ʜᴇᴀᴠᴇɴ ᴡɪʟʟ ʀᴀɪsᴇ ʜᴇʟʟ ᴏɴ ᴇᴀʀ?

“Leave me be.”

“That’s not how you greet your brother after eons.”

“Ah, well, I can’t disagree with that. We are a particularly arrogant race; we did claim the earth as our own when clearly it is not. Though I do find war ridiculous in and of itself. Peace is easy enough to attain if people weren’t so single minded.”

“But what of freedom? From constant burdens and from haunting shadows? War is a solution, but the causes in which humanity chooses to fight for, that’s ridiculous - such frivolous things. Should there be peace, it wouldn’t be for long. They wouldn’t know what to do with it. And even then, there will still be those who choose to initiate a battle.“

  She glanced him over before smiling softly. “I do try, brother. And you are right. If we trust each other, we won’t.” She took a step closer to him. “Oh I won’t. I find it better to be strong and know exactly what I want. It’s a shame that some aren’t like the way you and I are. Dear brother, you can count on me.”

“That’s great to hear. But yes, it’s true. It’s a shame no one is as understanding as you are. I am lucky to have you by my side. Your decision very well surprised me, though. Am I truly convincing or has Michael finally crawled under your skin?”

“Y’know, there’s such a remarkable lack of differences between all the major religions of the world, that I can’t help but wonder why people bother fighting over them at all.”

“Humans have a...special aptitude for wanting to be right and to have a certain hierarchy against others. Perhaps it’s an excuse for them to wage war in opposition of another, or perhaps greater still, their stubbornness blinds them.”

“—I’m not trying to offend you dear brother. We’re supposed to watch out for one another.” Her voice as soft as she spoke to him. The archangel sighed. “I do apologize for offending you, Gabriel.”

“There is no need to apologize. I know your heart is in the right place.” He steps closer as he gazes upon her features with a gentle sincerity. “You are right. And with each other’s trust, we shall not fail.” We’re supposed to watch out for one another. And images of Michael’s rage through the desert briefly intruded Gabriel’s thoughts. If only those words were spoken before; If only they were good enough to be effective. “My beloved sister, you are very strong and ambitious with an unbreakable will. Do not lose that.”

“…Interesting.. Huh…”

“I suppose.”

“Protection? My darling, I do not need protection, though I’m flattered. And a bit offended you think I am not capable of being strong enough to stand for my own. But your dedication shall not go amiss.” His words are thick with a sweetness that’s sickening if overindulged in. It’s the kind of sweetness that’s addicting if one isn’t too careful.

“I came to see you.” Obviously. But his tone is serious and almost melancholic -- for all of the years spent in absence of the other; for Lucifer’s choice in not fighting this war; in everything. How much does his brother know? Why a garden? Gabriel curiously watches him with conflicting emotions. Why?

“Our Father is known for his tests. Come. You’re smarter and wiser than this. How can you not see that this is another? And what do you think it will do to Mikhail if you face exile?” Heylel’s voice quieted, if only a little. “It nearly drove him mad, Jibril, when I was cast out. What do you think it will mean for his twin to suffer the same fate? He is Eeo Monheh, Gabriel; My Heart, but I am not his other half. That is you. I will not implore as the others have. Only remind you that your actions have repercussions, that you do not think of him. I am not bound by Father’s will any longer; Gabriel. I will not allow you to destroy him. Consider that my warning.”

“I still feel him lingering, though it is not enough for me to know anything. And it is killing me more than you could ever comprehend. It is not something you can understand.”  

Jim Butcher, Fool Moon

“What I desire most cannot be given. But I will settle with materialistic fillers.”

“Such as?”