The Seraphic System
Chapter: 108
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance. I'll keep posting regardless. If you have any suggestions you would like to see added, I will try to incorporate what I can :)
(Redemption)
I made my way through the forest that had grown within the sub-dimension almost languidly, my path leading towards one of the two massive trees that dominated the landscape even at this distance.
When I drew closer, I spotted a familiar figure sitting cross-legged near its roots.
Uriel looked up at my approach, his eyes bright with excitement despite the contrast of his slightly pale pallor of skin that had still lingered from his recent revival.
My gaze caught sight of my legendary familiar egg lying within the pool of clear liquid at the base of the massive Tree that held the golden shine, leaves shining in a massive canopy above that stretched out.
I wasn't even sure if it was growing anymore.
As for the egg, I had figured that repeating the process I had done with Galadriel couldn't hurt. It had certainly helped her.
Though I couldn't say I knew what to make of my new Spirit Lion Turtle egg. Beyond not looking a gift horse in the mouth and having another potentially powerful familiar.
"Father!" Uriel's face lit up and I quickly waved for him to remain seated.
"Perfect timing. The egg has been moving constantly for the past hour." Uriel said.
"Yeah?" I questioned.
"I think it's going to be ready soon," Uriel said with a slight smile. "It's been moving around."
My eyes immediately went to the large, ancient-looking egg nestled carefully among the tree's massive roots, half within the water below. It was easily the size of a watermelon, with strange patterns etched across its surface.
"My lord," came a soft, reverent voice from nearby.
I turned to see Medusa or Nyxera emerging from the shadows of the tree.
"Nyxera." I greeted her by her chosen name.
"My Lord, I'm glad you're here." Nyxera smiled and approached me. "The egg has indeed shown significant activity. I have been monitoring it as you requested."
"Thank you," I replied with a hint of excitement, sitting down beside Uriel.
"It's no problem, my Lord, making Dulio jealous you assigned me a task and not him has been all too amusing," Nyxera said, a small smile etched across her face.
Uriel perked up. "How is Dulio doing?"
"He's good, Lord Uriel. He's been rather busy managing the Vatican." Nyxera replied respectfully. "I imagine your return will be cause for celebration."
A low, irritated hiss drew my attention to where Galadriel coiled nearby, her massive serpentine form wound around another section of the tree's base.
Nyxera giggled. "Someone is jealous."
Uriel merely smirked, gaining a dirty look from my large divine Serpent. My familiar was staring at the egg with what could only be described as annoyance, her slitted eyes narrowed in obvious displeasure.
I couldn't help but chuckle, moving over to pat her scaled head gently. "Don't worry, girl. You'll always be my first familiar."
Galadriel's expression softened slightly at the attention, though she continued to eye the egg with suspicion.
"How long have you been watching it?" I asked Uriel, settling down beside him near the egg.
"Since you left for your conversation with the Demigod, the tree's light seems to be helping combat the effects of the Trinity Blast," Uriel replied easily. "Hestia advised me to."
"Good. Since I'm sure you're going to get swarmed by Michael, Raphael and Gabriel along with Azrael as soon as you enter Heaven."
Uriel's eyes widened. "Azrael… so she's alive."
I grinned. "It seems so, apparently she was searching for a way to revive me."
"She had to keep herself hidden," Uriel grumbled, though a look of pure happiness flashed in his eyes.
"She didn't want to be distracted and she decided Michael should run Heaven while she focused everything on it. She also felt that her presence would draw attention among those who knew of God's death." I explained with a shrug.
"So it was tactical as well." Uriel sighed. "I suppose I can't really be mad at her. Knowing her she probably went crazy over your death. At least she didn't take her life is all I say."
I blinked at the words in slight surprise, but as quick as a flash Uriel moved onto another subject.
"Hestia said you manifested this egg after the battle, do you know what creature will hatch?" Uriel questioned.
"Sort of, it's a rather strange creation." I decided to reply with. "I manifested a lot of creations after the battle."
"Perhaps it's a sign of your growing power?" Uriel asked, almost hopefully. "Your angelic magic is changing. So you must be making progress."
"Hopefully, I wouldn't mind inheriting the powers of a powerful God," I replied slyly. "The timing would be a nice change."
"I don't think anyone in Heaven would mind either," Uriel responded with a chuckle. "Though another Heavenly Beast wouldn't be so bad to have, you didn't use your power for creatures like this before."
As if responding to our conversation, the egg suddenly trembled, a network of golden cracks spreading across its surface like lightning. Before it came to a halt.
We all leaned forward, even Galadriel's attention now fully captured by the spectacle before us. The egg rocked back and forth, each movement accompanied by a power that I could feel.
It was strange and unfamiliar.
Not magic.
It was pressing down on my body and more importantly, akin to gravity magic. Uriel noticed it as well, while Nyxera was lowered to the ground, her eyes wide in alarm.
Galadriel seemed to be able to withstand it, the circled faint rings of light in its slitted eyes glowing slightly. I felt something flare in me and I resisted the crushing pressure.
It was that moment I remembered the name of the egg.
A Spirit Lion Turtle.
So this must be spiritual energy? It certainly felt different and now viewing it in such a way, I found it similar to the pressure the two Trees released, though that was a lot less… crushing.
It was a few seconds later that the pressure lifted, allowing Nyxera to breathe again. I briefly checked on her and found no damage. It seemed to only make her feel like she was being crushed rather than actually being crushed.
After making sure Nyxera wasn't damaged, we continued to watch the egg with no small amount of fascination.
"Father. Just what have you made? Please don't tell me it's another serpent." Uriel said, though his tone was more amused and curious than anything.
Instead of getting mad, Galadriel's snake head nodded wisely in agreement.
"It's a progenitor spirit, in a sense, I believe that was spiritual energy," I responded vaguely.
Uriel looked thoughtful.
It was around twenty minutes later that we watched in fascination as the cracks spread wider, the golden light growing brighter with each passing moment.
Then, with a sound like crystal chiming, a piece of the shell fell away.
I prepared myself for some sort of spiritual energy outburst but nothing came. It was a strange sight, a snake woman, an Arch-Seraph and God's successor leaning over the egg with keen interest.
An almost comically small, whiskered head of a lion-like face poked through the opening, blinking enormous, wide eyes that somehow held depths of wisdom and yet looked innocent.
The head was followed by a tiny, wrinkled neck, and then slowly, carefully, the rest of the creature began to emerge.
"…"
It was tiny.
Galadriel's slitted eyes narrowed.
It let out a squeak.
And then it was in Uriel's arms with Nyxera petting it like it was some sort of exotic pet.
'Appraisal'
{Name: None}
{Race: Spirit Lion Turtle}
{Power level: 6,600}
In the Ultimate Class already?!
[Energybending]
[The Lion Turtle can bend basic energy in itself or others]
[Elemental Bestowal]
[Each Lion Turtle has an affinity for one of the four elements (air, water, earth, fire), and can grant a being the ability to bend that element when needed. Further allowing some a further blessing which allows a spiritually empowered version of the chosen elements bending]
[Spirit Roar]
[A loud, high-pitched roar that startles opponents. It doesn't deal damage but can briefly frighten or stagger enemies nearby.]
"…"
The Turtle Lion blinked innocently.
For such a small creature to be so powerful was some sort of joke.
Just how powerful was he going to be?
The lion turtle's large eyes locked onto mine, and warmth spread through my chest. Different from my angelic power. The tiny creature let out a soft coo, and something clicked between us.
It was adorable… So how was it so powerful?!
I reached out, letting it sniff my hand before gently scratching behind what I assumed were ear nubs.
Uriel practically vibrated with excitement beside me, his usual composure cracking like a kid at Christmas. "Father, what manner of creature is it? I've seen thousands of magical species, but this little one's completely new."
"A Spirit Lion Turtle," I said, watching the creature nuzzle into my palm.
"He's rather small," Nyxera commented.
"That won't last for long. Despite the size, it'll grow large. Very large." I nodded sagely. "Along with his abilities."
"Abilities?" Uriel asked, leaning closer with that familiar gleam in his eyes and I briefly took a moment to appreciate his presence once more.
Right on cue, the lion turtle squeaked. A gust stirred the area around us, then that switched to a small flame that flickered to life above one claw before vanishing.
"Energy bending," I revealed, unable to keep the amusement from my voice.
Uriel's eyes went wide. "Just like that?"
"Apparently." I studied the spirit. "This little guy can bend energy. Beyond that he will develop one primary element and be able to bestow that one element, giving those who are bestowed the ability to bend that element."
I had to say the implications of that elemental bestowal were insane.
"That's..." Uriel paused, his tactical mind clearly spinning. "Father, do you understand what this means? A creature like this could revolutionise Heaven's forces. Factions have gone to war over less. Even with bending being lesser than magic and manipulation it's incredibly strong."
I raised an eyebrow. "War? Over my adorable turtle?"
I was mostly joking as I knew what aspect of this 'tiny' turtle was worth going to war for.
"Talent is everything," Uriel said, his boyish enthusiasm shifting into something sharper. "Heaven's been blessed with its creator, but other factions? They devour potential like this, looking for those with the higher ability to bend or manipulate. New groups rarely survive because the established powers strip them of anything valuable."
A darker thought crossed my mind. "And the Church?"
Uriel's expression grew conflicted. "Not as directly, but..." He sighed. "We've had to make compromises. Your return changes that, especially if you keep manifesting beings like this."
"I'll try not to disappoint," I replied dryly.
Uriel laughed, that bright, infectious sound that reminded me why I'd missed him so much. Some colour had returned to his face, the effects of the Trinity Blast finally fading.
I briefly smiled at him and patted him on the head.
It would probably be awkward if they weren't my Angels.
Galadriel slithered closer, her massive serpentine form coiling around the tree's base. She inspected the newcomer with obvious displeasure, slitted eyes narrowed to thin lines.
The lion turtle turned to face her, showing zero fear despite the size difference. If anything, it seemed curious, tilting its tiny head. My serpent familiar huffed, a sound that might have been reluctant acceptance mixed with irritation.
"What will you name him?" Uriel asked, still grinning.
Nyxera perked up from where she'd been observing with fascination.
I stared into those large, wide eyes. "Iroh."
The name felt right the moment I said it.
The small but powerful spirit made a pleased sound, and suddenly spiritual energy became visible in rippling waves around him before vanishing just as quickly.
"Perfect," Uriel said, reaching out to gently pet Iroh's shell. "Iroh it is."
"An oddly specific name," Nyxera commented.
I shrugged.
I couldn't remember exactly why I wanted to call him that, but it did feel like a good name.
Uriel hummed. "If it's going to become large perhaps some armour is in order? While I'm sure you don't plan to have Iroh leave Heaven it would be good just in case…"
"Like the set you made for the Sentintel?" I said idly.
Uriel let out a sound of annoyance. "Michael showed you! He should have waited for me, the nerve. He totally wanted all your praise. That little golden boy-"
Nyxera and I laughed.
We spent the next hour playing with the newly named spirit, watching him accidentally create small gusts of wind when excited, tiny flames when curious, and earth tremors when startled. Each display was small but controlled, as if he were testing his abilities.
I left Nyxera with an order to look after him and notify Hestia.
That's how I found Uriel with me once more, only looking a bit regretful that we had to leave the adorable new addition to Heaven so soon.
"May I ask where we are going?" Uriel asked, following me closely.
Once more I took time to enjoy his presence and equally enjoy the weight lifted from my heart. That small irrational fear that somehow he wouldn't be able to be revived was dissipating fully.
"To Michael. To both announce your return and investigate Ishtar." I replied simply.
Uriel nodded seriously. "May I help?"
"No." I denied.
"W-what?" Uriel asked, slightly taken aback.
"You will remain with Michael and your joyous return will be celebrated. You also need to continue resting. In fact, Gabriel needs to heal you." I replied with a smile.
"But I've already missed so much," Uriel complained fiercely.
I chuckled, watching Uriel's positively smiling face pretend to act affronted.
We made our way outside the sub-dimension. Just in time for a notification to pull me short and stop our steps.
An alert flashed into view, a panel once more from Heaven's system blinking into existence.
Fallen Angel Kokabiel is attempting status reversal.
Status: FALLEN [Duration: 2,847 years]
Method: Forced grace restoration via blessed artefact
Success Probability: 7% without Divine approval
Current Status: HOLDING - Awaiting authorisation
I found myself staring at the panel with momentary bewilderment, my eyes flickering over the contents and Uriel who had come to curiously stand beside me found a shocked look plastered over his face.
I hadn't thought the system had some sort of feature like this. I had permitted Gabriel to try to use the ring with Azrael to see if they could find any clues that would help me in restoring Kokabiel, figuring the purification would help in some aspect.
It seems they went a bit above that.
Once more it was proving itself to be an insanely powerful creation and one that was hard to figure out.
Approve restoration?
I found myself authorising 'yes' without a second doubt. I had thought they would make some discovery that would help me figure it out in the future but… It seems Gabriel had succeeded in using the ring with Azrael.
-{Gabriel}-
Gabriel stared at the ring on her finger, then at Kokabiel lying on Raphael's examination table like he was about to get surgery. Which, spiritually speaking, wasn't far from the truth.
"So we need to relight the inner spark, so to speak?" Gabriel questioned, waiting a moment as she observed the almost timid younger Fallen Angel.
"Yes." Azrael's voice was as warm as a morgue. "It shouldn't be too hard with the strange spiritual shield wrapped around his soul. It's acting as its own sort of inner light. So it'll give us a start and it seems your ring reacts rather well with it."
"You suspect it's from the Two Trees, right?" Gabriel asked.
"It is presenting itself as that, yes," Azrael replied calmly. "Which is why I suggested Kokabiel receive the blessing."
Gabriel looked down at the ring again, feeling a warmth spread to her cheeks. Her mind almost obsessively appeared with pictures of her beloved's face, her lips tilted upwards.
"And you think my ring will help?"
"Yes, yes." Azrael sighed with annoyance. "We get it, you've somehow managed to pull our lord's heart."
Gabriel's kind smile became frigid and Kokabiel whispered a prayer.
"Is that jealousy sister?" Gabriel asked sweetly, though there was no heat to her tone.
"Jealous of what? Managing to capture our confused lord's favour." Azrael asked with a raised eyebrow, though the unseriousness in her tone was evident.
"He's not confused," Gabriel said mildly. "He knows exactly what he wants."
"I'm sure the heightened emotions of the invasion help with that endeavour." Azrael teased.
Kokabiel cleared his throat. "Um, should I-"
"Stay still," both sisters said in unison.
"In fact, do you agree with this Kokabiel?" Gabriel questioned, crossing her arms.
Kokabiel's face went black. "Kokabiel has no opinion on this matter, at the due date."
Gabriel squinted her emerald eyes. "I'll have you know that I was interrupted when I first asked him and I wanted far after the battle was over to bring it up again."
"Perhaps." Azrael smiled. "I imagine the comfort of Heaven's most beautiful helped calm him."
Gabriel pouted, not really feeling offended.
They both knew it was merely jokes between two sisters, but Gabriel suspected a serious conversation would be needed in the future. Considering how many female Kai have attracted.
She couldn't say she was remotely surprised and not prepared. When Gabriel had told Kai, it had been a split of the moment thing. She never expected her affection to be shown back.
Kai had multiple powerful and beautiful Goddesses attempting the same thing. So when she had found her luck and patience in never finding another suited rewarded. She had prepared herself.
Prepared for Kai to claim another woman, which wasn't much of a bothersome thought. Since Kai didn't throw himself at any random women who caught his eye. Even now everyone after his heart was closely trusted and cared for.
He wasn't like Solomon who did it for pure lust.
She had suspected it would be Hestia, whom she had originally been jealous of, not that she could ever feel any resentment. It was just a jealousy of circumstances and she had wished she wasn't constrained by Kai technically being her Father reborn.
The love in her heart had been a hard thing to control, different from loving a family and consuming to the point she felt her control could slip at any moment, making the Angel who had lived for so long fall.
But after all those thoughts. Kai hadn't so much as said a thing. Making her realise he was going to need a nudge.
Gabriel gave her older sister a look.
Azrael was probably one of her closest siblings despite her demeanour. She was caring and loving in her own way. Along with the second most beautiful woman in Heaven…
She noted that last part with a rare calculating gleam in her eyes.
Azrael continued.
"In any case, yes. I do believe the ring will help though I suspect there will be some sort of resistance. Considering we are angels there shouldn't be any backlash. But we will be careful. While it's mostly to do with the flesh, the soul does have a connection to... my Lord's light." Azrael said, crossing her arms.
Kokabiel shifted on the table. "Is this going to hurt?"
"That is unknown," Azrael said flatly.
"I'm sure it won't," Gabriel said kindly, looking fondly at their repentant brother.
"That's not reassuring." Kokabiel almost whined, though he was comforted by Gabriel's warm and kind demeanour.
"I wasn't trying to be," Azrael replied blankly.
Gabriel sighed. "It'll be ok and it's worth it to get back in our lord's grace."
Kokabiel nodded seriously. "Any amount of pain is deserved for such a thing."
Gabriel's warm smile returned back tenfold and her emerald eyes flashed with approval.
Even Azrael managed a barely noticeable smile and a slight nod, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder comfortingly.
"First time for everything." Gabriel activated the ring, watching golden light spread across her palm. "Azrael, what's the first step?"
"Considering we've never tried this and it's never happened before, besides Metatron and Sandalphon becoming an Angel. I'd say we need to locate the exact point where his grace was severed. Think of it as finding a cut that never healed properly." Azrael nodded to herself.
Gabriel placed her hand over Kokabiel's chest. The light from the ring pulsed, searching. She channelled the power gifted to her, feeling the addictive love of Kaiel rise in her to further empower the ring's purification power.
In truth, she didn't know how he created items such as these. Before, Father could make powerful materials and even a ring based on those materials, but to manifest an artefact with a mere thought wasn't quite possible.
But if Kai had somehow gained such an ability, perhaps she could try to make his death seem like even a slightly positive thing. A one-time event that would never happen again. An event that had empowered him.
It wasn't like she hadn't noticed the differences, and while she wouldn't say it aloud, she wouldn't trade Kai for anything. Even if there was an offer for the old Father to come back.
Right now, Kai was her everything, and she was content with that.
The glow sparked and reacted to her emotions, making her giggle softly. It seeped into Kokabiel's chest slowly and delicately, the Fallen Angel closing his eyes.
After several minutes, she felt it and saw it, the ring giving her a strange insight beyond its purification powers. It was almost akin to a jagged tear in his spiritual essence, scarred over but still raw underneath.
It was hard to find and going through a Fallen Angel for the first time was interesting. They were essentially dark Angels leaning into a grey zone rather than light.
"I've located it," Gabriel said softly.
"Good," Azrael commented, her eyes glowing and obviously tracing the power. "Now comes the difficult part. You need to use the ring's power to essentially cauterise that wound while simultaneously feeding new grace into it."
"That sounds contradictory." Gabriel replied slowly.
"Welcome to the theoretical aspect we are trying to use." Azrael moved closer, her own power creating a containment field around them. "Begin slowly."
Gabriel channelled the ring's energy into the wound. Kokabiel's back arched immediately.
The first hour passed with minimal progress. Every time Gabriel tried to mend the tear, Kokabiel's fallen nature rejected it like an organ transplant gone wrong.
Black wisps of energy kept seeping out, fighting against the light. It wasn't violent but it was more attempting not to move in a sense, whereas demonic energy would fight back and try to kill the light energy.
It was curious.
A middle in between dark and light, as if almost allowing them to choose either path. Something distinctly made by her father.
Still, even with these black wisps coming out, it was doing nothing.
Gabriel looked up to a thoughtful Azrael.
"It's not working."
"Well. It was never going to be that simple." Azrael commented with a hint of amusement.
It was a long time later with the close help of Azrael as they continued all types of experiments that Gabriel realised the extent of that statement.
"Is this even possible? I doubt Father wanted to allow Azazel to find a way back into being an Angel somehow. But I don't want to go back to Kaiel with a failure." Gabriel frowned. "This is the first real task he's given me."
"Relax. I think I've found another way." Azrael replied with a fond roll of her eyes.
Gabriel brightened up. "What is it?"
"I've been observing the ring and noticed it's interacting with the blessing, more specifically the blessing from the trees." Azrael said, her eyes glowing lightly.
Gabriel's expression formed into that of curiosity. "You think the ring is connected to that?"
"In a sense, when receiving the blessing I noticed it went beyond just giving us a slight boost and breaking our limits," Azrael explained her line of thought. "It also provided a change in the form of an almost living spiritual awakening. A weird aura surrounds our souls, protective in a sense and reactive to our moods."
Gabriel blinked. "I've never heard of such a thing before."
"It's mostly for spirits and beings that are more dependent on spiritual energy. Think of it like this, we all have our physical forms and our souls. What we've somehow developed from the blessing is something that allows us to exist more fully in both aspects simultaneously."
Kokabiel looked up, intrigued. "You're suggesting we've gained access to something else? Like tapping more into our spiritual side?" He sounded confused.
"Exactly. But it's more than that." Azrael's eyes gleamed with discovery. "This awakening doesn't give us personal power. But it has given us a protective shroud, which may be easier to say as an extension to our soul."
"So an extension of our soul but not our soul?" Gabriel questioned with a hint of confusion.
"It is hard to explain." Azrael sighed. "It's a thin layer around our soul, which seems to be reactive to our emotions. But the reason I bring it up is it's also connected to Heaven or the conceptual essence of Heaven itself."
"Conceptual essence of Heaven?" Gabriel questioned once more.
She wasn't well-versed on other Gods besides their domains.
"Every pantheon has developed something similar through faith and worship over millennia. It's the accumulated belief, reverence, and spiritual energy directed toward our realm," Azrael explained. "When mortals pray to Heaven, when they believe in our justice, mercy, and divine authority, that faith creates a sort of... spiritual reservoir. A collective presence that exists beyond just our individual powers."
Gabriel's eyes lit up. That made more sense.
"So… what would you have me do?" Gabriel asked curiously.
"I'm not sure if this is correct in all honesty. It's normally Gods who connect to that weight behind them with faith." Azrael said with a slight frown. "But perhaps using the ring, you could ask Heaven?"
Gabriel didn't reply and merely stared down at Kokabiel.
Gabriel took a breath and tried again. This time, she didn't just push energy through the ring and attempt to use the purification. She tried to feel for what Azrael was talking about.
She knew where the metaphorical scar was, where his racial ability and connection as an Angel had been. She called on Kai's name, on his position as God, on the authority he'd granted her.
The ring blazed white-hot.
The purification and healing energy reached out again.
Kokabiel screamed and Gabriel briefly paused with a concerned expression.
"Don't stop," Azrael commanded.
Gabriel frowned but hesitantly continued.
The black wisps turned to smoke, burning away as golden light flooded the wound. His wings were out, all ten of them and seemed to be leaking the black gas.
"What's happening?" Gabriel demanded.
"Interesting." Azrael leaned in. "It seems I was correct in a sense. The Heavenly System needs to authorise it."
"What happens if Kaiel authorises it?" Gabriel questioned, though she relaxed. Realising she had succeeded in a sense.
"That is… unknown. Though we can suspect Kokabiel will be the first Fallen Angel in history to become an Angel once more." Azrael announced.
Something clicked
Kokabiel let out a slightly crazed smirk through obvious pain.
-{Kai}-
I walked through Heaven's corridors with Uriel at my side.
The marble-like material that composed the halls echoed with our footsteps, and I could feel the nervous energy radiating from him. He kept glancing at me every few seconds, as though confirming I was still there.
We rounded the corner and finally found Michael, who stood over a massive table covered in maps and documents. He wore an expression of concentration and looked up, eyes brightening and mouth opening to greet me, then froze.
His eyes locked onto Uriel.
The silence stretched for three heartbeats.
"Uriel?" His voice cracked on the name.
"Hello, brother." Uriel greeted.
Michael crossed the room in a moment and pulled Uriel into a crushing embrace. I stepped back, watching as Michael's shoulders shook. When they finally separated, Michael's eyes were wet.
"How?" Michael looked between us, understanding dawning on his face. "Father, you..."
"I told you I was working on it," I replied simply, though I couldn't help as a large smile wormed its way onto my features.
Michael grabbed Uriel again, this time examining him as he might disappear. "You're back."
"I'm here." Uriel's voice was sombre, his eyes reflecting a deep bond they both had. "I'm sorry I had to worry you."
"Don't apologise. I would and should have done the same in your place." Michael declared.
I wanted to sigh. Suicidal Arch-Seraphim.
But I wouldn't ruin the moment. I could only imagine how my Seraphim had felt. Uriel had been with them since the dawn of their creation through much worse.
This would have been a nasty wake-up.
Even if they had tried not to show it, it had deeply affected them all. That had been the same for all of the Angels who had died, but unlike Uriel, I had been able to revive them pretty quickly.
"Don't say that. It was my duty to stop our headstrong Father from being killed before he could rise once more." Uriel said with metaphorical flames in his eyes.
My gaze became flat.
"Let us hope he realises that Angels exist for a reason. For that, we must continue the goal we set when we first found him. To let his desire be fulfilled no matter the cost." Michael said.
Okay…
Uriel pouted. "You stole the moment Michael."
"Right, while that's nice. I think we've been doing a rather good job already." I interrupted flatly. "It has after all been under a year since Gabriel found me."
Michael and Uriel both turned towards me with boyish grins.
After several minutes, Michael finally seemed to remember why I'd come. Not that I minded simply watching the reunion between the two ancient Angels.
"It's ready, Father," Michael announced, becoming serious. "We have Ishtar secured in the containment room, ready to be questioned."
"Good. Hopefully, she knows something and considering what we found her doing I imagine she knows something quite a bit." I said to Michael.
Uriel straightened. "I'll come with you."
"No."
"But Father-"
"You just returned from death, Uriel. Stay here. Reconnect with your siblings." I looked at Michael. "Call the others. Let them see that their brother has returned."
Uriel's jaw tightened, but he nodded.
Michael was already reaching for his communication crystal.
I left them there and made my way to the containment room.
Inside, the room was stark white, empty except for a chair in the centre.
There, Ishtar sat bound in golden chains that hummed with holy energy. Even imprisoned, she maintained her composure, her dark hair falling elegantly over her shoulders.
She looked up as I entered, her lips curving into a mocking smile. While subtly I could feel her trying to flare up her beauty.
"So the new God graces me with his presence. Have you found yourself lonely and need some companionship?" Ishtar teased.
"Hardly." was my simple reply.
She rolled her eyes. "What's it going to take for me to get out of here?"
I pulled a chair from the wall and sat across from her. "Tell me about the Khaos Brigade."
She laughed. "Straight to business? How dull."
"I'm not here to play games, Ishtar, you were caught taking a Primordial's energy and putting it into batteries for the Khaos brigade so I assume you know more than most." I calmly explained, watching her carefully. "
"Aren't you? You're playing at being God. That seems like quite the game to me." Ishtar smiled viciously. "God died and you're obviously some weakened successor. Are you sure you want to play this game?"
I rolled my eyes. "I didn't think you'd be into playing games, but then again it seems like you're used to losing them."
Her mouth shut with an audible click. That godly pride is coming to bear. I leaned back. This was going to take time.
"The primordial energy batteries. Where were they being sent?"
Her smile widened. "Why would I tell you anything?"
"Because despite your current situation, you're pragmatic. You know how this ends." I said boredly.
"Do I?"
"You are in a difficult situation, and not one that will end simply," I explained seriously. "Think seriously about what position you want to be in."
"Hmm… how about you bend me over and spank me? Have you thought about it?" She tilted her head and allowed me to peer down at her delicate neck. "Maybe even take out all that pent-up aggression? How about we come to an arrangement that'll have me paying with my body devotedly."
I looked her over and then chuckled. "You're pretty but Gabriel is far more beautiful than you, in spirit, mind and body."
Something flared in her eyes, a genuine hurt and anger. For the next hour, we went in circles. She deflected, mocked and stayed silent in turns. I asked about the Brigade's structure. Nothing. Their plans. Silence. Their other members. A laugh.
"You're not very good at this," she said eventually. "I'm sure a great many Gods could have had me speaking by now."
"Probably, but whether they would be receiving the truth is a different story. And I'm making sure you remember what it's like to be treated fairly." I said with an easy nod.
"Yeah, why is that? So can you compare how your hospitality is when it's bad?" She asked mockingly.
"Exactly," I said unbothered.
Twenty more minutes of verbal sparring. She gave me fragments, testing how much I already knew. The Brigade's interest in ancient powers. Their collection of artefacts. Nothing concrete.
Welp.
I've given her a chance.
"Let's begin."
I left half an hour later with what I wanted and a thoughtful expression plastered on my face.
So that's what's happening. As I walked out of the room, something flickered at the edge of my vision.
Divine Shard: 30%
I paused. Thirty percent.
I wouldn't say what I had done back there was very godly, but then again I had shown her mercy.
Skill Gained.
[Divine Curse Anathema] (LVL: 1/20) {Novice}
[Anathema is a fledgling divine curse that marks the target as rejected by God. While far weaker than its divine origin, this skill still twists the natural order around the afflicted.
This curse creates an area of decay and rejection, making enemy attacks less effective and pressing against any inside the created zone. Does not affect those you deem allies.]
A divine skill and that too an attack? It was the only attacking-type skill besides judgement. And I had to wonder why the Biblical God had something like this. Then again, perhaps not all of the bible was just humans interpreting what was happening,
I didn't get to react further to the new divine skill as I was greeted by absolute chaos outside.
Gabriel had Uriel in what could only be described as a death-grip hug, his face turning an interesting shade of purple. Azrael was actually smiling with relief, her eyes glowing and watching his soul.
Raphael was actually crying, clutching Uriel's arm. Metatron stood to the side, trying to maintain his dignity while obviously emotional. Even Sandalphon had shown up, patting Uriel's shoulder repeatedly as if to confirm he was solid.
"Can't... breathe..." Uriel wheezed.
"I don't think Uriel can breathe, sister," Michael said with amusement.
"He's a powerful Angel, he can hold his breath," Gabriel said passionately, squeezing harder.
Raphael turned to me and threw herself into a hug, which made Gabriel pause, release Uriel, then promptly glomp me.
Azrael hit her lip and looked unsure, something that I only caught out of the corner of my gaze. I stretched out my hand and gestured for her to come, something she immediately did.
Raphael pulled back. "You brought him back."
"Of course he did," Gabriel said, finally releasing Uriel to grab me instead.
"Did you get what you needed?" Michael asked aloud.
"Enough to start with. One hideout in Romania. The Brigade's next moves involve the devils and gods within the Greek pantheon." I summarised.
"The Greeks?" Raphael frowned. "That's concerning."
I thought of Percy again. His quest was definitely connected to this.
"It seems I already have a lead into this with Percy." I mused.
Michael tilted his head. "You visited the Demigod… alone?"
"I did."
He frowned with heavy disapproval as did basically the entirety of the assembled Seraphim.
"What did he have to say?" Gabriel questioned with heavy concern, more so as if she could see where this was going.
"He asked me to join a quest that involved the missing goddess Artemis, I hadn't considered it so thoroughly before more than sending some help. But since this links with that and I imagine we will find more of our enemies there. It'll also help get a sense of their plans." I nodded, convincing myself that the quest was now worth it.
A wave passed through my gathered Seraphim, all of them looking at me with a strange emotion and genuine worry.
"Perhaps you intend on sending me to go with the young Demigod?" Michael asked hopefully.
"No. I'll have to think about how I go about this." I replied, but everyone could see a choice had been made.
Then at the back, I spotted a figure shuffling uncertainly.
Kokabiel.
Michael followed my gaze and shock passed through his eyes.
Kokabiel's ten wings had grown an extra pair and stood behind him, twelve wings stood behind him.
Gone were the dark feathers nearing a pitch black colour and in their place were pearly wings of white. Kokabiel looked both nervous and almost high on emotion, compared to that undertone of sadness I had felt from him.
Another god-class Seraph…
"Kokabiel…" I smiled. "Welcome back."
Collectively my other Seraphim, besides Raphael, Azrael and Gabriel looked in genuine surprise.
Kokabiel attempted to maintain composure, but it quickly cracked as my Angels simultaneously greeted him with genuine joy. It was different to before and I could see he noticed that.
I watched as Heaven reclaimed another Seraph.
My thoughts drifted to Percy.
It seems Percy might be getting that help after all.
-{Galadriel}-
Under the shade of the two massive trees, with branches intertwining high above like cathedral arches, Galadriel coiled herself into what she clearly believed was an intimidating position.
The serpent's scales caught the dappled light as she lowered her massive head to stare at the tiny creature before her. Two large slitted eyes heavy with annoyance.
Master had no idea what he was doing.
The Spirit Lion Turtle, had already grown to roughly the size of a house cat. His shell gleamed with patterns that shifted when she wasn't looking directly at them and his eyes held an intelligence that made her scales itch.
He sat perfectly still, returning her stare with those wide, unblinking eyes.
Stop looking at me like that.
She shifted her coils, making them rustle louder than necessary. The little beast didn't even flinch. His whiskers twitched slightly, as if he found something amusing.
What could possibly be amusing? The cocky little newcomer had been created to have a better start. But she had still assimilated many beings and her power had grown deeply.
Galadriel leaned closer, her shadow completely engulfing the small spirit. Iroh tilted his head up to maintain eye contact. The movement was so slight, so casual, as if her looming presence was no more threatening than a passing cloud.
Instead, the tiny turtle yawned. Actually yawned. His little pink tongue curled and he blinked slowly before resuming his stare.
Galadriel's tail began to twitch. She circled around him, her massive body creating a wall of scales. Surely this would inspire the proper respect. She was Master's first familiar.
The chosen one.
She had been with her master through it all, tucked under his shirt and watching. Attempting to help when she could. Before he had even created his first Angels, before the Angels had found him and before he had become a king.
Iroh turned his head to follow her movement, rotating like a lazy susan.
She brought her face down to his level, close enough that her breath ruffled his whiskers. The smart thing would be to retreat into that shell. Any sensible creature would recognise the danger.
The Spirit Lion Turtle reached out one tiny paw and booped her on the nose.
Galadriel reared back in shock, going nearly vertical.
Iroh was now cleaning the paw he'd used to touch her, with the methodical attention of someone grooming after handling something particularly dusty.
Did he just... did he just imply I'm DIRTY?
She slithered closer again, this time keeping her nose out of reach. The pressure she exerted would have sent lesser beings fleeing. The air itself grew heavy with her presence.
Iroh rolled onto his back, shell rocking gently, and gazed up at the tree branches with apparent fascination.
Galadriel tried looming from different angles. Left side, nothing. Right side, he started examining his own shell patterns. From directly above, he closed his eyes as if napping.
She coiled tighter, creating a perfect spiral with the tiny turtle at its centre. He'd have to acknowledge her now. She was literally all he could see in every direction.
Iroh stood up, walked to the edge of her coil wall, and began trying to climb it.
What.
His tiny claws sought purchase on her scales. He'd get about three inches up before sliding back down with a soft 'whump.' Then he'd try again. Whump. Again. Whump.
Galadriel looked at the small spirit uncomprehendingly.
After the seventh attempt, he sat down and appeared to be thinking. Then he walked to where her coils were lowest and simply stepped over.
Galadriel watched him toddle toward the base of the tree, where, she noticed with growing indignation, the Spirit Lion Turtle circled the cushion three times, kneaded it with his tiny paws, then curled up in the exact centre.
That calculating little-
She slithered over, casting her shadow across the cushion. Iroh opened one eye, regarded her for a moment, then stretched luxuriously, taking up even MORE of the cushion despite his small size.
How is he making himself look bigger?
Galadriel tried everything.
Iroh watched with what looked suspiciously like appreciation, then clapped his tiny paws together.
The serpent deflated slightly. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. She was the senior familiar. The first. The one who'd been with Master through everything this past year. And this little turtle was treating her like…
Iroh got up and then slowly made his way up her back as she watched. The Turtle Lion sat down atop her head. As Iroh settled deeper into her, making soft contented noises.
The familiar began patting her scaled head.
It was… actually quite comfortable.
She coiled on herself and made the position on her head more… stable. Not protecting him. Definitely not. Just... sharing space. Iroh made a small, pleased sound and nestled against her coils.
She is never living this down.
Iroh snored softly, completely unbothered by the existential crisis of the powerful serpent wrapped around him.
-END-
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