#“ ━━ ◤ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴀᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ ɪɴ ᴀ ʟɪꜰᴇᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴡᴀʀ ; zatanna. ◢

[ofwarriors]

𝔰𝔲𝔯𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔰𝔢 𝔟𝔦𝔱𝔠𝔥

SUMMARY: In an attempt to get Belphegor to complete a stealth training exercise, Gabriel convinces Belphegor to crash Michael and Zatanna’s date night. TRIGGERS: Depression tw, PTSD tw WRITTEN WITH: @ofhellsbells, @ofgoldenangel, @zztophat

Belphegor: Belphegor was laying on the bed, tired as Hell. They were pretty sure that phrase came from them. They were always so tired, but more so now that they had to be training every week. They never really kept up with what days of the week it was, but now all they paid attention to was training days and not training days. Nearly everyone they talked to had to deal with their complaints about it. Currently, it was Gabriel's turn. They were spending the day together. There was some movie playing on the TV with a pile of snacks between the two of them. Belphegor wasn't paying attention to the movie. “I just don't get why I have to train every week,” they said for what must have been the sixteenth time in the past half hour. They let out a long sigh, rolling over on the bed, so they were on their back, looking up at their brother. “Raph won't help. Zatanna has no reason to help me. Dad knows Cupid can't convince him.” They sighed again. “I wish I could get back at him for all this torture.”

Gabriel: Gabriel had been enjoying his day with sibling it had been awhile since they had this free time especially given Bells new training with Michael, which if Bells constant complaining was anything to go off of that Michael hadn't related one bit in his teaching style. He remembered those times waking up and training with his elder brother and he did not miss it at all. "Its to build your skill, just be lucky I had to train every single day under him in Heaven the man can be dictatorish " He mused before smirking slightly if there was one thing Mikey liked was showing that his teaching was sticking, maybe there was a way to make training fun that Bells wouldn't even think they were doing it to show the other that it wasn't all bad. "And you didn't think to come to me Bells? How hurtfully you know I'm quite good at being an authority on Mikey" He mused before taking a bite out of a chip "How about we do get him back? I have it on good knowledge he is on a date with Zee today....What if we planned little sneak attack on him?"

Belphegor: They scoffed. “That's assuming I have any skills to build off of.” They had plenty of skills, and they weren't actually terrible at combat when they wanted to be. The problem was that people expected more of you once you started doing well at something. Belphegor didn't want to put so much effort in all the time, so they just never put any effort in at all ever. It was easier that way. “You say that like we didn't both grow up being trained by him,” Belphegor pointed out. One of the best parts about the fall was that they thought they would never have to train again. Sadly, that didn't seem to be the case. They managed a laugh. “So he listens to you now? When did that happen?” they joked, pushing at Gabriel's leg playfully. As far as they knew, Michael didn't really listen to anyone. The closest they would have gotten to get him to listen to someone was Raphael, and that was a bust. They were curious if he might've gotten Michael to listen to him more though. They rose a brow at Gabriel's suggestion, sitting up. “Get him back?” they repeated, suddenly a lot more interested. A smirk grew on their face. “I'm listening.”

Gabriel: He chuckled softly looking at his sibling "You have plenty skills, look at all the great inventions you've given humans to properly play you tribute" He teased looking at the other. He  knew what it was like growing skills especially under their elder siblings it was always more once you proved you can handle a concept  and given the others more sloth nature he was sure they were cursing up a storm when they were forced to work. "Yeah but you always screamed and attack him, he hit me in the butt with a sword!" He laughed with the  other rolling his eyes pretending to be hurt "Bells, you know I just puppy dog eye Mikey and I usually get what I want. How else would I not have to work and get things i want?" He teased pushing the other back again before smirking "I knew you'd take to that idea. So what i'm thinking is what if we stalked Zee and Mike on their date and then planned this grand sneak attack on him? you could get your revenge and we could cockblock Mikey a bit" He looked at the other "What do you thing Bells you up for a little recon mission?"  

Belphegor: "Being creative doesn't count towards anything in this family," they pointed out. Most of the things they invented were just to let them relax more anyways. More importantly, it didn't do anything to help them against Michael's training. "Of course I did! Going up against Michael is fucking terrifying. You expect me not to scream? And he still hit me in the ass. Still does," they grumbled. They reached over and grabbed a pillow, whacking Gabriel in the head with it. "Use your puppy dog eyes on that," they laughed. Levi would've loved to have been there to feel Belphegor's jealousy about the fact that Gabriel didn't have to do any work to get what he wanted from Michael, but they were redirecting that jealousy at Michael. "He'll be distracted by the date and by Zatanna, so it'll be easier to sneak up on him," they thought aloud. They were liking this idea more and more. "And if they're eating dinner, we can steal their dinner after we take down Michael." They nodded, assuring themself of how good this plan is. "Okay, but if Zatanna's there, we have to be careful. For one, because she might try to rat us out to Michael if she sees us, and for two, I just don't want her to get caught up in our attack on Michael. So when we attack, I'll go after Michael while you make sure she's out of the crosshairs, and then you join me in taking him down."

Gabriel: "It counts in my book! and I'm family so I just disproved that theory" He replied sticking his tongue out at the other. He still hated training with Michael he'd spent most of his life doing so since the war. He was so lost and alone following Michael was all he could do. "Well You deserve a spanking every now and then" He got out before the pillow hit him in the Head causing him to laugh uncontrollable  "That's it no snacks for you, grounded" He teased shaking his head taking the last piece of chocolate eating it right in front of them. "that he will be, he'll be all lovely dovely  and gross which meas we can take him down and Zee won't interfere if keep her at bay" He mused looking at the other nodding dinner did sound nice "True, or maybe we can taken him down and have them order us dinner!!" He said excitedly as he thought for a moment " Yeah she'd tell on us in a heartbeat, but if we keep the stealth up and attack when they both have their back turned it should work, I can encase Zatanna in a soft bubble while you take down Michael then I'll appear after I'm sure she is okay and safe above our fight" He replied glad to see how happy Bells seems to get about testing out their training when they weren't looking at him he'd shoot a text off to Mike to ensure the angel didn't try to smite them but still keep up the surprise. "Should we go to the restaurant now and stalk them?"

Belphegor: They rolled their eyes. "I don't think that's how things work. If it was, we could count eating candy and sleeping as a skill." Unfortunately, those things weren't going to be considered skills by everyone else. "No, I don't!" they shot back, grabbing the other pillow to hit Gabriel with it. Belphegor gasped. "You can't ground me! This is my house!" They rolled off the bed, popping back up with an armful of snacks. "Jokes on you." They stuck out their tongue. "You think I don't keep extra snacks everywhere? Do you even know me?" They opened one of the bags, empty the whole thing of chips in their mouth. Their cheeks puffed up with their mouth completely full. "There's nothing wrong with being in love with someone," they said between bits of food. While spying on Michael, Belphegor figured they could probably figure out how to act on a date too, and then they could surprise Cupid with all the skills they got in that department on her birthday too. "Do you think they would?" Belphegor asked excitedly, salivating at the thought of dinner even though they were stuffing themself on chips and candy. "That sounds perfect! We'll probably need to see the terrain and how he's positioned before we plan the full attack. Let me just change into something that'll let me maneuver around easier." They ran off to their closet, quickly changing into some better pants and a shirt instead of the pajamas they'd previously been wearing. "Okay, I'm ready now," they said as they returned to Gabriel, practically bouncing in anticipation. "Let's go kick his ass!"

Gabriel: He looked at the other sibling shaking his head "Well we can only acknowledge our own greatness" He mused shaking his head before dodging the next pillow swipe that came his way jumping up "HA, Missed me!" He mused keeping is distance watching the other take the snacks from some hidden compartment on the other side of their bed "You are just a little snake!!! Of course I know you though I didn't know you could unhinge your jaw like that, that could be useful for some recon" He mused looking at  the other eat their treat before nodding his head "Nothing wrong with it, who knows maybe you'll get some ideas for a date of your own." He smirked at his sibling knowing things were slowly heating up between Cupid and Belphegor spending more and more time together. "Yeah I bet they would, after all we'd have worked up an appetite and its only fair, the winner takes the spoils" He mused before nodding his head "yes we need to take in every ensure that they are alone so no one can interfere, then also ensure that Zatanna is away from our fight" He replied before pulling out his phone to shoot a Text to Mikey hey I'm teaching Bells some Stealth stalking skills, Don't go full smiting mode Cool?  He finished quickly sliding his phone back in his pocket not wanting Mike to go full Archangel mode on Bells or they'd never do something like this again. "Okay Perfect!! I know right where they are" He mused taking Bells hand and making them appear a mile away "They  are just up the way I put us back here so we can find a good place to watch them.

Belphegor: "I guess so." They sighed. That didn't used to be the case. Although humans didn't seem to recognize the greatness they offered when they were a full heavenly archangel, many humans worshiped them as a god not long after they had fallen. Many still made deals with them to come up with new inventions, but it wasn't the same anymore. "Then stop moving!" they said, grabbing the third and last pillow on their bed to hit him with it. "Only sometimes," they joked. They winked at him and stuck out their tongue, which they'd changed to a snake's tongue in that moment. "Eating things can be used for recon?" they questioned. "Well, you should probably ask Asmo. He can eat even more than me." It was the subject of his sin after all. "I was already planning that. You're not reading my thoughts, are you?" They questioned, narrowing their eyes at him. "What am I thinking right now?" I need a nap. they thought, but really they knew that Gabriel couldn't read minds. Belphegor was just very predictable in almost all respects. "I hope they have potatoes," Belphegor hummed thoughtfully, thinking about other foods they might want. "How hard cant that be? At least Michael doesn't actually know we're coming this time." In training, he always knew they were coming because he'd told them to do it. That wasn't fair, but this would be. They squeezed Gabriel's hand as he teleported them away.

Belphegor blinked in the bright light when they landed. It was too bright compared to the comfy darkness of their home. They glanced in the direction Gabriel indicated. "Do you see them now?"

MICHAEL: They were just on their way out of the restaurant. He grabbed Zatanna's coat off the coat rack at the entry and helped her into it. "I promise we'll do this more often," he smiled as she shrugged it on. He grabbed his own jacket and put it on as well. He didn't need one but it was best to blend in now that the weather was changing. He felt his phone vibrate and looked down to check it. A look of curious concern crossed his face. Belphegor wouldn't volunteer for stealth training. And why would Michael need to keep himself in check? A look of realization dawned on his face as he slipped the phone back into his coat pocket and put his arm around Zatanna, walking her out of the restaurant. "I think we're going to have some company tonight," he replied as he placed a kiss on the top of her head. He took it as an opportunity to take in his surroundings but he didn't see any signs of Bells or Gabe. "Apparently, not even dinner is sacred," he chuckled. He should've known. Bells felt inconvenienced by training so the best time to train was when it was an inconvenience to Michael. Fair. At least they were training.

ZATANNA: "I'm holding you to it," she smiled as she slipped on her jacket and took the take home box off the counter. They didn't get to do this often. Either his family, her friends, or both their duties to their respective teams and realms, kept them busy for days. Even their last date at the ice skating rink had mostly been a rouse to keep an eye on Belphegor and Cupid. She watched his expressions change as he looked through his phone before putting it in his pocket. "Company?" she groaned as they walked out of the restaurant. He had a look on his face like he half-expected this would happen, and she couldn't blame him. It somehow always happened. "Come on, we can probably take 'em," she joked. "Or, you know, it's not too late to fly to Fiji for the winter." At least they got to have a meal this time so she wouldn't be dealing with whoever it was on an empty stomach. "So, who's third wheeling us this time?"

Gabriel:  He had to admit he enjoyed spending time with Belphegor it was always something so mind numbing and happy without even trying too. He had enjoyed dodging the pillows plus it seemed to make her smile "HA Missed again Poor Bells all out of pillows, we should turn this anger towards our Mikey attack!" He mused smiling softly "that is oddly cool okay any other snake behavior because snakes are quite silent and deadly hone in on those traits and we'll get him" He mused excitedly before shaking his head "Nah, Asmo can be so.... stiff you'd think something crawled up his ass and died" He nodded his head before glaring at his sibling for a moment "Its either food or a nap both those are your go too Bel, so its easy to pick those" He mused before looking at the other and made a note to ask Mikey to buy them dinner too since it was only fair given how well this plan will work. "It will work perfectly and we can get our revenge against him for making us train under horrible circumstances." He mused before noticing the other seemed to adjusted "Do you need some sunglasses? it would work seeing how bright it is?" He asked concerned  before turning his attention to the couple leaving the restaurant "Yeah that's them,  coming out right now, we have to ensure we stay far enough behind  so he can't sense us."

Belphegor: Belphegor laughed. "If you think pillows are all I have, you're sorely mistaken." Their home was a treasure trove of pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, cushions, and other comfy objects. They muttered a spell beneath their breath. Their eyes glowed a light blue, and all of those pillows and other comfy objects in the room rose up before flying towards Gabriel, being drawn to him like metal to magnets. There was no avoiding that, and once Gabriel was completely covered, Belphegor jumped on top of the pile. "If you get too angry, you can't focus on an attack," Belphegor pointed out. Michael had told them that, not that they listened to what he said or anything. Getting revenge was perfectly okay as long as they didn't let their anger cloud their thoughts. "It's not just with snakes, but I guess I can do a lot of snake things." They shrugged and transformed completely into a snake, slithering into the pile with Gabriel and coiling around his arms and torso, so he couldn't escape as they used their tail to tickle his sides. "Hey!" they hissed. "He's not that bad," they said defensively. They were always defensive of their fallen siblings, no matter what they did, right or wrong. They uncurled from Gabriel and turned back into their more human confident form. "Food's the obvious choice. It's not like I need anyone's help to nap." They didn't usually anyways. More recently, the nightmares they had got worse with the more memories they acquired, but they still managed to sleep sometimes. They frowned. "I thought you said he didn't make you train anymore?" they questioned, but it didn't matter in regards to what they were doing now. Belphegor still wanted to get back at Michael. "Sunglasses? No. I just need a second to adjust." They were just used to the darkness of their room, nothing more. Belphegor nodded at Gabriel's advice. "Going on the roofs might be better. If we just run at him, he'll see us too."

MICHAEL: "I appreciate the faith in me," he grinned, his hand moving to hold hers. He knew the year had a lot in store for them. He'd gotten Belphegor to back off on investigating but that didn't mean they were going to be less persistent about it. Not to mention, Zatanna had taken on a lot herself by agreeing to help find a solution to this. On top of that there were also the love curses on his siblings which Cupid was working on. The year was proving to be exhausting already which is why moments to themselves like these were important. He chuckled at her response to the news. "We can definitely take them, but I'm starting to like the idea of Fiji more and more. Maybe that'll be our next date. Whether we come back now..." he grinned lazily, leaning down to kiss her. "That's a toss up." He continued forward toward Zatanna's apartment. His eyes continued to scan their surroundings for any signs of his siblings. "I suspect we'll actually have two additional wheels joining us. It's Gabriel and Belphegor. I got a text from Gabe saying his stealth training with Bells and that I should refrain from going full archangel. When they were kids, I used to have them do this exercise where they would try to sneak up on me without me detecting their presence. Bells was never very good at it though. Screamed like a banshee coming in, so this should be interesting. Let me know if you see them before I do."

ZATANNA: "I always have faith in you," she smiled, lightly elbowing him. "Even if you don't have faith in yourself." He was a good man despite the bad things that he'd done in his past. He was working to make amends and do right by his siblings. If spending time with her was important to him, she knew he would make time. "Ah, yes, the temptation to not come back is always there. We could probably hide out for a few months before they find us," she grinned. It was more than a little tempting sometimes to get away, but they were both entrenched here. They had responsibilities and people counting on them. A vacation of any sort was probably off the table for a while, but that didn't stop her from dreaming. She wasn't surprised when he mentioned the likely date crashers would be Gabriel and Belphegor. "Belphegor willingly doing a training exercise?" She was impressed by Gabriel's skills to get them to go along with this. "I'll keep my eyes open," she nodded. She didn't see or sense either of them at the moment, but that didn't mean they weren't around here somewhere. "If they are following us though, we could just scare them off. They are date crashing," she pointed out. "What's a kiss here and there anyway?" she winked.

Gabriel: Gabriel had to admit hanging out with Belphegor was never boring now matter if they did something or nothing. Hie loved spending time with them even now buried under the comfy objects that came their way. "You fiend!!" He laughed under the comfy fortress that Bells has set upon him. "I'm hardly angry, i just get petty that is one thing I enjoy doing" He mused glad the other pulled him out looking at them "its amazing, one day you'll have to show me all you can do Bells" He mused laughing looking at their sibling in snake form before petting their little head "Ha we should go out like this sometime see the look on everyone faces, plus you wont have to walk with me carrying you." He replied laughing "He isn't that bad, but he certain gives off an air of gentlemen callers of the 19 century " He mused through the giggles of laughter the other brought out of him. He nodded his head "That is quite true, though you hardly need people's help with food either" He mused softly before looking around nodding his head "i don't so much since we came to Earth but I do remember how he used to push me in Heaven" He replied before looking at the other nodding "Okay I've got them if you need them and I think you are right roofs work better, we can follow them without appearing in their line of sight" He mused using his wings to fly them to the roof getting a better visual of Mike and Zee. "How should we do the approach when we do? I know I'm on Zee duty, but how will you sneak attack him?"

Belphegor: "I was talking about my anger," they clarified. Belphegor wasn't a particularly angry person. They were usually just sad more than anything. Anger and wrath were more Aamon's thing, but Belphegor could still build it up too at times, usually with volatile consequences. They'd been angry with Michael before at Lux, but they'd mostly gotten over that. While they might've even seemed like they hated him in training, they didn't really. They just didn't want to do the training, and being forced to do it annoyed them. They wouldn't let anger about that build up to cloud their judgment today. "Hopefully not all at once. That sounds like a lot of work." They sighed, their tongue sticking out as Gabriel petted them. "That does sound nice. I could take a nap like that." They wouldn't even care if anyone was looking at them funny. It would allow them to spend time with Gabriel, sleep, and let Gabriel mess with people. They supported all of his attempts to be a little shit. "I don't need people's help to eat the food, but I might like the help to get the food," they pointed out. Belphegor nodded. That was fair enough. They probably still would've wanted to do this to Michael even if he wasn't making them do training again.

"We'll still have to be careful though. He might still look up." Even if Michael wasn't expecting an attack like now, Belphegor imagined that he was always watching his surroundings. They followed Gabriel up onto the roof, being as quiet as they could with the flutter of their wings. They were luckily still far enough back that Michael probably couldn't have heard them even if they weren't being careful. Now that they had the higher ground, they could see the playing field a little more. They held their hand to their chin as they thought of a good course of action.

"It looks like there's an alley that goes around all these buildings and opens up ahead over there. You'll want to grab Zatanna at the last possible second if we want Michael caught off guard, so we should set up the ambush over there. You'll want to hide around the corner on the ground while I wait on the roof. I'll drop down on him from above once Zatanna is out of the way. Based on their current pace and accounting for an extra ten seconds in case they slow down or pause for anything, it should take them between a minute and thirty-five seconds to a minute and forty-five seconds for them to get there. We should be able to get there faster to make sure we're in position in time to get the drop on them. You won't be able to see them as well as I'll be able to without being seen, so when they're about to be within range of you, I'll do a spell to make a sound in the alley across the street. It might also draw their attention to that area, but it'll really just be a warning for you."

MICHAEL: He smiled at the kind comment. It was probably more than he deserved, but he needed to hear it. "And I you," he placed a kiss upon her temple as they walked. He had an extraordinary amount of faith in the woman beside him, but sometimes he worried she’d taken on too many of his burdens. “With the right spell, you’re probably right. When things calm down, we’ll have to give it a shot,” he grinned. He wasn’t sure if things would ever calm down, but it was a nice goal to work toward. He chuckled at her surprise regarding Bells. They were incredibly vocal about how much they hated training. “I suspect Gabe phrased it as less of a training exercise and more as a way to inconvenience me. Bells jumps at chances to do that. Particularly when I’m making them do something they don’t want to do.” Bells was hard to break through to. Their denial about their own competence and ability ran quite deep, but Michael had enough patience to spare. If Bells was spending their night ruining his night, he at least knew they weren’t investigating further into their possession. A smile brightened his features at Zatanna’s suggestion. He wasn’t sure if it would actually deter Belphegor and Gabriel, but he wasn’t going to decline an invitation like that. “I do like the sound of that,” he grinned and pulled her close. As his lips met hers, he gently maneuvered her so that her back was pressed against the brownstone building up head of them, never once breaking away from the kiss as he did so.

ZATANNA: "Now that is the biggest if and when," she laughed. "I take 50% of the blame there though." She knew she struggled to say no to things which is how she became so drawn into half the things she was in. It had less to do with him and more to do with her own need to fix things. She let out a breathy laugh when he explained his theories as to why Belphegor would willingly train. "It's cute...in a younger sibling way." As much as Belphegor didn't like training, she knew despite themselves they liked spending time with Michael. They'd spent centuries avoiding him and this was their time to rebuild that relationship. "It's also better than them giving you the eternal cold shoulder," she pointed out. It was also better for everyone else that Bells was spending time stalking their date than investigating the void, but that didn't mean Michael and Zatanna couldn't have fun at their expense. It was fair game. Training, after all, was supposed to be difficult. She smiled into the kiss as their lips met. In less than two short strides, she felt her back against the cool brownstone. Her hands interlaced in his hair as she pulled him in closer and deepened the kiss. After a few short minutes, she pulled away giggling and breathless. She pressed her forehead to his, cupping his face as her thumb lightly traced over his lips. "You think they're thoroughly scarred yet?"

Gabriel: Gabriel was beyond happy he'd gotten Belphegor to go along with this plan, it wasn't often they could get them to even like training much less put it to real world use. "Doesn't it though? I think that should be our next outing me just spoiling you and feeding you anything you'd like in snake form while we walk the streets of New York." He mused  knowing the other would like that idea alot plus it was a bonus for him spending time with his sibling doing what they loved.  Listening to the way Bells planned their attack was great, he felt pride within his hear at how well Mike had gone about retraining them once again.

"That's very true unlike humans we have higher senses, Mikey being top warrior his skills are a little more honed but I think we can handle it." He replied moving stealthy over the roofs following them close being but not enough to be seen. This was the perfect plan for revenge and it showed Michael how well Bells was doing giving her a much needed Ego boost when it came to their combat skills.

"That's a perfect plan of action, Bells, it will allow but the ambush and necessary place to ensure Zee doesn't get hurt while we take down Mike." He mused being pulled from his thought to watch Mike and Zee make out rather indecently before shaking his head and grimacing at the scene. "Didn't need to see that" He replied before looking at the alley not that their target was perfectly busy and distracted it was his time to move. "Okay I'm going to head to the Alleyway now, while they are together and distracted you give me that warning and I'll be sure to make things interesting for your attack. Just remember no screaming as you attack it will give your position away." He replied moving to take his spot in the Alleyway to set their plan in motion.

Belphegor: "You can't catch me saying no to something like that," Belphegor grinned. It involved eating and not moving a muscle besides their mouth. Who would say no to that? It would be a lot more relaxed than the mission they were on now. "Plus, unlike in training, he has no idea that we have anything planned." In training, Michael was more prepared for an attack. It added to why Belphegor didn't do well with training. How could they hope to beat someone who always knew they were coming? Besides, because they knew it was training, the stakes weren't there to make them try as much. They knew they could get away with more things specifically because it was training. This was different. They actually felt more optimistic in thinking they had an upper hand.

Belphegor smiled brightly when Gabriel complimented their plan. They didn't get many praises about their decisions in combat, mainly because those decisions weren't usually good, so they weren't used to hearing things like that. They turned back to look at Zatanna and Michael when they saw Gabriel grimace, looking at the scene in confusion. They'd considered that Zatanna and Michael might've paused to kiss in their calculations before because they'd seen the couple do that when they were all ice skating, but this one was going on for a while. It raised a few questions, and while they normally would've asked Cupid about anything related to love, they wanted to know about some of these things for Cupid's sake. As Gabriel went to his spot for the ambush, Belphegor texted Dean the questions they had. Since he had a relationship with his car, they assumed he must've been an expert on love and romance too. They sent several texts back and forth with him while they waited for Zatanna and Michael to finish eating each other's faces, only grumbling to themselves a little. "I'm not gonna scream." They huffed. "This isn't training."

MICHAEL: "Well then we better fix that," he smiled. "Valentines Day is coming up. We might not be able to go to Fiji, but I do have something in mind that's just as fun if we can manage to get away for just a day." He had several things planned, he just needed to solidify the reservations and his schedule. "Ah yes, the eternal cold shoulder," he grimaced. "They're generally not good at holding grudges, but they do excel at avoiding people and things they don't want to see." He knew that Bells was very likely to give him just that once they found out the truth. In the mean time though, all he could do was help the others find a way to free Bells. He just hoped they would be able to find a solution before Bells found out the truth on their own. His worries, fears, and concerns melted for a few fleeting moments when his lips met Zatanna's. Heaven, Hell, and even Earth didn't exist in moments like this. They could pretend they were just carefree lovers. He was willing to lose himself entirely in her kiss and he would have had she not pulled back. Her voice was breathy and her cheeks were flushed as she spoke. It made him smile all the more. "I certainly hope so. If they aren't, they will be if we make it home before they get to me," he chuckled lowly before pressing a kiss to her forehead. Her dazzling smile illuminated the night almost as much as the moon did. The Archangel took the magician's hand once more and began walking the path back to her apartment.

ZATANNA: "I think I can swing that," she smiled. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but surely they could manage a day away from everyone and everything. "What did you have in mind?" she asked curiously although she had a feeling like a proper magician, he wasn't going to reveal any of his secrets. "Do you think they realize they're expanding almost as much energy, if not more, into avoiding you than they would be if they actually met on time to train with you?" she asked. The efforts Bells went through to avoid training with Michael were fairly counterintuitive for a sloth sin and only proved Michael's point further that if Bells wanted to do something they could do it. They weren't as incompetent as they liked to pretend. Zatanna bit her bottom lip and smiled as he pulled away from her and alluded to things he had planned for tonight. "Next time, nice night or not, we're teleporting home," she laughed and took his hand as they began to walk toward the apartment again.  

Gabriel: "Next outing we'll do okay? I get to spoil you and I get your company out of it nothing to do with training or anything but staying a snake and getting feed by me" Gabe replied smiling softly looking at the his sibling there wasn't a thing Gabe wouldn't do for Belphegor he truly loved them with his whole heart. He wanted this day out to be in favor of Bells, enough to build their confidence up as well as have a bit of fun cockblocking Michael. He was finally starting to feel more like himself again as the time went on.

Gabe had to admit he was quite glad he couldn't see Mike and Zatanna make out any more, it was nice that his brother had gotten someone who made him feel complete but his sex life was something he most definitely had no desire to ever see or hear. He waited patiently thinking of the best one to detain Zee when Bells gave the warning sign, surely with them being in public they'd be breaking apart soon to at least attempt make it home before going full out on the sidewalk.

BELPHEGOR: Belphegor nodded approvingly. They were going to look forward to it, assuming that they actually got out of this alive or without Michael telling Lucifer and getting them in trouble that way. Technically, attacking Michael like this was probably breaking that treaty thing, but he deserved it.

Belphegor finished texting Dean around the same time that Zatanna and Michael stopped making out. Belphegor kind of overreacted in their texts to Dean, and it left them in a somewhat bitter mood, which they aimed to turn against Michael. They waited patiently atop the roof, until they got close enough to the alley where Gabriel was. As soon as they were just two steps away, Belphegor used magic to cause a trash can to fall over in the oppostie alleyway, signalling Gabriel that the time was now. Belphegor took a running start and leapt off the roof. They folded in their wings and silently dropped down on top of Michael, hooking their arm around his neck on the way down, so they could pull him backwards and knock him off his feet. They didn't look and just trusted that Gabriel got Zatanna out of the way in time.

MICHAEL: He smiled at her attempts to coax his Valentines Day plans out of him. "And ruin the surprise?" he chuckled. "I would never. I can assure you it's nothing as risque as Zachary's New Years Eve stunt," he promised before chuckling at her comment about Belphegor and the lengths they were going through just to avoid training. "I'm fairly sure they-" the sound of a trash can falling over on the opposite side of the alleyway caught his attention. His body turned in that direction to scan for any threats as he reflexively positioned himself so that Zatanna was behind him and away from any danger that might be lurking on the other side of the alleyway. It was then that he felt them. Belphegor's body collided with his, their arm around his neck pulling him backward and away from Zatanna as Michael came crashing to his feet. His eyes flared golden and his wings jutted out to cradled his fall. However, when he unfurled his wings there was no anger on his face, just amusement. Belphegor had gotten one over on him without a screaming start. "Well, I'll be damned. Where'd you come from?" he grinned.

GABRIEL: Gabe waited in the alleyway knowing his moment would be soon, he just had to wait for bell's signal alerting him to spring into action and keep Zatanna away while they acted out their training session. Zee had always been so understand so he never worried that she'd be mad or upset with them for breaking up their date after all he'd come to love Zatanna much like a sister even before she started dating Mikey. hearing the trash can tip over he moved quickly opening his wings to take flight swooping into to grab Zatanna from behind Michael with ease. Both of them wrapped in his wings for a moment while he moved her out of way of the little fight going on.  "Hello Zee, have a nice dinner?" he asked sweetly before unwrapping them from his wings shooting her a wink. He was proud of Belphegor in their sneaky attack move, It not only showed Michael how well their training was going but it also showed a couple skills he knew they had yet to show off to their warrior brother yet.  

ZATANNA: "Not even a sneak peak?" she asked. "Unfair. I always give you at least three hints," she reminded him. She laughed and shook her head when he mentioned Zach's stunt back at time square. "He means well, at least I think he does. He just has shit timing and can't read a room to save his life." He definitely struggled to read her emotions at least. She startled a bit when she heard the trash can tumble on the other side of the alleyway. Michael was quick to react as he moved in front of her. "Maybe it's just a--" before she could finish her sentence she felt wings around her but they weren't Michael's. Reflexively she tensed up and tried to push away, but the tension eased when she heard Gabriel's voice. "You know, it was going well until a third wheel decide to join," she winked right back. As Gabe unfurled his wings she was able to get a good look at the scene before her. Michael was on the ground, a look of playful pride on his face, and Belphegor was standing in front of him. "Ah, and there's a fourth wheel. We might as well rent a bus," she grinned.

BELPHEGOR: They felt their heart racing as they carried out their attack. They were determined, but also terrified. It wasn't like they'd ever actually gotten one over on Michael before, not that they ever really tried, but there had been every chance that like in other attempts, he would've turned to where they were rushing at him from and stopped them in their tracks. It didn't happen that way this time. They knocked Michael to the ground and just stood over him. Their chest puffed in and out with their breath, but they weren't entirely sure where to go from this point or what to do. They'd never gotten this far before. The smile on Michael's face was also confusing. "Stop smiling. I beat you," they told him. Maybe Michael just didn't know how to process that because he wasn't used to being beaten. "You . . . you have to give us food now."

MICHAEL: "I will offer one hint," he smiled, pulling her closer to him. "It'll be magical. Probably not as magical as you but pretty damn close," he teased as he placed a kiss atop her head. He means well was a phrase Michael heard often when it came to both John and Zachary. "I don't think Zach can even read himself fully let alone read a room," he pointed out. Introspection wasn't something the kid was keen on doing.

As he tumbled to the ground, he reflexively searched his surroundings for Zatanna. He caught sight of Gabriel grabbing her and shielding her from any windfall. That was enough for the Archangel to relax his tensed muscles as he looked up at Belphegor. Bells looked like they'd taken a shot of pure adrenaline and Michael wanted to see how they would react to a little bit of push back. "Stop smiling? Very well." The archangel's eyes flared gold and quick as a flash, he kicked Belphegor's feet out from under them while pushing himself up off the ground. If they wanted food for literally crash landing his date, they were going to have to fight back for it.

GABRIEL: He smirked looking at Zatanna he was glad they could crash their little date it looked rather happy which made Gabe just beam with happiness. "Hey...I thought you liked my company Zee?" He pouted cutely giving her one of his best puppy dog eyes before looking at Michael and Bells, of course their elder brother thought to laugh instead of playing along, really it was like he had to do everything. "Depends on where we are going? I did promise bells food if they bested Mikey, so hold that thought" He mused before waiting for Michael to focus on Bells not noticing his presence behind him Moving to lock him in grand hug that keep his hands tied to his sides "Hey Mikey! having a nice date? also I may have promised that you'd buy us food if we won, so...don't cheap out" He looked at Bells waiting for their next attack.  

ZATANNA: She laughed and shook her head at the corny joke. She knew she wasn't going to get much else out of him. His assessment of Zach wasn't too far off although she suspected Zachary knew how to read his emotions, he just refused to feel the negative ones. Out of sight and out of mind was how he liked to operate.

"I do like your company, but your timing needs a little work," she teased before shaking her head at Gabriel. "Ah, food, the ultimate motivator. Let's see how they do," she winked. She watched Michael kick Belphegor's feet out from under them as he righted himself. Just as he straightened, Gabriel came up behind him to lock Michael up in a hug. It was was like watching two little bear cubs trying to knock out a grizzle bear. "Two against one hardly seems fair, boys," she called out to Gabriel and Belphegor. She made a small gesture with her hand that told Michael to lock his feet steady to the ground. "Wolb kcab," she called out and blew a kiss in Gabriel's direction. A fierce wind knocked Gabriel off of Michael and freed the Archangel, but he wasn't out of the woods yet. There was still Belphegor to contend with.

BELPHEGOR: It wasn't just Michael who wasn't taking this seriously. While they were standing there, they glanced back to see Gabriel and Zatanna casually chatting. It was during that distraction that Michael kicked their feet out from under them. Gabriel finally came to help, and Belphegor rolled over just in time to see Zatanna casting a spell. They stayed low to the ground, so whatever she was doing couldn't do much to them, and they glared in the direction Gabriel had been thrown. Had he actually made sure Zatanna was out of the fight, that wouldn't have happened. Zatanna had claimed that two against one wasn't fair, which might've been true for a normal person, but this was Michael they were up against. They needed as much fighting power as they could get, but now Belphegor was the only one who could do anything since Zatanna took Gabriel out of the fight for a moment. They started to get up, crouching at first before using their wings to launch themself at Michael, tackling him into the building closest to them.

MICHAEL: Just as he stood he felt arms around him. They were Gabriel's. All Michael really had to do was flex his wings in order to get Gabriel off his back, but then he saw Zatanna gesture with her hand. He knew the sign was stand your ground. So he dug himself firmly in place, curious to see where she was about to take this. A small smile crossed his lips as she threw her spell at Gabriel with the flare and grace only a magician could muster. Gods, he loved her. There was no question about that. As soon as Zatanna released her hold on the spell, he saw Belphegor spring up to their feet. There was fight and flare in their eyes which is what the older angel wanted to see. Michael braced himself as Belphegor launched themself at him. A split second later, Belphegor's whole body made contact with his. They were flying through the air, straight through the wall of the closest building. It was an empty warehouse as were most buildings on this block. Michael landed on the floor with the rest of the rubble and Bells landed right on top of him. The archangel was having fun with this covert training but he knew it was best not to show it right now. Motivating Belphegor to fight was an art form. If you pushed too far, you ended up isolating them entirely. He'd gotten enough of a reaction out of Belphegor to know that Bells was capable of putting up a decent fight. "Alright," the archangel panted. "Easy does it, Tiger. Easy does it. You got me..." Michael surrendered. "I concede this round. You get to name the winning prize as long as we don't demolish the rest of this building."

GABRIEL: "My timing is perfect, after all you wanna date the eldest you've gotta experience the pain in the ass baby siblings too Zee!"Gabe chuckled softly replaying back to zatanna before returning his attention to Mikey. Gabe had to admit he wasn't surprised Zatanna joined the party after all she was always willing to indulge them whenever they felt the need to act on their emotions. He also knew he was suppose to restrain her but he also knew she'd escape within a matter of seconds but she'd throw him off Michael without so much as a second thought so he chuckling help but shaking his head "IT'S MICHAEL ITS ALREADY UNFAIR!" He moved to stand up knowing that Bells and Mike's fight would end soon by themselves while he turn to look at Zee "you know Luci often calls you witch, and it got me thinking of that weird little human movie, what is that title...." He pretend to think of the title before he snapped his fingers making Zatanna be encased within a bubble and changing her outfit to a frilly pink dress floating her up about an inch "ahh that's right, Glinda The Good Witch" He smirked right as Bells and Mike seemed to break through a building, using his wings to save himself from any backlash of debris and also glad he'd encased Zee from harm. "Well damn....that was awesome....Got a spell to fix.....All that?" He question the floating women.

ZATANNA: "Oh, but I have experienced them. I'm pretty sure two of them would like me out of the picture completely," she pointed out. "Are you following in their lead?" she joked. She knew Gabriel didn't carry animosity toward her like Uriel and Aamon did. An amused smile crossed her lips as Gabriel lamented that it was unfair she threw him off of Michael because it was Michael. "Ah, come on. I can take him," she winked in Michael's direction just in time to see Belphegor spring up from off the ground and ram into Michael's chest. The two of them went flying through the brick wall of the warehouse. Before she had time to react, Gabriel encased her in a bubble to protect her from the debris. She thought that was the end of that but then her outfit changed to match Glinda the Good Witch. "The audacity," she laughed as she looked at Gabriel. "You know what, I can work this outfit too," she teased. "pop eht elbbub," she poked the bubble after reciting the spell and it popped to release her. Zatanna lifted the frills of the pink dress up so that she could step through the rubble and examine the damage. She peered into the building to see Michael holding up the metaphorical white flag and conceding to Belphegor's victory. She leaned against what was remaining of the wall as she looked at Belphegor and Michael. "So, I take it the losing party is paying for the damages?"

BELPHEGOR: Belphegor was entirely focused in a way they hadn't been in a long time, and for a moment, they felt like they were back in the war. The sound of debris falling around them was like the clatter of swords, but even back then, they hadn't had a focus or drive to fight like this. They were the healer. Belgirel was the fighter, but there were times where they had gone in together. Belphegor hadn't wanted to fight anyone, but Belgirel had reminded them they had to to fight for what was right. At the very most, Belphegor had wanted to fight to protect them. There had been more than a few close calls, and it was in those moments that Belphegor had fought the hardest. Michael hadn't hurt Belgirel directly, at least as far as Belphegor knew, but they felt that same focus to fight him as they did with the other angels who had tried to hurt their twin. That voice in their head told them to keep going until the danger was gone. Go further. Fight harder. Kill them. In this instance, it didn't make sense to do that. Michael was surrendering, something they'd never known him to do, but even if Belphegor had wanted to kill him (They didn't really, despite what that voice told them.), they didn't have the means to go that far. It wasn't like they had their archangel blade on them, and they couldn't hope to take Michael's. Still, they hesitated, fighting not Michael, but the thoughts in their head that told them to keep hitting him. After a long moment, they pulled away. Belphegor stood up and offered Michael a hand to help him up, the same way he always did for them when he knocked them down in training. "Dinner," they told him, answering the question of what the winning prize was. "For me and Gabe," they clarified. Although Gabe hadn't successfully kept Zatanna away from the fight completely, he had made sure she was safe from everything Belphegor did here today, and Belphegor wouldn't leave him out of the winning prize.

MICHAEL: As Michael fell to the ground, he caught a glimpse of Belphegor's eyes. There was a fire and focus in them that he hadn't seen in Belphegor in a very long time. A sharp painful breath escaped the Archangel's lips as he landed on the ground, but the pain wasn't from the landing itself. It was from a memory of something lost. In this moment, Belphegor looked more like Belgirel than anything else. During the war, Belphegor stayed in the fringes of the fight. They preferred to healing and tending to the injured. Belgirel, on the other hand, was more than likely to be seen on the front lines. Michael had seen them in action before...they carried the same fire and passion in their eyes that Bells carried now. That passion was fleeting though for Belphegor. As the rubble settled, the passion subsided to uncertainty, confusion, and hesitation. There was a silent war raging in Belphegor's head. Michael imagined it was a war that raged on in a lot of soldier's heads: mercy or death. In the moments in which Belphegor hesitated, Michael could've fairly easily gained the upper hand and flipped them off of him, but he didn't. He watched Belphegor pull away and make the choice. Mercy. The archangel took the hand his sibling offered and pulled himself up off the ground. "Very well. That sounds fair and doable. To the winner goes the spoils. You two can follow us back to Zatanna's for dinner," he offered. He turned when he heard Zatanna's voice. She was leaning against what was left of the building, but she was now in a frilly pink dress. "What happened to you?" he asked, amusement in his voice. "Ah, yes," he hung his head, but maintained a positive spirit. "It appears we are the losing party tonight, dove. Not only are we paying for the damages but apparently dinner's on us tonight."

GABRIEL: Gabe couldn't help but chuckle at Zatanna's words he enjoyed hanging out with her but knew she'd also needed along time with Mikey which allowed him to spread out and spend more time with his fallen siblings. "Hardly! Ugh can you even imagine me being like Uriel?" He mused teasing back before rolling his eyes "Grosss, I don't want to know about my brothers sexual times, he is like my father at this point" He mused loving how his prank went over well. After all Zee did remind him of the witch from the movie all nice and sweet, helping out the lost girl. He had to admit he was impressed with Belphegor, they had really shown their skill taking down Michael but he had to wonder if using different methods of training them would really work when the Void came out to play. He worried for his sibling more then he ever let people know but today had been such an amazing day so he smirked at zee "awww come on I wanted Mikey to get the full picture bubble and all" He teased her holding out his hand to help her navigate through the debris.  "Bells!! that was amazing! you did such a great job and you won us dinner!" he mused moving to hug Bells to show how proud he was of them. "didn't Bells do amazing Mikey? and this whole plan was their idea too. quite the amazing trick they did."

ZATANNA: She laughed at his reaction. "Eek, gods, I hope not," she teased. From the way Michael described his siblings, Uriel was logic, Gabriel was emotion, Raphael was the middle ground between the two. "Had you shown up maybe an hour later you would've seen more of your brother than you wanted to anyway," she pointed out. "Risky business tailing us, but I gotta say I am impressed. Neither of us heard you coming." She took his hand and navigated through the rubble until she saw Belphegor and Michael. She smiled when Michael asked her what happened to her. "Gabriel happened," she rolled her eyes playfully in response. "Egnahc kcab," she snapped her fingers and changed back into her original outfit before stepping forward to examine the two Archangels. "Dinner and damage control," she whistled and shook her head. The surveillance footage of this was sure to make it to Bruce by tomorrow morning. There would be questions she would need to answer. "You're lucky that I love you." She tugged at his shirt to get him to lean down far enough so she could kiss him. After pulling away, she turned her attention to the collapsed wall. "Bliub em pu pucrettub." One by one the bricks and debris around Michael and Belphegor shot back up and into place, rebuilding the wall that had been torn down. Zatanna dusted off her hands and beamed up at Belphegor. "Fair is fair and Gabe is right. You did a fantastic job with their stealth attack. I definitely didn't hear you coming and neither did the big guy here," she leaned in and whispered (although she knew Michael could hear her) "I'll recover the footage and get it sent to you." She pulled away, making her voice a little louder again. "So, what do you two want for dinner?"

BELPHEGOR: They were still reeling from the fight even now, trying to process the fact that they'd actually won against their older brother. It didn't feel real, even as Michael agreed to their demands. As he moved towards Zatanna, they were still just standing there, only shaken out of their thoughts once Gabriel came over to hug them. They smiled brightly then, matching Gabriel's excitement. "Gabriel came up with the idea to catch you off guard on your date, but I came up with the plan of attack," they clarified. Gabriel had put thought into this attack too, so they didn't want to take all the credit, but it did make them feel good with how proud everyone looked. "Yeah, that was the plan," they confirmed to Zatanna. They hadn't wanted Michael to hear them coming. They'd tried their hardest to make sure of that. "There's footage?" they asked quietly, though their tone was excited. They hadn't considered that there would be footage available, but now they could show it off to everyone in Hell to show them all that they beat Michael. They doubted anyone would've believed it otherwise. "I want steak and potatoes and corn on the cob and buttered noodles and squash and pizza rolls," they listed off, salivating at the thought of all the food they wanted.

MICHAEL: "Gabriel happened, huh," he chuckled as he watched the magician change back into her original outfit. It seemed Gabe was full of ideas tonight. Michael was proud of Gabriel for his ability to talk Belphegor into training, and Bells for their tactical skill in developing a plan of action. "That was definitely impressive," he complimented them. "You two make quite a fierce team together. You'll have to tell us how you did it when we get home," he smiled. It gave Belphegor an opportunity to feel like they were teaching Michael something new. He surveyed the damage which wasn't too bad all things considering, but they were fortunate that no one was in the building. "That I am," he smiled, leaning forward to place a kiss upon the magician's lips. He watched her magic work as the wall of the warehouse repaired itself once more. His features softened as he watched Zatanna interact with his siblings, always playful and always nurturing. "It sounds like dinner's going to dent our pockets more than I dented the wall," he chuckled. "But in the name of sportsmanship, I think we can make it work. Come along then. The sooner we get to the apartment, the sooner you'll get to eat."

GABRIEL:  Gabe smiled looking at Zatanna glad to see she didn't hold any ill will towards their little attack ruining the last bit of her date but he never knew Zee to get super upset about things like that. "Of course not I'm too handsome and sweet to be anything like the fly" He smiled shaking his head "Ewwwww Zee that's like seeing your parents have sex gross. My innocent image of you is forever tainted" He feigned covering his eyes before nodding his head. "Bells said they wanted payback for all the training Mikey put them through so I thought this was be fun. "Don't you like it Mikey, its just like that Wizard of Oz movie we watched last week!" He replied tp Mike before looking at Bells giving him credit for his part of the plan, after all he was willing to let his sibling shine in front of Zee and Mike without any issue. "We should get that footage so you can show everyone how you took down Michael huh?" He whispered to Bells knowing if anything they'd love that idea as he nodded his head agreeing with the choice the other made "OOOH that's sounds amazing, I also want cherry soda and Chocolate cake for dessert please" He mused pulling Belphegor towards them so they could get to Zatanna's place in record time. "Only you would try and use a dad joke on your girlfriend, Mikey."  

ZATANNA: "I hear aging changes people so find me in a couple centuries and we'll see," she teased Gabe. "If that taints your image of me, you should probably not search my name on the internet anytime soon." The Justice League fan art got a little weird sometimes. She'd seen some things she wanted to unsee. "Very funny, maybe I'll bring that costume back for Halloween," she grinned as her outfit changed back to what she'd worn initially for date night. "I know a guy. He can have the footage to us by morning," she assured them. She would have to explain the footage anyway so she might as well get a copy for herself too. She listened to Gabe and Belphegor make their dinner requests. For beings that didn't need to eat, they certainly enjoyed eating. This was starting to sound like a banquet request. "We better start making the orders now," she replied as she pulled out her phone and started entering them in as they began walking back to her apartment. Date nights somehow never went according to plan, but she didn't mind. The look of pride and content on Michael's face as he walked along side his siblings made up for any lost time she had with him. Slowly but surely, he was rebuilding his family.

BELPHEGOR: It was weird to have everyone complimenting them, but especially Michael. It was already hard enough to wrap their head around the fact that they'd beaten him, but the compliments to the efforts they'd made were shocking. Impressive, he'd said. They wished they could have that on a recording almost as much as they wanted the video footage of the fight. It'd be nice to have around to listen to whenever they felt down about themself. They wondered if they could get Zatanna to go into their memories and pull out a recording of Michael saying that. Definitely impressive. Even the Void couldn't do much against a thought that powerfully positive, and it tried. You could never hope to do anything like that ag-- That was definitely impressive. They smiled brightly. "It actually wasn't that hard," they said proudly. As they started to walk back to Zatanna's place, they started to explain their whole plan, ignoring the fact that Michael had said they could do that when they got to Zatanna's place. "I thought it'd be better to go from the roof because it gave us a better view of you without you seeing us, and I thought I could distract you with a noise from the alley while using that to let Gabe know that you guys were in position, so he could move Zatanna out of the way, so I didn't hit her." Making sure she wasn't hurt had been a priority, not just to avoid Michael getting mad, but because they liked Zatanna. She was nice to them, even if they had had a few dreams about violently murdering her, but who didn't have those about their friends from time to time?

MICHAEL: "And a lovely costume it would be," he grinned back at Gabriel and Zatanna. Belphegor's face seemed to light up with an excited sort of enthusiasm. Michael hadn't seen this much life behind their eyes in quite a long time. Belphegor didn't get praise often, but then again, they didn't really try their hand at a lot of things either. Today, they'd proven they were not only capable of sneaking up on Michael, but that they were capable of being strategic when it came to creating a plan of attack. They were also capable of factoring in the collateral like Zatanna and ensuring that she didn't get hurt. Michael wasn't sure what kind of challenges everyone would face when it came to getting rid of the void, but he knew these skills would be crucial for Belphegor to develop. He hoped that at least some of the lessons stuck with them. "Ah, the rooftops, so that's where you were," he chuckled. "That was a good call. I was expecting you to be somewhere across the street. I'm sure Ms. Zatara here appreciates not having to go down for the count like I did." He rubbed his shoulder as if it was sore from the tumble he'd taken before putting an arm around Zatanna and placing a kiss atop her head just as they arrived at her apartment complex. The magician unlocked the door and the archangel grabbed ahold of it, holding it open for everyone to file in. "I imagine you two have worked up an appetite. The food should be here shortly. Make yourselves at home, but please keep your clothes on tonight," he laughed before shutting the door behind him and following everyone up the stairs. / END

[ofwarriors]

[ 𝔷𝔞𝔱𝔞𝔫𝔫𝔞 𝔷𝔞𝔱𝔞𝔯𝔞: @zztophat ]

He materialized in the loft’s living room only to find her asleep on the couch. Michael looked at the clock and realized just how late it was. They’d been in the middle of watching some documentary on tigers when he’d gotten the call from heaven. It was strange how she knew the moment he’d gotten the call too. She told him to go on and see what his siblings wanted. He’d told her not to wait up for him and instructed her to go home and get some rest. He never knew how long they needed him for. It always depended on the crisis. Naturally, she hadn’t listened and instead opted to finish the documentary and move onto the next. Somewhere in there, she must’ve gotten tired and fallen asleep. Netflix’s Are You Still Watching? message danced on the television screen. He marked no and shut it off before gently picking her up off the couch. In a split second, they were in the bedroom of her apartment. Michael gently laid her down on the bed and as he moved to place the covers over her, she began to stir. “Z’anna,” he smiled. “Get some rest, love. I’ll be here when you wake up,” he promised.

[ofwarriors]

Discord Chat: Ring of Fire

SUMMARY: Following the panic of not being able to reach Rachel following the discovery of Tracy’s murder, Zatanna asks Michael to check in on those closest to her. Michael’s last stop on the list just so happens to be Zatanna’s ex, Dimitri. Dimitri, too, recieves notice of Tracy’s murder and the message is clear to him. He decides to confront Michael about the death and trouble that seem to follow the Archangel.  TRIGGERS: Angst, Threats, Mentions of Violence WRITTEN WITH: @ofreddragon MENTIONS OF: @zztophat

Michael: He'd dropped Zatanna off at the police station to answer the rest of the police investigator's questions while he made his rounds checking in on his siblings. Blayze, Gabriel, Jophiel, Azrael, and Cupid had all been surprised by his unannounced drop ins but thankfully they were all right. Aamon hadn't gotten to them. Zatanna had made Michael promise he would check in on one last person: Dimitri. It took some doing to find the man. He hadn't been in his office or his home. For a moment, Michael feared the worst but then he spotted the man leaving one of the shops down main street. Michael, unsure that open space was the best place to break the news about Tracy's murder, decided it would be best to follow Dimitri until they reached a more private area to talk. He wasn't looking forward to this, but he knew Zatanna wouldn't be able to sleep unless she knew eveyone was safe.

Dimitri: He’d been feeling a little down lately, with his full break up with Zatanna, mixed in with the fact that Wrath had been the man to put a hit out on him. Natasha had been something of a rock during this entire time especially when his phone pinged with bad news. She told him the contents of the pictures attached would be extremely graphic, something that he didn’t even hesitate to open them up seeing Tracy’s mangled body dressed up like Zatanna wasn’t what he was expecting by any means. The scene painted the perfect picture of violence and death, covered with Tracy’s blood drawing wings to frame it. This message was loud and it was clear, Wrath had grown tired of just pushing scales and decide to send a full-blown message. He’d never felt such rage, how could Michael allow this to happen? Let such a powerful sin go unchecked. In his frustration, he knew exactly what he needed to do as he made his way out of his home forming a plan.  Dimitri noticed Michael the moment the angel started following him, knowing that this was more of a private talk he moved farther into a less secluded ally waylaying his trap waiting for the male to fall into it. “You stink as a stalker Michael, hardly many muscle-bound males in this area.”(edited)

Michael: He noticed the tense expression on the male's face as he glanced at his phone. Michael wasn't sure how much Zatanna was able to tell Dimitri about what had happened or if she'd even been able to reach him. From what he knew, their break up had been tense. The magician had called it off just before her show at the gala. She'd been pulling away from Dimitri for quite some time before that and Michael couldn't understand why. He'd kept his distance and his feelings out of that situation as much as he could. Michael rounded the corner into the alley as Dimitri called him out. He smiled softly, "I'd have to agree with that sentiment. I've been a soldier, officer, fireman, but never a good spy. Zatanna sent me to check in on you," he replied, holding out his hands nonthreateningly to the man. "There's been a situation with one of my brother's and I just wanted to make sure you weren't caught in the fray."

Dimitri: knew why Michael was following him the picture alone alerted him to just what was happening in Zatanna's world. Was this what she was so afraid of? leave now before someone hurts you just as they did Tracy? no this wasn't Zatanna's fault this was Michael's and his damned feelings for his Ex. He turned to face the angel now that he'd found him. "I figured its not like we are friends, so there is no way this is a social call" He replied moving to light his lighter throwing it on the unseen holy oil trapping the archangel there. He smirked muttering a simply spell forcing Michael to his knees. "Situation? is that what you call the death of a girl? a death you've caused? This fray as you've put it has how many different factors Michael please regal me of why Tracy was tortured and broken as a message to you?"

Michael: He sighed deeply as a the ring of holy oil caught fire. It wasn't the first time in Michael's history that he'd been contained in one of these. He wasn't surprised Dimitri had done his research on them. As much as Zatanna had tried to keep Dimitri out of this world, he'd gotten a taste of it and he liked the power it gave him. Michael grunted as the spell forced him onto his knees. An annoyed look flared in his eyes, but the angel contained himself. "I'm not here to quarrel with you, Dimitri. My task was to check in on you and inform you of the danger," he replied as he looked up at the man. "You know why this happened and I'm sure you've figured out which one of my brothers is stupid enough to do it. Aamon will be dealt with accordingly, I promise you that much." He hoped the man wasn't stupid enough to go after his brother himself, but given that he'd just trapped the Archangel in holy oil, Michael could see this break up had made Dimitri unhinged, dangerous.

Dimitri: watched the flames reflecting in his eyes before turning his attention to Mike, to fully catch an Archangel something someone as low as him could never think to do years ago. It was almost comical how badly Zatanna wanted him out of this world only for him to seek more knowledge about it. "Quarrel? is that what you think is happening here? You're task, how very solider like of you to say. Zatanna asked you to check up on me,? She doesn't get that right anymore, she kicked me out of her life and for what so others she loved could die?" He replied before uttering another spell to make it seem like knife had run through Mike's shoulder. "Lets try this again, Why did this happen Mike? I don't want your diplomatic answers I want to know why Tracy had to die dressed as Zatanna famed by a pair of Angel wings. I want you to open that perfectly framed mouth of yours and speak the truth."  he mused uttering another spell to make it seem like a drill being drilled into his shoulder.

Michael: He grunted and grabbed his shoulder as he felt a stabbing sort of pain. "While I'm inclined to agree with you, it's not her business to manage your wellbeing, you don't just stop caring for someone because the relationship is over," he replied as he glared up at the mercenary. "Tell me, have you stopped caring for her simply because she kicked you out?" He grimaced, eyes flaring golden, as the pain in his shoulder shifted from a stabbing knife to a drill. So, Dimitri's intent was to torture the truth out of him. Michael was accustom to torture. He had battle scars still from the last angelic war to prove that. He bit back the pain and glared up at the man. "Ah, I see you've been taking lessons in magic from Constantine," he replied, ignoring the man's question about Zatanna. "It feels good, doesn't it? The power." Michael pushed past the pain of the spell and stood upright in the ring of fire. "Be careful, Dimitri. You saw how tempting and easy to abuse the pocket universe was. Magic is a slippery slope and it always comes with a price." Michael took a deep breath, fighting through the pain that gripped his shoulders. "Let me free and we can talk about Zatanna."

Dimitri: Leave to the archangel to play the big tough guy even when under torture. it was his own fault Zatanna was going to be in this state of mind was he really so stupid to think this would just go away because Wrath was going to be properly punished?  "Plenty of people stop caring, especially after a horrible break up that ended in two broken hearts." He replied looking at the male smirking at the glare. "I cared and she pushed me away, I don't want her in pain or sadness but its not me causing the hurt this time Mike is it?" He replied honestly before grinding the drill into both arms to hit home his point. "Small thing I learned from Constantine, little spells to really make our 'talk' a bit more fair." He replied smirking "Of course it does Michael, much like how God felt when he turned you into nothing more then brainless attack dog"  He replied as the male took a stand of course he was always the strong of the Archangel as he read in each book. "So everyone keeps telling me, but in truth I think this would be quite worth the risk and the price."  He muttered another spell sending him down to his knees once again crushing him. "You are so unwilling to tell me why Tracy was attacked in this horrific way...Maybe your brother will, what was his name, Gabriel? he seems like quite the talkative type, maybe I leave you here and go find him instead."

Michael: "You still care about her, as much as you don't want to," grunted the archangel. "You don't stop loving the ocean simply because it's left you gaping," he replied, trying to appeal to the man's humanity. "I can't speak for her, but I do know that if you let magic twist you like this," he grunted in pain as the drilling continued. "You will become the exact monsters that she hunts. Don't do this to yourself, Dimitri." The type of magic Constantine practiced was erratic, dangerous, and worst of all addicting. Michael could see it in Dimitri's eyes. The power lust at the illusion of control. Michael winced as the spell sent him back down on his knees again. He could take the torture, the abuse, the pain. He could take it for days on end, but as soon as the man uttered Gabriel's name a switch flipped inside Michael. The Archangels eyes flared gold. It was time to break through this illusion of control that Dimitri seemed to think he had. Michael grunted as he stood up and straightened himself. "You want the truth, Dimitri?" His tone was ice cold now. The man was beyond redemption the moment he threatened Michael's family. "Tracy is dead because I," he took a painful step forward, teetering over the edge of the holy fire, "Love Zatanna. I fell in love with her long before I even knew what this feeling was. I tried to push it away." Michael took a step forward, crossing the line of fire. The flames trickled around him as if repelled by water. "But I'm done trying to hide from it. Aamon knows. Lucifer knows. Now, you know." He took several steps forward, advancing on Dimitri until the man was back into the wall. "She is my family." Michael released his wings, eyes flaring. "Gabriel is my family," he snarled. "You touch a single hair on his head and the things that I will do to you will make Tracy's death look peaceful." Michael's wings punched holes into either side of the building where he'd cornered Dimitri. "Am I understood?"

Dimitri: "Of course I do, I love her even if I can't be with her" He replied watching the other chuckling softly looking at the Archangel" I hate to break it to you, but I've long since been a twist wicked little thing, I'm just done pretending to be something I'm not." He replied shrugging his shoulders "If that's true, then the next time we meet, you'll both be putting me down. This power is all consuming, I'm not an idiot nor do I tend to use it where I'm going."  He mused watching the fire, he knew the price of magic, especially the kind that John knew but it served its purpose at the moment. A lesser man would've been scared at the sheer power Michael was displaying, the glowing gold eyes this was the Michael from the stories he'd read growing up the all powerful smiting Archangel who ensured Heaven was always protected. He wanted the truth, even though part of him always knew Mike's love for Zatanna, he belonged in her world and could protect her so much better then a regular damned human could. He did back away or even flinch as the angel moved closer spilling his words. "really was that so hard to admit? I knew from the first moment you sat me down and told me you kissed her." He replied before smirking softly at the little display of power,  letting out a rather dark chuckle "Cute threat, now its my turn" He replied moving closer to the deadly angel "You will do everything in your power to ensure this never happens again, If I hear a single word that harm as come to Zatanna, Blayze, John or even Rachel, I will come back and I will burn you family, Demons and angels, there will be no stopping me unless you put me in the ground. I know you're more then strong enough to do it but I promise you I'll take a few of your family members down first. Tracy's death is the only pass you get Michael, my soul is already damned, I would pay any price to make you feel half the pain she would."

Michael: The mortal was truly lost both to grief and magic. Michael knew he couldn't tell Zatanna about this simply because it would crush her to know her separation had caused the man to fall this far, to use the very magic she feared he'd fall pray to and threaten both angel and demon kind. Did he not understand the very people he was threatening were now part of Zatanna's family? She cared about Gabriel, Jophiel, Azrael, Cupid, and even Levi as much as she cared for Blayze and John. "You wanted the truth and you have it now," replied the archangel as he pulled his wings back. "Death is never the end, Dimitri. You will do well to remember that. The angels cannot touch you where you're going, but if you think the demons will be any kinder to you in hell, you are mistaken. I intend to protect Zatanna and our family with my life," he replied. "You will do best to remember that and stay out." And with a flutter of wings, the Archangel was gone.

[ofwarriors]

@zztophat​ //  “  i am someone who did not die when they should of.  ”

Michael’s brows furrow as he set the inventory down and looked up at Zatanna. She was gazing at a raggedy old tophat that he sensed had belonged to someone she once cared for greatly. The archangel walked over to her and gently took her hand. He could feel the pain and guilt that radiated through her. She carried the weight of the world on her shoulders and he knew just how exhausting that was.The woman put on a good show, but when the curtains were drawn she was hurting. He wanted to take it away, but it was a hurt that only she could heal. “Zatanna, you have to forgive yourself,” he replied as he looked up at the tophat. “The choice your father made was his own. You couldn’t have prevented it and he wouldn’t have wanted you to.” 

[ofwarriors]

Discord Chats: Heavenly Visit

SUMMARY: Michael pays a visit to Adriel who is healing in Heaven following the events of the ritual that required him to sacrifice his wings. Adriel encourages Michael to further explore his feelings for Zatanna while Michael, in turn, reveals to Adriel that God is no longer serving Heaven and hasn’t been for some time now. TRIGGERS: Mentions of Wing Sacrifice, Soft Angst WRITTEN WITH: @divinecreaturc​ MENTIONS OF: @zztophat​, @ofallenangel​

Michael: Michael wasn’t fond of coming home mostly because it didn’t feel much like home these days. It felt like business. As the eldest of the Archangels he was tasked with overseeing the whole of heaven in their father’s absence and following the situation in New York he had a lot of explaining to do to his brothers. He’d managed to sneak away from all the meetings long enough to check in on Adriel. He found the angel, bandaged but in good spirits, near the reflective pools. Adriel still held onto his duties of watching over humanity even whilst healing in heaven. Michael smiled as he approached the angel. “Adriel, it’s good to see you,” he replied as he took a seat and glanced at the reflective pool which showed Gadreel sitting at the bookshop. “How are you feeling, brother?” 

Adriel gently skimmed his fingers along the pool, leaning against the side of it. His back was bandaged, but the energy he was getting from being home helped ease the pain. He was watching his love, an ache forming in his heart. He missed the demon dreadfully, and he could see that Gadreel was not taking this easy. "I'll be home soon." He whispered into the pool, though he knew he could not hear him. Adriel sighed, leaning up a bit. His fingers skimmed along the fabric of his robe, which was as white as his hair. He forgot how blinding things were here. The Angel considered a walk in the gardens, when the door opened. He turned, seeing Michael. "Oh, hello brother." He looked back at the pool. "I am feeling much better, thank you." He gave a cheerful smile. It had been hard at first. He never mourned so much in his life...for his wings and for his friends. "What about you? I've been hoping you'd come by. How is everyone?"

Michael: He smiled softly as he watched Adriel observe his demon in the reflective pool. He was slowly beginning to understand the angel's love for the demon. While Gadreel might not know it, Michael respected him. He knew the ritual had been just as hard on the demon as it had been the angel, but he stood by the angels side and respected the man's right to choose. "You look well," he nodded. "How are the wounds healing?" Michael felt guilt as he glanced at the bandages. It had been Adriel's choice to go through with the ritual, but Michael's sword did the doing. Michael had truly underestimated the bravery of the angel before him. He smiled softly as he watched Zatanna appear in Adriel's shop in the reflective pool. Gadreel was giving her an uninterested look as she made tea and set it up like she always did when Adriel was around. "She's trying, I'll give her that. Everyone is doing as well as they can be down there. The balance is restored thanks to you. Gadreel is taking good care of your shop. They miss you terribly. Zatanna and Gabriel will want a full report when I get back. Are our brothers treating you well up here?"

Adriel took in a breath, watching as Zatanna entered the shop. It made him smile. "I feel a lot better now, though I do ache a bit still." The Angel looked over at his superior and questions came to mind. He thought perhaps he should take them slowly. "They treat me well enough, though I can see in their eyes how they do not understand my choice." He touched the stone that surrounded the pool, gold light shining on his pale skin. "It's all so simple for me. I know why I make the choices I make...but it's so hard to get everyone to understand." He looked up at his brother. "Michael." He addressed him, as if ranks were not involved. "We all serve for The Almighty's divine plan, don't you see? Going against ourselves and what we truly want and believe just delays the process. That is one of the reasons I couldn't deny my love any longer."  He looked back at the pool. "Oh trust me, I tried. I tried for 6,000 years...and I still ended up where I was meant to be."

Michael: He nodded as the angel spoke knowing all too well that the physical pain of the loss could never compare to the emotional pain. Adriel had lost a crucial part of himself, but he knew that once the angel returned to earth his friends and family would more than make up for the emptiness left behind by the loss of his wings. "Try as they might, I don't think our brothers will ever understand. They spend too much time in heaven and not enough time on earth itself to understand." Humans were still a curious thing to a lot of the angels on earth. "I'll admit, when Zatanna first told me about your love for Gadreel, I didn't understand it myself, but he is a good man." Michael knew that the demon had bargained for Zatanna's safety and he saw that the demon was upset by Adriel's decision but stuck by his side either way. He could understand why the angel gravitated toward Gadreel. Michael felt himself tense up as the angel spoke of not denying his love. He could sense Adriel was not just talking about himself. His eyes ventured over to the reflective pool where Zatanna could be seen trying to engage Gadreel in conversation. He cleared his throat as he turned back to look at the angel whom he knew was like a father to Zatanna. "6,000 years is a long time to love someone. Some people only get a single human lifetime. The fact that he's stood by your side for so long speaks volumes. The others may not understand it, but I think I'm starting to. When you return to earth, all of Heaven will uphold the promise I made to Zatanna. You and Gadreel will be free to live as you wish," he promised.

Adriel looked at Michael for a moment, before smiling gently. "I appreciate that." He looked at his hands, playing with the edge of his robes. "You know, I made the choice regardless of the outcome. It may bring me pain in the end, but it is so worth it seeing them happy." He paused, words sitting in his mouth. "I could see the pain in Gadreel's eyes. The way he looked at me, as if I was this unobtainable thing that he had the misfortune of wanting." He took in a breath. "He truly had no idea I felt the same way for him. I realized that it was worth the heartache just to take that sadness from his heart. Love is never just about how you feel. It's about how the other feels as well." He looked at the Angel again, knowingly. "Isn't it worth it?

Michael: He smiled softly as he watched Zatanna and Gadreel  through the reflective pool. "Adriel, you may speak freely, my friend," he replied. He could sense the angel's nerves about this. "This is about Zatanna, isn't it?" He knew what Adriel was getting at and was more than a little surprised the angel was giving him his blessing. His eyes turned back to Adriel. He could give him the same lie he's given all of them; that this was simply a lapse in judgment, but he couldn't lie to the angel after everything he'd done for them. "I know she is like a daughter to you," he nodded softly before clearing his throat. "I love her," he admitted. It was the first time he'd said those words out loud. He knew Adriel knew what it was like to love a forbidden thing. After all, he'd taken a shot at it and it worked. He was suggesting Michael do the same. "I love her," he repeated, softly, "but I am not what she needs right now. She is mortal, Adriel. We are both doomed to watch her fade away. I do not know if my heart can handle something like that and I do not wish to burden her with that knowledge. I cannot give her the life she deserves. Children, family, someone to grow old with..." he swallowed hard. "She deserves that.

Adriel smiled softly, "Pardon me. I just didn't want to overstep." he spoke, listening to the Angel's confession patiently, as if it was something he didn't already know. He remembered the first time he had spoke words like those into existence about Gadreel. Laying in bed, in the darkness, trying his best to relate to the Demon more by sleeping. The words were whispered into the cool air drifting in from his bedroom window, and he some part of him hoped Gadreel could sense it. "I know." he replied to the repeat of words, listening to his explanations. "I know we are. That day will truly break my heart. But Michael. Brother." he placed a hand on his arm, giving it a light squeeze. "Do you know if that's what she wants? What if she wants something completely different out of life? Have you asked?"

Michael: "We are equals in my eyes, Adriel. You may always speak freely," he reassured the angel before sighing. "Truthfully, I haven't asked her what she wants," he replied. "When I kissed her, her heart belonged to someone else," he explained, there was clear guilt in his eyes. "And now, they've both left each other broken. This isn't the time for me to confess, Adriel." He knew he'd have to do it eventually, but for now he couldn't put that on Zatanna's plate. "She just watched me take your wings, my friend. She doesn't need that complication in her life. And trust me, that's what I am. Father is gone." He knew he had no business telling a lower ranking angel about God's disappearance but surely he'd noticed the almighty's absence. "The whole of heaven rests on my shoulders. As much as I want to pretend to be the guardian angel in Zatanna's shop, that's not what I am."

Adriel nodded silently, showing no judgement in the confession of a kiss. The Angel had long cast those thoughts aside, and looked at things with a different perspective. "She cares for you. At least a little bit. Regardless of what she saw." he looked up to the clouds above them, that weren't really clouds at all. It was all miracled there to make him feel more at home. "But if a confession is not what she needs, perhaps someone to guide her would be better." He scooted up onto the stone of the pool, laying across the warm rocks. "When Gadreel is in his snake form, he spends hours and hours laying on stones just like this. I never understood how relaxing it is until I caught him one day in the Garden. Those times were so different, yet he intrigued me still. After the humans were cast from it, I almost worried there would never be a time where I wouldn't get to see him again. He was so beautiful, Michael. Hair like fire that cascaded down his pale back. It set my heart ablaze." he blushed a little, "I'm getting a bit off track, but I do truly have a point. Even when we never confessed, just being with him...It meant everything to me. To know he was safe and living. It was comforting." When he admitted that The Almighty was indeed gone, The Angel froze for a moment. He leaned up onto his elbows, his heart hammering against his chest. "...Oh. Truly?" he swung his legs back down to the floor, chewing at his lip. "Oh dear. I....I admit I've felt a bit of absence but--" The Angel twiddled his thumbs, "Father would not leave us just so. He can't have. Not by choice."

Michael: He smiled softly as he listened to the angel speak of his time in Eden with Gadreel. Michael himself hadn't spent much time in the Garden in those days. There was no place for a warrior angel in a garden of peace and pleasantries, but he had seen it's beauty before the fall. Adriel's infatuation with Gadreel was evident even then. "I understand," he nodded. "I have no plans to leave Zatanna or the shop," he assured Adriel. Heaven, on the other hand, may have other plans. He already knew some angels here were concerned he was becoming too distracted, but he'd waved off their concerns. He'd done what he needed to do to keep New York safe. Was that not proof enough that he could handle his duties even under duress? He watched panic and self doubt fill Adriel at the mention of father's absence. He greatly regretted saying anything. He'd had arguments with his brothers about this before. How much should the rest of the Heavenly Host know? They could only cover up Father's disappearance for so long before questions of why this and why that started coming up. "I'm afraid no one forces Father to do anything he doesn't want to do," he replied, keeping his tone level. "He's been gone for some time now. I've sent my best warriors out to find him, but he does not want to be found. I've been doing what I can to lead our brothers in his place, but I am not my Father," he replied.

Adriel played with the hem of his robes, trying to process this information. "...Why would He abandon us?" He questioned softly, his heart sudden aching. "Michael, Father He--" The Angel looked down at his lap. "He is the only one in Heaven who ever saw value in me. No one else has. Before this you didn't even know I existed, even if I was a principality. How could He just leave..." he paused, "Me? Us?" Adriel felt tears in his eyes. "He thought me worthy enough of watching over the gates of Eden. He chose me. Was it all by circumstance?" He looked into Michael's eyes, "Do..." he swallowed, almost afraid to say what he was thinking. "Do you think my transgressions disappointed Him enough to leave?" He asked, his heart hammering suddenly against his chest. "Why else would he choose now of all times? I've broken so many rules--- what if it's my fault?" he closed his eyes. "I haven't even prayed to Him today." He let out pathetically, because once again Adriel's world was crashing around him. His voice was quivering along with his hands, that were now clutching the fabric in his hands.

Michael: He watched as the angel tried to process the news and almost immediately Michael regretted dropping it so bluntly. While the Archangel had had plenty of time to come to terms with his Father's negligence, the others under his command had not. He winced as he watched Adriel go through a similar thought process that he'd gone through when he first learned of Father's disappearance. Doubt. Self-Blame. Guilt. "No, Adriel," he replied firmly. "Do not do this to yourself. Father's disappearance has nothing to do with you or with me or with any of us for that matter," he sighed. They were all insignificant to God. Archangel, Principality, Serphium, it didn't matter. "He's always been distant, Adriel. Even to the Archangels. I don't think the man ever cared for any of us to begin with. We were all stories to him and eventually the plot ran dry, I suppose. He's been gone for quite some time now, decades even," the angel replied. Truthfully, he'd lost track of just how long it had been. "Myself and my brothers have been doing what we can to hold Heaven together. While God may have abandoned Heaven, I make no plans do the same. I am not my Father and I'm not here to demand your loyalty. If you wish to leave Heaven and your duties to it now that he is gone, I understand."

Adriel listened to Michael, his heart aching as the things he so greatly feared came to light. They never mattered. What was the point of his existence? Was he really just made for no reason, but to simply exist? Adriel looked at Michael, "You're so brave, Michael. More brave than I have ever been." He looked at his hands. "I would have run away from the responsibility. I'm not made for it, I don't think. But I still uphold my duties to heaven. And I will not abandon you, brother. You have become a part of my family, and I refuse to let you take this on your own." He touched his arm. "We have had our fill of abandonment."

Michael: He could see the various emotions play out painfully across Adriel's face. Michael could almost sense what the angel was thinking in a way, because he'd been there before. "Father may be gone, but we can survive this," he promised the angel. "We can forge our own path in this world." It was better this way. As heavy as heaven was to carry, Michael could finally breathe with his father out of the picture. There were nights that kept him up, sure, but he could be who he truly wanted to be now that God was gone. He patted Adriel's hand as the angel called him brave for taking on this responsibility. "I am no braver than the next," he replied. Honestly and truly, Adriel was the bravest among them. Many angels would have shied away from a sacrifice of wings, but Adriel bravely carried on. He was happy to hear that the angel would maintain his alliance to heaven. "I am glad and relieved to hear that you will be staying with us," replied the archangel as he stood up. "I have to go back now," he replied, looking toward the reflective pool as Zatanna left Adriel's bookshop. "In the mean time, I have some reading material for you." He pulled out a worn, leather bound book full of scriptures. Old memories he knew Father had taken from Adriel during the turmoil of the rebellion. "I think you'll find them rather interesting. Might help pass some time as you heal," he replied as he held out the book to the angel

Adriel nodded, feeling a bit hopeful with the promise of tomorrow. They could rebuild this, and make it even better than before. At least he knew Heaven was in capable hands. "Some people can easily rid themselves of this place, but it is who I am. I live by my beliefs." he watched Michael stand, glancing back at the pool to see Gadreel, sitting alone in the shop. He sighed softly, turning back when Michael held the rather old looking book out to him. The Angel took it, his hands sprawling over the leather. "This is beautifully bound. Thank you. I do enjoy a good book." he smiled brightly, "Chin up, brother. We've got a lot ahead of us now."