Kokabiel's POV
Days went by quickly as I wrapped up any remaining duties I had left before the inevitable confrontation. I wouldn't be available for a while depending on the outcome of it. I was trying to tie up the loose ends.
I paid a visit to Odin who was still as perverted as ever. The Norse were not looking to stir up any troubles. Maybe Loki, but he wouldn't be much of a threat. Odin promised to keep an eye out for any discrepancies.
Amaterasu was a gracious host. She even proposed to lease some lands of Japan to Heaven, to establish an ambassy of sorts to help maintain order in the land. Apparently, there has been multiple conflicts between the Yokai groups there. There are quite a few factions involved. The Yokais from Kyushu, Edo, Future Kyoto - they were all trying to assert their supremacy.
Amaterasu preferred the Kitsune clan led by Tamamo no Mae, her adopted daughter. But as the impartial supreme goddess, she couldn't involve herself.
"Lord Kokabiel, I ensure you that the presence of your faction will be enough to establish a form of order there. I do not ask you or your siblings to fight in our battles." Amaterasu spoke gracefully, sipping her tea."
"Lady Amaterasu, I understand your view. But foreign interference in a local dispute seldom results in peace. I would recommend to let them fight and decide a victor, and you grant your official recognition to them. Then we can perhaps enforce that declaration." I spoke calmly.
She sighed and leaned back. "I understand. I will observe for now. Perhaps in future we can talk further about this... more in depth."
I nodded. "A connversation for another time then. I must leave for now, I have to travel to Chin after this."
Amaterasu pouted? "You are always in a hurry Lord Kokabiel. I was hoping to hold a banquet in your honor and invite you to stay for a bit. I would love to show you our lands, maybe even the palce?" She spoke in a somewhat sensual tone. It was somewhat familiar.
Oh wait..... She was flirting with me. It was common knowledge that I didn't have a lover, and being the strongest entity makes you quite enticing in a world ruled by strength.
I coughed lightly. "Perhaps another time. I have a few obligations to attend to. Thank you for your hospitality , Lady Ameterasu."
As I was leaving, I could swear I heard her clicking her tongue and say, "Tch, next time I'll put on a more revealing dress."
If only it was that easy.
****
Adrian Tepes had also made his decision.
He'd contacted me three days ago through the communication crystal, his voice steady but carrying an edge I recognized. The sound of someone accepting a burden they didn't want but knew was necessary.
"I'll do it," he said without preamble. "I'll become their king."
"You don't sound thrilled about the prospect."
"I'm not. Most vampires are arrogant, bloodthirsty idiots who think being immortal makes them superior. The idea of ruling them makes me want to walk into sunlight."
"You don't burn in sunlight though?" I replied dryly.
He paused and chuckled. " You have a good sense of humor, Lord Kokabiel. I understand the responsibilty. Someone needs to keep them in line. And apparently I'm the only one left who actually gives a damn about preventing another massacre."
I nodded. "Your mother would be proud."
"My mother would tell me I'm being too harsh and that everyone deserves a chance at redemption." His voice softened. "She always saw the best in people, even when they didn't deserve it."
"Then honor her memory by giving them that chance. Just keep a stake handy in case they waste it."
He'd laughed at that. Actually laughed. "You're terrible. Who knew angels were so easy to talk to. Specially one who is known as the strongest."
"I'm just like everyone else, Adrian. It's just people see me differently because of my strength."
The official signing happened in Heaven's diplomatic hall. Adrian stood before the ornate table looking deeply uncomfortable in formal attire.
"Do I really have to wear this?" he muttered, tugging at the stiff collar. "It's ridiculous."
Michael didn't even look up from arranging the documents. "Yes. This is a historic moment. We're officially recognizing vampires as a protected faction under Heaven's jurisdiction. Some decorum is required."
"I killed my father wearing significantly less clothing and that worked out fine."
"That was combat. This is politics. Different rules."
"Politics has stupider rules."
"Welcome to leadership. You'll be saying that a lot."
Look at that. They are bonding.
I watched from the side as Adrian signed the documents with barely concealed irritation. His new title made it official: Alucard Tepes, King of Vampires, nominal leader of his race under Heaven's jurisdiction and protection.
"Congratulations," I said. "You're now responsible for one of the most problematic species in existence."
"Thanks. I hate it already."
There had been opposition from various vampire clans, of course. Several objected loudly to being ruled by a dhampir—someone who was half-human, in their eyes a contaminated bloodline.
Adrian had dealt with them efficiently.
He'd called a gathering of all the major clan representatives in what remained of his father's castle. When they'd started arguing about his legitimacy, he'd simply released his power.
The entire castle shook. Windows shattered. Several vampires fell to their knees under the pressure.
"I don't want your loyalty," he'd told them coldly, his eyes glowing. "I don't want your love. I don't even particularly want to rule you. But I'm the strongest vampire in existence now, and I'm offering you a choice: behave like civilized beings and I'll protect you from Heaven's wrath. Continue acting like monsters and I'll personally ensure you meet the same fate as my father's army. Decide."
They chose compliance. Not much of a choice really.
He had also started implementing his consolidation plan. Vampires scattered across the world would be brought together to settle in Romania and the surrounding regions. Easier to monitor them that way. Easier to intervene if problems arose.
"Plus," he'd told me during our last conversation, "if they're all in one place, I only have to travel to one location when they inevitably do something stupid."
"That's optimistic. Assuming it's 'when' not 'if.'"
"I've met vampires. There is no 'if.' It's always 'when' and usually 'how badly.'"
Fair point.
****
Before everything else, though, there was a celebration to be held. Celeste's divine awakening ceremony.
Normally this sacred ritual would be held in Olympus with the full Greek pantheon in attendance, complete with elaborate ceremonies and political posturing.
But Zeus had made his feelings clear through Athena's diplomatic channels: he was delighted that his former wife and her "bastard daughter" were no longer his problem.
"He would have denied Celeste the ceremony entirely if she'd stayed in Olympus," Hera had explained one evening as we walked through Heaven's gardens. Her voice was calm but I could hear the old anger underneath.
"He kept finding excuses to postpone it. Claimed the timing wasn't auspicious, that the ceremony needed more preparation, that she was too young. Anything to delay."
"He probably hoped she'd give up. It doesn't portray him in a good light."
"He hoped she would just accept never awakening her divinity. Never reaching her full potential. Never being acknowledged as divine." Hera's hands clenched. "That's why we left. Celeste deserves better than living under someone who sees her existence as a mistake to be hidden away."
She spoke softly. "I know what I did was wrong. I was married to Zeus, no matter how bad he may be. But why can he do the same for centuries yet only I get condemned? It doesn't seem far."
I smiled. "That's all in the past. She'll have her ceremony here. Surrounded by people who actually care."
"I know. Thank you, Kokabiel. For everything. She loves being here you know." She then added with a smile. "She also likes her new siblings, specially a certain angel who is often absent."
I chuckled hearing it. "Glad to know that."
Heaven's main ceremonial hall had been transformed for the occasion.
Gabriel had taken charge of preparations personally, which meant everything was elegant, tasteful, and slightly overwhelming in its attention to detail. Flowers covered nearly every surface, arrangements in white and silver and gold that filled the air with perfume.
"Did we really need this many flowers? You plucked half the garden, Sister." I asked, looking at the sheer volume of decorations.
Gabriel was adjusting a centerpiece. "Yes. It's her first real birthday celebration where people actually care about her. And She will awaken her divinity as well, like coming of age ceremony! It should be special."
"There are more flowers than people attending."
"Your point?" She turned to look at me with that expression that dared me to argue.
I decided not to.
The ceremony itself was kept private at Celeste's request. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Azrael, Penemue, Grayfia, Hera, and myself, and some other angels she had made friends with. No crowds. No strangers staring.
"I don't want hundreds of people watching if I fail to awaken anything," she'd said nervously the night before. "That would be humiliating."
"You won't fail, little sister." Gabriel assured her gently.
"But what if I do? What if nothing happens and I'm just... normal?"
"Then you'll still be our sister. The divinity doesn't change that."
Now Celeste stood in the center of the hall surrounded by wrapped gifts, practically vibrating with excitement. She looked like a child on Christmas morning—which, in a way, she was. This was her first genuine birthday where people celebrated her instead of merely tolerating her existence.
"Can I open them now?" She was bouncing on her heels. "Please? I've never had real birthday presents before."
Hera smiled warmly. "Of course, sweetheart. They're yours."
Michael stepped forward first, carrying a long rectangular package wrapped in silver cloth that shimmered with enchantments.
"This is from all of us technically," he said, his formal tone softening. "But I had the honor of crafting it personally."
Celeste unwrapped it carefully, then gasped when she saw what lay inside.
A staff. Beautiful beyond words, carved from wood that seemed to emit its own gentle light. The design was both elegant and functional, with intricate patterns running along its length that suggested both strength and grace.
"This is made from the Divine Tree," Michael explained, running his fingers along the smooth surface. "The same tree our father cultivated for his own staff. I thought you might appreciate having a weapon that connects you to both your heritages—Greek and... well, us."
Celeste held it with reverent care, her eyes wide. "It's so beautiful. And it's really from the Divine Tree? The one my Father used?"
"The very same. There are only a few branches left after the science projects." He gave me a look to which I shrugged innocently.
He continued."I've been saving this one for something special." He smiled. "I think you qualify."
"Thank you, brother Michael. I'll treasure it." She hugged him tightly, and I saw him relax into the embrace.
Gabriel practically exploded forward next, unable to contain herself any longer.
"My turn! My turn! I've been waiting for days!"
She presented an ornate box that, when opened, revealed an entire collection of clothing and jewelry that sparkled with enchantments.
"I made all of these myself over the past month," Gabriel said proudly, pulling out item after item. "This dress has protective enchantments woven into every thread. This necklace has communication spells so you can always reach us. This ring has tracking magic in case you get lost. This bracelet triggers emergency healing if you're injured. And this one—" she held up a particularly beautiful pendant, "—makes you immune to most poisons and toxins."
Celeste looked overwhelmed. "Gabriel, this is way too much—"
"Nonsense! You're my baby sister and I'm going to make sure you're protected AND fashionable. Those two things can and should coexist." Gabriel's expression turned serious. "Promise me you'll wear at least the necklace and bracelet. Always."
"I promise." Celeste hugged her. "Thank you. I love all of it."
"Good. Because I have more outfits being prepared for different seasons and occasions."
"Sister Gabriel..."
"Nope! No arguments! You're getting a proper wardrobe!"
There goes a chunk of our yearly budget I guess. Michael and Azrael tried signal me to say something, but I ignored it. Finances are not my problem.
Raphael approached next, carrying a small case that hummed with subtle power.
"I've been working on improving healing efficiency for the past several years," he explained, opening the case to reveal crystalline vials filled with luminescent liquid. "These are the result of that research. They'll heal almost any injury short of actual death. Regrow limbs, cure poisons, mend broken bones, repair organ damage."
"You made these?" Celeste picked up one vial carefully.
"Personally formulated each one. Phoenix tears are impressive, but these are more versatile and longer-lasting." He paused. "Consider it a long-term investment in keeping you alive during your inevitable adventures and mishaps."
Celeste groaned. "You really think I'm going to get hurt that much?"
Raphael gave her a look. "You're adventurous, impulsive, new to having real power, and you're a teenager who thinks she's invincible. Yes. I absolutely think you'll need these. Frequently."
Celeste couldn't argue with that assessment. "Well, thanks Sister Raphael. I will treasure them."
Azrael's gift came as a surprise, an ancient tome bound in leather so old it was nearly black, radiating knowledge and age.
"This contains lost knowledge from before the Great Flood," he said quietly, presenting it with both hands. "History that's been forgotten or deliberately erased. Languages that no longer exist. Magic that predates modern civilization. I thought you might appreciate learning what came before."
Celeste took the book, feeling its weight. "I'm not really much of a reader, though..."
"I'm aware. You prefer action to study." Azrael's lips quirked. "But knowledge is valuable even if the acquisition process isn't enjoyable. Keep it safe. You'll want it eventually, when you start asking questions about where we all came from."
"Thank you, brother Azrael. I'll take good care of it."
"See that you do. That's one of only three copies in existence."
Finally, everyone's attention turned to me.
I walked forward as Celeste looked at me with barely contained excitement. "What did you make, Brother Kokabiel? Yours is always the most interesting!"
Gabriel immediately pouted. "Hey!"
Celeste raised her arms placatingly. "I said interesting, not the best!" That seem to calm her a little.
I chuckled and patted her head, making her whine in protest. "Since you're such an adventurous child, I figured I should give you something that matches your personality and will actually keep help you in every situation."
A shining silver orb materialized in my hand. It was about the size of a large marble, perfectly smooth, with various Enochian sigils carved across its surface. Each sigil glowed with soft light in different colors.
Celeste's eyes went huge. "Whoa! It's so pretty! What does it do?"
I held it up so everyone could see. "This is what I'm calling a Universal Orb. I crafted it specifically for you over the past week. It can transform into any weapon or armor you desire—sword, spear, bow, shield, full plate armor, daggers, staff, whatever you need in the moment."
"Any weapon? Really?"
"Any weapon you can imagine. It reads your intent and transforms accordingly." I demonstrated, and the orb shifted into a elegant sword, then a bow, then back. "It also functions as a universal translator for any language you encounter, anywhere. Common speech, ancient tongues, demonic dialects, angelic languages—everything."
Celeste was practically vibrating.
"It also has communication features built in so you can contact any of us anytime, from anywhere, even across dimensions. Storage functions for carrying items without the burden. And—" I paused for effect, "—you can transform it into jewelry to keep it with you at all times. Bracelet, necklace, ring, earring. Whatever you prefer."
I placed it in her palm. "One more thing. It's bonded to you specifically. No one else can use it even if they steal it. It'll always return to you if separated."
Celeste stared at the orb for a moment, then let out a squeal and tackled me in a hug. "This is perfect! This is the best gift ever! Thank you thank you thank you!"
Before I could respond properly, she was already running around the hall testing it.
"Look! It's a sword! Now it's a spear! Now it's a shield! Look how big the shield is! Now it's a tiny dagger! Now it's a bracelet!"
She was having the time of her life, transforming it rapidly between different forms with increasing excitement.
"Celeste dear, please don't accidentally stab anyone," Hera called out, though she was smiling.
"No promises, Mom!"
Gabriel leaned over to me. "You made her very happy."
"That was the goal."
"You're good with her. She trusts you."
"She shouldn't. I'm terrible at this family thing."
Gabriel giggled and hugged me. "You're better at it than you think, brother."
I watched Celeste showing Grayfia all the different weapon forms, chattering excitedly about all the things she could do with it. The pure joy on her face made the effort worthwhile.
After she'd exhausted herself testing her new gifts, we gathered around the ceremonial pedestal that Hera had brought from one of her temples.
The structure was ancient, carved from pure white marble veined with gold. Greek glyphs covered every surface, each one a prayer or invocation to the divine forces of nature.
Celeste stood before it, her earlier excitement replaced by visible nervousness. Her hands were shaking slightly.
She looked directly at me. "Brother... do you think I'll get a cool power? What if it's something useless?"
I walked over and placed both hands on her shoulders, meeting her eyes. "Listen to me, Celeste. Your potential is extraordinary, I can see it clearly. But even if you don't awaken anything particularly flashy or powerful, it doesn't matter. We're still your family. We'll still love you dearly. Your worth isn't determined by what divine domains you have or don't have."
Her grip on my hand tightened. "Promise?"
"I promise. You're our sister regardless."
She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked to the center of the circle.
"Ready, sweetheart?" Hera asked gently, standing at the edge.
Celeste nodded, not trusting her voice. She placed both hands on the pedestal's surface and began channeling her divine energy into it.
The reaction was immediate and dramatic.
The Greek glyphs blazed with brilliant white-gold light, rising from the marble and floating into the air like embers from a fire. They began orbiting around Celeste, slowly at first, then faster and faster.
The air itself seemed to vibrate with power.
A massive gust erupted from the center of the circle, sending a shockwave through the entire hall. Gabriel yelped and grabbed onto Michael's arm. Raphael raised a hand to shield his eyes. Even Azrael looked impressed, which was rare.
The glyphs spun faster, creating a whirlwind of divine power and light that completely obscured Celeste from view. The temperature fluctuated wildly—hot then cold then hot again.
I stared calmly through the maelstrom, my vision piercing the light to observe what was happening.
Fascinating. So this was how Greek divinity functioned.
The inherited divine power acted as a catalyst, reaching out to the fundamental concepts of nature and reality itself. The awakening god's soul resonated with whatever concepts aligned with their true nature and personality, forging permanent connections to those domains.
It was both beautiful and terrifying to watch.
Celeste's form was changing within the light. Her body was maturing, transforming from a teenage girl into her ideal divine form. Power was flooding into her, fundamentally altering her existence from mortal-adjacent to fully divine.
The light intensified until it was nearly blinding, a miniature sun in the center of Heaven's hall.
Then it contracted violently, pulling all that dispersed energy back into Celeste in a single instant.
When the light faded, she stood in the center of the circle surrounded by a shimmering aura of divine power.
The transformation was complete .
She had grown from a teenage girl into a young woman in her prime. Her frame had become stronger, more defined with lean muscle. Her features had refined into something almost otherworldly in its beauty. Her silver hair seemed to glow with inner light.
But it was her presence that had changed most. Before, she'd felt like a half-divine child like the ones in camp Half-Blood. Now she radiated divine authority that made even the air around her feel heavier.
Hera walked forward with tears in her eyes and pride written across her face. "You did it, sweetheart. You actually did it. How do you feel?"
Celeste clenched and unclenched her fists experimentally, staring at her transformed hands. "It feels... so strange. Like I'm me but also more than me? I'm so much stronger than before. And I can feel these connections to things I never felt before. Concepts and forces that are just... there now. Part of me. It's confusing and overwhelming and amazing all at once."
She looked up. "Is this how you all feel all the time?"
"You get used to it," Gabriel said warmly.
Hera took Celeste's face in her hands. "What are your domains, dear daughter? What did you awaken?"
Celeste closed her eyes, clearly reaching inward to examine the divine authorities that now resided in her soul.
When she opened them, she spoke with wonder in her voice: "I have three domains. Strength, Weather, and Life."
There was a moment of stunned silence.
Then Gabriel started clapping enthusiastically, unable to contain her joy. "Three direct domains! That's incredible! Most gods only awaken one or two as main! Celeste, goddess of Strength, Weather, and Life! It sounds so powerful!"
The others joined in immediately. Michael nodded with clear approval. Raphael smiled genuinely. Azrael looked pleased in his understated way. Even Grayfia clapped politely from her position near the wall.
I simply gave Celeste a nod of approval when she caught my eye through all the celebration.
She beamed at me, and I saw tears gathering in her eyes. Happy tears.
This was probably the first time in her entire life she'd felt genuinely celebrated for who she was, rather than scorned or merely tolerated for her existence.
After the ceremony concluded, we moved to the prepared dining area for the party.
Gabriel had outdone herself. Tables were laden with food from across multiple cultures and time periods. Wine that had been aging since before the Great War sat alongside fresh juices and exotic drinks Raphael had collected from his travels.
Azrael had even set up musical instruments. Apparently he'd learned to play several during his many millennia of existence. Who knew?
The atmosphere was warm, joyful, completely free of the usual heaviness that permeated Heaven lately.
It was probably the last time we'd celebrate like this for a while.
That thought hung unspoken in the air, but no one mentioned it. Tonight was for Celeste.
Tomorrrow can wait for now.
****
If things don't change, this will be the last week of this.
I'm tired boss.