air, ready to teleport and flee to safety. But--

Dorelor, struggling from Sisyphus's burning radiance and his wings being crushed-- he summons a chain to grab and shackle Gabriel's ankle. yanking him back down harshly. He crashed into the ground with a huge booming impact.

"you can't do this-- you-- you won't! You won't take away my songbird!"

Dorelor shouts as he kicks Sisyphus, looking at Azrael as if he didn't just gravely injure Gabriel.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*As he heard the impact, he threw Dorelor to the ground with all of his strength. His brightness lowering as he ran to his child, crouching and taking him up into his arms.*

“Gabriel! My child.. Are you okay? Is everything okay? Come here, you are safe now, he won't hurt you again..”

*He promised, covering him once again in a coat of light and warmth, so he would feel better.*

“What hurts?.. Tell me, I can try to ease the pain with warmth, I fear I do not know much about medicine but if it brings you comfort it will work.”

*..Then, he realized maybe Azrael gave Gabriel more comfort than him, but he also understood Azrael would want to beat Dorelor for some time.*

At the sound of the impact Azrael’s eyes shot open, darting from Gabriel to Dorelor. His first instinct told him to run to his lover, but it seemed like Sisyphus had gone to comfort Gabriel already, so that only left….

The archangel whipped back around, his armored foot slamming hard into the fallen throne’s chest. Not even a moment after, the blade of the scythe was pressed hard against his neck, Azrael glaring down.

“If you do as much as utter another fucking sound I will not hesitate to rip your throat out with my own bare hands.”

His eyes were kept on Dorelor’s hands, so if he tried to pull any bullshit, he’d be on it immediately.

“You’re lucky I haven’t slit your throat yet.”

He spat, the rage clear in his voice.

manywingedangel

Dorelor struggles for a moment, looking up at Azrael.

"you.... You wont-- take him away from me----!"

Cw: Gore, vauge mentions of past SA

helios-pleonexia

*..As he saw Gabriel piercing Dorelor's skull, he smiled softly, approaching them and holding that.. angel's wings, easily ripping them from that disgusting being. He didn't deserve those. He threw the wings to the floor, seeing as the blood dripped from them.*

*Sisyphus stayed silence, he knew his job there was done, now Seraph and Azrael needed to go back to the kids, and Azrael could calm Gabriel down easily. He only watched as more and more blood dripped from that being, sighing. He did not feel bad for him, he was just thinking, he really had to go back.. to just a weapon, eh?.. For others, for the ones he loved.*

Azrael’s body still trembled, eyes wide under his helm as he stared one spear go through the body, then another, then another. He was silent the entire time. Once Sisyphus came to rip off his wings, Azrael stepped back, staring at the mangled corpse with a sense of satisfaction, but… he was stunned. Somewhat like a deer in headlights.

But it didn’t take long for him to come to his senses. Not even a minute later he darted to Gabriel’s side, kneeling down beside his partner. He reached out as if to want to hug Gabriel, but pulled back, unsure if that was what his lover wanted in the moment. He tried to speak, but his words got caught in his throat. After a few tries, he finally was able to utter words.

“I-I will never leave your side, I will never let anyone hurt you like that ever again, I swear on my life- I-I failed you, and I’m sorry.”

He wasn’t sobbing, but it was clear his voice was strained.

“Let’s get you home.”

He murmured, his voice a bit quieter.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

"w-wait--"

Gabriel hiccups from his painful sobs, his voice having grown rough.

He digs his hand into one of the stab wounds at Dorelor's chest. Physically ripping out the throne's soul.

...

"... His powers will never be used to hurt someone like he hurt me again."

He presses the glowing orb to his own chest, it merges into him.

"I'm taking his powers for myself."

Azrael slowly got up from his kneeled position, nodding. He didn’t say a word, but it was clear that he was starting to calm down, the adrenaline settling. Once his mind was clear, it started to wander…shit, the kids.

He knew Gabriel would need space but he couldn’t leave Gabriel’s side to take care of the children, he couldn’t take his eyes off of him. Maybe he could ask a favor from Michael or another to watch the little ones for a while, at least until things calmed down a bit.

Azrael walked up to Gabriel, gently resting his hand on his lover’s shoulder. He didn’t utter a word, but it was clear he was asking if the other was ready to go.

manywingedangel

Gabriel nods, taking a breath before holding Azrael's hand. He nuzzles his face before raising his free hand. Light beaming onto both angels as they're teleported back to heaven.

"... I need my clothes... And a barf bag."

He sighs, the entire event is weighing on him... But he did feel relieved. Closure knowing Dorelor is gone for good.

Azrael sighed, gently squeezing Gabriel’s hand as they returned to Heaven. He nodded quickly as the other spoke, walking him back to their quarters.

“There are fresh clothes in our room, and you can take as much time as you need to rest- I can watch the kids, and if not me, we can always ask one of your siblings for assistance.”

Once they got back, he opened the door, walking Gabriel back to his room. He then turned to Anshel’s room, letting out a sigh before knocking. The poor children must be terrified.

“Anshel? Sweetheart, it’s me, you can open the door now.”

manywingedangel

Anshel slowly opens the door. The poor kid was still crying, holding his baby sister closely as she whines and shakes from fear.

"daddy ...."

Azrael immediately dropped to the floor, kneeling down and gently hugging the two of them. He held back tears, staying silent for a few moments as he just held Anshel and Lailah. After a little bit he came back to his senses, letting out a deep sigh.

“Papa he.. he’s safe. He’s home, he just needs some space for now, alright?”

He leaned back, taking his helmet off for the first time in hours. His eyes were tired, but still held the same compassion they always did.

“I’m so sorry I had to leave you two alone…”

manywingedangel

Anshel wipes his tears.

"it-its okay, daddy! I was... I was really brave while I waited for you and papa!"

He did his best to be brave. Even through tears. For his baby sister who didn't quite understand yet what happened.

Azrael smiled with his eyes, pulling the two into another soft hug.

“I am so proud of you Anshel, so proud.”

He couldn’t even begin to imagine how scary this situation must’ve been for the children, but hearing Anshel say this brought him a bit of comfort.

manywingedangel

"a-and papa is okay . . Right...?"

Anshel asks shakily, still sniffing back more tears.

"papa wasn't hurt....?"

Azrael froze up.

He didn’t want to lie to Anshel, but…telling him the truth….no. He couldn’t bring himself to lie.

“Papa was…hurt, but he will feel better soon, I promise.”

He sighed, leaning back once again, his hand gently resting on Anshel’s shoulder.

manywingedangel

Anshel nods slowly, looking up at Azrael.

"a-and is... Is the bad guy gone ...?"

He felt ... Very complicated about Dorelor. Since that man is... technically his father too. But he knows he never would be one to him. Never.

Azrael quickly nodded.

“He’s gone, for good. He can’t hurt you or Papa ever again.”

In all of this chaos, all of these muffled complicated feelings, there was a sense of relief under it all, that Dorelor was finally gone, dead.

Finally, Gabriel could rest.

manywingedangel

Gabriel left his room, now wearing some white robes since he didn't really need his armor right now. His helm off too.

He rubs his eyes, which were tear stained.

"papa-!"

Anshel ran over to hug his leg. Gabriel kneels down to pick up his son.

"im here, darling... I'm here..."

Lailah hovers around Gabriel's head, chirping.

Azrael smiled with his eyes, slowly approaching the three and resting his hand on Gabriel’s cheek.

“How are you feeling…?”

It was a stupid question, really, to ask how he was feeling after all of that. But he had to.

He tried to not make his worry clear, but it still seeped through the cracks. He wasn’t perfect at covering up his emotions.

manywingedangel

Gabriel leans in to nuzzle his face to Azrael's.

"tired, but to be honest, I'm more hungry than tired right now."

He laughs a little.

Azrael laughed a bit too, nodding. God, he was so glad to hear Gabriel laugh. He loved his laugh.

“I can make dinner, you rest. Anything in particular you wanted?”

He started walking over to the kitchen from the hallway, happy to be able to cook for his family. He loved his family. Even though there was hardship, it always circled back to this.

manywingedangel

Gabriel nods slowly.

"I bought some good quality meats before I was ... Taken. They're in the fridge. Perhaps the ham with some bread and wine..."

It's fair he wants something light on his stomach. After everything..

Azrael nodded again, starting to get some stuff out of the fridge. It was hard to try and turn back to normalcy after everything that happened, but he would have to try.

He took out the meats, bread, and wine from the fridge, setting them up and pouring two glasses of wine, one for himself and another for Gabriel. He also set up a plate for Anshel, setting it aside for the young angel.

He walked back to Gabriel, handing him one of the wine glasses before nuzzling his face against the other’s, purring softly.

manywingedangel

Gabriel purrs and nuzzles Azrael's face back. Smiling with his eyes.

Anshel looks at the wine bottle, tilting his head and reaching up towards it-- no baby that stuff tastes yucky :((.

manywingedangel

Ori had been a mess recently. Torn between his anxieties about Lust, about Minos, about Sisyphus, his partners, and… whatever else that was causing a constant thrum of anxiety in his chest. He was hard to get a hold of, erratic, and pacing the streets of Lust every day and night, when he wasn’t holed up in his office.

It was a miracle Seraph managed to get a hold of him at all, and especially to just… visit. Nothing else, just an innocent visit to Heaven, as much as it made Ori want to throw up being away from Lust too long.

-@hellsfavoritefallen

"Ori ..."

Seraph could tell something was wrong, very wrong. .. but he knows better than to interrogate Ori.

"come, friend... The heavenly pools await us."

... But what he does know is how much water can calm him down.

hellsfavoritefallen

Ori hated being away from Lust, but he especially hated being in Heaven, being in the place that he once resided. Seraph’s Heaven was different enough from his own that it wasn’t traumatizing, but it was still enough to make him unsettled, anxiety curling in his chest, hand hovering by his knife as his wings twitched.

“I have not been in the bathing pools of Heaven since…”

He trailed off, the answer quite clear. He had no reason to be in them after he fell, Greed’s pools did just fine, and he wasn’t entirely sure he could get into Heaven in his own world.

He followed behind Seraph, wings twitching at every stray sound.

manywingedangel

Seraph has been different recently, he couldn't fault Ori for being different as well.

The seraphim of water has been... Happier. Or at the very least more serene, as if having overcome a great hardship and is finally able to recover from it all.

The grandest heavenly bathing pools, reserved for the elite... Marble carved so carefully, water crystal clear, stained glass making the rooms light filter into many colors..

"here we are."

hellsfavoritefallen

Ori could tell that Seraph seemed calmer. Perhaps some of that would rub off on him through spending time with the seraphim, but he severely doubted it. There was nothing that could truly quell his anxieties, but they were a necessary evil to protect his loved ones.

The bathing pools were gorgeous, and Ori desperately wished he could relax enough to enjoy the architecture of them, take notes for new designs for Lust (which would be destroyed any day because of his own failure–)

He shook out his wings, before tucking them tightly to his back, glancing over at Seraph for a moment.

"How have you been? You seem.... content."

manywingedangel

"Oh, I was kidnapped and assaulted by Dorelor.... Then I killed him. I feel a lot better after killing him."

Seraph hums a bit, removing his robes to dip into the water.

"it was quite cathartic to stab his face repeatedly until he was unrecognizable."

hellsfavoritefallen

Ori was silent for a long moment, looking at Seraph critically. He was completely still, wings frozen in their movement, stomach turning with nausea.

"...What."

Seraph had been kidnapped and assaulted? Was everything else that he had been through not enough? Could he not just relax–?

Ori's wings were creeping amber as his thoughts raced, clearly not focusing on the part of the statement where Seraph said that he had killed Dorelor.

manywingedangel

Seraph settles into the water, relaxing.

"Yes, he kept me in a birdcage in fraud. Quite cramped..."

He shrugs, stretching his wings as the warm water soothes his still fresh bruises and cuts.

"but again, I killed him in cold blood as he deserved."

manywingedangel

Ori had been a mess recently. Torn between his anxieties about Lust, about Minos, about Sisyphus, his partners, and… whatever else that was causing a constant thrum of anxiety in his chest. He was hard to get a hold of, erratic, and pacing the streets of Lust every day and night, when he wasn’t holed up in his office.

It was a miracle Seraph managed to get a hold of him at all, and especially to just… visit. Nothing else, just an innocent visit to Heaven, as much as it made Ori want to throw up being away from Lust too long.

-@hellsfavoritefallen

"Ori ..."

Seraph could tell something was wrong, very wrong. .. but he knows better than to interrogate Ori.

"come, friend... The heavenly pools await us."

... But what he does know is how much water can calm him down.

hellsfavoritefallen

Ori hated being away from Lust, but he especially hated being in Heaven, being in the place that he once resided. Seraph’s Heaven was different enough from his own that it wasn’t traumatizing, but it was still enough to make him unsettled, anxiety curling in his chest, hand hovering by his knife as his wings twitched.

“I have not been in the bathing pools of Heaven since…”

He trailed off, the answer quite clear. He had no reason to be in them after he fell, Greed’s pools did just fine, and he wasn’t entirely sure he could get into Heaven in his own world.

He followed behind Seraph, wings twitching at every stray sound.

manywingedangel

Seraph has been different recently, he couldn't fault Ori for being different as well.

The seraphim of water has been... Happier. Or at the very least more serene, as if having overcome a great hardship and is finally able to recover from it all.

The grandest heavenly bathing pools, reserved for the elite... Marble carved so carefully, water crystal clear, stained glass making the rooms light filter into many colors..

"here we are."

hellsfavoritefallen

Ori could tell that Seraph seemed calmer. Perhaps some of that would rub off on him through spending time with the seraphim, but he severely doubted it. There was nothing that could truly quell his anxieties, but they were a necessary evil to protect his loved ones.

The bathing pools were gorgeous, and Ori desperately wished he could relax enough to enjoy the architecture of them, take notes for new designs for Lust (which would be destroyed any day because of his own failure–)

He shook out his wings, before tucking them tightly to his back, glancing over at Seraph for a moment.

"How have you been? You seem.... content."

manywingedangel

"Oh, I was kidnapped and assaulted by Dorelor.... Then I killed him. I feel a lot better after killing him."

Seraph hums a bit, removing his robes to dip into the water.

"it was quite cathartic to stab his face repeatedly until he was unrecognizable."

#cw sa mention #tw sa mention

manywingedangel

Ori had been a mess recently. Torn between his anxieties about Lust, about Minos, about Sisyphus, his partners, and… whatever else that was causing a constant thrum of anxiety in his chest. He was hard to get a hold of, erratic, and pacing the streets of Lust every day and night, when he wasn’t holed up in his office.

It was a miracle Seraph managed to get a hold of him at all, and especially to just… visit. Nothing else, just an innocent visit to Heaven, as much as it made Ori want to throw up being away from Lust too long.

-@hellsfavoritefallen

"Ori ..."

Seraph could tell something was wrong, very wrong. .. but he knows better than to interrogate Ori.

"come, friend... The heavenly pools await us."

... But what he does know is how much water can calm him down.

hellsfavoritefallen

Ori hated being away from Lust, but he especially hated being in Heaven, being in the place that he once resided. Seraph’s Heaven was different enough from his own that it wasn’t traumatizing, but it was still enough to make him unsettled, anxiety curling in his chest, hand hovering by his knife as his wings twitched.

“I have not been in the bathing pools of Heaven since…”

He trailed off, the answer quite clear. He had no reason to be in them after he fell, Greed’s pools did just fine, and he wasn’t entirely sure he could get into Heaven in his own world.

He followed behind Seraph, wings twitching at every stray sound.

manywingedangel

Seraph has been different recently, he couldn't fault Ori for being different as well.

The seraphim of water has been... Happier. Or at the very least more serene, as if having overcome a great hardship and is finally able to recover from it all.

The grandest heavenly bathing pools, reserved for the elite... Marble carved so carefully, water crystal clear, stained glass making the rooms light filter into many colors..

"here we are."

the-heavenly-strategist

Seraph slowly enters Michael's archives. Not wearing any of his armor, instead his old angelic robes. White fabric covering his skin, golden accessories decorating the white.

He picks up a book from the shelf, his wings folded tightly against his back.

"..."

{ @manywingedangel }

“…S-Seraph..? Is that… actually you..?”

Michael walks out of his office, looking as presentable as possible, hiding what had just happened, he was shocked to see you… especially in those old robes

“Brother, is everything ok..? You haven’t worn those robes in ages… and… fuck, I heard what happened… sorry I wasn’t there but, I’m glad you killed him.”

manywingedangel

"...I just... My armor shows too much skin. I... Need to feel comfortable with my skin again if I want to don my armor.

Seraph sighs, looking at Michael.

"sometimes I wish I never came up with that nickname. It feels like people forget at the end of the day I am gods will. Gabriel... It was supposed to just be a nickname Arch could call me."

the-heavenly-strategist

“I see, considering everything, I don’t blame you for doing this, if anything, I’d be more concerned if you soldiered through everything. You’re giving yourself a chance to heal.”

Michael walks closer, the sol behind him flickering back to life, he was so glad to see that not only were you ok, but also letting the healing process begin, something you deserved for such a long time now

“Brother, I know you are God’s Will, you’re still Gabriel, nothing will ever change that, I just… find it easier to call you “Seraph”, but if you want me to refer to you as Gabriel again, I will.”

manywingedangel

"... I suppose I just ... Think I'm not enough of a Seraphim to be called any variation of one."

Seraph grabs another book, opening it to skim before closing it and setting it back on the shelf.

"part of my healing is fixing the council's wrongdoings. Starting with their rewriting of history."

He seems to be checking books for the council's influence of events.

the-heavenly-strategist

Seraph slowly enters Michael's archives. Not wearing any of his armor, instead his old angelic robes. White fabric covering his skin, golden accessories decorating the white.

He picks up a book from the shelf, his wings folded tightly against his back.

"..."

{ @manywingedangel }

“…S-Seraph..? Is that… actually you..?”

Michael walks out of his office, looking as presentable as possible, hiding what had just happened, he was shocked to see you… especially in those old robes

“Brother, is everything ok..? You haven’t worn those robes in ages… and… fuck, I heard what happened… sorry I wasn’t there but, I’m glad you killed him.”

manywingedangel

"...I just... My armor shows too much skin. I... Need to feel comfortable with my skin again if I want to don my armor.

Seraph sighs, looking at Michael.

"sometimes I wish I never came up with that nickname. It feels like people forget at the end of the day I am gods will. Gabriel... It was supposed to just be a nickname Arch could call me."

manywingedangel

It was reaching into the afternoon, the air starting to cool, yet Azrael had not arrived back home yet. He left early in the morning, supposedly to work, but he could not be found in his office. He instead had spent his day in the training fields.

It wasn’t often that the archangel took time to train on his own, usually practicing combat with Gabriel, but as of late things had…changed. He needed to get stronger. He needed to be able to aid his partner. He couldn’t be weak any longer. He needed to work harder.

Azrael practiced with his scythe, his victims being the scattered training dummies around the field. He was swift and particular with his movements, not even taking a single moment to rest in between strikes. He couldn’t rest, not yet.

His combat had improved greatly over time, but it still wasn’t good enough. He needed to be better, he needed-

Thump.

The head of one of the training dummies landed hard on the floor, stuffing pouring out of the spot where Azrael’s scythe had severed it. He sighed, pausing for a moment before turning to another dummy.

Again.

( @angelofamber )

"daddy!!"

Anshel ran over to Azrael, crying. Lailah is on his head, tears in her little eyes as well.

"daddy!!!"

He tugs on Azrael's sleeve. Something seemed... Horrible wrong.

Azrael froze, his scythe dematerializing as he turned to see the children. He immediately crouched down, pulling Anshel and Lailah into a hug.

"Sweetheart, why are you crying...?"

He tried not to panic, but his mind was already swimming with thoughts, tightness starting to bloom in his chest.

manywingedangel

"papa is gone!"

Anshel sniffles.

"he's missing! I-I- tried asking uncle Raphael and-- and the powers but-- Papa missed training! He never misses training the powers!"

Azrael felt his heart drop. His hands began to tremble as he pulled out of the hug, his chest feeling even tighter than before.

No. No.

Without a word, he scooped Anshel and Lailah into his arms, his wings opening wide before launching him forward, flying faster than he had ever in his life.

"I'm going to take you two home. Go to your room and lock the door. Stay in there till I am back."

He landed in front of their shared quarters, opening the door. He didn't want to spend any time not looking for Gabriel, but...he couldn't risk the children getting hurt.

manywingedangel

Anshel cried the entire flight home. Shaking as he held his sister.

He's terrified, but...

... He does as told, running to his room with Lailah and locking the door.

Azrael left the two, letting out a deep breath before quickly taking flight once again. He was terrified.

He quickly surveyed Heaven, directionless in his search until-

He got a feeling. He wasn’t sure how, or why, but he knew where he had to search. He had to go to Fraud.

Azrael flew at the speed of light, finding the entrance to Hell and rapidly making his way down the layers till he arrived in the layer of deceit. He didn’t even take a moment to survey the layer, despite never visiting it before, flying forward in search of his lover.

manywingedangel

........

Halls twist and change.

In a room mimicking the lovely scene of limbo: a huge, beautiful birdcage hung from a structure.

The birdcage is locked tight, made of a powerful, holy gold that only the creator could break. Or someone with the key could unlock.

The birdcage is dressed with beautiful lilies....

... While Gabriel lay inside. Scratches all over the metal from failed escapes.

He's trapped. And he's given up.

Azrael quickly made it to the room, bile building up in his throat at the sight.

Without a second thought he darted forward towards the cage, tears welling up under his helmet. This was all his fault, he should’ve been more vigilant, he-

No. Now was not the time to spiral.

The archangel was practically hyperventilating as he got to the cage, shaking the bars with his hands in a desperate, albeit stupid, attempt to open it.

“I-I’m here, I’ll get you out, I’m sorry I took so long, I-I’m so sorry-“

His stammered as he frantically tried to find an opening, his body trembling.

“I’ll kill whoever did this to you, I swear on the father..”

He murmured quietly under his breath, his voice choked out from sobs.

manywingedangel

Gabriel took a breath, crawling over to reach his hand through the bars,

"Azrael-- Azrael you need to flee-- please this is too dangerous for you-!"

He pets Azrael's head gently.

"Dorelor is a powerful throne angel. You can't break the cage... Only he or his key can."

Gabriel sinks down onto the floor of the birdcage.

"haha.... Some seraphim I am... I'm supposed to be the strongest kind of angel... And yet here I am! Haha...."

Azrael shook his head quickly, leaning in to rest his hand on Gabriel’s cheek. It was clear just how much he was trembling.

“D-Don’t say that…”

His breathing calmed a bit, trying to center himself. He can’t be useful in combat if he was panicked.

“I’ll kill him with my bare hands.”

This sort of aggression was beyond out of the usual for Azrael, the usual pacifist commonly being terrified of this sort of action. But rage had boiled up deep in his soul, the thought of that disgrace of an angel even daring to lay his hands on his lover once again made Azrael see red.

manywingedangel

"Azrael-- baby, please ... You can't do this alone. I'll . .I'll think of something!"

Gabriel gasps and freezes up when footsteps began ringing out.

"please-- he's coming and he'll kill you-! Run!"

He's terrified, wings trembling.

"please-! I'll be okay, you can think of something later, RUN! GET SISYPHUS!"

using his power, water and light forms and wraps around Azrael. Whisking him back to heaven.

Azrael was caught off guard, being pulled back from Gabriel by the water and light. He screamed, trying his hardest to fight back but he couldn’t. He was sobbing under his helmet, eyes squeezed shut, terrified beyond belief. He couldn’t lose his lover.

When the archangel opened his eyes again he found himself in Heaven, far away from where Gabriel was being held. He cursed under his breath, regaining his footing and immediately being tempted to journey back to Fraud, but…Gabriel was right. Even though he had improved in combat, he wasn’t nearly proficient enough to take on a throne. He would have to get help.

Azrael thought back to what Gabriel had told him, to go to Sisyphus…He let out a sigh, taking off from his spot in Heaven and descending through Hell once again, stopping in Greed to go speak with the king.

He approached the palace, hoping and praying to an absent god that Sisyphus would be able to help.

( @helios-ploenexia )

helios-pleonexia

*Sisyphus was on his piramid as usual, he was worried.. he had been worried for a while lately, a lot on his mind, when he heard the sound of the angel's wings, he turned around, surprised to see Azrael.*

“Azrael? What brings you here?”

*His voice was.. rather cold, not because of him, but because of everything that had been happening, it was too much for him and he couldn't help but be.. cold to others. And since.. he talked with Minos for the last time, he had been even more worried..*

Azrael looked at Sisyphus, trying to collect himself enough to speak.

“Gabriel, he-“

He couldn’t hold himself together. His voice choked up, tears starting to stream down his face once again, though obscured by his helmet.

“H-He was taken- by Dorelor- I t-tried to save him but-“

He was sobbing now, his body trembling again. It was clear just how scared he was. Just how weak he felt.

helios-pleonexia

*..He listened, soon understanding it all..*

“I get it now.. Let's go there as soon as possible. Dorelor won't hurt him, we'll stop him, is he okay? Did you see him? How are the kids..? Is someone with them? We can't leave them alone.”

*He said, worried but.. his voice was firm.*

“Calm down, Azrael. We can't.. do anything if we.. break down, okay?.. We shall go there and beat that.. motherfucker.”

"I-I didn't see him- Gabriel forced me to leave before I could- and the kids, they're together in Anshel's room, I made sure they kept their door locked but they have nobody watching them- but I can't bring them-"

Azrael slowly started to calm down a bit, nodding in response to Sisyphus's reassurance. He was right. There would be no progress if he was panicked.

"...right."

He needed to keep himself collected. For Gabriel's sake.

helios-pleonexia

“Let's go see Gabriel.. okay?.. Let's see what we can do. If we can't do anything, then we'll go talk with Michael and bring someone to look after the kids, maybe Minos will be able to do so. Now, let's focus on Gabriel, can you take me there?”

*He gave Azrael a little pat on the head, wanting to calm him down, he knew how this felt, but they needed to be focused and.. calmed.*

Azrael nodded again, letting out a deep sigh before speaking once again.

“He’s in Fraud, I…I can take you there.”

While he was still uneasy, he was more calm and collected, not panicked like before. He made his way towards the descent, leading Sisyphus down the layers till they arrived in Fraud, approaching the room once he had adjusted to the twisting of the layer.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Gabriel still lay in the birdcage. Dorelor isn't there. Though now the seraphim lacks his clothing. Sitting there ... So exhausted.

The birdcage is so beautiful. But those wise know those fancy little cages can never be a bird's home. Not even big enough to spread ones wings.

"..."

So tired ... Especially from the bruises on his body.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*..As he saw the birdcage, he approached quickly, seeing how Gabriel lacked clothes made him furious, he knew what he had done..*

*He would have yelled, but.. he knew that wouldn't do anything, his voice was colder, serious, focused.*

“Gabriel. We are here for you, do you know how did he enter?.. We'll save you.. We are here.. He won't touch you again, I-.. I promise..”

*A cape of light and warmth wrapped around the archangel. Why was Sisyphus so.. emotionless?.. They all knew how much he would yell if he wasn't like.. this..*

@angelofamber

Azrael quickly followed behind Sisyphus, the feeling of bile building up in his throat once again. His hands trembled, tears clouding his vision as he shook with rage.

“L-Love- I’m so sorry, I- I’m going to fucking kill him.“

The last part was murmured quietly, his voice coarse from sobbing. He was beyond furious at this point. His hands balled up into fists, if not for his gauntlets his nails would be breaking skin.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Gabriel takes a breath, sighing before he wraps his wings around himself.

"it ...I'm okay. I'll be okay...!"

He said as reassuringly as he can...

...

Footsteps and humming begin approaching.

"..."

He immediately froze up.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

“Azrael, let's hide. If he does anything, we.. catch him and beat him up. Understood? Now, calm down, and wait.”

*His brightness lowered till' it was gone, hidding in the room the best as he could, always watching the scene, his gaze focused, piercing on the birdcage as he waited.. and waited. He almost looked like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to pounce and kill his pray, because maybe, that was his plan.*

The thought of waiting, standing by and letting that monster get any closer to Gabriel, made him sick to his stomach. But he knew Sisyphus was right.

He nodded, taking a deep breath to center himself before his wings pulled tight to his back, hiding in a spot on the other side of the room. He was still trembling, but was entirely silent.

He was not going to lose his partner.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

"oh, beautiful songbird...."

A voice spoke ... And out a door came Dorelor. An angel still wearing old, long time unused council garb, two sets of wings. Golden chains decorating his body.

Dorelor was once the council's warden. His job was to chain and capture angels that broke heavenly law. His powers when it came to ensnarement and capture is powerful.

"I've returned, my dear..."

Gabriel looks at Dorelor, taking a breath before responding. Trying to remain level headed to keep the situation as controlled as possible.

"Dorelor."

Dorelor hums sickly sweet. Producing a key to unlock the cage.

... Which means now is the chance to act.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*..As soon as he saw Dorelor producing the key, he jumped out from his hidding spot, taking Dorelor from the wings and crushing them easily. He held him high, his brightness so very bright.. He wanted to blind him.*

“You.”

*His touch was painful, burning.. it burned like fire itself, and even more. He never let Dorelor leave his grip, only crushing the feathers even more, he didn't even need his two hands, just with one was enough to easily break the structure of the feathered limbs. His touch left burns on the wings, burning the feathers that weren't already hurt, and even those that were. He wasn't going to have mercy, not after what he did to Seraph.*

@angelofamber

Azrael came out of his hiding spot, wincing and shutting his eyes as Sisyphus grew brighter. He waited for a moment till it was safer for him to move forward, his scythe materializing in his hand. His wings flared out, producing an imposing presence. The Archangel of Death, in his full truth.

He kept his eyes tightly closed, his grip on his scythe firm. Despite not having said a word, his anger could clearly be felt, the energy emanating off of him.

“You.”

He repeated, his voice harsh and low, trembling from rage.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Now that the cage was open, Gabriel immediately flew out and into the air, ready to teleport and flee to safety. But--

Dorelor, struggling from Sisyphus's burning radiance and his wings being crushed-- he summons a chain to grab and shackle Gabriel's ankle. yanking him back down harshly. He crashed into the ground with a huge booming impact.

"you can't do this-- you-- you won't! You won't take away my songbird!"

Dorelor shouts as he kicks Sisyphus, looking at Azrael as if he didn't just gravely injure Gabriel.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*As he heard the impact, he threw Dorelor to the ground with all of his strength. His brightness lowering as he ran to his child, crouching and taking him up into his arms.*

“Gabriel! My child.. Are you okay? Is everything okay? Come here, you are safe now, he won't hurt you again..”

*He promised, covering him once again in a coat of light and warmth, so he would feel better.*

“What hurts?.. Tell me, I can try to ease the pain with warmth, I fear I do not know much about medicine but if it brings you comfort it will work.”

*..Then, he realized maybe Azrael gave Gabriel more comfort than him, but he also understood Azrael would want to beat Dorelor for some time.*

At the sound of the impact Azrael’s eyes shot open, darting from Gabriel to Dorelor. His first instinct told him to run to his lover, but it seemed like Sisyphus had gone to comfort Gabriel already, so that only left….

The archangel whipped back around, his armored foot slamming hard into the fallen throne’s chest. Not even a moment after, the blade of the scythe was pressed hard against his neck, Azrael glaring down.

“If you do as much as utter another fucking sound I will not hesitate to rip your throat out with my own bare hands.”

His eyes were kept on Dorelor’s hands, so if he tried to pull any bullshit, he’d be on it immediately.

“You’re lucky I haven’t slit your throat yet.”

He spat, the rage clear in his voice.

manywingedangel

Dorelor struggles for a moment, looking up at Azrael.

"you.... You wont-- take him away from me----!"

Cw: Gore, vauge mentions of past SA

helios-pleonexia

*..As he saw Gabriel piercing Dorelor's skull, he smiled softly, approaching them and holding that.. angel's wings, easily ripping them from that disgusting being. He didn't deserve those. He threw the wings to the floor, seeing as the blood dripped from them.*

*Sisyphus stayed silence, he knew his job there was done, now Seraph and Azrael needed to go back to the kids, and Azrael could calm Gabriel down easily. He only watched as more and more blood dripped from that being, sighing. He did not feel bad for him, he was just thinking, he really had to go back.. to just a weapon, eh?.. For others, for the ones he loved.*

Azrael’s body still trembled, eyes wide under his helm as he stared one spear go through the body, then another, then another. He was silent the entire time. Once Sisyphus came to rip off his wings, Azrael stepped back, staring at the mangled corpse with a sense of satisfaction, but… he was stunned. Somewhat like a deer in headlights.

But it didn’t take long for him to come to his senses. Not even a minute later he darted to Gabriel’s side, kneeling down beside his partner. He reached out as if to want to hug Gabriel, but pulled back, unsure if that was what his lover wanted in the moment. He tried to speak, but his words got caught in his throat. After a few tries, he finally was able to utter words.

“I-I will never leave your side, I will never let anyone hurt you like that ever again, I swear on my life- I-I failed you, and I’m sorry.”

He wasn’t sobbing, but it was clear his voice was strained.

“Let’s get you home.”

He murmured, his voice a bit quieter.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

"w-wait--"

Gabriel hiccups from his painful sobs, his voice having grown rough.

He digs his hand into one of the stab wounds at Dorelor's chest. Physically ripping out the throne's soul.

...

"... His powers will never be used to hurt someone like he hurt me again."

He presses the glowing orb to his own chest, it merges into him.

"I'm taking his powers for myself."

Azrael slowly got up from his kneeled position, nodding. He didn’t say a word, but it was clear that he was starting to calm down, the adrenaline settling. Once his mind was clear, it started to wander…shit, the kids.

He knew Gabriel would need space but he couldn’t leave Gabriel’s side to take care of the children, he couldn’t take his eyes off of him. Maybe he could ask a favor from Michael or another to watch the little ones for a while, at least until things calmed down a bit.

Azrael walked up to Gabriel, gently resting his hand on his lover’s shoulder. He didn’t utter a word, but it was clear he was asking if the other was ready to go.

manywingedangel

Gabriel nods, taking a breath before holding Azrael's hand. He nuzzles his face before raising his free hand. Light beaming onto both angels as they're teleported back to heaven.

"... I need my clothes... And a barf bag."

He sighs, the entire event is weighing on him... But he did feel relieved. Closure knowing Dorelor is gone for good.

Azrael sighed, gently squeezing Gabriel’s hand as they returned to Heaven. He nodded quickly as the other spoke, walking him back to their quarters.

“There are fresh clothes in our room, and you can take as much time as you need to rest- I can watch the kids, and if not me, we can always ask one of your siblings for assistance.”

Once they got back, he opened the door, walking Gabriel back to his room. He then turned to Anshel’s room, letting out a sigh before knocking. The poor children must be terrified.

“Anshel? Sweetheart, it’s me, you can open the door now.”

manywingedangel

Anshel slowly opens the door. The poor kid was still crying, holding his baby sister closely as she whines and shakes from fear.

"daddy ...."

Azrael immediately dropped to the floor, kneeling down and gently hugging the two of them. He held back tears, staying silent for a few moments as he just held Anshel and Lailah. After a little bit he came back to his senses, letting out a deep sigh.

“Papa he.. he’s safe. He’s home, he just needs some space for now, alright?”

He leaned back, taking his helmet off for the first time in hours. His eyes were tired, but still held the same compassion they always did.

“I’m so sorry I had to leave you two alone…”

manywingedangel

Anshel wipes his tears.

"it-its okay, daddy! I was... I was really brave while I waited for you and papa!"

He did his best to be brave. Even through tears. For his baby sister who didn't quite understand yet what happened.

Azrael smiled with his eyes, pulling the two into another soft hug.

“I am so proud of you Anshel, so proud.”

He couldn’t even begin to imagine how scary this situation must’ve been for the children, but hearing Anshel say this brought him a bit of comfort.

manywingedangel

"a-and papa is okay . . Right...?"

Anshel asks shakily, still sniffing back more tears.

"papa wasn't hurt....?"

Azrael froze up.

He didn’t want to lie to Anshel, but…telling him the truth….no. He couldn’t bring himself to lie.

“Papa was…hurt, but he will feel better soon, I promise.”

He sighed, leaning back once again, his hand gently resting on Anshel’s shoulder.

manywingedangel

Anshel nods slowly, looking up at Azrael.

"a-and is... Is the bad guy gone ...?"

He felt ... Very complicated about Dorelor. Since that man is... technically his father too. But he knows he never would be one to him. Never.

Azrael quickly nodded.

“He’s gone, for good. He can’t hurt you or Papa ever again.”

In all of this chaos, all of these muffled complicated feelings, there was a sense of relief under it all, that Dorelor was finally gone, dead.

Finally, Gabriel could rest.

manywingedangel

Gabriel left his room, now wearing some white robes since he didn't really need his armor right now. His helm off too.

He rubs his eyes, which were tear stained.

"papa-!"

Anshel ran over to hug his leg. Gabriel kneels down to pick up his son.

"im here, darling... I'm here..."

Lailah hovers around Gabriel's head, chirping.

Azrael smiled with his eyes, slowly approaching the three and resting his hand on Gabriel’s cheek.

“How are you feeling…?”

It was a stupid question, really, to ask how he was feeling after all of that. But he had to.

He tried to not make his worry clear, but it still seeped through the cracks. He wasn’t perfect at covering up his emotions.

manywingedangel

Gabriel leans in to nuzzle his face to Azrael's.

"tired, but to be honest, I'm more hungry than tired right now."

He laughs a little.

Azrael laughed a bit too, nodding. God, he was so glad to hear Gabriel laugh. He loved his laugh.

“I can make dinner, you rest. Anything in particular you wanted?”

He started walking over to the kitchen from the hallway, happy to be able to cook for his family. He loved his family. Even though there was hardship, it always circled back to this.

manywingedangel

Gabriel nods slowly.

"I bought some good quality meats before I was ... Taken. They're in the fridge. Perhaps the ham with some bread and wine..."

It's fair he wants something light on his stomach. After everything..

Ori had been a mess recently. Torn between his anxieties about Lust, about Minos, about Sisyphus, his partners, and… whatever else that was causing a constant thrum of anxiety in his chest. He was hard to get a hold of, erratic, and pacing the streets of Lust every day and night, when he wasn’t holed up in his office.

It was a miracle Seraph managed to get a hold of him at all, and especially to just… visit. Nothing else, just an innocent visit to Heaven, as much as it made Ori want to throw up being away from Lust too long.

-@hellsfavoritefallen

"Ori ..."

Seraph could tell something was wrong, very wrong. .. but he knows better than to interrogate Ori.

"come, friend... The heavenly pools await us."

... But what he does know is how much water can calm him down.

manywingedangel

It was reaching into the afternoon, the air starting to cool, yet Azrael had not arrived back home yet. He left early in the morning, supposedly to work, but he could not be found in his office. He instead had spent his day in the training fields.

It wasn’t often that the archangel took time to train on his own, usually practicing combat with Gabriel, but as of late things had…changed. He needed to get stronger. He needed to be able to aid his partner. He couldn’t be weak any longer. He needed to work harder.

Azrael practiced with his scythe, his victims being the scattered training dummies around the field. He was swift and particular with his movements, not even taking a single moment to rest in between strikes. He couldn’t rest, not yet.

His combat had improved greatly over time, but it still wasn’t good enough. He needed to be better, he needed-

Thump.

The head of one of the training dummies landed hard on the floor, stuffing pouring out of the spot where Azrael’s scythe had severed it. He sighed, pausing for a moment before turning to another dummy.

Again.

( @angelofamber )

"daddy!!"

Anshel ran over to Azrael, crying. Lailah is on his head, tears in her little eyes as well.

"daddy!!!"

He tugs on Azrael's sleeve. Something seemed... Horrible wrong.

Azrael froze, his scythe dematerializing as he turned to see the children. He immediately crouched down, pulling Anshel and Lailah into a hug.

"Sweetheart, why are you crying...?"

He tried not to panic, but his mind was already swimming with thoughts, tightness starting to bloom in his chest.

manywingedangel

"papa is gone!"

Anshel sniffles.

"he's missing! I-I- tried asking uncle Raphael and-- and the powers but-- Papa missed training! He never misses training the powers!"

Azrael felt his heart drop. His hands began to tremble as he pulled out of the hug, his chest feeling even tighter than before.

No. No.

Without a word, he scooped Anshel and Lailah into his arms, his wings opening wide before launching him forward, flying faster than he had ever in his life.

"I'm going to take you two home. Go to your room and lock the door. Stay in there till I am back."

He landed in front of their shared quarters, opening the door. He didn't want to spend any time not looking for Gabriel, but...he couldn't risk the children getting hurt.

manywingedangel

Anshel cried the entire flight home. Shaking as he held his sister.

He's terrified, but...

... He does as told, running to his room with Lailah and locking the door.

Azrael left the two, letting out a deep breath before quickly taking flight once again. He was terrified.

He quickly surveyed Heaven, directionless in his search until-

He got a feeling. He wasn’t sure how, or why, but he knew where he had to search. He had to go to Fraud.

Azrael flew at the speed of light, finding the entrance to Hell and rapidly making his way down the layers till he arrived in the layer of deceit. He didn’t even take a moment to survey the layer, despite never visiting it before, flying forward in search of his lover.

manywingedangel

........

Halls twist and change.

In a room mimicking the lovely scene of limbo: a huge, beautiful birdcage hung from a structure.

The birdcage is locked tight, made of a powerful, holy gold that only the creator could break. Or someone with the key could unlock.

The birdcage is dressed with beautiful lilies....

... While Gabriel lay inside. Scratches all over the metal from failed escapes.

He's trapped. And he's given up.

Azrael quickly made it to the room, bile building up in his throat at the sight.

Without a second thought he darted forward towards the cage, tears welling up under his helmet. This was all his fault, he should’ve been more vigilant, he-

No. Now was not the time to spiral.

The archangel was practically hyperventilating as he got to the cage, shaking the bars with his hands in a desperate, albeit stupid, attempt to open it.

“I-I’m here, I’ll get you out, I’m sorry I took so long, I-I’m so sorry-“

His stammered as he frantically tried to find an opening, his body trembling.

“I’ll kill whoever did this to you, I swear on the father..”

He murmured quietly under his breath, his voice choked out from sobs.

manywingedangel

Gabriel took a breath, crawling over to reach his hand through the bars,

"Azrael-- Azrael you need to flee-- please this is too dangerous for you-!"

He pets Azrael's head gently.

"Dorelor is a powerful throne angel. You can't break the cage... Only he or his key can."

Gabriel sinks down onto the floor of the birdcage.

"haha.... Some seraphim I am... I'm supposed to be the strongest kind of angel... And yet here I am! Haha...."

Azrael shook his head quickly, leaning in to rest his hand on Gabriel’s cheek. It was clear just how much he was trembling.

“D-Don’t say that…”

His breathing calmed a bit, trying to center himself. He can’t be useful in combat if he was panicked.

“I’ll kill him with my bare hands.”

This sort of aggression was beyond out of the usual for Azrael, the usual pacifist commonly being terrified of this sort of action. But rage had boiled up deep in his soul, the thought of that disgrace of an angel even daring to lay his hands on his lover once again made Azrael see red.

manywingedangel

"Azrael-- baby, please ... You can't do this alone. I'll . .I'll think of something!"

Gabriel gasps and freezes up when footsteps began ringing out.

"please-- he's coming and he'll kill you-! Run!"

He's terrified, wings trembling.

"please-! I'll be okay, you can think of something later, RUN! GET SISYPHUS!"

using his power, water and light forms and wraps around Azrael. Whisking him back to heaven.

Azrael was caught off guard, being pulled back from Gabriel by the water and light. He screamed, trying his hardest to fight back but he couldn’t. He was sobbing under his helmet, eyes squeezed shut, terrified beyond belief. He couldn’t lose his lover.

When the archangel opened his eyes again he found himself in Heaven, far away from where Gabriel was being held. He cursed under his breath, regaining his footing and immediately being tempted to journey back to Fraud, but…Gabriel was right. Even though he had improved in combat, he wasn’t nearly proficient enough to take on a throne. He would have to get help.

Azrael thought back to what Gabriel had told him, to go to Sisyphus…He let out a sigh, taking off from his spot in Heaven and descending through Hell once again, stopping in Greed to go speak with the king.

He approached the palace, hoping and praying to an absent god that Sisyphus would be able to help.

( @helios-ploenexia )

helios-pleonexia

*Sisyphus was on his piramid as usual, he was worried.. he had been worried for a while lately, a lot on his mind, when he heard the sound of the angel's wings, he turned around, surprised to see Azrael.*

“Azrael? What brings you here?”

*His voice was.. rather cold, not because of him, but because of everything that had been happening, it was too much for him and he couldn't help but be.. cold to others. And since.. he talked with Minos for the last time, he had been even more worried..*

Azrael looked at Sisyphus, trying to collect himself enough to speak.

“Gabriel, he-“

He couldn’t hold himself together. His voice choked up, tears starting to stream down his face once again, though obscured by his helmet.

“H-He was taken- by Dorelor- I t-tried to save him but-“

He was sobbing now, his body trembling again. It was clear just how scared he was. Just how weak he felt.

helios-pleonexia

*..He listened, soon understanding it all..*

“I get it now.. Let's go there as soon as possible. Dorelor won't hurt him, we'll stop him, is he okay? Did you see him? How are the kids..? Is someone with them? We can't leave them alone.”

*He said, worried but.. his voice was firm.*

“Calm down, Azrael. We can't.. do anything if we.. break down, okay?.. We shall go there and beat that.. motherfucker.”

"I-I didn't see him- Gabriel forced me to leave before I could- and the kids, they're together in Anshel's room, I made sure they kept their door locked but they have nobody watching them- but I can't bring them-"

Azrael slowly started to calm down a bit, nodding in response to Sisyphus's reassurance. He was right. There would be no progress if he was panicked.

"...right."

He needed to keep himself collected. For Gabriel's sake.

helios-pleonexia

“Let's go see Gabriel.. okay?.. Let's see what we can do. If we can't do anything, then we'll go talk with Michael and bring someone to look after the kids, maybe Minos will be able to do so. Now, let's focus on Gabriel, can you take me there?”

*He gave Azrael a little pat on the head, wanting to calm him down, he knew how this felt, but they needed to be focused and.. calmed.*

Azrael nodded again, letting out a deep sigh before speaking once again.

“He’s in Fraud, I…I can take you there.”

While he was still uneasy, he was more calm and collected, not panicked like before. He made his way towards the descent, leading Sisyphus down the layers till they arrived in Fraud, approaching the room once he had adjusted to the twisting of the layer.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Gabriel still lay in the birdcage. Dorelor isn't there. Though now the seraphim lacks his clothing. Sitting there ... So exhausted.

The birdcage is so beautiful. But those wise know those fancy little cages can never be a bird's home. Not even big enough to spread ones wings.

"..."

So tired ... Especially from the bruises on his body.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*..As he saw the birdcage, he approached quickly, seeing how Gabriel lacked clothes made him furious, he knew what he had done..*

*He would have yelled, but.. he knew that wouldn't do anything, his voice was colder, serious, focused.*

“Gabriel. We are here for you, do you know how did he enter?.. We'll save you.. We are here.. He won't touch you again, I-.. I promise..”

*A cape of light and warmth wrapped around the archangel. Why was Sisyphus so.. emotionless?.. They all knew how much he would yell if he wasn't like.. this..*

@angelofamber

Azrael quickly followed behind Sisyphus, the feeling of bile building up in his throat once again. His hands trembled, tears clouding his vision as he shook with rage.

“L-Love- I’m so sorry, I- I’m going to fucking kill him.“

The last part was murmured quietly, his voice coarse from sobbing. He was beyond furious at this point. His hands balled up into fists, if not for his gauntlets his nails would be breaking skin.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Gabriel takes a breath, sighing before he wraps his wings around himself.

"it ...I'm okay. I'll be okay...!"

He said as reassuringly as he can...

...

Footsteps and humming begin approaching.

"..."

He immediately froze up.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

“Azrael, let's hide. If he does anything, we.. catch him and beat him up. Understood? Now, calm down, and wait.”

*His brightness lowered till' it was gone, hidding in the room the best as he could, always watching the scene, his gaze focused, piercing on the birdcage as he waited.. and waited. He almost looked like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to pounce and kill his pray, because maybe, that was his plan.*

The thought of waiting, standing by and letting that monster get any closer to Gabriel, made him sick to his stomach. But he knew Sisyphus was right.

He nodded, taking a deep breath to center himself before his wings pulled tight to his back, hiding in a spot on the other side of the room. He was still trembling, but was entirely silent.

He was not going to lose his partner.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

"oh, beautiful songbird...."

A voice spoke ... And out a door came Dorelor. An angel still wearing old, long time unused council garb, two sets of wings. Golden chains decorating his body.

Dorelor was once the council's warden. His job was to chain and capture angels that broke heavenly law. His powers when it came to ensnarement and capture is powerful.

"I've returned, my dear..."

Gabriel looks at Dorelor, taking a breath before responding. Trying to remain level headed to keep the situation as controlled as possible.

"Dorelor."

Dorelor hums sickly sweet. Producing a key to unlock the cage.

... Which means now is the chance to act.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*..As soon as he saw Dorelor producing the key, he jumped out from his hidding spot, taking Dorelor from the wings and crushing them easily. He held him high, his brightness so very bright.. He wanted to blind him.*

“You.”

*His touch was painful, burning.. it burned like fire itself, and even more. He never let Dorelor leave his grip, only crushing the feathers even more, he didn't even need his two hands, just with one was enough to easily break the structure of the feathered limbs. His touch left burns on the wings, burning the feathers that weren't already hurt, and even those that were. He wasn't going to have mercy, not after what he did to Seraph.*

@angelofamber

Azrael came out of his hiding spot, wincing and shutting his eyes as Sisyphus grew brighter. He waited for a moment till it was safer for him to move forward, his scythe materializing in his hand. His wings flared out, producing an imposing presence. The Archangel of Death, in his full truth.

He kept his eyes tightly closed, his grip on his scythe firm. Despite not having said a word, his anger could clearly be felt, the energy emanating off of him.

“You.”

He repeated, his voice harsh and low, trembling from rage.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Now that the cage was open, Gabriel immediately flew out and into the air, ready to teleport and flee to safety. But--

Dorelor, struggling from Sisyphus's burning radiance and his wings being crushed-- he summons a chain to grab and shackle Gabriel's ankle. yanking him back down harshly. He crashed into the ground with a huge booming impact.

"you can't do this-- you-- you won't! You won't take away my songbird!"

Dorelor shouts as he kicks Sisyphus, looking at Azrael as if he didn't just gravely injure Gabriel.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*As he heard the impact, he threw Dorelor to the ground with all of his strength. His brightness lowering as he ran to his child, crouching and taking him up into his arms.*

“Gabriel! My child.. Are you okay? Is everything okay? Come here, you are safe now, he won't hurt you again..”

*He promised, covering him once again in a coat of light and warmth, so he would feel better.*

“What hurts?.. Tell me, I can try to ease the pain with warmth, I fear I do not know much about medicine but if it brings you comfort it will work.”

*..Then, he realized maybe Azrael gave Gabriel more comfort than him, but he also understood Azrael would want to beat Dorelor for some time.*

At the sound of the impact Azrael’s eyes shot open, darting from Gabriel to Dorelor. His first instinct told him to run to his lover, but it seemed like Sisyphus had gone to comfort Gabriel already, so that only left….

The archangel whipped back around, his armored foot slamming hard into the fallen throne’s chest. Not even a moment after, the blade of the scythe was pressed hard against his neck, Azrael glaring down.

“If you do as much as utter another fucking sound I will not hesitate to rip your throat out with my own bare hands.”

His eyes were kept on Dorelor’s hands, so if he tried to pull any bullshit, he’d be on it immediately.

“You’re lucky I haven’t slit your throat yet.”

He spat, the rage clear in his voice.

manywingedangel

Dorelor struggles for a moment, looking up at Azrael.

"you.... You wont-- take him away from me----!"

Cw: Gore, vauge mentions of past SA

helios-pleonexia

*..As he saw Gabriel piercing Dorelor's skull, he smiled softly, approaching them and holding that.. angel's wings, easily ripping them from that disgusting being. He didn't deserve those. He threw the wings to the floor, seeing as the blood dripped from them.*

*Sisyphus stayed silence, he knew his job there was done, now Seraph and Azrael needed to go back to the kids, and Azrael could calm Gabriel down easily. He only watched as more and more blood dripped from that being, sighing. He did not feel bad for him, he was just thinking, he really had to go back.. to just a weapon, eh?.. For others, for the ones he loved.*

Azrael’s body still trembled, eyes wide under his helm as he stared one spear go through the body, then another, then another. He was silent the entire time. Once Sisyphus came to rip off his wings, Azrael stepped back, staring at the mangled corpse with a sense of satisfaction, but… he was stunned. Somewhat like a deer in headlights.

But it didn’t take long for him to come to his senses. Not even a minute later he darted to Gabriel’s side, kneeling down beside his partner. He reached out as if to want to hug Gabriel, but pulled back, unsure if that was what his lover wanted in the moment. He tried to speak, but his words got caught in his throat. After a few tries, he finally was able to utter words.

“I-I will never leave your side, I will never let anyone hurt you like that ever again, I swear on my life- I-I failed you, and I’m sorry.”

He wasn’t sobbing, but it was clear his voice was strained.

“Let’s get you home.”

He murmured, his voice a bit quieter.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

"w-wait--"

Gabriel hiccups from his painful sobs, his voice having grown rough.

He digs his hand into one of the stab wounds at Dorelor's chest. Physically ripping out the throne's soul.

...

"... His powers will never be used to hurt someone like he hurt me again."

He presses the glowing orb to his own chest, it merges into him.

"I'm taking his powers for myself."

Azrael slowly got up from his kneeled position, nodding. He didn’t say a word, but it was clear that he was starting to calm down, the adrenaline settling. Once his mind was clear, it started to wander…shit, the kids.

He knew Gabriel would need space but he couldn’t leave Gabriel’s side to take care of the children, he couldn’t take his eyes off of him. Maybe he could ask a favor from Michael or another to watch the little ones for a while, at least until things calmed down a bit.

Azrael walked up to Gabriel, gently resting his hand on his lover’s shoulder. He didn’t utter a word, but it was clear he was asking if the other was ready to go.

manywingedangel

Gabriel nods, taking a breath before holding Azrael's hand. He nuzzles his face before raising his free hand. Light beaming onto both angels as they're teleported back to heaven.

"... I need my clothes... And a barf bag."

He sighs, the entire event is weighing on him... But he did feel relieved. Closure knowing Dorelor is gone for good.

Azrael sighed, gently squeezing Gabriel’s hand as they returned to Heaven. He nodded quickly as the other spoke, walking him back to their quarters.

“There are fresh clothes in our room, and you can take as much time as you need to rest- I can watch the kids, and if not me, we can always ask one of your siblings for assistance.”

Once they got back, he opened the door, walking Gabriel back to his room. He then turned to Anshel’s room, letting out a sigh before knocking. The poor children must be terrified.

“Anshel? Sweetheart, it’s me, you can open the door now.”

manywingedangel

Anshel slowly opens the door. The poor kid was still crying, holding his baby sister closely as she whines and shakes from fear.

"daddy ...."

Azrael immediately dropped to the floor, kneeling down and gently hugging the two of them. He held back tears, staying silent for a few moments as he just held Anshel and Lailah. After a little bit he came back to his senses, letting out a deep sigh.

“Papa he.. he’s safe. He’s home, he just needs some space for now, alright?”

He leaned back, taking his helmet off for the first time in hours. His eyes were tired, but still held the same compassion they always did.

“I’m so sorry I had to leave you two alone…”

manywingedangel

Anshel wipes his tears.

"it-its okay, daddy! I was... I was really brave while I waited for you and papa!"

He did his best to be brave. Even through tears. For his baby sister who didn't quite understand yet what happened.

Azrael smiled with his eyes, pulling the two into another soft hug.

“I am so proud of you Anshel, so proud.”

He couldn’t even begin to imagine how scary this situation must’ve been for the children, but hearing Anshel say this brought him a bit of comfort.

manywingedangel

"a-and papa is okay . . Right...?"

Anshel asks shakily, still sniffing back more tears.

"papa wasn't hurt....?"

Azrael froze up.

He didn’t want to lie to Anshel, but…telling him the truth….no. He couldn’t bring himself to lie.

“Papa was…hurt, but he will feel better soon, I promise.”

He sighed, leaning back once again, his hand gently resting on Anshel’s shoulder.

manywingedangel

Anshel nods slowly, looking up at Azrael.

"a-and is... Is the bad guy gone ...?"

He felt ... Very complicated about Dorelor. Since that man is... technically his father too. But he knows he never would be one to him. Never.

Azrael quickly nodded.

“He’s gone, for good. He can’t hurt you or Papa ever again.”

In all of this chaos, all of these muffled complicated feelings, there was a sense of relief under it all, that Dorelor was finally gone, dead.

Finally, Gabriel could rest.

manywingedangel

Gabriel left his room, now wearing some white robes since he didn't really need his armor right now. His helm off too.

He rubs his eyes, which were tear stained.

"papa-!"

Anshel ran over to hug his leg. Gabriel kneels down to pick up his son.

"im here, darling... I'm here..."

Lailah hovers around Gabriel's head, chirping.

Azrael smiled with his eyes, slowly approaching the three and resting his hand on Gabriel’s cheek.

“How are you feeling…?”

It was a stupid question, really, to ask how he was feeling after all of that. But he had to.

He tried to not make his worry clear, but it still seeped through the cracks. He wasn’t perfect at covering up his emotions.

manywingedangel

Gabriel leans in to nuzzle his face to Azrael's.

"tired, but to be honest, I'm more hungry than tired right now."

He laughs a little.

manywingedangel

It was reaching into the afternoon, the air starting to cool, yet Azrael had not arrived back home yet. He left early in the morning, supposedly to work, but he could not be found in his office. He instead had spent his day in the training fields.

It wasn’t often that the archangel took time to train on his own, usually practicing combat with Gabriel, but as of late things had…changed. He needed to get stronger. He needed to be able to aid his partner. He couldn’t be weak any longer. He needed to work harder.

Azrael practiced with his scythe, his victims being the scattered training dummies around the field. He was swift and particular with his movements, not even taking a single moment to rest in between strikes. He couldn’t rest, not yet.

His combat had improved greatly over time, but it still wasn’t good enough. He needed to be better, he needed-

Thump.

The head of one of the training dummies landed hard on the floor, stuffing pouring out of the spot where Azrael’s scythe had severed it. He sighed, pausing for a moment before turning to another dummy.

Again.

( @angelofamber )

"daddy!!"

Anshel ran over to Azrael, crying. Lailah is on his head, tears in her little eyes as well.

"daddy!!!"

He tugs on Azrael's sleeve. Something seemed... Horrible wrong.

Azrael froze, his scythe dematerializing as he turned to see the children. He immediately crouched down, pulling Anshel and Lailah into a hug.

"Sweetheart, why are you crying...?"

He tried not to panic, but his mind was already swimming with thoughts, tightness starting to bloom in his chest.

manywingedangel

"papa is gone!"

Anshel sniffles.

"he's missing! I-I- tried asking uncle Raphael and-- and the powers but-- Papa missed training! He never misses training the powers!"

Azrael felt his heart drop. His hands began to tremble as he pulled out of the hug, his chest feeling even tighter than before.

No. No.

Without a word, he scooped Anshel and Lailah into his arms, his wings opening wide before launching him forward, flying faster than he had ever in his life.

"I'm going to take you two home. Go to your room and lock the door. Stay in there till I am back."

He landed in front of their shared quarters, opening the door. He didn't want to spend any time not looking for Gabriel, but...he couldn't risk the children getting hurt.

manywingedangel

Anshel cried the entire flight home. Shaking as he held his sister.

He's terrified, but...

... He does as told, running to his room with Lailah and locking the door.

Azrael left the two, letting out a deep breath before quickly taking flight once again. He was terrified.

He quickly surveyed Heaven, directionless in his search until-

He got a feeling. He wasn’t sure how, or why, but he knew where he had to search. He had to go to Fraud.

Azrael flew at the speed of light, finding the entrance to Hell and rapidly making his way down the layers till he arrived in the layer of deceit. He didn’t even take a moment to survey the layer, despite never visiting it before, flying forward in search of his lover.

manywingedangel

........

Halls twist and change.

In a room mimicking the lovely scene of limbo: a huge, beautiful birdcage hung from a structure.

The birdcage is locked tight, made of a powerful, holy gold that only the creator could break. Or someone with the key could unlock.

The birdcage is dressed with beautiful lilies....

... While Gabriel lay inside. Scratches all over the metal from failed escapes.

He's trapped. And he's given up.

Azrael quickly made it to the room, bile building up in his throat at the sight.

Without a second thought he darted forward towards the cage, tears welling up under his helmet. This was all his fault, he should’ve been more vigilant, he-

No. Now was not the time to spiral.

The archangel was practically hyperventilating as he got to the cage, shaking the bars with his hands in a desperate, albeit stupid, attempt to open it.

“I-I’m here, I’ll get you out, I’m sorry I took so long, I-I’m so sorry-“

His stammered as he frantically tried to find an opening, his body trembling.

“I’ll kill whoever did this to you, I swear on the father..”

He murmured quietly under his breath, his voice choked out from sobs.

manywingedangel

Gabriel took a breath, crawling over to reach his hand through the bars,

"Azrael-- Azrael you need to flee-- please this is too dangerous for you-!"

He pets Azrael's head gently.

"Dorelor is a powerful throne angel. You can't break the cage... Only he or his key can."

Gabriel sinks down onto the floor of the birdcage.

"haha.... Some seraphim I am... I'm supposed to be the strongest kind of angel... And yet here I am! Haha...."

Azrael shook his head quickly, leaning in to rest his hand on Gabriel’s cheek. It was clear just how much he was trembling.

“D-Don’t say that…”

His breathing calmed a bit, trying to center himself. He can’t be useful in combat if he was panicked.

“I’ll kill him with my bare hands.”

This sort of aggression was beyond out of the usual for Azrael, the usual pacifist commonly being terrified of this sort of action. But rage had boiled up deep in his soul, the thought of that disgrace of an angel even daring to lay his hands on his lover once again made Azrael see red.

manywingedangel

"Azrael-- baby, please ... You can't do this alone. I'll . .I'll think of something!"

Gabriel gasps and freezes up when footsteps began ringing out.

"please-- he's coming and he'll kill you-! Run!"

He's terrified, wings trembling.

"please-! I'll be okay, you can think of something later, RUN! GET SISYPHUS!"

using his power, water and light forms and wraps around Azrael. Whisking him back to heaven.

Azrael was caught off guard, being pulled back from Gabriel by the water and light. He screamed, trying his hardest to fight back but he couldn’t. He was sobbing under his helmet, eyes squeezed shut, terrified beyond belief. He couldn’t lose his lover.

When the archangel opened his eyes again he found himself in Heaven, far away from where Gabriel was being held. He cursed under his breath, regaining his footing and immediately being tempted to journey back to Fraud, but…Gabriel was right. Even though he had improved in combat, he wasn’t nearly proficient enough to take on a throne. He would have to get help.

Azrael thought back to what Gabriel had told him, to go to Sisyphus…He let out a sigh, taking off from his spot in Heaven and descending through Hell once again, stopping in Greed to go speak with the king.

He approached the palace, hoping and praying to an absent god that Sisyphus would be able to help.

( @helios-ploenexia )

helios-pleonexia

*Sisyphus was on his piramid as usual, he was worried.. he had been worried for a while lately, a lot on his mind, when he heard the sound of the angel's wings, he turned around, surprised to see Azrael.*

“Azrael? What brings you here?”

*His voice was.. rather cold, not because of him, but because of everything that had been happening, it was too much for him and he couldn't help but be.. cold to others. And since.. he talked with Minos for the last time, he had been even more worried..*

Azrael looked at Sisyphus, trying to collect himself enough to speak.

“Gabriel, he-“

He couldn’t hold himself together. His voice choked up, tears starting to stream down his face once again, though obscured by his helmet.

“H-He was taken- by Dorelor- I t-tried to save him but-“

He was sobbing now, his body trembling again. It was clear just how scared he was. Just how weak he felt.

helios-pleonexia

*..He listened, soon understanding it all..*

“I get it now.. Let's go there as soon as possible. Dorelor won't hurt him, we'll stop him, is he okay? Did you see him? How are the kids..? Is someone with them? We can't leave them alone.”

*He said, worried but.. his voice was firm.*

“Calm down, Azrael. We can't.. do anything if we.. break down, okay?.. We shall go there and beat that.. motherfucker.”

"I-I didn't see him- Gabriel forced me to leave before I could- and the kids, they're together in Anshel's room, I made sure they kept their door locked but they have nobody watching them- but I can't bring them-"

Azrael slowly started to calm down a bit, nodding in response to Sisyphus's reassurance. He was right. There would be no progress if he was panicked.

"...right."

He needed to keep himself collected. For Gabriel's sake.

helios-pleonexia

“Let's go see Gabriel.. okay?.. Let's see what we can do. If we can't do anything, then we'll go talk with Michael and bring someone to look after the kids, maybe Minos will be able to do so. Now, let's focus on Gabriel, can you take me there?”

*He gave Azrael a little pat on the head, wanting to calm him down, he knew how this felt, but they needed to be focused and.. calmed.*

Azrael nodded again, letting out a deep sigh before speaking once again.

“He’s in Fraud, I…I can take you there.”

While he was still uneasy, he was more calm and collected, not panicked like before. He made his way towards the descent, leading Sisyphus down the layers till they arrived in Fraud, approaching the room once he had adjusted to the twisting of the layer.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Gabriel still lay in the birdcage. Dorelor isn't there. Though now the seraphim lacks his clothing. Sitting there ... So exhausted.

The birdcage is so beautiful. But those wise know those fancy little cages can never be a bird's home. Not even big enough to spread ones wings.

"..."

So tired ... Especially from the bruises on his body.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*..As he saw the birdcage, he approached quickly, seeing how Gabriel lacked clothes made him furious, he knew what he had done..*

*He would have yelled, but.. he knew that wouldn't do anything, his voice was colder, serious, focused.*

“Gabriel. We are here for you, do you know how did he enter?.. We'll save you.. We are here.. He won't touch you again, I-.. I promise..”

*A cape of light and warmth wrapped around the archangel. Why was Sisyphus so.. emotionless?.. They all knew how much he would yell if he wasn't like.. this..*

@angelofamber

Azrael quickly followed behind Sisyphus, the feeling of bile building up in his throat once again. His hands trembled, tears clouding his vision as he shook with rage.

“L-Love- I’m so sorry, I- I’m going to fucking kill him.“

The last part was murmured quietly, his voice coarse from sobbing. He was beyond furious at this point. His hands balled up into fists, if not for his gauntlets his nails would be breaking skin.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Gabriel takes a breath, sighing before he wraps his wings around himself.

"it ...I'm okay. I'll be okay...!"

He said as reassuringly as he can...

...

Footsteps and humming begin approaching.

"..."

He immediately froze up.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

“Azrael, let's hide. If he does anything, we.. catch him and beat him up. Understood? Now, calm down, and wait.”

*His brightness lowered till' it was gone, hidding in the room the best as he could, always watching the scene, his gaze focused, piercing on the birdcage as he waited.. and waited. He almost looked like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to pounce and kill his pray, because maybe, that was his plan.*

The thought of waiting, standing by and letting that monster get any closer to Gabriel, made him sick to his stomach. But he knew Sisyphus was right.

He nodded, taking a deep breath to center himself before his wings pulled tight to his back, hiding in a spot on the other side of the room. He was still trembling, but was entirely silent.

He was not going to lose his partner.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

"oh, beautiful songbird...."

A voice spoke ... And out a door came Dorelor. An angel still wearing old, long time unused council garb, two sets of wings. Golden chains decorating his body.

Dorelor was once the council's warden. His job was to chain and capture angels that broke heavenly law. His powers when it came to ensnarement and capture is powerful.

"I've returned, my dear..."

Gabriel looks at Dorelor, taking a breath before responding. Trying to remain level headed to keep the situation as controlled as possible.

"Dorelor."

Dorelor hums sickly sweet. Producing a key to unlock the cage.

... Which means now is the chance to act.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*..As soon as he saw Dorelor producing the key, he jumped out from his hidding spot, taking Dorelor from the wings and crushing them easily. He held him high, his brightness so very bright.. He wanted to blind him.*

“You.”

*His touch was painful, burning.. it burned like fire itself, and even more. He never let Dorelor leave his grip, only crushing the feathers even more, he didn't even need his two hands, just with one was enough to easily break the structure of the feathered limbs. His touch left burns on the wings, burning the feathers that weren't already hurt, and even those that were. He wasn't going to have mercy, not after what he did to Seraph.*

@angelofamber

Azrael came out of his hiding spot, wincing and shutting his eyes as Sisyphus grew brighter. He waited for a moment till it was safer for him to move forward, his scythe materializing in his hand. His wings flared out, producing an imposing presence. The Archangel of Death, in his full truth.

He kept his eyes tightly closed, his grip on his scythe firm. Despite not having said a word, his anger could clearly be felt, the energy emanating off of him.

“You.”

He repeated, his voice harsh and low, trembling from rage.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

Now that the cage was open, Gabriel immediately flew out and into the air, ready to teleport and flee to safety. But--

Dorelor, struggling from Sisyphus's burning radiance and his wings being crushed-- he summons a chain to grab and shackle Gabriel's ankle. yanking him back down harshly. He crashed into the ground with a huge booming impact.

"you can't do this-- you-- you won't! You won't take away my songbird!"

Dorelor shouts as he kicks Sisyphus, looking at Azrael as if he didn't just gravely injure Gabriel.

{ @helios-ploenexia }

helios-pleonexia

*As he heard the impact, he threw Dorelor to the ground with all of his strength. His brightness lowering as he ran to his child, crouching and taking him up into his arms.*

“Gabriel! My child.. Are you okay? Is everything okay? Come here, you are safe now, he won't hurt you again..”

*He promised, covering him once again in a coat of light and warmth, so he would feel better.*

“What hurts?.. Tell me, I can try to ease the pain with warmth, I fear I do not know much about medicine but if it brings you comfort it will work.”

*..Then, he realized maybe Azrael gave Gabriel more comfort than him, but he also understood Azrael would want to beat Dorelor for some time.*

At the sound of the impact Azrael’s eyes shot open, darting from Gabriel to Dorelor. His first instinct told him to run to his lover, but it seemed like Sisyphus had gone to comfort Gabriel already, so that only left….

The archangel whipped back around, his armored foot slamming hard into the fallen throne’s chest. Not even a moment after, the blade of the scythe was pressed hard against his neck, Azrael glaring down.

“If you do as much as utter another fucking sound I will not hesitate to rip your throat out with my own bare hands.”

His eyes were kept on Dorelor’s hands, so if he tried to pull any bullshit, he’d be on it immediately.

“You’re lucky I haven’t slit your throat yet.”

He spat, the rage clear in his voice.

manywingedangel

Dorelor struggles for a moment, looking up at Azrael.

"you.... You wont-- take him away from me----!"

Cw: Gore, vauge mentions of past SA

helios-pleonexia

*..As he saw Gabriel piercing Dorelor's skull, he smiled softly, approaching them and holding that.. angel's wings, easily ripping them from that disgusting being. He didn't deserve those. He threw the wings to the floor, seeing as the blood dripped from them.*

*Sisyphus stayed silence, he knew his job there was done, now Seraph and Azrael needed to go back to the kids, and Azrael could calm Gabriel down easily. He only watched as more and more blood dripped from that being, sighing. He did not feel bad for him, he was just thinking, he really had to go back.. to just a weapon, eh?.. For others, for the ones he loved.*

Azrael’s body still trembled, eyes wide under his helm as he stared one spear go through the body, then another, then another. He was silent the entire time. Once Sisyphus came to rip off his wings, Azrael stepped back, staring at the mangled corpse with a sense of satisfaction, but… he was stunned. Somewhat like a deer in headlights.

But it didn’t take long for him to come to his senses. Not even a minute later he darted to Gabriel’s side, kneeling down beside his partner. He reached out as if to want to hug Gabriel, but pulled back, unsure if that was what his lover wanted in the moment. He tried to speak, but his words got caught in his throat. After a few tries, he finally was able to utter words.

“I-I will never leave your side, I will never let anyone hurt you like that ever again, I swear on my life- I-I failed you, and I’m sorry.”

He wasn’t sobbing, but it was clear his voice was strained.

“Let’s get you home.”

He murmured, his voice a bit quieter.

( @manywingedangel )

manywingedangel

"w-wait--"

Gabriel hiccups from his painful sobs, his voice having grown rough.

He digs his hand into one of the stab wounds at Dorelor's chest. Physically ripping out the throne's soul.

...

"... His powers will never be used to hurt someone like he hurt me again."

He presses the glowing orb to his own chest, it merges into him.

"I'm taking his powers for myself."

Azrael slowly got up from his kneeled position, nodding. He didn’t say a word, but it was clear that he was starting to calm down, the adrenaline settling. Once his mind was clear, it started to wander…shit, the kids.

He knew Gabriel would need space but he couldn’t leave Gabriel’s side to take care of the children, he couldn’t take his eyes off of him. Maybe he could ask a favor from Michael or another to watch the little ones for a while, at least until things calmed down a bit.

Azrael walked up to Gabriel, gently resting his hand on his lover’s shoulder. He didn’t utter a word, but it was clear he was asking if the other was ready to go.

manywingedangel

Gabriel nods, taking a breath before holding Azrael's hand. He nuzzles his face before raising his free hand. Light beaming onto both angels as they're teleported back to heaven.

"... I need my clothes... And a barf bag."

He sighs, the entire event is weighing on him... But he did feel relieved. Closure knowing Dorelor is gone for good.

Azrael sighed, gently squeezing Gabriel’s hand as they returned to Heaven. He nodded quickly as the other spoke, walking him back to their quarters.

“There are fresh clothes in our room, and you can take as much time as you need to rest- I can watch the kids, and if not me, we can always ask one of your siblings for assistance.”

Once they got back, he opened the door, walking Gabriel back to his room. He then turned to Anshel’s room, letting out a sigh before knocking. The poor children must be terrified.

“Anshel? Sweetheart, it’s me, you can open the door now.”

manywingedangel

Anshel slowly opens the door. The poor kid was still crying, holding his baby sister closely as she whines and shakes from fear.

"daddy ...."

Azrael immediately dropped to the floor, kneeling down and gently hugging the two of them. He held back tears, staying silent for a few moments as he just held Anshel and Lailah. After a little bit he came back to his senses, letting out a deep sigh.

“Papa he.. he’s safe. He’s home, he just needs some space for now, alright?”

He leaned back, taking his helmet off for the first time in hours. His eyes were tired, but still held the same compassion they always did.

“I’m so sorry I had to leave you two alone…”

manywingedangel

Anshel wipes his tears.

"it-its okay, daddy! I was... I was really brave while I waited for you and papa!"

He did his best to be brave. Even through tears. For his baby sister who didn't quite understand yet what happened.

Azrael smiled with his eyes, pulling the two into another soft hug.

“I am so proud of you Anshel, so proud.”

He couldn’t even begin to imagine how scary this situation must’ve been for the children, but hearing Anshel say this brought him a bit of comfort.

manywingedangel

"a-and papa is okay . . Right...?"

Anshel asks shakily, still sniffing back more tears.

"papa wasn't hurt....?"

Azrael froze up.

He didn’t want to lie to Anshel, but…telling him the truth….no. He couldn’t bring himself to lie.

“Papa was…hurt, but he will feel better soon, I promise.”

He sighed, leaning back once again, his hand gently resting on Anshel’s shoulder.

manywingedangel

Anshel nods slowly, looking up at Azrael.

"a-and is... Is the bad guy gone ...?"

He felt ... Very complicated about Dorelor. Since that man is... technically his father too. But he knows he never would be one to him. Never.

Azrael quickly nodded.

“He’s gone, for good. He can’t hurt you or Papa ever again.”

In all of this chaos, all of these muffled complicated feelings, there was a sense of relief under it all, that Dorelor was finally gone, dead.

Finally, Gabriel could rest.

manywingedangel

Gabriel left his room, now wearing some white robes since he didn't really need his armor right now. His helm off too.

He rubs his eyes, which were tear stained.

"papa-!"

Anshel ran over to hug his leg. Gabriel kneels down to pick up his son.

"im here, darling... I'm here..."

Lailah hovers around Gabriel's head, chirping.

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