Michael: Last Angel of Earth

Ten years ago

The new angels stood ready for their first flying lesson at the Watchers Outpost. Their teacher was the legendary Michael. As the oldest, he was given the rank of warrior angel after many victories against the demon horde. His peers revered him and regarded him as the Council’s most faithful champion. When the truce was issued, Michael insisted they continue the fight; however, the Council told him that angels were not solely warriors. They are messengers, guardians, and protectors of the innocent. Their power came from the faith and hope found in humanity. Without them, they were powerless against the armies of darkness. Michael was then told that his new mission was to safeguard humanity and keep the balance. Agreeing with the Council’s decisions, Michael vowed to uphold his mission. He had honored it for the past 2,000 years.

As the initiates waited patiently, one saw a beam of light fall from the heavenly clouds. After a few moments passed, a hallowed being with pupil-less eyes stood in front of them. His gaze lingered on them for a moment, but some could not help but feel intensely emotional.

Sharp, curved, massive metal wings shielded the area. His toned body moved with care, and was clad in shining armor. He held a golden halberd in his left hand, which, although comforting in a way, left them confused about why it was brought here.

He turned his gaze toward them, his face stoic and calm. He raised a hood over his head, hiding it partially, before speaking.

“Initiates, you take your first step into becoming warrior angels today. You will rely on your skills and your fellow angels’ skills. From here on out, you are all brothers and sisters. Am I understood?”

“Yes, sir,” said the initiates in unison.

Smiling, he continued with today’s lesson. “Today, you spread your wings and take flight in your first lesson.” He paused as he heard the flutter of two more angles approaching. Gently landing beside him were his fellow warriors: Raphael and Uriel. “Next to me are your other teachers. They will assist in your training should you be permitted to advance.” Just then, one of the initiates raised his hand in the air.

“I thought we were learning to fly, sir?” The young angel pointed out that all the older angels were clad in their armor while still clothed in their white tunics. Michael explained to them that they were going to learn to fly under pressure. He told them that an angel must be on his guard and expect the unexpected. However, before he had a chance to begin the lesson, Gabriel arrived at the training halls, gasping for air. Removing his hood, he looked at his fellow angels.

“Demons...near a human settlement....hundreds of them.” Gabriel stopped himself to catch his breath. Glancing at Raphael and Uriel, Michael knew he had to look into this. As for his students, their lesson would have to wait.

“Looks like there has been a change of plans, everyone. We will continue another time. You are dismissed.” As the initiates return to their other duties, Michael and the others go to their quarters. There, Michael asked Gabriel one last time if his information was correct.

“Gabriel, are you sure you saw demons near a human settlement?” Michael needed to be sure that the information was correct.

“Yes, Michael, the demons are amassing near a small town in Italy. There are hundreds of them.” Gabriel was not only the Council’s respected messenger, but he was also their top scout. Through his actions, the Holy Council has been able to thwart any attempts made by the army of darkness. If a demon army was planning to break the truce, they needed evidence to present to the Council if they had the war authorization. Polishing his wings, Michael explained his plan.

“Alright, this will be a stealth mission. Observation only. We cannot engage the heathens unless we have proof and permission from the Council. So no weapons. We do this quietly, in and out, understood?”

“Aye,” said Raphael.

“Agreed,” said Gabriel.

“Yes, sir,” said Uriel.

“Excellent, we leave now.” Leaving their weapons behind, the four archangels left the Watchers Outpost and descended towards the earth. Making their descent to the planet, Michael can’t help but enjoy the rush of the wind blowing past his face and wings. There was nothing better than feeling the air seep past your wings. The sensation gave the angles a brisk of freedom. Even though their wings were metal, the feeling was still there. Nearing closer to the town, the four archangels slowly descend and glide a few miles downwind. Landing softly on the ground, they tucked their wings behind them and scouted out their position. With Gabriel at the helm, the other angels followed behind as they made their way to the demon encampment. As they continued, the local fauna around them continued to change. All around them, beautiful flowers once were now replaced by withered plants and dried, tough soil. These were signs of demon activity. Nearing a slight incline hill, the angels crouched down and quietly made their ascent. The angels reached the top of the hill and saw what Gabriel had described.

Before them was a massive encampment of demons, goblins, manticores, dragons, ogres, and other hellish creatures of old. Each beast was adorned in battle gear ranging from animal bone to rugged obsidian. Their camp also contained rusted iron cages, siege weapons, and many more terrors. This force could easily take the town.

“We have to inform the Council,” said Uriel. This mighty horde had broken the sacred truce.

“I agree, sister. The Council would never stand for this. Once we tell them what we have seen, we will unleash the dogs of heaven.” Michael was very eager to end the war. Though he stood to watch as a protector of peace, he was a warrior angel. He has been hoping for an opportunity to destroy the army of darkness. Thanks to Gabriel, now they have one.

“Alright, let’s head back home.” Getting all the information they needed, the archangels went down the hill and flew back to the Outpost as quickly as possible. As they soared higher into the air, Michael thought of how he, his brothers, and sisters will finally win the eternal war.

“No.” Back at the Watchers Outpost, the four archangels requested a meeting with the Holy Council to report what they saw. After explaining all they had seen and confirming with what Gabriel had previously reported, they expected the Council to declare war. Shockingly, they were told that the forces of light would not declare war. Michael was furious.

“Holy Council, why must you refuse the evidence? The demons are planning a surprise attack on a human settlement. That alone breaks the treaty set many eons ago. Why not declare war?”

The Council, led by three of the creator’s top high-ranking angels, expressed their answer. “Michael, we understand your frustration, but understand our position. We cannot declare war on the army of darkness unless we are given proof that they plan to invade humans. If we enacted a preemptive strike, we would be responsible for breaking the truce.” Michael called forth Gabriel.

“Holy Council, Gabriel is our top scout and messenger for the angels. Surely you do not doubt his word?” One angel from the Council stood up.

“Michael, we do not doubt the word of our most respected messenger. However, from what you told us about his report, he only discussed the size of the army, never their intentions or confirmation.” “What confirmation do you mean?” Uriel herself was getting flustered. Another from the Council stood up and spoke.

“Orders from on high, battle plans, officials seals, etc. Those are the confirmation we are looking for. Do you have any of those?” Neither of the archangels could answer that question. Michael began cursing under his breath. They should have inspected the camp further. Suddenly Raphael stomped his foot down on the tile floor.

“This is ridiculous. Who cares that we did not bring the plans. An army is there on human soil. Why are we not doing something about it!” Raphael’s tone was loud and angry. Michael places a hand on his brother’s shoulder, trying to calm the heated angel. One member of the Holy Council raises a finger toward them.

“Mind your place, angel. We have been dealing with these demons longer than any of you have been archangels. As you know, humanity’s balance and safeguard were given to us by our creator as a birthright, a sacred oath. Your actions and words are not enough to unleash a war that could jeopardize humanity’s future. Have you and your angels thought about the ramifications of what you are asking if you are wrong? Emotions without Council bring about reckless actions. We cannot afford to lose another angel because of self-pride and reckless ambition.”

No one dared to speak up. They knew who the Council was referring to. Xathaniel was an infamous warrior angel long ago who cared only for his pride and lust for glory. His actions nearly caused a war between the forces of light and the demon horde. He was banished for his actions, and the name had been used to warn angels who sought glory over duty. After listening to the Council’s words, Michael collected himself.

“I hear your words of caution. What would you have us do respectfully?”

“We will send another patrol to inspect and bring back word. If their conclusion matched yours, we would meet at the war council to determine the best action. But if not, heed our warning. If you go against this Council’s authority, you risk more than your wings and all you could imagine. Do you all understand?”

The four angels looked at each other. They may have personal opinions, but neither could go against the Council’s word. Letting out a sigh, Michael and his company agreed to the Council’s decision. With the warriors leaving the great hall, the three elderly angels discussed themselves.

“Do you think we got through to him, Ezekial?”

“Michael is our most respected protector. His heart is always in the right place. He may be headstrong and want to stray, but he knows his duty,” said Mortimer.

“For the sake of us all, let us hope you are right.”

At the barracks, Michael sat on his bed, contemplating what had transpired in the Council room. After everything he and his men told them, they would still refuse to accept their word. Michael pounded a fist into the wall, leaving a crack on the rough marble surface. Clasping his hands together, the warrior angel fell to his knees and said a silent prayer to the creator. Speaking in Latin, he asked for guidance in this troubling hour. Conflicted with what to do, he awaited the creator’s response. His patience was rewarded with utter silence. Irritated, he got up and walked around the room, pacing back and forth. He was not the only one bothered by the Council’s decision. Raphael started breaking stones in his hand, Gabriel threw knives at the wall, and Uriel sharpened her broadsword Hellfire, the Flame of Heaven. Tensions were high amongst the four.

“Are we going to do nothing!” Raphael shouted. He threw a stone across the room with one of Gabriel’s knives, cutting it in half and embedding itself into the side of the wall. He was beyond furious. Gabriel threw another knife. “What would you have us do, go against the Holy Council? Their word is the law.” He fiddled with the little blade in his hand before going to retrieve the rest.

“Then, we break the law.” Micheal went to the armory and retrieved his weapon, Peacekeeper, Halberd of the Void. The mighty weapon had seen many battles and stood the test of time. It had been with him since his indoctrination into the warrior angels. He placed the heavy weapon on his bed and looked over his shoulder at the others. “Care to join,” he said before returning to the armory. The other angels looked at him dumbfounded.

“You cannot be serious, Michael. We gave them our word we would not intervene.” Uriel set aside her blade to try to reason with her brother. Unfortunately, his mind was made up. “I will not stand by and ignore a clear threat. The longer we wait, the more time the demons have to prepare. If the Council wants to excommunicate me, fine, but we will not let the demons win this war.” Raphael, Uriel, and Gabriel could see that Michael was committed to this. He would risk his position in heaven to save it. “So, will you help me or sit here and wait?” Before Gabriel or Uriel could speak, Raphael was already grabbing his weapons, a pair of spiked gauntlets called Bruiser and Tenderizer. Knowing they would not change their minds, Uriel retrieved her blade while Gabriel grabbed his Rune steel bow Hornet. With their weapons in hand, the four rouge angels quietly left the Outpost and soared into the night. Once out of heavens airspace, Michael recalled the Council’s warning. If he broke his vow, he would lose more than his wings. Though he told himself he was right in his heart, his mind began to wonder if he genuinely thought of his actions. One way or another, everything will be decided tonight.

Arriving in the forest just behind the demon camp, Michael and others devised a plan to best approach the vast army. While Raphael suggested a direct assault, Gabriel points out that they were vastly outnumbered despite their skills. He advised that they take a more stealthy approach. Using his divine sight, he discovered that there were no guards. Very unusual for a horde.

“What do your eyes see, Gabriel?” asks Michael.

“For a demonic army, this is quite poor. No guards or sentries stationed around the camp.” He continued to use his sight as he noticed no officer tents or general quarters. What kind of army was this?

“This has got to be the poorest excuse of an army I have seen. Whoever organized them did not plan well properly. Let us see if we can use that?” Gabriel raised his bow and awaited Michael’s signal, positioning himself high in a tree.

As the sniper found his hiding spot, Michael gave an order to Raphael. “Alright, brother,” he said. “Here’s the plan. You are going to circle the camp to the northern part. Uriel and I will wait here. Upon Gabriel’s first shot, we attack them simultaneously.”

“Understood.” Raphael eagerly awaited the fight. Quietly crawling away, Michael and Uriel hid behind a couple of trees. The warrior angel firmly grasped Peacekeeper in his hands, his palms sweaty with anticipation. Michael rested his head against the tree trunk, with the four angels getting into position. It had been many eons since he last fought any demons during the eternal wars. His breathing rapidly increased with each heart pounding. Not wanting to ruin the mission, he closed his eyes and focused on breathing. He took several deep breaths to lower his heart rate and calm his nerves. As his heart rate slowed, he turned to Uriel, her hand already gripping her sword hilt. Looking at Gabriel, Michael gave a quick nod to the archer. Seeing that as the signal, Gabriel picked his target in the camp. He set his sights on one lone soul in the very center of camp. Grabbing an arrow from his quiver pouch, he pulled back on the bowstring until he notched an iron bolt arrow into the grooves. With both fingers pulled back, eyes locked on his target, he released the iron bolt and sent the missile flying through the night. Before anyone in the camp knew what had happened, the iron missile hit its target, dead center in the beast’s heart, piercing the thick hide.

“Engage,” shouted Micheal. Busting from the trees, he and Uriel stormed the south end of the camp while Raphael attacked from the north. In one simultaneous motion, the angels manage to take the demon army by surprise, despite being outnumbered. The angels hacked through the camp, leaving a bloody trail of fallen foes. With his mighty halberd, Michael slashed and pierced several attackers. Seeing a one-horned demon come from behind Uriel, the angel charged forward and thrust the spear end of his weapon into the demon’s gut. Screaming in pain, the demon clawed at the warrior angel. Using his strength, Micheal lifted the weapon into the air, the monster still screaming in agony, and threw it over his shoulder. Breathing heavily, he saw the carnage all around him.

Uriel sliced through enemies with her flaming sword, Raphael crushed two skulls together, and Gabriel continued to provide covering fire from the trees. They stopped once every demon in the camp was put to the sword.

“Damn, that was fun,” said Raphael. He crushed the last demon skull in his fist before laying down on the blood-soaked grass.

“It was not meant to be fun. But I cannot disagree that I have missed fighting demons.” Uriel cleaned the blood off her sword before sheathing it away. Michael sat on a nearby crate and inspected the carnage. All around the angels were the dead bodies of various monsters and beasts. As Gabriel said, these demons were not the same as those they had fought previously, yet the situation was resolved. The humans were safe.

“Where’s Gabriel?” Michael called out for his brother and heard the fluttering sound of mighty wings. Standing next to his brother, Gabriel had a concerned look.

“What troubles you, Gabriel?” Michael

“Something doesn’t feel right. This felt too easy.”

“Of course, it was easy. We took them by surprise,” laughed Raphael. However, this was no laughing matter for the messenger angel.

“I’m serious. In the history of our wars against the demons, I have never known an army to be this careless. Not to mention they were ill-equipped and poorly defended. This victory seems planned as if someone expected us to be here and win.”

“What do you propose then?” questioned Uriel.

“I suggest we go to the human city. Something tells me that this night is far from over.” Gathering their weapons, the four angles fly out of the camp and toward the human city. As they neared their destination, the angels began to notice something peculiar about the city. Landing just outside, the four made their way and began to realize Gabriel’s suspicions. There were no lights, no sound from the locals, nothing but silence. The city was desolate.

“Where are the humans?” said Michael. As he and his band moved further, they found no living soul. Gabriel used his divine sight again, but he found no life.

“Maybe they fled?” inquired Raphael.

“I do not think so, brother.” Uriel pointed out that everything was still in its proper place. Nothing was removed, tampered with, or altered. It’s almost as if the humans just vanished. Michael gave the order to look for any survivors in the city. With everyone going in different directions, Raphael decided to check out an abandoned iron factory.

Going in, the mighty angel is greeted with the sound of the wind blowing through the rusted gears of old machines. The atmosphere was cold and dead, hardly a place for anyone to hide. Looking down, he saw an old stuffed bear. Picking it up, he gave one last look around the factory. Turning his back away, his ears picked up a faint sound coming from the manager’s room. With a mighty leap, Raphael landed on the wooden platform. He moved cautiously towards the room, not knowing who or what was inside. Grabbing the doorknob, he slowly opened the door with a slight creaking sound. Motioning through the narrow door space, he entered to find the source of the sound. Laying before him was a small child huddled in the back corner. She had amber hair braided on one side with a decoration of colorful beads. Her face was dust, and her eyes were green, though hidden in the shadows. She wore a little dress covered in flowers and had purple shoes. Not wanting to frighten the girl, the mighty angel kneeled before the tiny human. He removes his hood, allowing her to see his face.

“Hello there. My name is Raphael. I am an angel. What is your name?” The little girl said nothing. She was too afraid. Remembering the bear in his hand, he offered it to the little girl, which soon grabbed her attention.

“Does he belong to you?” said Raphael. The little girl nodded her head.

“What’s his name,” he said softly.

The little girl opens her mouth and utters a few words. “M-Mr...Snuggleface.”

Raphael smiles at the child. “That is a good name. I do not think he will be good on missions with me. Would you like him back?”

The child nodded her head quickly. Extending his hand, he offers the stuffed animal back to the girl. Grabbing it, she held the animal close to her.

“Now, can you please tell me your name?”

“Ma...Margret.”

“Margret, can you tell me what happened?” She uttered a few phrases to him.

“Hooded angel...black wings....told us to leave.....attack coming.....had no weapons.....placed a spell on us.....told us we were safe....” She cuts herself off as tears begin to roll down her face. She cried softly to herself. The warrior angel placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, slowly calming her.

“Do you remember the hooded angel’s name?” She shook her head no. Figuring the others would want to hear this, he scooped up the little girl in his arms, and the pair flew out of the factory.

“Still no luck,” said Gabriel. He, Michael, and Uriel looked all over the city but could not find any humans around. Hopefully, Raphael was more successful. Just as they settled, Uriel saw an image flying toward them. Landing softly on the ground, the others saw the human in Raphael’s arms and rushed toward him. Placing the girl on a nearby rock, Raphael went to the others.

“Raphael, what have you learned?”

“Micheal, we have a problem. This little girl told me that a dark-winged angel came to the city before us, claiming he knew of an attack.” Michael closed his eyes while letting out a sigh. “She also said he put a spell on them for their protection.” This news did not bode well for the angel. It was bad enough that they went against the Council’s order to attack the demons and save the humans, now learning that someone else came to the city before made it worse. If they got caught by the others, they would have no excuse to give.

On the other hand, Gabriel was more concerned about the mysterious angel. It has never been documented that an angel has darker wings. However, this could be the first case of humans encountering a Nephilim. These beings were once angels who fell from grace and now wandered the earth. That was thought to be of myth. Wanting to test his theory, Gabriel went over to Micheal and Raphael.

“You said a spell was placed on the people, correct? This girl would not happen to remember this incantation?” Raphael could not say. It was worth a try to figure out this mystery. The angels approached the little girl, with Michael kneeling to greet her. He looked at her with a soft smile on his warrior’s face.

“Hello, Margret, my name is Michael. My friends and I are looking for your family. Perhaps you can help us. Tell me, what was this angel’s spell on your people.” Michael hoped she remembered the spell. Even if it were a few phrases, he could tell if it were angelic or demonic. As they waited, the angel saw the little girl try to recall exactly what the mysterious stranger said. When she closed her eyes, she was able to repeat the phrase.

“ Abiit autem in carne divina, et sectatores de lumine. Surrecturus denuo, hospes of Samael.” She reopened her eyes. “That was what the angel said.” The faces of Michael and the others grew weary. The spell the child had recited was indeed angelic, but it was of the forbidden tongue, used many eons ago. How was it this angel was able to repeat it?

“Impossible. The Holy Council outlawed that language. No records of that offensive speech remain,” exclaimed Uriel.

“Then our mysterious stranger must be an angel,” Gabriel said. “No doubt about it.” Raphael shook his head.

“Brother, the Holy Council executed the angels that used that heathen tongue. None of those angels remain.”

“All except one,” Michael said under his breath. The others looked down at their fellow brother, whose face grew pale. Uriel, concerned for her brother, placed a hand on his shoulder. He could not look up at her. It was as if his very soul had been plucked from his body. Eyes back on the girl, he asked where the angel had taken the humans. His voice grew raspy. She pointed behind him, past the city’s entrance, and directly toward the demon encampment. Michael’s heart shattered. His fear had been realized. He darted back toward the camp with his brothers and the girl trailing.

Running past trees, he made out the encampment’s outline through the forest’s gaps. Bursting out of the woods, he saw the slain bodies of the “demons” he and his band had slaughtered. Encompassing the entire camp were the disfigured bodies of the humans he had sworn to protect. Michael places a hand on his chest, his heart beating profusely and his breathing erratic. The sight of the victims was too much for the warrior angel. He fell to his knees, tears forming in the corners of his eyes.

From behind, he could hear the footsteps of the others catching up to him. Once the others arrived, they, too, were shocked by the horror. The little girl raced over to her once-living parents and let out a wail of sadness. None of them could fathom what they had done. They had broken their vow.

“This cannot be real,” said Uriel. Before anything could answer, a group of warrior angels descended from the starlit sky and onto the bloodied ground. It was the patrol sent by the Holy Council.

“What on God’s Earth have you done, Micheal?” He could not answer. Then the other patrol brandished their weapons at the four. At the helm, the angel Delphie stepped forward.

“Michael, you and your band are under arrest for the slaughter of the innocent and for disobeying the Council orders. Do not make us use force to take you in.” Michael said nothing and merely stood up. Head still low, he approached his accuser and extended both his hands.

“Do what you must.”

No words were said back at the Watchers Outpost. Delphie and her patrol, Michael, the other archangels, and the human girl made their way to the Council Chambers. The air was cold and still. Not even the fires could warm them. As they entered, the company was greeted by Metatron. Metatron was the Lord of all Angels and Archangels. He was second under the creator and guarded the holy throne. The mighty angel was a veteran of many wars against the Fallen Angel Lucifer Bright Star, his wife Lilith, and his son Samael. Underneath his armor were many scars, some from demonic encounters, others self-inflicted. His gaze was fixed on the young warrior angel who dared not to speak until asked to.

“Step forward, Michael,” bellowed Metatron. The young angel cautiously stepped toward his commander. He dared not look up and see the face of utter shame and disappointment.

“Michael, I am very disappointed in you. Not only have you gone against the Council’s order, but you and your friends have broken their oath, which they swore to the creator, the Council, and me!” Michael flinched at the last part. Metatron was not finished yet.

“Look at us, young angel. Look!” The young angel slowly raised his head and looked directly into the eyes of his accusers. Any strength he had before was gone; now, only fear remained. But, trained not to fear, he straightened up and faced the Council. Ezekial was the first to speak.

“Michael, you have committed one of the greatest sins of all, the murder of the innocent. Not only that, but you and your friends also went against our orders and disobeyed us. By that right, you should all be executed.” The elderly angel snapped his fingers, and suddenly, Gabriel and the others were forced to their knees as Delphine, and his squad unsheathed their weapons. Michael grew fearful for his friends. His eyes widen at the sight of swords being raised above their heads. Panicking, he yells out a loud shout.

“STOP! They are innocent in this.” Metatron raised a hand, halting the executing

“Yet they sinned as well, thus making them guilty,” said Mortimer.

“Uriel and the others were against the plan. I goaded them into following me. The blame is solely mine and mine alone.” Tears were now forming in the young angel’s eyes. “If someone must be punished, let it be me, but spare them. I beg of you.” Michael could not hold back the tears anymore. Metatron glanced at Ezekial and Mortimer, and the three angles silently nodded in unison.

“Very well, Michael. Your friend’s punishment will still be severe. They are stripped of their ranks and status and will no longer serve in the Arch Angel corps. They will live out their services as worker angels, helping the creator. But they will live.” Michael let out a sigh of relief. Metatron ordered Delphie and her men to stand down. Gabriel and the others get from the floor, breathing quickly. However, the trial was not over. Suddenly, Micheal is pinned to the ground by two of Delphi’s angels. Before he could think, he felt two strong hands grip his metal wings. Struggling to free himself, he was helped by a foot stamped onto his back. Michael felt his wings pulled from his body with sheer force and strength. The bones, skin, tendons, and muscles were tearing from the metal. Finally, with one last pull, he felt his wings separate from his body. He was now mortal. His body grew numb, and he felt nothing but pain and misery. With the two angels raising his, Michael weakly looked at the Council.

Metatron took the wings from Delphi. “This is but a taste of your punishment. You will be executed unless you have anything else to say?”

The two angles hoisted Michael to his feet and helped him stable himself. Breathing erratically, he gathered his thoughts before speaking. “Xathaniel is alive.”

A commotion broke out in the chambers. Ezekial brought everyone back to order. Mortimer got up from his seat. It had been eons since anyone mentioned that name. He flew down the Michael cupped his head in his hand. “What did you just say?” Michael cleared his throat once more.

“Xathaniel is alive, and I have proof.”

Ezekiel ordered the two angles to hoist Michael back up to his feet. He glared menacingly at the former angel.

“Choose your next words very carefully, Michael.” The former angel nodded and asked Delphi to bring Margret before the Council. Inside the room were the sounds of gasps and shock as this was the first time a mortal had been brought forth before the Holy Council. Margret was scared, of course. She was in a room full of strangers. She glanced over to Michael, who reassured her that everything was alright.

“Go ahead, Margret, tell them what you told Raphael and me,” said Michael. The young girl cleared her throat and explained to the Council what had happened. She told the Council about the black-winged angel, how he “knew” of an attack, escorting them to a field and spoke the forbidden tongue, and how she escaped and hid in an abandoned factory and eventually met Michael and the other angels. After her explanation, the Council was silent. Many discussed the news amongst themselves. Metatron was the first to speak.

“This child is the only survivor?” Michael and the others nod their heads. Brushing his fingers through his long white hair, the Lord of Angels cleared his throat.

“Michael, do you swear this is the truth?”

The former angel nodded once more. “I swear to you all this is the truth. I know my word means nothing now, but I would never fabricate this, and I believe you know that to be true, my lord.”

Metatron let out a deep sigh. He had long thought his past in the Angel Civil War was forgotten, but it had not forgotten him.