~The God and Demon's Tale~
Part 2 - The Seal
"......" Talking italics thinking *.....* action <<....>> noises ////~ ....~//// flashback
Having flew for almost half a day, even the arch angel was feeling tired. He kept his wings spread, trying to glide as much as he could. Michael's domain was the giant cumulonimbus forever present in the north. The giant storm cloud threatened heavy rains and harsh thunderstorms should the celestial ever lose his temper. Which lately, was quite often.
If Micheal is to lose his temper again, there will surely be another ice age.
Seeing the giant cloud up ahead, Israfel quickened his pace flapping his wings hard. Michael's cloud was located higher up than most other clouds. It was a symbol of his station and power over the other angels.
"The archangel Israfel reporting as asked."
Once landed on the cloud, he kneeled showing his respects. It wasn't that Michael or Gabriel requested it. Nor was it required by any means. It was just something everyone felt compelled to do, for when one stood before these greatest of archangels, one couldn't help but feel their power. Both were beautiful and horrible in appearance. Michael with his waterfall of gold that flowed well past his feet. His crystal blue eyes that seemed to look right through you. His skin was white as the most expensive of porceline and smooth as a newborn child keeping his true age a secret beyond man. But most importantly was the fiery aura that surrounded his being. It was invisible to the naked eye, but one could feel it, sense it. So was it with Gabriel. They were a mirror image. Equal yet opposite. Their features were different but no less perfect. And while Michael had long hair, Gabriel's was cropped short and the colour a ruby red. His complexion was several shades darker but had the same smoothness, again masking his true age. And to further show their contrast with each other, Gabriel was the patron of water. Even his robes were like the sea, a translucent fabric which simmered in the light, changing colours and flowing in waves around his body. Neither wore armour nor carried weapons. All they needed was to be and their opponents would cower. Such was their power and might. Only one has ever dared oppose them, and that was centuries ago.
Michael: "Israfel we have been waiting all morning for you." *narrows eyes* "Come closer. We do not bite."
Israfel: I wouldn't be so sure. *gets up* "It was a long flight."
Gabriel: "Very well. We have matters of great importance to discuss with you."
With a wave of the hand, the clouds by their feet shifted and formed tables and chairs. Gabriel beckoned for all to take a seat.
Michael: "We must know how the demons are fairing."
Gabriel: "We fear that we are behind. Our armies lack seasoned soldiers. They dwell too heavily on present peaceful tidings. Should there be an attack, we will surely lose."
Israfel: "Trowa tells me of your hopes to build a new army."
Michael: "Yes. But we must first know of our position. How do we fair in comparison with the creatures of darkness."
Israfel: *sighs* "The demons wish no harm against us. I fail to see any preparation on their part for attack or even another war. Dear Michael, don't you feel you are going overboard with this. There has been peace for two hundred years! Let the conflict stop."
Gabriel: "Has your constant Earth Gazing destroyed your senses completely!? We are angels Israfel. It is our duty, forever and eternal, to battle the demons. The war between good and evil is never ending. Or have you so soon forgotten the blood of those who have fallen?" *ice glare*
Israfel: *looks up ruefully* "I fail to forget the days long ago. When there was love between all species and divinities alike..."
Michael: "Live not in illusion Israfel! There was never true love between us. Light will forever be separated from darkness. Dwell on those useless emotions no more!"
Israfel: "......." Oh Michael. What has happened to you.....
Gabriel: "Is that all you have to offer us? Arch Angel Israfel."
Israfel: *closes eyes* "Yes."
Gabriel: "Very well. You are dismissed."
"Israfel! What is it you have there!?"
He turned, a look of confusion on his face. Both Michael and Gabriel's eyes were wide with fury. Getting up from his seat, Michael floated over, his aura almost suffocating the anxious angel. Eyes blazing, he held out his hand.
Michael: "Show me your spear."
Israfel: *swallows* "It's nothing special..."
Gabriel: "Do it!"
Swallowing the lump in his throat, he had no choice but to do as was told. Nervously with shaking hands, Israfel handed Michael his spear.
"....."
For what seemed like an eternity, he said nothing but simply regarded the weapon now in his hand. Slowly he turned it over, running his fingers over the engravings in the pole.
Michael: ".......Israfel. This is a great offence which you have commited."
Israfel: *looks down* "........"
Gabriel: "Do you realize what mostrosities you may have caused!? How could you take Trowa's spear!???"
Israfel: *winces* "I mistook it for mine?"
"FOOL!!"
"HaaAAAAAAAAAAA!!"
Israfel never knew what hit him. All he could see was Michael's eyes burn like fire, his voice boom louder than all the thunders, then his own body flying through the air. He crashed hard into a 'wall' and slid down, the air totally knocked out of him. He could smell the carbon emitting from his burnt feathers but there was nothing he could do about it.
Gabriel: "Michael!"
Michael: *turns angrily* "Of all the lame excuses! There is absolutely no way ANYONE can mistake Trowa's spear for their own. Every arch angel knows it!"
Gabriel: "Yes but that's not the most important thing right now." *puts hand on Michael's shoulder* "Calm yourself. But first, Israfel, where is the Arch Angel Trowa now?"
Israfel: "......." *breathes hard*
Michael: "Speak. Or thou shalt suffer greater than this."
Gabriel: (hisses) "Michael!"
Israfel: "He.....hath decended."
"WHAT!????"
A flaming wall of fire flew towards him but Israfel was too weak to defend himself. Mentally he prepared himself for the worst. Just as he scrunched his eyes shut, a blur of brown whipped out infront of him blocking the attack.
"Peace angels peace. Nobody wishes to see any fried poutry in Heaven."
There was the light touch of fabric, then a dark blue, almost indigo glow. Israfel could feel the life rush back to his seared feathers and energy flow through his body. He blinked at the blue light and could make out a kind smile framed by a curtain of brown.
"Raphael?"
"Hold still.......there! Good as new."
Taking his hand, Raphael helped the angel to his feet. The Arch Angel of healing, Raphael could easily be recognized by his waist length chocolate brown hair that was loosely tied back. Loose strands had a tendency to fall into his eyes but it merely emphasized the air of easiness around him. While younger than the arch angels Michael and Gabriel, Raphael had a more mature look about him, due probably to the one eyed spectacles hanging on his nose.
Michael: "Look what this idiot has done." *throws Raphael spear*
Raphael: *catches it* "This is............!!" *turns* "Israfel......"
Michael: "Not only that, but he has allowed Trowa to decend."
Raphael: "Are you serious!? Israfel!"
Israfel: "........I couldn't give a good enough reason to stop him otherwise."
Raphael: "......."
Gabriel: "Our biggest problem is.........should he run into [that] demon...."
Israfel: "I gave him ample warning not to venture near the Shadow Lands...."
Raphael: "......let me get this straight. You have Trowa's spear, and now he has decended to earth. Hm...... Israfel. Don't tell me you dropped your spear through a hole in the cloud and now Trowa's gone to get it for you..." *smiles*
Israfel: *hands head* "........."
Raphael: "eheheheh.......(sometimes it's bad to have good intuition.)"
Michael: "....We must have this returned to Trowa at once."
Raphael: "um....I don't think you have to worry. The chances of him running into [that] are fairly slim. Besides, he still has his sword with him. There shouldn't be a problem."
Gabriel: *bites nail on thumb* "One must not underestimate the power of their bond. Should Trowa's seal be broken.....all of heaven may be destroyed. We must not let another massacrer commence."
Michael: "Go Israfel. Make sure that this spear is returned and kept safely in Trowa's hands. Is that clear?"
Israfel: "........." *takes spear* "Understood."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Creeping along the shadows of the wall, a young demon tried to make his way back to his chamber unnoticed. Things were not going very well as a quite annoying crow kept flapping his wings profusely and squacking every two seconds.
Quatre: (hisses) "Siren! If you don't shut up I swear I will disown you!"
Siren: "kaww kaww!!" *flap flap flap* Oh sire. If any of his majesties should know of... "SQAWK!"
The crow dived for dear life as a line of fire whipped at his head.
Quatre: "Nobody is going to know if you keep your big beak shut!"
"A-hem!"
The young demon gasped as he felt the familiar aura of the creature behind him. The darkness enveloped and threatened to suffocate all who came near it. Quatre turned around, trying to muster the most innocent looking smile he could manage.
"Hi Astaroth. What's up?"
"Hn."
The demom crossed his arms. While nowhere near as large or heavily built as Valefar, this prince of darkness was just if not more powerful. The lean mean type, Astaroth had tanned skin and shoulder length black hair. His bright yellow eyes pinned Quatre in place, perfectly displaying his disapproval to the young demon.
"Where were you little brother?"
"Oh....just...hanging around somewhere. Bye!"
Quatre tried to make a run for it but Astaroth was no fool. In a flash, he had one hand firmly wrapped around the curve of Quatre's wings where they sprout out from his back. With the other, he snatched Siren from the air like a frog would a pesky fly.
Astaroth: "Not so fast you little demon. And your minion too."
Siren: "KAW KAWW!" *flap flap flap flap*
Quatre: "Shhhhh!" *glares at Siren*
Astaroth: *lifts Q up by the wings* "Don't even try to escape." *narrows eyes* "I have questions I want answered."
Quatre: "...." *looks around* "NAAMAH!"
Astaroth: "Your sister can't help you my dear, she has to listen to me."
Quatre: *wimpers* "......:"
Astaroth: "Hn. By the way you're acting I can assume you did something very wrong?" *smirks*
Siren: *flap flap* "Kaww!" He...!
Quatre: "AH!" *grabs siren and covers beak* "eh heheheh...."
Astaroth: "Hn. Even if you don't tell me I can guess. Valefar has been going nuts looking everywhere for you." *sigh* "Why do you have to make everyone worry over you so much?"
Quatre: "Humph! Valefar is Valefar. Over protective nut!" *crosses arms stubbornly*
Astaroth: "ah...ha. But he has reason to. Don't forget you're everybody's favourite."
Quatre: "Except yours."
Astaroth: "haha. You're my favourite too!"
Quatre: "Don't tell me that when you're hanging me by the wings!"
Astaroth: "Well.....are you going to run away if I let go?"
Quatre: "Of course I am!"
The demon laughed and shook his head. He just couldn't win against his baby brother. Heaving a sigh, he set him down on the floor and helped smooth back out his wings.
Astaroth: "Not that you're going to listen, but try not to venture out to the surface as often little one."
Quatre: "I'm 3000 years old! I'm not a child any more."
"Ah yes. But you'll always be our baby."
Both looked up at the voice of the new comer. The third demon made his way over to their side of the grande hall. His gate was steady and he held himself proud. With skin even paler than Quatre's this demon was built slightly heavier than Astaroth but not as much as Valefar. Heck, nobody was as well built as Valefar. He had short dark blue hair and bright green eyes. His clothes were a long black robe with a slit in the side and matching dark blue pants underneith. Once he was close enough to the two, the opened his arms beckoning them over for a hug. Astaroth stayed behind while Quatre answered with glee, running up and jumping into the demon's arms.
Quatre: "Bael! Long time not see!"
Bael: *smiles and pats Q's head* "Yes. I believe it has been....oh about a hundred years?"
Astaroth: "Try a hundred and four."
Bael: "hahah." *pats Astaroth's head* "Yes it's been a long time. So how are my baby brother's doing?"
Quatre: "He's picking on me!" *points at Astaroth*
Astaroth: "Hey no fair!"
Bael: *laughs* "My my...you sound like the generals in my legions." *shakes head* "And who's this?" *holds out finger*
Quatre: "That's my minion Siren. Don't you remember? He's been around for over 200 years!"
Siren: "kaww." *lands on Bael's finger* Greetings to you your majesty. *bows*
Bael: *smooths Siren's feathers* "Oh Siren. You'll have to forgive me. My memory escapes me sometimes."
Siren: "kawww."
Bael: *sniffs* "That's that I smell?"
Astaroth: "Hm?" *sniff* "Come to think of it, I do smell something...."
Quatre: "I don't smell anything." *looks at Siren*
Bael: *sniffs Q* "..........." *narrows eyes* "You had some trouble on the surface. Didn't you."
Quatre: "I...I.." *looks around* "I wasn't......."
Bael: "Don't lie to me Quatre. I smell angel on you."
Quatre: *backs up* "Well I......"
Bael: *steps closer* "Who was it? It smells familar."
By now Quatre had his back pressed against the wall and no where to escape to. His brothers made a very effective blockade using their bodies and wings. Furthermore, there was something about the tone of voice Bael was using that struck a very bad nerve. Something told him that if he knew which angel had attacked him, he'd be in deep trouble.
Quatre: "Um....I don't know who it was..."
Bael: "What did he look like?"
Quatre: "I don't remember exactly."
Bael: "Give it your best shot."
Quatre: "Um......I don't know..just some arch angel. I think......." *scrunches down*
Bael: "Which one? Describe him for me." *glares* "Now."
Siren: "Kawww." *flap flap*
Quatre: "ur....aa......I don't know! Some wierd angel with wierd hair. It was like in his face and I don't know it was brown or something ........okay?"
Both brothers' eyes flashed when they heard the description making Quatre cringe in terror. They looked mad. Really mad. And if he wasn't just seeing things, very worried. Without saying a word, each brother picked up a black wing, and started hauling him to somewhere in hell.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Um....brothers? Where are we going?"
"......"
"Kawww." Um...Sire?
"Follow your master Siren."
Like a child carrying a butterfly back to show their teacher, the demon princes carried him as gently as they could while hurrying through the halls. They went past the treasury, and armoury, past the chambers and down several levels until they came to a large cell.
"uh-oh. Waaaaah! Ouph!"
They tossed him in like a sac of potatoes, then stood with their arms crossed infront of the door. Quatre coughed and sputtered a bit trying to get his breath back. He knew he would get into trouble for surfacing, but not to this extent. Alright so maybe the encounter with an angel didn't help him much, but this was rudiculous.
Siren flapped abut his master's head fretting himself to death until Quatre was able to sit up and let him perch on his shoulder.
Astaroth: "You are officially grounded for 50 years. At least."
Quatre: "FIFTY!? What for?"
Bael: "For venturing to the surface and getting into trouble, then passing it as nothing when you came back here."
Quatre: "But nothing happened!"
Bael: "No buts. Siren. You are to watch over him. Don't let him escape. You already know the consequences. Is that clear?"
Siren: "............"
Quatre: "Bael! Don't do this to me. Not just when you got back!"
Bael: "I'll come visit you every chance I get. But you are not to leave this cell."
"But Bael...."
His cries fell on deaf ears as his brothers exited the dungeon and barged the door tight. He could hear the heavy metal clang and bolts being put into place. Quatre sat back totally disappointed at his predicament and loathing the fact that he had nobody to blame but himself. After sitting in silence for a while, he turned to his minion who had been unusually quiet, even at this sort of time.
"What?"
Nothing sire.
".......What do you know that I don't?"
.........Some things.....are better left unsaid master.
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The sun had already set by the time Israfel returned to his little nook. Drained and utterly depressed, all he wanted to do was strip off his armour and flop down on the cloud for some shut eye.
"Hey. Look who's finally back."
Trowa sat, or rather layed against the fluffy part of the lookout a book resting on his lap. Israfel tried to muster a smile, but he couldn't. A great stab of pain pierced his heart every time he looked into those deep green eyes. They were so trusting, too trusting. It reminded him of their friendship, but most importantly...of his betrayal.
Trowa: "Hey what's with the wierd look?"
Israfel: "Nothing. Nothing. I'm just tired." *peels off armour*
Trowa: "Did Michael and Gabriel give you flack?"
Israfel: *sigh* "Yeah. They gave me flack. Lots of it."
Trowa: "Well if it makes you feel any better..." *brings out spear* "I found it." *small smile*
Israfel: ".....thanks." *flops down on cloud* "So where was it?"
Trowa: "It was actually in a lake. Can you believe that? I was just taking a dip when I swam into it."
Israfel: "hmmmmmm? So were you actually looking for my spear or just enjoying the scenery?"
Trowa: "Ha...well....you know....while I'm there...."
Israfel: "Um..hm.." *nods knowingly*
Trowa: "Oh hey I forgot to tell you. I had the ...strangest experience while I was down there."
Israfel: *eyes flash open* ".....what do you mean?"
Trowa: "Major Deja-vu all over the place. And....hm....how should I put it..."
Israfel: *sits up* "What?"
Trowa: "One minute....I was doing something....and the next minute I forgot what it was I was doing. It's ...really wierd. I'm not one to forget anything. And I was just.....zonked. Or something."
Israfel looked at him, eyes wide and lost in his own world.
He lost his memory. That could only mean one thing. ........... Oh Trowa I'm so sorry.
He looked down at the spear in his hand. Trowa watched his friend slightly confused, but thought better than to disturb whatever train of thought was going through Israfel's mind.
Should I do it? Should I not? This may be a sign. If I do.......but if I don't.......Oh in the name of heaven. What should I do?
Trowa: *shakes Israfel* "Hey. You okay. You look like you're going to explode or something."
Israfel: *furrows brows* "I might. Um.....anyways. You were saying?"
Trowa: "........." *looks worried* "I was saying if you were alright."
Israfel: *shakes head* "No. Before that. Go back to you little trip to Man's Land." *grips spear tight*
Trowa: "Well.....I said I was feeling deja-vu all over the place right? There were some places that...I don't know. It felt....really.....nice. Don't laugh, but it's this warm fuzzy feeling in my heart. Weird eh?"
Israfel: "In which places?"
Trowa: "Hm......." *puts book away* "There was this moutain and on the side of it there was this overhang. Just a piece of rock jutting out of it really and....when I was flying by. I just...don't know. Had to go sit on it for some reason. The view was great I'll give you that much...."
////~
Carrying a whole bunch of scrolls in his arms, Israfel flew through the clouds and past high tree tops.
"If only someone would actually help me! For crying out loud!"
Several scrolls fell out of his arms as he yelled. What's worst, in his panic to retrieve them, several more scrolls fell out, forcing him to hold on to whatever he still had tightly. Helpless, he watched as the scrolls fell to earth, hoping to memorized where they land so that he could go pic them up later. To his surprise, a giant black shadow swooped down out of nowhere and caught the scrolls before they could reach the ground or trees. Blinking to make sure he wasn't seeing things, he finally made out the familiar form now flying towards him.
Israfel: *smiles* "Quatre!"
Quatre: "Need a hand?" *waves scrolls*
Israfel: "Well yeeessss. Pray tell, what are you doing here?"
Quatre: "I've got a date. hm hm."
He pointed to the mountain side and Israfel could make out Trowa's form, leaning against the moutain waving at him. He sighed.
Israfel: "What great surprise it tis to me."
Quatre: "Want to join us?"
Israfel: "Ha! And get in the way of you two love birds? I think not." *shifts scrolls* "Besides. Trowa will probably kill me afterwards."
Quatre: "Hm....suit yourself. You want me to help you carry some of those?"
Israfel: "No I got it. You want to stack that on top..................thank you very much."
Quatre: "Okay. Well, I'll see you later Israfel."
The demon waved goodbye, then flew off to meet with the angel on the mountain side. Israfel smiled as he hovered, watching Quatre fly over, give the angel a peck on the cheek, then settle down to let his love wrap gentle arms around his waist and shoulders. ~////
You do know. It's called love. With a person erased from your memory. And a feeling soon to be erased too.
////~
Fifteen arch angels gathered around a prone form laying on top of a large table. Endless rows of chains tied the unconcious figure down.
"Bring his weapons."
Looking up, two of the arch angels stepped forward one holding a spear, the other a sword. Israfel looked down, eyes full of sorrow at Trowa's unmoving body.
"You can't do this to him!"
"It's the only way."
"It's not fair!!"
"Silence Israfel! We cannot let this go on lest we be destroyed. Commence with the ceremony!"
Several of the other angels held Israfel back, while the two carrying the weapons embeded them into the holes located on either side of the table near Trowa's waist. Once the weapons were secure, a yellow light flashed and ran along the structure. The lines and symbols of the magic circle grew bright as fire, the streaks of power running over Trowa's body drawing a star of david with the hilt of the weapons as it's verticies.
"Memories lost, forever confined,
in this flaming sword let it be bind!
All love and sorrow, emotions to feel,
be in this spear forevermore sealed!"
The lights flashed and all Israfel could see was the body arch as if it was being drained. Then the light grew brighter and he could see no more. ~////
"Hm? Oh yeah. I'm listening."
Trowa gave him an incredulous look but the other didn't seem to notice it very much. He kind of felt sorry for the arch angel. Michael was a bundle by himself, but with Gabriel? That was....not pretty.
Poor thing. Must have been scared out of his wits.
In all truth, Israfel did look like a pigeon who got sucked through a turbine. His feathers were ruffled, his mind was somewhere else, and the grip he kept on the spear was so tight his nuckles were terning white.
"Hey listen. Don't worry about whatever it is that happened today. I can imagine the horrors you must have been through. Just make sure you keep your weapons out of holes, and everything will be okay. Here. You take your spear back, and I'll take mine."
Before Israfel could react, Trowa grabbed the spear out of his hands, and replaced it with his own. A faint yellow light glowed around him for a second, then dissappeared.
".....................why are you looking at me like that again?"
".................."
"Israfel? I swear you're going to turn into a fish."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*
Is it really too late? Won't there be another chance? Quatre....what would you want me to do?
"Hey Siren. I'm hungry."
"kaww." Food is on it's way sire.
"Hey Siren."
Yes master?
"Let's jump the guard and get out of here."
SIRE!??
"he he hehe."
