#very vicious

[incorrect-thuggory-quotes]

Very Vicious: He is, without a doubt, the worst Viking I've ever heard of. 😐

Thuggory, smug: But you have heard of him. 😏

[macabrecabra]

Again, all familiar characters belong to phasellus and is based in her world of Bitter Bite but more in the past.

Blood Price Chapter One: Stolen Secrets, Stolen Children (Completely safe and short) Chapter Two: The King of All That Holds Worth (Safe again u__u) Chapter Three: Building the Team (Safe again) Chapter Four: Nuts and Bolts (Just assume it is always safe :I) Chapter Five: Problems Within (safe safe safe safe but long) Chapter Six: With Apologies to Heaven (has some violence. not for the squeemish) Chapter Seven: Changes are Coming (strong pg-13 warning) Chapter Eight: Serpent in the Garden (Re-written less heavy than before XD)

This chapter got a re-write that really changes the whole feeling of it. Nooo romance to be found, that is for sure. I’m pretty sure Orifel just showed that he is VERY VINDICTIVE when he’s feelings are played with....

Michael did not roll a high number on that charisma check.

Also the two new characters introduce are leading to one of the scariest villains I’ve written.... why? They are far to real and familiar to me and actually put me on edge. You’ll see why....

ANYWAYS ENJOY! Likes are appreciated, reblogs and comments are super loved because I LOVE to read them and see what I can improve or what peps like what I’m doing <3

They awoke, eyes opening quickly, glowing in the low light, staring ahead. They inhaled as if they could breath, no air entered their systems. They had no need for breathing. Slowly they began to think for the first time in their life, turning their head this way and that, curious as a newborn to their surroundings.

They were alive. That they they knew but who they were, what their purpose was, that they did not understand. They did not understand why they had been given this life.

“You must confused, my child,” A voice crooned, the mechanical humanoid's head snapping quickly to look at whatever had spoken in the dark.

Their mind told them this was their master. This was their god. This was their creator. This was the one who would have the answers they sought.

“King Baricius,” They replied reverently, bowing their head, “I... I am sorry creator. I do not know....why I am here. I can hear no purpose, no name,” The Garilian chuckled, raising a hand to a panel, pressing a few keys resulting in a hiss as the clamps holding the mech released, allowing them to drop to the ground. They landed easily on their feet, looking down over their form.

It was sleek and made of a smooth synthetic material that stretched and moved like skin, covering all the intricate circuitry within. There were plugs and holes along their body where armor would one day be attached as their form was unfinished. They were incomplete. They frowned some in worry, “Am I defective? Is this why I have been awakened?”

Baricius chuckled, shaking his head, “No my child. You will be completed but I want you awake. You and your sister,” “My sister?” they asked, “So I am...female?” Baricius shrugged, “Do you wish to be a female my child?”

The mech furrowed their brow in thought before nodding slowly, “I...yes. I wish to be a female. Is my sister awake?”

“She is. She is waiting for you. Come,” The Garilian king gestured to the new mech who smiled, happily following him passed hundreds of machines being outfitted for war, armor attached to their bodes and weapons placed on. The sight was wondrous to see, so many sparks and so much care and love put into every model by the tireless mechanical arms that built them. The mech smiled, feeling an odd warmth in their chest at seeing so many. “Why are there so many robots like me?” They finally asked.

Baricius glanced to the construction as they passed by it, smiling some, “They are your kin, not just any robots but they are different. You are different I should say. Your sister and yourself, you are unique. I have given you the greatest program of our time. You are completely sentient. You stand not as a machine but as living creature now. Those out there,” he gestured, “They do not. They cannot think and feel and understand as you do,”

The mech's smile faded, “Why must that be creator?” “Call me father,” Baricius cooed softly, stopping at a door and putting in a code to allow them both to pass through, “They cannot for they must obey you without question. You are their mind. You will guide them, a ruler yourself. You had to be made differently,”

The mech nodded slowly, “I understand...father,” They smiled slightly. The name was one in which they enjoyed.

The two entered a large room where another incomplete robot sat, marveling at their hands, turning them over in wonderment before looking up to see the two come, smiling, “My sister,” “My sister,” the other robot repeated softly, almost reverently, feeling a surge of emotion for the other robot.

The two moved towards each other, looking one another over before raising their hands and gentle pressing the palms together smiling, “My sister. You are just like me. I do not feel alone,” they spoke together, feeling their thoughts almost seem to act like one, wrapping around each other in a comforting embrace.

They shared feelings and thoughts in a way no other machine had yet been able to experience. Sentience combined with the process of thought far superior to any organic and a desire to feel a oneness with another that held close the bond.

Sisters. Twin queens to be. They both turn to regard their father who smiled, gesturing back to the seats, “Please sit down my daughters, there is much to explain, much to teach you. First though, first you must pick names for yourself,”

The two shared a look before a nod. The one who had been there first touched her chest, “I am Remus,” “And I, I am Romulus,” The newly awoken sister responded with a bow of her head.

“Romulus and Remus. Darling names. Children who will find their own empire when the world changes,” Baricius smiled, “I am already so proud of you, my daughters,”

The two robots beamed as Baricius turned, putting in a few keystrokes to a panel, lighting up the room, “But you have much to learn about the world. The people and cultures. Here in this room you will be educated for your purpose,”

Remus's brow furrowed, “And what is our purpose father? Why are we here? What is the purpose of the life you have given us?”

Baricius smiled, “You will see in due time, my daughters”

He pressed a switched and the screens lit up with thousands of images.

Their education had begun.

~*~

Valdis glanced up as Orifel came in, smiling although the smile faltered some at his expression. His posture was a bit tense and he looked part humiliated and part absolutely crushed as he entered, “You needed something?” “What happened? What did Michael do?” Valdis asked, frowning some, “What I need to say can wait,” Orifel shook his head, “No it is fine,” he paused before letting out a sigh, “I guess I was not as over that idiot as much as I thought. Just ...a lot of confusing feelings to work out. I hate him but I like him. I want him but I want to throw him out the window. Not to mention, never mind. Just a perfect storm of awkwardness,” He gave a slight, tired smile, “What is it you wanted to ask about?” Valdis sighed knowing when Orifel didn't want to talk, he wouldn't talk. He was good at keeping things locked up inside, “My opinion? Drop him before you get too invested and that's all I'm going to stay about that,” She leaned back in her seat, frowning, “I think Pelsirion is up to something. There is an unease in the air,” Orifel was silent for a second or two before he broke into a sob, covering his face, catching Valdis completely off guard, “I don't know what to do Valdis! I don't want to be used again!” “Uh...pardon?” The goddess asked. Really she had no idea what she had said to cause this reaction. Really it was out of no where and had nothing to do with what she had asked. Orifel didn't answer once more, only moving quickly over to her, throwing his arms about her neck and burying his face close to her ear.

“Orifel, I don't know what Michael did but if you-” Valdis began only to be interrupted by Orifel as he quickly whispered, “The walls have too many eyes and ears to talk about our hunches out loud Valids,”

The goddess blinked, realization dawning on her as to why Orifel was putting on a show now. Carefully she wrapped her arms about him in a hug, leaning in close as if encouraging him, patting his back, “Where can we talk then?”

“The gardens. I can ensure it is debugged at least,” He murmured back, still clinging onto her tightly, “Tomorrow in the evening. That is when Pelsirion tends to excuse herself. Can ensure more privacy,” Valdis frowned, “Is it really that bad?” Orifel gave a short laugh, “I'll show it all tomorrow. You'll see how well I do my job,” He took a step back, rubbing at his eyes, putting in a few sniffles for effect, “So you think I should... just not pursue him then?” “Don't waste your time and that is an honest opinion. He's just going to hurt you in the long run. It is a phase, a distraction he needs. As soon as his ass is back to ruling Heaven he's going to drop you for his work again,” Valdis responded, half playing along but also honestly giving her feelings on the situation, “You deserve someone better,” Orifel nodded, frowning some, “You are right of course. Harder to do than say though. He's like a bad drug honestly,” He gave a sigh, rubbing his forehead lightly, “We still on for the movie though?” “Pepper says we are,” Valdis gave a shrug, “So I'll see you in the living room in two hours then and also, you think we can convince Michael to watch this? His reactions would be priceless,” “That they would be. Best to send someone else though. I want my distance. I mean...I think your advice is wise and I really should stop deluding myself,” Orifel shook his head, giving a small laugh, “I'm hopeless aren't I?” Valdis snorted, “Not your fault he decided he wants to pursue after how many years of ignoring everything? His loss, not yours,” she put an arm about Orifel's shoulder, “I'll get Pepper to do it. If anything, he can at least get Michael angry enough to chase him to the living room,” Orifel gave a laugh, “Just don't cause him to re-break his legs or anything,” Th ex-spymaster ducked his head, stepping away from the goddess and heading to the door, “I'm going to spend some time in the bathroom though,” he murmured, a blush rising to his face, Valdis just shaking her head with a chuckle.

She knew exactly what Orifel was about to get up to and she wasn't going to judge. He was already nervous enough about the whole new changes there.

Hopefully tonight would present some relaxation at least.

~*~

Pepper poked his head into the garden carefully, slowly inching his way in as if expecting a wild animal to leap out of the bushes to maul him. Truth be told that wasn't far from the truth. Michael had tried to that very thing twice on two separate occasions. Approaching the archangel was a task to do with extreme caution and prejudice.

Michael at least seemed distracted somewhat, watching the television where some sort of TV drama was playing out with a couple yelling angrily at each other. Slowly Pepper raised his hands and stopped a few feet away, “This might sound crazy but I was sent to ask I you want to watch a movie with the rest of us and not sit out here by yourself,” The archangel turned his head, eyes narrowing to the all too familiar hateful glare he held in special reserve for Pepper now, “Why on earth would I ever want to spend any amount of time near any of you?” He scowled, “I'll pass. Tell Orifel to come here though if someone wants to ask me for something,” “He can't. He's busy and all. Has his own life and I'm the only other individual willing to talk to you. But eh, if you don't want to that's fine. Just missing a really funny movie,” Pepper gave a shrug, “I guess that means Tevrin and Orifel get the loveseat to themselves,”

“...Loveseat?” Michael asked, frowning, “Explain what you mean by that,” “You know. Like a couch, only smaller for two? For more an excuse to snuggle up to someone and put the moves on them?” Pepper tilted his head, “What? You think we all sit in our own little chair or something? Valdis, Bev, and I are claiming the couch. Orifel and Tevrin take the loveseat. We were going to roll out some chair apart from everyone else if you showed up, knowing you hate everyone here,”

The archangel gave a displeased growl shifting to sit up. It would not do any good for Orifel to have someone else to depend on if he was going to more or less try to sweet talk the other angel. Orifel clearly had some feelings for him which he could use to get Orifel to help him out of this situation. Afterwards though, Orifel would more or less have run his course in terms of being of any use.

Michael swung his legs over the side of the bed, wincing just a bit, “I changed my mind. I will come and I am taking the loveseat. It will be best if I am given somewhere to lay out more rather than a chair,”

“Do you need help? Not a good idea to probably walk? Can you even walk?” Pepper asked taking a step closer which earned a snarl from the archangel as he flared his wings out wide.

“I can fly, thank you very much. I don't want you touching me, you metal abomination,” Michael coldly answered as he gripped the edge of the bed with his good hand, squinting as he more or less planned his trajectory. Flying indoors was tricky. The air was still which meant he had to flap more than glide which took more energy. Not to mention his wings were large, meant for open air, not closed spaces or hovering making it harder to get about without a lot of crashing into walls and ceilings. Literally his only method of moving was giving very small occasional flaps of his wings, using his spear as leverage to push off the ground rather than his legs. He held out his hand, letting the weapon materilize into his grip, arching an eyebrow as he watched Pepper take a step back, eyeing the weapon. It was almost worth hitting the robot with the spear. Almost. Not the time yet though. Eventually Pepper would find what it was like to face the wrath of an archangel directly and not a cheap jump from behind.

Pepper just gave a shrug, “Okay then. Do it your way you crazy angel you,” “Archangel,” Michael snarled, watching the robot go before grumbling under his breath and launching himself forward, giving to flaps to make it across the garden to land somewhat bodily on a branch, wincing. This was demeaning but it was not as demeaning as letting that metal abomination touch him in any way!

By the time Michael managed to get himself into the living room, the others were already settling in, Valdis sprawled out with Pepper sitting on her legs leaned back and his own legs tucked against Valdis's side with Bev sitting in a bowl of popcorn between the two, opening her small mouth wide to fit the huge kernels in. Tevrin was all snuggled up against Orifel's side, the angel not seeming to mind how close the fae was at all, one hand lightly scratching at Tevrin's wings. At least he was before a rather miffed archangel was pushing the fae rather rudely off the loveseat as he sunk into the seat, stretching out and crossing his arms, “Get off. This is where I have decided to sit. I need to be able to keep my legs straight if they are to heal in any way,”

“I was there first!” Tevrin snarled as he looked up at Michael, the archangel scowling right back from his new seat, eyes narrowing challengingly. The fae got to his feet, gesturing to Michael, “So why does he get to just shove people out of their seat?” “I sit where I please and this is where I would be more than pleased to sit,” Mchael shot back, looking to the side at Orifel who had tensed up as soon as the archangel had come in to push Tevrin off to make room for himself, “I want to sit next to only other angel, not your...ilk,”

“He's a polite one,” Pepper commented idly just earning himself a hateful look from Michael.

Valdis let out a sigh, glowering at Michael, about to give him a piece of her mind, especially since Orifel looked so uncomfortable before the ex-spymaster shook his head, “Leave him. He's in an obnoxious mood again,” he murmured, getting the look shifted from Pepper to himself.

“I'm not being obnoxious. I think I am being rather practical about all of this,” Michael commented, reaching over to pull one of Orifel's wings into his lap, starting to comb his unbroken hand through the soft feathers. This action caused Orifel to jump, a flush rising to his face as he huffed, pulling the wing away. Michael scowled when he did so, eyes narrowing. This was not going as planned really. Orifel was still high on his guard it seemed. The only reason he had come was to perhaps play up the role of being no threat in hopes someone would drop their guard a bit, perhaps leave some keys unattended or the like. A perfect chance to get himself out without the least amount of risk.

Valdis just rolled her eyes as Micahel just pulled the wing back and continued what he was doing, giving Orifel a half irritated look as the two continued....whatever little game they were playing. Honestly she had no idea what was going on between those two. Maybe it was some strange way angels flirted. Orifel was playing hard to get and Michael seemed to want to indicate to everyone he was not letting them near Orifel for some strange reason. Probably still thought they were brainwashing him or some other little insane theory.

Orifel simply gave up after the third attempt to keep his wings away, Michael hissing something at him in a low tone, speaking quickly in the Heavenly tongue with Orifel just rolling his eyes and giving a grunt in response. Sometimes she forgot that angels even had their own language. A strange tonal one with a heavy inflection on rising trills and a rolling sound in the back of the throat that gave it almost a song-like flow. She could speak it for the most part, although some of the sounds were rather difficult to ever get right.

“We watching this movie or are you two going to have a spate all night?” Valdis questioned, arching an eyebrow.

“Start the movie. Don't hold back for his sake,” Orifel responded, shaking his head, Michael just giving a brief glance up at Valdis to give her a scowl before going back to combing through Orifel's wing, an almost smug look on his face.

Angels. She had never really understood socially all the cues and the like but she was pretty sure this public wing petting was suppose to convey some huge meaning to them all and no one but Michael and Orifel actually understood what that was. Valdis was almost tempted to forcefully move Michael somewhere else just to rile him up. Almost.

He really was not worth an ounce of effort right now when she was trying to relax.

“Start the movie Pepper. Let's see how terrible they messed our resident asshole king's personality up,” She drawled, waving to the screen.

Pepper pressed a few buttons on the remote, the lights in the room dimming and the screen flicking on to the movie, starting with loud, boisterous opening credits, “I'm pretty sure anything they show would be an improvement,”

It only took twenty minutes for Valdis to realize this movie was gold. Absolutely terrible with horrible acting, but absolute, one hundred percent grade A comedic gold. There could be no other words to describe this film or the look of horror and pain on Michael's face as he let out a groan covering his face with one hand, “....that is the seventh time in twenty minutes they have Raphael breaking down in to bloody tears for...for the stupidest reasons!” “Aww they just want to show he is the sensitive one,” Valdis chuckled, “What? Doesn't Raphael burst into tears when he sees a butterfly laying on the ground with a broken wing?” “No, in fact he doesn't break down and cry ever! And Gabriel! He is not actually that short! They have a child playing him practically! A female child!” Michael scowled, “Nor is his voice so ungodly annoying! This actor's voice is like... like!” “Kind of sounds like someone repetitively bunched a small rodent in the nuts then proceeded to strangle it while making it huff helium,” Orifel drawled, “I'm pretty sure if Gabriel actually sounded like that someone would have murdered him years ago,” As if summoned by the discussion of their voice, the actor playing Gabriel re-appeared on the screen, clearly played by teenager girl that had far too much energy, bouncing around with a huge grin on her face, nuzzling up against whoever was playing Michael, “Gee Michael! That is a swell as swoll idea! You just are always the best person for a plan! I can't wait to take it to the enemy, yeah!”the practically screeched in their high-pitched grating voice, doing some rather horrible combat moves like a child trying to act tough and nearly tripping over themselves a dozen time for “comedic effect”.

Michael groaned, covering his face again, “That voice is going to haunt me. Every time I look at Gabriel I'm going to hear that high pitched assault upon my ears like a terrible war flashback,”

“Shhh! I want to hear how movie Michael responds,” Valdis shushed grinning wide, earning a groan from Michael who just continued to slowly slide down in his seat, flushing in shame.

The movie Michael on the screen, played by perhaps the largest, most bulkiest body builder they could find with some strange accent laughed loudly, giving a thumbs up and the most charming overly macho super hero smile imaginable, “Yes, my dear brother! For thou are truly correct but as always, I could never achieveth such things without the loving support of you, gentle Raphael, and dashing Lucifer,” they gestured grandly to a half weepy smiling Raphael played by some very overly skinny woman and some man who was playing Lucifer who seemed the only one truly aware he was in a terrible movie and giving the most uninterested look imaginable, “My kin! I call now upon thine strength! I call now for us to attach these wretched female bushes, break their power with the long rod of justice! Let us pound their sinful bush selves into the cavern of unholy fires to burn for eternity!”

Valdis burst out laughing, even Pepper cracking a grin. Michael just gritted his teeth, shooting a glare when he heard Orifel chuckle some, “Oh so this amuses you eh?” “Oh lighten up Michael. At least it seems mortals think you are an action super hero of great moral upstanding and ….have a long rod of justice,” She snickered at that as Bev twittered hard behind a kernel of popcorn.

“Just as clueless to the slew of innuendos too,” Tevrin commented dryly from his new seat on the arm of the couch.

Michael just gave them a somewhat confused and frustrated look, “What innuendos?” “Bush is the hair on the genitals of some females. Long rod of justice is referring to the dick you actually don't have. Cavern of unholy fires is clearly a reference to a vagina which you also don't have. It is okay. We will explain the entire risque sexual potty humor of this movie,” Pepper commented.

Michael made a disgusted face, flushing, “I did not need to know any of that,” “You did ask sir,” Orifel pointed out, “You said what innuendos,”

“It was a rhetorical question that really did not call for any of that to be said,” Michael drawled icily, glowering at Orifel, fisting his hand in the soft feathers of the other angel's wings in his lap, pulling them up, grumbling as he continued his leisurely combing of the feathers.

The action caused Valdis to arch an eyebrow, noticing how Orifel blushed, tensing some and looking away, shifting uncomfortably but not pulling his wings from Michael, letting the archangel do what he pleased. There was something there, that was apparent. Tevrin made a growling sound in his throat, turning his attention back to the movie where Lucifer looked like he just wanted to walk off the set and never come back.

“You know, the actor who plays Lucifer is accurate,” Valdis mused, “I mean, if he was in a movie like this I'm pretty sure he would have that expression on his face the whole time. They even got his teeth right,” “You mean not backwards like Raphael's horns?” Pepper asked, as Raphael started to burst into tears again, “Ah, there he goes again...or is it she in this version?” Bev gave a shrug, “I'm just under the assumption this Raphael is a genetic clone gone wrong and the real Raphael is being held captive on a spaceship and they just burst into tears because they don't know how to express any other emotion but sadness,” “Makes about as much sense as the plot,” Tevrin commented, watching as Gabriel laughed and giggled like a ten year old, providing the comedic relief that was so over the top and stupid, it almost worked as jokes, “Someone needs to put that poor actress out of her misery,”

“Gladly,” Michael growled, “I am going to hunt down everyone involved with this movie and kill them,”

“but then they won't be able to make anymore of these. I think there is like ten already in the series,” Bev tossed a kernel of popcorn into the air, opening her mouth wide to try and catch it.

Michael looked over at her in disbelief, “Ten? There are ten of these movies? Do people have no taste in movies?” “Don't look at the fanart,” Tevrin warned, “Your eyes will bleed from their sockets at the amount of incestuous gay angel porn that awaits that search,”

“I can vouch for that,” Orifel murmured, although he was grinning just a bit, “Spank bank material,”

“What? What does that even mean?” Michael growled, glaring at Orifel.

Orifel just chuckled and reached over to swat Michael away from his wings, pulling them around himself, “You don't want to know. Just watch the movie and enjoy it for what it is,” Michael snorted, glowering, stating to brood as he looked to the screen where Raphael was getting kidnapped after getting hit once and falling to the floor in tears, “Oh come on! One hit does not lay out an archangel! Raphael can hold his own in a fight! What is wrong with you mortals!? You are making Raphael look like.... like a mortal!”

“We like our Raphael's sensitive and pathetic, our Michael's butch and absolutely flawless, our Lucifer's sassy, and our Gabriel's as about as useful as any other comic relief sidekick that is only there to be annoying,” Tevrin responded with a shrug, “What? It would not be as funny if we made this accurately,” “I don't know. Making Michael a giant, angry dickbag who just messes up people's lives and acts absolutely frigid towards everyone all the time might be nice to see. This Michael is a saint. Like I'm pretty sure movie Michael would hang out in old folk homes taking care of the elderly after going to the orphanage for small kittens and bottle feeding every single one,” Valdis drawled.

Michael made a face, “....I might not do that because it is pointless but that doesn't mean I am without characteristics that are rather good to have for a ruler,”

The room was silent other than the movie as everyone just stared at Michael in disbelieve, the archangel glaring at them as he shrunk back some, “What?” He asked coldly, eyes narrowing some.

Tevrin frowned “You always are trying to kill people or threatening murder and genocide from your track record in Heaven,”

“I do what I must for my kin and for Heaven,” Michael responded with a frown. “Not to mention you are know for your comoplete lack of mercy or sympathy for anyone. Like the kind of asshole who would crush the bread for a starving man right in front of him for looking at you funny,” Bev added.

“Also a control freak and an absolute nightmare to try and negotiate anything with because you don't want to listen to anyone but yourself talk and you pretty much go out of your way to make everyone's life miserable, all while saying it is for the good of Heaven. You are a heartless schemer,” Valdis murmured, rubbing her chin.

“You hurt my feelings all the time. Actually it seems you have hurt the feelings of most people you meet. And you feel no remorse and take pleasure in our collective pain because I guess it gives you some sort of angel boner of meanness. More or less you are the biggest and dickiest dick in all the universe, a universe that is already full of some really huge dicks,” Pepper dryly put in.

Michael scowled at all of them, “There is more to me than that. You just only want to paint me as the villain for doing what I must,” “No...that's pretty much all I've gotten about you too,” Orifel murmured with a shrug, “Just add oblivious to it. Cares about his brothers though? Well cares as long as they are agreeing with him. I'm sure as soon as one of them starts to defy you any, you'll remove them accordingly,” Michael scowled, going silent and not responding to their comments, especially Orifel's. It was clear it was going to take a lot more to get the angel to his side again. It was clear the angel of the wilds was more aligned towards Valdi's views than his own. His only card here was he could perhaps play upon those feelings Orifel still held for him and use that to get passed his defenses.

Michael curled up some,growling under his breath, and digging his fingers against his arms somewhat, giving the impression he was very ruffled and uncomfortable, keeping his glare ahead although he was watching Orifel out of the corner of his eyes, seeing if he would fall for the ploy. The ex-spymaster eyed him, perhaps feeling a little guilty and able to tell the insults had bothered the archangel a little more than he would like to admit to try and save face. He let out a sigh shifting some to lean against Michael's shoulder lightly, one hand coming up to rub lightly at the base of his neck soothingly. The archangel tensed some at the touch, giving Orifel a scowl although it lightened some at the rubbing and he took full advantage of the other angel being closer now pull the nearest wing back into his lap to start combine his hands through the soft feathers again. A step in the right direction at last.

Truth be told, he rather liked how the wings felt. Soft to touch. More bushy and thick than the wings of other angels and smelled of pine and cinnamon. Touching them was a nice distraction at least from the movie which he was coming to hate with a passion. It was a shame he would have to make an example of Orifel once they returned to Heaven. On the screen Uriel had made an appearance and for some reason they had decided to have Uriel jumping about and squawking like a bird and.... for some reason Michael and Uriel were romantically involved or something. The very idea made Michael cringe some. It wasn't that he disliked Uriel, but he was more than aware the other angel admired him far too much and this was feeling like something Uriel would write to try and woo him.

Orifel frowned some at the movie's choice in couples but brushed it off. Uriel and Michael were important archangels. They were faces people knew. He was no one, not even to mortals. He was the spymaster, the forgettable angel minion that was probably just some extra that trailed around. A sense of sadness welled up in Orifel at that thought though coupled with a sense of hate. In the middle of a movie, here he was feeling the tingles of depression rearing its ugly head for no goddamn good reason.

Forgettable. Everyone else would keep in mind those in charge. Small individuals like himself who tried so hard for just a glimmer of attention were to be forgotten. Unimportant people dying in unimportant jobs. All of a sudden he really didn't want to watch this movie, “I'm going to the kitchen for something to drink. I wanted to try that fruit drink,” Orifel spoke up, pulling away from the archangel who frowned, perhaps sensing Orifel was having a mood swing again, “Any of you want me to grab something while I'm up?” “energy drink for me,” Pepper commented, glancing to Orifel who put on a smile that he was not feeling at all.

“Just water for me. I didn't know this movie was so long or I would have brought a jug,” Valdis said with a chuckle.

Orifel gave a nod, smile still in place as he headed to the kitchen while the others watched the movie. Only Michael watched him go, looking suspicious about his departure all of a sudden. He gave a growl before heaving himself from the loveseat, turning and sending himself catapulting over, giving a few flaps of his wings, Valids giving a scowl, “You can't sit still for a minute can you Michael? He'll be back in a few seconds,”

She got no response other than a brief cold glance that caused Valdis to frown some feeling like he was up to something. She shook her head as she returned to the movie. There was nothing he would try with them all close. He wasn't stupid and knew his situation. Valdis shook her head again, snorting as Uriel and Michael had a romantic, passionate kiss, shaking her head, “Probably a good think he left or he would be throwing one hell of a fit right now,” “Eh, maybe he should take a hint from the mortals and go after whoever Uriel is,” Tevrin murmured, “That way I can actually sit next to Orifel without him imposing himself. What is the deal anyways? It is like out of the blue he's suddenly attracted to Orifel” Tevrin frowned, “ Why can't we just ship him back to Heaven? No one here wants him here. He's an overbearing presence and puts everyone on edge, what is the point?”

“Ask Pelsirion, not me, “Valdis sighed, “Maybe we should find a way to send him packing,”

“Could use that amulet thingy right?” Pepper suggested, tilting his head, “Then he's gone, he's happy, and we can go on with our lives in peace,” Valdis gave a nod, “I'll go get it after the movie. We can send him off then after working some kind of deal maybe. Personally it will at least stop a war from going on and maybe can just convince him to leave us alone as this is below him,” “I'll let him rip me apart after we win the championship if that is what it takes to get him to agree,” Pepper offered, “Make it easier for him to put me to death to appease his sense of pride,”

Valids sighed, rubbing her temples, “ Hopefully we can maybe avoid that. You are a friend Pepper and I'm not going to throw you to the flesh rippers. But I agree with the general consensus here. I think we can all sleep easier though if he is gone,” she only hoped it would be as easy as she was hoping to get Michael to accept leaving and just leave them all alone.

~*~

The kitchen was more or less empty, the new drone shut down and charging outside the door and everything had been turned off more or less. Still Orifel was able to find a jug to plug into the water purifier, leaning against the counter, closing his eyes as he waited for it to fill. The water purifier took some time fill up such a large container but he wasn't about to feed Valdis the tap water. That was not only rude but highly unsanitary to say the least. He more than owed it to Valdis to take the time to make sure she got the preferred quality of water.

Especially since the water of her homeworld, at least from what she described of it, was pure and untouched, shimmering like a sea of glass where you could see all the way down to the soft sandy bottoms. Orifel wondered if perhaps when this was all over he could take a look. He had no where else to go as it were. He couldn't go back to Heaven.

At least if he was on his own, there was a chance he could find somewhere where he could be someone and be his own person without any fears or regrets. Perhaps find someone who he could be certain shared a feeling other than ownership. Earlier with Michael was a mistake. He should have put his foot down and not goaded him on, more or less flirting a bit because...because he had really liked the attention and wanted to believe in it.

Valdis was right though. He had to break away somehow. He couldn't continue like this. Continuing in this rut, trying to impress and be there for someone who didn't want to care would just drive his depression further down a road that lead to.... he sighed, shaking his head. He didn't want to think about those thoughts.

Not again. Not now. He had to keep it together for a little bit more.

Orifel jumped, eyes opening when he heard a thump, turning, a bit surprised and feeling a sense of trepidation fill him when he saw Michael, slumped against the island of the kitchen, his weapon back in hand, “Did you want something? I did not know you were taking to trying any other mortal foods other than the angel food cake,”Orifel commented, the mask of indifference sliding easily into place.

“Not interested in trying any other mortal foods. Why are you being so cold towards me?” Michael asked quietly, keeping his tone more or less friendly as he slid into a chair, rubbing at his legs lightly with his free hand. “I'm not being cold towards you sir,” Orifel responded with a shrug.

Michael let a small frown grace his lips, “You are unhappy. I can feel it. You might say I know little about you, Orifel, but I know when you were displeased. I always noticed in Heaven actually, how you always seemed to hide yourself,”

He picked his words carefully, looking for those weak-points in his armor. Getting out of this place hinged heavily on getting Orifel to believe he was sincere in his “feelings” for him. He could see how the other angel tensed, shoulders hunching, “Why did you never tell me why?” “You never asked. I knew you didn't care,” Orifel softly responded.

This hurt. This was the attention he wanted, different than yesterday's attempt which had been more rough and easier to tell if it was a lie or not. This though, it was a little harder to figure out because a part of him, a part of him desperately wanted to believe everything Michael said, a tightness building in his chest. He kept the mask in place though, turning back around to regard the water filter, “If you were truly interested you would have asked,”

“I got distracted by work, by ruling Heaven. I know it is not a good excuse for the neglect. I should have seen to it that you were made more comfortable,” Michael murmured soothingly, putting on the airs of regret, “And now, we cannot work any of this out? Do you not trust me?” “Should I trust you?” Orifel asked, glancing over his shoulder at the archangel.

Michael nodded, letting out a sigh, “This week has brought many things into perspective I may not have considered before. You've been rather distant, something I found bothered me. Like I was losing you. I have always considered you as a close friend, someone I could rely on but now,” He heaved a sigh, looking over at Orifel, “I don't know what to think. It is hard to...explain exactly what I feel,” That was a lie if there ever was one. He knew exactly how he felt. Betrayed completely and already contemplating how exactly Orifel would be put to death as an example of what happens to those who defied him and aided their enemies in detaining him in any sense of the word. There was nothing there that was sincere in his words. All he needed to do was convince Orifel though that he perhaps did love him. Michael almost felt sorry for the fool. Almost.

Orifel was silent before turning around, moving to to the island leaning on it some, “I doubt if you admitted anything now it would change or fix anything between us,”

“It would give me piece of mind,” Michael hastily responded, knowing if he said one wrong word he might lose Orifel's attention. He seemed to be lowering his defenses some at least, “Orifel, your presence was always there. To have it lacking, it was felt. I did notice you were not there,” There was partial truth in that statement. The ex-spymaster was the best at his job. The reports were always detailed and Orifel had a very good knack for seeing through plots and ploys, making it easier to plan more nasty surprises in terms of strategies for their enemies. Would be a loss no doubt, but Michael was more than certain he could move on easily enough.

“I'm sure you did,” Orifel murmured, frowning as he moved way from the island to the fridge.

Michael frowned some. This was a little trickier than he had imagined at least. Figuring out the strategies for manipulating people was perhaps more Gabriel's strong suit rather than his own, “I did. What can I say to convince you that...” he let out a sigh, “Perhaps this week has made it a bit more clear how much I have depended on you, how you move, the dry sort of wit you use, the concentration you express when working with the plants in the garden,” he crossed his arms on the counter, “I may hold sincere feelings for you, ones I would perhaps describe as less than professional,” he admitted with a small smile.

A smile that didn't reach his eyes which were narrowed more in a calculative look as he regarded Orifel as he opened the fridge, pulling out one of the glowing power drinks for Pepper, “That is.....a rather large confession from you,” Orifel responded, voice quivering some.

He wanted to believe it. He wanted to believe that Michael was being sincere and that he maybe did care, maybe even...loved him. The other part of him, the part that had been hurt, the part that had suffered through the depression, plagued by the self-loathing, the part that had been baptized for so long in the burn of being nothing but an accessory and ignored rose up beneath the waves of depression. The part of him that was being forged into something much more spiteful and bitter laughed.

How stupid did Michael think he was?

“We can make amends now, Orifel. We can take it slow if you like, work things out. I would be more than willing to do so,” Michael spoke softly, slowly moving to his feet, using his spear to more or less hobble over to where Orifel was. He was a domineering figure, taller than Orifel as he leaned in, propping himself against the now closed fridge door to look down at him, offering a smile, “I'm sorry I caused you so much grief. I'm sorry I did not see and was blind to everything. I want to make amends with you Orifel, for everything,” he leaned in then, cupping the other angel's face to kiss him, a gentle sort, brief but lingering in its own right, “Please for give me for not speaking of this sooner and letting myself get wrapped up in work and other things,”

How Orifel wanted to believe it was sincere and that he wasn't kissing a viper in disguise. He felt the sadness well up and the tears prick at his eyes, the feeling that this was it, that he was to be used and abused all over again and that he would rather that than Michael ignoring him. That that was how pathetic and desperate he was for any sort of positive attention from him, even knowing he would most likely be put to death without an ounce of pity.

Below the sadness, the anger built hotter, turning cold waters to a rolling boil of rage. Orifel grasped onto that anger like a lifeline, letting it drive him. Better to have anger, anger which built defenses then to give in to this mockery of romance. He responded to the kiss, a slight smile gracing his lips. Two could play the game he knew Michael thought he was winning if the slight smirk was anything to go by and that little glint of triumphant he could note in Michael's eyes when they pulled apart, “Will you work with me to make this work Orifel?” the archangel asked softly, stroking Orifel's cheek lightly.

Orifel gave a smile, although the look in his eye smoldered with something that was anything but joy as he pulled away with a small laugh, “I almost believed you there for a moment,”

“What are you talking about?” Michael asked, faking confusion although he tensed, wondering if Orifel had perhaps been leading him on a bit.

“Thousands of years and suddenly a change of heart? Michael you wound me. True I might have feelings for you, but I also know when there is a serpent tempting me to the apple,” Orifel commented, taking a few more steps away from the archangel.

Michael gritted his teeth, “I was being honest with you Orifel. Are you rejecting my feelings for you then? Did everything mean nothing to you? Did you even listen to what I had to say?”

“Oh I listened. I listened to every little lie you told to try and twist me around your fingers like a lovesick puppet, playing on my every little weakness to get what you want,” Orifel responded, smiling even though is voice quaked some, “I think though you made an error in calculation in that people have shown me what it really means to care about another,” How Michael would use his sincere feelings like that, treating everything like nothing. It hurt. It hurt more than anything Orifel had ever felt in his life.

“I don't know why you won't trust me. Have I ever done anything to you to give you cause to doubt my words? My sincerity?” Michael insisted, clutching his spear tightly, “Won't you even give me a chance?”

Orifel crossed his arms, “Michael. I've worked at your side for millennium. I know the character of an angel. It is my job to be able to profile people. I always observe, always watch, and carefully note every little movement of the enemy,” he tapped near the side of his eyes, “The eyes don't lie and all I see in you is a pair of snake eyes. Cold. Calculative. All the traits that make you the greatest strategic mind in Heaven but even great strategists can make mistakes if they don't have the information of what they face,”

“You don't know a thing about me,” Michael managed back, trying to keep up appearances, eyes narrowing, “Can you not accept I care about you? Is it really that hard to believe?” “I got something you want,” Orifel said suddenly in a sing song voice, turning around, his back to Michael as he moved across the room at a leisurely pace, swinging his hips, “I got something you would just love to get your hands on,” The ex-spymaster gave an almost vicious grin over his shoulder as he held up a hand.

Michael felt his breath hitch, eyes fixed on the medallion danging from a chain from Orifel's fingers. It was a displacement amulet, one used by the angels of Heaven in the legion of Death to rapidly move from place to place to collect the more difficult souls. All it would take would be for the person to hold it and focus on where they wished to go. To get to Heaven, of course you had to be an angel. There were some safeguards in place for its use.

All Michael knew was that his way out of this house was right there, in the hands of the other angel and Orifel was not buying what he was saying. Seems Orifel was not as foolish as he had originally thought. Depressed perhaps, but there was something else there that warred with those feelings that was starting to make itself known. A rather vicious anger and spitefulness that was coming to a boil.

“Fine then. You have what I want,” Michael coldly replied, the earlier charm and almost welcoming air about him quickly fading away, “I suppose you won't do the right thing and give it to your king,”

“Why should I, my lord?” Orifel drawled, eyes narrowed, “You just told many little lies. Such behavior is for sinners and sinners have no place in Heaven correct? Is that not what is written?” Michael frowned, “I do what I must for the best of Heaven. You though seemed to have forgotten your duty to your kin and kingdom. You would see to it that I remained trapped here with our enemies but then, what should I expect from a traitor?”

Orifel gave a smile, eyes narrowing as he idly twirled the pendant about one finger, “Keep calling me traitor, my lord, and I'll actually turn traitor. I've held my tongue about what I know,” he commented, snatching the pendant up in hand, “But I digress. You want the amulet? Then tell me what I want to hear and it is yours,” The archangel's eyes narrowed although he kept his expression schooled as he eyed the other angel warily, “What do you want to here?” “You say you know me and that you are sincere,” Orifel drawled, “If that is true, you'll know the answer to your own question,”

He moved to take a seat, dangling the amulet from its chain from a finger, “And please, don't make an attempt to grab it. We both known that you can't match my speed on the ground,”

The archangel slowly moved to sit down in another seat, eyes narrowed. This was not what he had planned not to mention he knew when he was at a disadvantage. Orifel spoke truly. He was a military genius when it came to the battlefield and strategies but even the best strategy was no good if the intelligence was lacking. It was too easy for the enemy to set up a pitfall and hide numbers. There were dangerous that could not be predicted if one went in blind with no forethought.

Was it better to try and lie or better to tell the truth? Michael's grip on his spear tightened.

“There were parts of what I said that were not lies and were sincere Orifel,” Michael finally said, eyes narrowed, “But I don't think I can completely say I trust you,” Orifel tilted his head, before getting to his feet, his expression unreadable, holding the amulet up, “Good answer my lord,”

Michael smiled some, relaxing perhaps a bit as he held out his hand as the ex-spymaster drew closer, looking as I to hand the amulet over. Orifel returned the smile, although his was more tired, stopping only a couple of paces in front of Michael, holding up the amulet, “But I'm rather tired of being used and lied to,” In the blink of the eye Oriel crushed the amulet completely, the power within it fizzling out with a hiss as Michael's eyes widened, watching as the other angel dropped what could have been escape to the ground in pieces, “I would suggest keeping to your little corner, my lord. You'll have plenty of time to think about how you could have handled this better I'm sure but I'm going to take some advice to heart and avoid you entirely. I don't need to hear your poison,” Orifel's expression twisted some, baring his teeth more, showing just how sharp and animistic they were, a low, threatening growl in the back o his throat, “You really are heartless, King Michael and I don't think you realize nor care how deep you've hurt me this time with trying to use what were sincere feelings for you to get your way so callously,”

“And you have shown you have no loyalty left to Heaven,” Michael growled, his glare darkening.

Orifel laughed some, “Maybe that is true. If you knew what I knew,” He gave a wink to Michael with a malicious grin, “You might just get to watch Heaven burn when they make a rather crucial mistake in strategy. If only you knew what I knew,” Michael stiffened, feeling a slight shiver of unease, his demeanor slipping just some, letting a bit of worry show, “What are you talking about?” “Tomorrow I'm telling Valdis what is truly going on. I was going to have you hear but,” Orifel's eyes narrowed, “I can't trust you and I don't want any serpents in my garden. My heart, my feelings, I've suffered enough from you. Suffered enough and yet you still tried to use that against me, “He took a steadying breath, voice thick with emotion, “I had no intention of betraying Heaven, not once. Valdis is looking to save her children. A minor little thing that did not concern us. While working for her, you know what I've been doing? Doing my job. Collecting information, finding a lot of things and missing pieces to put together a very comprehensive look at what to expect. I had the report you wanted, down to the last period,”

Orifel gave a tired grin, “Too bad I'm a filthy heretic and you'll never get to see that. What happens next to Heaven, I won't have to feel guilty about at all but I'm sure you'll enjoy the spectacle view as everything falls apart,”

The archangel tensed, grip tightening on his spear as he used it to prop himself up, “You are bluffing,” Michael managed, “You are bluffing to get a rise out of me,” “There is only one liar in this room Michael and it was never me,” Orifel coldly responded, turning on his heels and leaving the archangel feeling a cold feeling settle in his stomach.

He had pushed things a little too much, made a mistake in perhaps feeling out Orifel's feelings but then, a person's feeling were not a war strategy. Far more complex, more room for error, but still, it had been an angle to try. The fall out of it though....

“Wait, Orifel,” Michael gritted his teeth, more or less hobbling after the angel, Orifel pausing to glance over his shoulder as he entered the hallway, looking to be heading away from where the others sat watching the movie, “What do you want from me?'

“Pardon sir?” Orifel asked, arching an eyebrow.

“What do you want from me?” Michael repeated, gritting his teeth, “You are telling the truth, I will believe that, but I do not think you would....tell me all of that without wanting something from me,”

Orifel tilted his head some, pursing his lips, “To be honest? There is nothing you could offer that I would want. You already played your romantic card. I'm pretty sure the only warm and fuzzy feelings you get about me is how much I'm going to scream when you burn me at the stake for an execution,” The ex-spymaster gave a shrug, “Which more or less....more than anything, showed me how you are a poison I need to bleed dry. Valdis was right. You'll hurt me. I think I told you all of that to hurt you right back Michael. You aren't the only one with knives for words,” He turned back round heading off while Michael clutched his spear in both hands, trembling in anger, feeling frustration well up. This was...not the situation he had planned for. He did not like being so powerless. Knowing that there was some threat to Heaven that he couldn't see or know about, one his brothers could very well fall into, all because Orifel would not speak.

He was angry but really,what reason did Orifel have to speak? He was dead if he returned to Heaven regardless if he spoke or not. What was the point of loyalty if loyalty earned you nothing. Michael scowled. He hadn't foreseen this outcome. True he had kept in mind Orifel could see through his ploy, but not that the spymaster would torment him so in return. The emotional pain seemed to have been rather poignant and deeper than he might have guessed.

“Have you just been standing in the hallway this entire time?” Valdis asked as she entered the hallway to see where Orifel had gone.

“I was on my way back to my bed,” Michael responded curtly, eyeing the goddess some with a frown.

If Orifel would not speak, perhaps he would have to try and get Valdis to share what she would learn with him. At the very least it meant keeping on her good-side and being on his best behavior. They had been friends before. Perhaps he could appeal some to those old feelings of comradery to get the information he desired, “You were using a displacement amulet from Heaven to travel here and back to your home I suppose?” Valdis paused, frowning, “Maybe. Why? How would you even know about that?” “Because Orifel showed it to me,” Michael replied, keeping his expression carefully schooled, “Before he destroyed it. Then told me that tomorrow he is to tell you secrets that would threaten my kin. I think he is bluffing, trying to take out some strange aggression on me, but I would be cautious with him. It is hard to say where his loyalties may lie,”

More or less the true with some details missing. Valdis frowned some, a troubled look on her face. The fact Orifel stole the amulet from her and then destroyed it in front of Michael seemed odd, not to mention dishonest. She had always thought Orifel was rather forewarn in what he said but then, then he did hold his secrets close. She could feel the archangel watching her, frowning and giving a shrug, “He's given me no cause to not trust him. He has his reasons,” “Reasons he doesn't share with you until it is convenient,” Michael commented, “I know we have not spoken in a long time and left on...less than good terms Valdis but my safety depends very much so on you being safe right now. For the moment, our interests are similar,”

Valdis frowned some. He was right. He wouldn't take risks or the like with knowing if he did so it would cause them harm. Michael was telling her this because he had distrust of Orifel which could be legitimate as, after all, he knew the angel better. However there was also something suspicious about all this with how he was acting earlier and Orifel's own conflicting feelings with Michael, “Similar some perhaps. I'll have to hear what he has to say. I don't think he wants it repeated outside though. Walls have ears and eyes now. Maybe you should ask the Garilian for help? I'm sure she has your best interest in mind,” Valids responded almost sweetly before stepping around the archangel and into the kitchen to get her water, ignoring the slight frown Michael gave.

He was anxious, that much she could tell. Something Orifel told him must have really bothered him to the point he was trying to passively beseech her for help in learning that information as well. Really it was in her court to either bridge the gap between the two angels or favor one over the other. The weight of the choice no doubt was going to press down on her shoulders. She gave a sigh as she picked up the jug.

Whenever angels got involved, clearly things just couldn't be easy.

[starry-love]

I have a hard time with pandas because they’re so cute and fuzzy you just want to go hug them but they can literally maul you to death and rip you to shreds with no problem