Entry tags:

!closed, #complete, *log, aziraphale, castiel, gabriel, god, loki, michael

[ part one of two ]
WHO: God and: Castiel, Gabriel, Michael, Aziraphale, and Loki
WHAT: Before leaving Colligo, the Almighty pays a visit to each of her angels, individually.
WHEN: From Sunday (Mother's Day) to Wednesday afternoon
WHERE: Various locations around the city
RATING: PG-13 (language, mostly)
STATUS: Complete; logs
NOTES: Part one of two. Part two can be found here.

The time had almost come for God to depart from Colligo for a while. Although she knew she would return soon enough, more than likely, she also knew that there were going to be events taking place in her absence that were going to test the faith of even her most devout: her angels. And so she had opted to speak to each one of them before departing, both to inform them of her intentions as well as offer a few parting words of advice. She knew what she had to say would likely seem ambiguous at first, but she also knew that when the time came, the meaning behind her words would be made rather obvious. And the first on her list to receive said words was Castiel.

She had chosen Castiel first for a handful of reasons. Primarily because, out of all of her angels present, he was the one who often relied on her guidance the most. Interacting with humanity was still far newer to him than it was to most of the others. She also knew that, although his faith was never in doubt, the fact that she was leaving at all would likely distress him to some extent. After all he had been all but abandoned by her in his own reality. True this wasn't the same, but he had only just realized that, in his world, God truly had given up. So to lose her now, here, was going to be difficult for him at best. Which meant she would speak with him first and, based upon his reaction, would then inform his brothers how they might best aid him in her absence.

Sending him a message, asking him to meet her at the very same park in which they had originally met face to face, God sat upon the very same bench where Castiel had sat and prayed to her all those months before. There was a low murmur of people exiting the nearby church following a Mother's Day sermon. God paid them little mind, her thoughts on Castiel. She knew he would be along at any moment. As she waited, her gaze flickered up to the blue skies above and her lips quirked upward in a smile at the sight of a baby bird hopping about on the edge of a nest that was perched upon one of the branches of the tree behind her.

"You wish to see me Father?" Castiel stood before her, his head lowered in deference.  He had been at Sam's apartment when he got the message, guiding Sam's new pet towards aeronautic proficiency.  The creature had been rather a blessing for Castiel in the difficult time he found himself if.  Squeaky's needs were easy to attend to and he demanded little (though he demanded it often).  For a being that found every day full of challenges it was pleasing to come across a problem he understood, a need he could address.  Simply touching the animal made him feel relaxed.  He would definitely have to send a message to Adam, thanking him for the wonderful distraction.  Castiel was seeking distractions right now.

This qualified.  You didn't feel sorry for yourself in the presence of the Lord.  You listened to every word and worked out how best to attend to His wishes.  You made the effort to understand Him and if you did not understand you asked for clarification.   If you had a need you brought it to Him and He would decide if He wished to address it then or if He preferred you to, with or without His advice.  You put other thoughts aside and held yourself correctly and knew, all the safe, that He knew all of your thought and fears and concerns.  Castiel waited patiently for his Father's words, already calmed by His presence.

God's gaze slid away from the baby bird who, by this point, had managed to hop off of the nest and closer to its mother perched nearby on another part of the branch. Any moment now, the bird would find itself forced to learn to fly whether it was ready or not. The mother would give it one last bit of advice, one final shove, and that would be that. Survival at that point would depend primarily upon the bird itself and whether or not it was truly prepared to put to use the lessons its mother had taught it thus far. As the Lord looked to Castiel, she was able to easily see the paralleled similarities. It was time for him to put to use the lessons which she had taught him. She wouldn't be here to guide him in a direct fashion, at least not for a while, and during her absence every success and failure he was faced with would depend primarily upon him.

Yes, Her voice drifted across his essence, ever mindful of the humans in close enough proximity and their incapability of withstanding the sound of her true voice. Outwardly she simply continued to smile and lightly patted the empty part of the bench upon which she sat. Come, Castiel. Sit with me. I've some things to discuss with you. She offered no insight but it was clear from both her expression as well as her tone that she wasn't upset with him. This wasn't a rebuking. However there was a touch of sorrow in her eyes, if one looked close enough to notice, that seemed to be a direct contradiction to her current seemingly carefree nature.

Castiel was ever so slightly relieved by his Father's relaxed invitation to sit.  He had made a error, he was not to be rebuked.  Perhaps his Lord had something he was required to do?  He was ready.  He always was.  "Yes, Father," he said and sat himself near Him but not touching.  He felt emboldened to look his Father in the face.  "Thank you for this beautiful day Father."  And he gave a reserved little smile.  He loved to look into his Father's face.  It warmed his chest and made his vessel's fingers tingle.  "What do you wish to tell me Father?"

There was no easy way to say what God needed to say. There was no easing into it, nothing that would change it in any way to make it something more pleasing to the ear. The best way was simply to say it and be done with it and yet even the Almighty was remiss to do such a thing. She knew that Castiel still had a ways to go and the fact that she would not be there to directly guide him in the next series of challenges he faced was something that filled her with a great sorrow. Glancing over at him, her feet swinging idly beneath her seat, she gently took his closest hand within her own.

I've something to tell you, Castiel, she began. Her forehead furrowed and eyebrows drew together a bit. It was only then that a touch of the sadness she felt was visible in the down-turned corners of her mouth. I must take my absence from this place for a while. My attentions are required elsewhere. She chose her words carefully. Strategically, although she highly doubted he would realize as much until well after it all was said and done. For the time being she paused, allowing his reaction to the beginning of what she had to say before delving any further.

Fear gripped Castiel when his Father took his hand.  Not fear of his Father but fear that what his Father had to tell him was going to be so hard to hear He felt the need to take his hand.
His body was tense despite the proximity of his Father.  All he could to was listen, looking his Father almost in the eye.  His Father spoke the words.  Castiel took them in.  He knew his Father would not go without good reason.  He had said 'for a while'.  This was also important.  "So you will be returning," he offered for confirmation.  His mind was reeling.  What could call their Father away?  Was this to do with the apocalypse?  Was he going to take action when His other aspect did not?  It was not for Castiel to ask but there was something he could offer.  "Father, if there anything you need me to do?  Do you have orders for me before you go?"  His tone became very chaste.  "Am I permitted to know when you will return?"  His eyes were full of concern, tension in his stomach rising to clutch at his heart.  His breathing became tight.  He told himself it was no reason for concern.  He had never had this kind of contact with his Father.  But then, he had always believed Him to be right there, hearing his prayers, issuing his orders.  The concept of his Father inaccessible... "Father... will you still be able to hear me?"

God had expected the questions as well as the fear that came with her words. She knew, out of all her angels, Castiel depended upon her the most for guidance. It was as it should be - he'd had the least amount of guidance back home, after all - but she also knew that now was the time for him to once again trust his brethren and learn that there were simply some things that she could not personally fix for them. There were some things they had to do on their own and those things were fast approaching.

If it is meant for me to return, I will, came her first, carefully worded reply. So very much of her answer depended, ultimately, on the choices of others. While each outcome was an ineffable one, that ineffability relied heavily upon what decisions were made in her absence. She could only set the wheels into motion. She couldn't force anyone - neither human nor angel - to make any choice that would lead to any particular outcome. It was a difficult concept for those with such devout faith as Castiel to grasp but that didn't make it any less true.

As for you, she continued gently, You are to continue to guide Dean. Ensure he does nothing too terribly foolish. Should he find his own faith is waning and his common sense blinded by emotion, do not allow any doubts he may feel to make your decisions for you. Know that all is not always as it appears to be. That was all she could offer, all the hinting toward what was to come that she was able to part with. Her smile, although still tinged with a touch of sorrow, grew a bit. Reaching out with her free hand, she gently cupped the angel's cheek and met his gaze directly.

I will always be able to hear you, Castiel. Even when it seems I do not answer, it does not mean I have forsaken you.

Castiel looked full into his Father's eyes, still for a moment, just feeling the connection between them, soaking it up to last him the long days till his Father's return.  He did not wish to entertain the idea that He wouldn't.  "I will guide him, Father.  I will remind him of Your presence, your words to him when I feel he needs to hear it.  I will also watch over Sam.  He has improved greatly, Father.  He has chosen a righteous path.  I have come to care for him as a friend.  I will do all you ask in your absence.  I will work with my brothers.  Loki has been a great help to me.  He has answers to many of my questions.  I will help watch Adam.  Our relationship has improved."  He gave a soft smile.

He ran through all the matters concerning him at the time but, apart from the loss of Jo, it was peaceful.  He had time to relax with his friends, to get to know them better.  To experience more of life.  "I am learning the things you wished me to, Father.  I believe I can continue to do so in your absence.  I know better what you expect of me.  I will ask my brothers if I am unsure."  He was concerned with putting his Father at ease.  If God was leaving it was because He has something important and difficult to do.  He did not need to be distracted by concern for an angel who could well take care of himself with a little more faith in his judgment.  At his Father's lost words he closed his eyes.  "Thank you Father.  I will speak to you as I always have so you may have our voices where you go."  He rested his head in his Father's hand, warm and relaxed.  Stealing the peace for when he had none.

God knew all of the things that Castiel said but, much like with her other angels, she did enjoy hearing it directly from them. Unnecessary, perhaps, but there were so few who were on the same level upon which she was that rarely was she ever truly surprised. Therefore she took pleasure where she could and having others confide in her was certainly one way of doing so. Her smile remained loving and gentle as he spoke, fingers dancing upon the flesh of his vessel's cheek. You make me very proud, Castiel, she admitted after a brief pause, when he'd finished speaking. Do not allow anyone to convince you otherwise, I do not care who they might happen to be.

The urge to protect him from what was to come, to simply tell him what would transpire, was a strong one. She ignored it. To do so would be disastrous. Not because he couldn't handle the truth but because anymore involvement from her would cause irreparable damage in the long run. So she simply moved closer and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, her eyes sliding closed for a brief moment as she allowed her love for him to wash over his very essence. When she pulled away, she also withdrew her hand and rose to her feet. Take care, Little One, she murmured.

Then, with a slight breeze that caused a rustling of the leaves in the trees, she was gone. There was still work to be done before her departure and time was quickly running out.

Castiel's eyes closed.  The wind was cold on his face.  He didn't move for a very long time.

---

It was Sunday, Mother's Day specifically, and Gabriel...well, he was kind of a douchebag. This wasn't exactly news, but it was relevant. It was specifically relevant to this day because Gabriel was going to see God. After Sam's birthday, and the whole 'Happy Birthday! Sorry I fucked with you' card and accompanying porno, he'd gotten into the holiday spirit. Which brings us back to how Gabriel was a total douche. He was standing outside God's door with a Mother's Day card, flowers and a cake. Because he was a good son, and because he really couldn't resist the urge to simultaneously be nice and annoy his "Mom". It was really Her fault for telling him he could call Her Mom...or not telling him he couldn't. One of the two.

He grinned and knocked on the door, waiting. At least he hadn't gotten Her the same sort of gift he got Sam. Give him some credit. You don't buy your mom gay porn.

God had been expecting Gabriel and smiled when the knock sounded at the door. She had considered, briefly, just opening it as he approached but had decided to let him have his fun and do things the way he wanted. Yes, there were times he could be... less than proper - which was putting it very mildly - but she really wouldn't have him any other way. He was who he was, there was little changing that, and despite some of the things he did from time to time, he did care. Far more than he typically let on or was willing to admit.

Making her way to the door, she opened it and smiled up at him. She had to admit, the flowers were a nice touch. The cake was far more for his benefit than hers, really. He had quite a sweet tooth, after all, and the card simply caused her to shake her head in bemusement. Out of all of her angels he certainly had the quirkiest sense of humor. She wondered if he realized just how much it tended to parallel her own, at times.

Stepping aside, she simply motioned for him to come in. They could hardly have their conversation in the doorway. Well, they could, but it would go much better over cake. And although he was here mainly for a social call, there were things she needed to discuss with him just as she had things to discuss with all of his brothers. But for the moment she would humor him. There would be time for business soon enough.

Gabriel smiled at God when She opened the door. He really did love his Mother, just like any good child would. Coming in, he set the cake and the card on the table along with the flowers, once he produced a vase of water for them, before hugging the Lord. "Hey there Ma," he said with a grin. "Happy Mother's Day. How's my favorite Lord Almighty?" And, you know, his only Lord Almighty...here anyway. It was unlikely two could coexist without problems.

He looked at his Mom and smiled, almost knowingly. "Oh snap," he said, "I'd almost say you have serious business to talk about. Well, nothing goes better with serious business than cake." He pulled out a chair for her and grinned, waiting for her to sit before sitting in one of the other chairs. "So, what's the sitch?" So, he'd been watching Kim Possible with Loki earlier, so what? Shut up.

Out of all her angels, save perhaps Loki, Gabriel was the one who had embraced the more current side of humanity. Michael loved them above all else, just as she had commanded. Aziraphale, while having lived amongst them for so very long, had never quite caught up with humanity as it had forged forward into the twenty-first century. And Castiel still had so very much to learn. So it was no great surprise that Gabriel was the one who would use such unusual phrasing, nor was it a surprise that he would be the one to bring her gifts for Mother's Day, of all things.

Really, there was little that was a surprise, but the archangel's behavior was especially expected. It was also appreciated. Her discussions with her angels were not easy ones. Knowing what she knew and what was to come made the task difficult. Being unable to guide them with more than a few words of wisdom that appeared as anything but at the onset was downright heartbreaking. So to have Gabriel, and his propensity for making light of most any situation even when he understood perhaps best of all just how very serious it was, was a much welcomed change of what she knew was to come.

God took her seat. The smile that played upon her lips was still an amused one. Really, Gabriel, you should know better than to allow Loki's adoration of cartoons affect you so. The admonishment was hardly a serious one, more of a parent who was simply pointing out to one of her elder children that encouraging one of the younger ones wasn't always the best idea. Then her expression grew a bit more somber as she prepared to tell him what she had to say.

Although, cake first. Instantly the cake was sliced and two pieces appeared on plates, one in front of her and the other in front of him. She reached for her fork but did not take a bite, instead looking to him as she said simply, The time is coming for me to take my leave of this place. It is... difficult to say for certain, whether or not I will be returning.

Honestly, out of everything she had to say, that was the hardest part. She knew of Gabriel's issues with the incantation of her that had abandoned Creation, in his reality. She understood his frustration, his sense of betrayal and anger. It was in part why she felt she owed him a warning ahead of time - owed all of her angels the same warning - and why she also wanted to make certain he knew this wasn't something she necessarily had a choice in but was rather simply how it had to be.

Gabriel looked at his slice of cake, but didn't speak for a moment. This wasn't his version of God, but that didn't mean he automatically saw them as especially different. "So," he said, "is this the 'fucking off because I'm done with this bullshit, screw you very much' sort of leaving," he asked, sounding calmer than he felt, "or the 'I can't be here if things are gonna go the way they need to, so put on your big boy pants and act like a grown up' sort?"

He didn't often admit it, but he needed Her as much as Castiel did. As much as he tried to portray a devil may care attitude, as unfortunate as the term was in this case, he needed his family, possibly more than any of the others. It had hurt like hell, not literally thanks Cas, to leave them and to be without them for so long, but his family had been broken for a long time and he couldn't deal with that. He cared too damn much, no matter what people might think.

And then his Dad had left. Abandoned them. Gone to the store to get a pack of smokes and never come back. And that had gone down like an atom bomb, which is a lot worse than a lead balloon for you folks at home. He'd seen the mess that came with God leaving, he'd died because of it, and he didn't want a repeat. So sorry if he wasn't exactly thrilled with Mom going on a business trip to fuck knows where. He stabbed at his cake and took a bite. "Tell me it'll be okay," he said. "I don't care if it's true or not. Just tell me it will be."

God wanted to tell him it would be okay. Wanted to say that it would all work out, in the end. Unfortunately, she couldn't do that. Yes, Gabriel had said for her to lie if necessary, but she simply couldn't. Lying was not something she did and she certainly wasn't about to start, no matter how selfless the reasons might be. So instead she took a bite of the cake, chewed thoughtfully, swallowed, then finally replied gently, I realize you're angry and hurt, Gabriel, but there are simply some things that even I cannot guarantee. If I tell you that things will work out and they don't, I will have let you down even more than I have already.

A soft sigh and she lowered her own gaze to the cake. Her brow furrowed and lips turned downward into a thoughtful frown. The decisions of others, including your own, will determine just how things are going to turn out. My involvement would... complicate matters in a way that would be detrimental in the long run. Her gaze flickered back to him, the corners of her mouth raising up a bit in a faint smile.

So, it's time for you to put on your big boy pants and act like a grown up. You, as well as your brothers. There was a vague humor in her tone as she repeated his own words to him, but there was an undercurrent of somberness. Joking might help in some ways but it didn't lessen the blow by any means. Especially when she still had more to say. For now though, she took another bite of cake and waited for him to voice his own opinion on the subject. It was best, she knew, to get their issues sorted through before her departure.

Somehow, even though it wasn't what he wanted, it was what he needed. Funny how things work. False platitudes were nice and all, but he would have known it was bullshit the second She said it, and in the end he would have been more pissed off. He was contrary like that. Give him what he asked for and he'd never be happy with it, because he didn't know what he wanted. "Okay," he said, nodding. "Okay. I get it. No happy little lies to make the kids feel better." Because that wasn't how life worked. "You haven't let me down, Mom. Dad did, and he's not getting a Father's Day card." He gave a small, wry smile. She got him better than the others did.

"So, I've got some decisions to make and if I fuck it up, you don't come back?" He leaned back in his chair and rolled his eyes. "No pressure there. I mean, you might as well tell me I gotta do everything right or this place'll implode." But that was God for you. She couldn't just tell you what you had to do. She had to be all damn circumspect. "So, got any guidance? Since telling me what to do isn't how you roll."

God smiled lightly. Leave it to Gabriel to pinpoint pretty much everything in his own way. Well, except for the implosion part. More than likely, at least. She wasn't about to tell him that, though. Instead she simply took another bite of cake, chewed, and swallowed before answering.

Listen to Loki.

Three words and yet they were hardly ones that she was accustomed to using in the same sentence. Perhaps with a very large 'don't' in front of them, but certainly not as she'd just said them. Yet she knew it was the best advice she could hope to offer him. Not the only advice, of course, but certainly what would make the most sense when the time came. Still, just to be safe, she elaborated.

I realize it isn't something you hear often, but in this instance Loki will know what he's doing. Listen to him. Try not to fight so much with Michael, as well. You both have your differences, Boy wasn't that putting it mildly, But he means well. And you will both need to work together if you are to see this through. Scooping up another bite of cake with her fork, she held it partway to her lips and glanced across the table at him.

Most of all, though, don't doubt yourself. I know to most it seems that is hardly an issue you face, but we both know that isn't entirely true. When the time comes, know that you're more than equipped to do what you need to do. Have faith in yourself, and your abilities, Gabriel. I certainly do.

"Listen to Loki?"

The words were spoken with amused disbelief. "There's actually situations where that works? Besides suggesting cartoons to watch?" He loved Loki, as he loved all his brothers, but he wasn't exactly someone who screamed 'good judgment'. It was more like he screamed a bunch of ADHD bullshit, shot a guy and then sat down with a bowl of Lucky Charms and the Cartoon Network. No, really. It happened last week. Or maybe not. The shooting and the Lucky Charms did, anyway.

"Fine, fine," he said. "I'll listen to Loki. And I'll play nice with Mikey...you know...as long as he's less of a total toolbox than usual." He raised an eyebrow. "He means well? Really Mom? That's like saying he has a lot of heart. And everyone knows 'a lot of heart' is the nice way of saying someone's functionally retarded and completely useless. But, like I said, I'll be good and not throw a kegger while you're gone." He finished his cake and leaned back in his chair.

The last bit made him smile. "You know me," he said, then stopped, because She did know him. With a frustrated sigh, he nodded. "I won't doubt myself, Mom. If you're saying I'll be good enough, I'll be good enough. Simple as that." He smiled. "Thanks."

You needn't thank me for simply speaking the truth, Gabriel, God replied with a smile of her own. However, you're welcome just the same. Her final bite of cake gone as well, her plate and fork disappeared just as his had. Also, she added, Do assist in guiding Adam, should it become needed. He means well but has a lot to learn and if there is anyone here who can do so without swaying him too much, it's you.

And that was that. Her advice had been given, yet she wasn't quite ready for their get together to end. It had been far, far too long since they had spoken properly, and she couldn't say for certain when it would happen again. Or if it ever would.

Because that was the problem, when it came to Gabriel. Her other angels still had the capacity to return to their rightful realities. He, however, did not. His time had come to an end there and, should she not be capable of returning here, this would be the last time they would speak face to face. It wasn't something she particularly wanted to dwell on, and knew the odds of it happening were slim, but it was still a possibility. Even for the Almighty, such a thing was difficult to accept.

"Of course." This was one order Gabriel had no problems following. He had a soft spot for the British Antichrist. He'd been ready to write him off for being British, assuming that like Aziraphale he'd be more likely to offer tea than do anything worth noting, and then the kid had gone and made pirate worlds and dinosaurs and made himself interesting. Who'd have thunk it? Anyway, the point was it would be a cold day in Hell, not the bottom circle since it was always cold there, before he let anything happen to the boy.

He got why God hadn't sent him on his way and he raised an eyebrow and gave Her a grin. "Come on, Ma," he said jovially. "I know I'm the most awesome, but turn that frown upside down. You'll see me again, provided nobody fucks up too badly...okay, so maybe there's a tiny reason to worry, but don't. It'll be fine. Have a little faith." It was an odd thing to say to God of all beings, but he was just teasing to lighten Her mood. Mostly.

It certainly worked. God's worried expression was replaced with an amused smile tinged with fondness. He really was quite special and one of the few of her angels who could bring a smile to her face no matter what might be weighing heavily upon her mind. I will miss you while I'm gone, she murmured before sighing slightly and rising to her feet. Unfortunately, I also have much to do before taking my leave. Moving to where he sat, God continued to smile as she placed her hand upon his cheek.

Try not to stir up too much trouble while I'm away, hm? Of course, she knew it was a bit of a lost cause. If Gabriel decided he wanted to make waves, he was going to do just that. However she knew he wouldn't cause any real damage. He might teach humans lessons, and might put up a rather jaded front, but she also knew his heart. And he certainly had a good one.

Pressing a light kiss to his forehead, she stepped back and the door behind her swung open to reveal the hallway beyond. Take care, Gabriel. I will hopefully speak with you soon. And don't forget to lock up when you leave. With that said and another grin, she vanished from sight. The flowers he'd given her swayed in the breeze left behind in her wake.

"I'll miss you too," Gabriel said sincerely. But her could never maintain sincerity for long. It gave him hives. "Go on and talk to the others. I bet Mikey cries. He's a secret softy." He hugged Her again, rolling his eyes at the kiss to his forehead. Come on! It wasn't like she was sending him off to his first day of preschool. "I won't stir up any more than usual," he assured her. "Maybe even less, depending on how annoying the humans get."

Then She was gone and he looked around. After a moment, he sat down and cut himself another piece of cake.

---

Following her conversations with Castiel and Gabriel, God set out to speak with Michael next. Out of all of her angels, he had perhaps one of the most difficult tasks ahead of him. Tasks which she simply could not tell him directly about without affecting free will. Which meant she had to be subtle yet still somehow get her message across clearly enough that he understood what she wished from him when the time came. Not that it mattered terribly much, really. Michael was going to ultimately do that which he felt was best to protect those around him. His love for humanity did, at times, outweigh even her own, and he'd already long since proven that he would do whatever it took to keep them safe no matter the personal cost. However were he to react too swiftly to the threat on the horizon, the situation could easily spiral out of control. Were he to wait too long, all might be lost. It was difficult, doing her best to line up the various pieces in a way that it all led to the best outcome possible. It took faith in both her angels and in mankind, even from her. Yet God knew that it would sort itself out one way or another. She was simply attempting to keep the repercussions to a minimum.

So she sent Michael a message to meet with her and made her way to the lake near the Colligo University. There were people milling about, mostly students and a fair majority of them locals. None of them would disrupt the conversation about to take place. Not only would she simply exude her Will to keep it from happening, the fact of the matter was not many of the locals did more than glance her way most of the time. It was how it should be. Were they aware of her true presence, they likely would not know how to process such information. It would be a mess, to put it mildly. As it was, it was already difficult at times for those from other realities, stuck here, who learned of her true identity, and none of them were under direct control by the being responsible for bringing them here.

Sitting down on a spot of grass overlooking the water - her usual spot where she typically watched both the sunrise and sunset, in fact - the Lord watched the slight ripples in the surface of the lake with a soft smile upon her face. She had work left to do before she took her leave, work beyond that of simply speaking with her angels, and time was pressing down upon her growing more and more insistence. For now, however, she was content to simply sit and enjoy the natural beauty of a city which so many loathed merely on principle, as she waited for one of her most beloved of angels to arrive.

Michael received the message from the Almighty with only a small amount of puzzlement.  It wasn't as if it was unusual for him to have some kind of mission, but he simply wondered what he would be needed to do here in Colligo.  Most of his time thus far had been consumed with watching over Charlie and her child and catching up with his brothers, especially Castiel.  Considering all the unusual happenings lately, Michael was eager to find out what he was needed for.

He made his way to the place he had been told to go on foot, taking in the sights and watching the people as he went.  It was true, he did love humans, perhaps more than he ought to.  However, this love for humans had kept them safe and kept the world going as it had for some time.  He was no longer considering rejoining them, as he had when he had been fighting to save Charlie and her baby.  His wings were still intact, the metal ring around his throat and the angelic tattoos covering his chest and arms.  He would remain an angel now, watching these people and keeping them safe.  A small smile tugged up the corner of his mouth as he watched them while he walked.  Some still stared at his wings, which he rarely attempted to hide anymore, but many of the people (at least the ones that had been brought here by supernatural means rather than the natives) seemed used to all the strange creatures here.

He spotted the Almighty near the lake, just where He said He would be.  Michael's hands were clasped behind his back as he approached, bowing deeply when he was near.  "You called, Father.  What service may I do You?"

God rose to her feet as Michael approached. There was a smile upon her face, an expression that well hid the worry that was coursing through her very essence. She knew all would play out as it was meant to, but getting there was going to be a difficult experience for all involved. Especially for some more than others, with Michael falling firmly into the former category rather than the latter. Walk with me, Michael, she said first and foremost. She moved to the path that led around the lake already knowing he would fall into step beside her. After all, the only orders he'd ever questioned had been ones that - in hindsight, she admitted - he had meant to question. A simple walk was certainly not one of them.

Her demeanor did not reveal her sense of urgency and, although her look was a slightly pensive one as she glanced up at him from the diminutive height of her feminine form, God's smile was still a gentle one. Filled with love and peace the likes of which only the Almighty could truly possess. It was, perhaps, the greatest hint to those who did not know of her on sight as to who she truly was. After a few steps along the path she spoke once more, the words washing over him rather than being spoken aloud so as to spare the lives of the humans present.

The time has come for me to take my leave of this place. I cannot say for certain when, or even if, I will return. The words were spoken simply, without inflection. Her own feelings on the matter were, ultimately, irrelevant. It had to be done, plain and simple. She paused, briefly, before tearing her gaze away from a teenager playing fetch with a dog just up ahead to glance sideways at the angel beside her. I need for you to set aside your... difficulties with Gabriel and work with him, as well as with Loki, when the time comes. You will know when that is. I also need for you to focus on protecting Charlie's son. I realize you care for Charlie, as well you should. However it is the child who must remain out of harm's way, ultimately. She had a bit more to add but fell silent, wanting to make absolutely certain he understood as well as had no objections. Normally she wouldn't stand for such things but, when it came to Michael, she made certain exceptions. After all, he had been willing to give up everything - including his own life - for his beliefs. She couldn't afford him to take a stance against the way things must be now, not when so very much depended upon it.

Of course the Archangel fell immediately and easily into step beside the human woman that was acting as the current form of his Father, without even having to pause and think about the request.  Such simple commands were obeyed immediately.  It was only the large commands that Michael would ever stop to consider on his own before obeying or not.  His hands remained clasped behind his back and he looked straight ahead, rather than at the Almighty or the people around him.  He was focused entirely on the conversation taking place and what it entailed.  The idea of Father leaving was somewhat troubling for him, but the angel knew that he could handle the absence.  It wouldn't be the first time.  He was concerned, however, for some of the other angels.  Castiel was certain to be troubled by the absence of his Father.  Hopefully He would have similar conversations with the others, as Michael certainly didn't want to have to be the one to break such news to the others, though of course he would if asked.

He nodded at the mention of His leaving, taking it in stride, though it was somewhat troubling.  It was something he could deal with and he made sure to acknowledge the comment.  However, when his Father requested that he work together with Loki and Gabriel, admittedly not his favorite brothers, his eyebrows furrowed in a gesture that he had often seen humans make when they were troubled or confused.  Between this and the warning that he should protect the child above Charlie, Michael was eager to know exactly what was going on here.

"Father, You know I trust You, but it is difficult for me to agree to this without more information about what is coming."  He shook his head and stared ahead again, considering all he had been told and asked.  He would work with Loki and Gabriel in as much as they would work with him.  He would make the effort.  It was the command that he should protect Charlie's son above all else that caused him the most pause.  He wondered why he would be asked such a thing, rather than simply asked to protect them both.  He felt sure that there was something he was not being told, but surely he could protect them both?

After another moment, he sighed and spoke again.  "I shall do as You ask to the best of my ability, though I do not understand.  But I'm sure You knew that I would," he said, a small grin at the corner of his mouth.

She had expected as much. Michael wouldn't be Michael if he didn't question things which made little sense to him. Any other time, well almost any other time, she would have humored him as well. He was one of her most trusted, a general in her army, and as such she knew that there was information that he simply had to be privy to that others didn't. Unfortunately this time there was little more elaboration she could make and the faint tinge of regret was present in her tone as she replied.

The path you're facing is not an easy one, Michael, but it is as it should be. To tell you much more would be to sway the balance in a way that simply cannot be done. I realize, in the past, you have disagreed with some of my decisions. However, much as you once restored my faith in humanity, I now ask that you retain your own faith in regards to myself as well as both you and your brethren. Neither Gabriel nor Loki stand against you, despite how it may at times appear. She sighed softly and glanced up at him. I know it troubles you, that I make the distinction between Charlie and her son. However such a distinction must be made. Charlie herself would not wish you to choose her over the safety of the boy. See that you do not. His survival is paramount, above all else.

She turned her gaze back to the path, falling silent for a brief moment before adding, I have spoken with some of your brothers already and will speak with the rest before I leave. If you wish to discuss that which I've told you, with them, that is fine. However do not be angered if some of them cannot or will not do the same. Simply know they are doing what they feel is the right course of action, just as I'm certain you will do the same. Again she fell silent, giving him a chance to respond. Their time together was coming to an end, after all, so any questions he may have would have to be asked now.

Michael nodded in agreement with what his Father said.  He understood that free will had to reign, no matter the circumstance, but he would be lying if he said that it did not bother him to have so little knowledge of something that was clearly so important.  Something was looming dark in the future, of that he was sure, but that was all he could be sure of.  The Almighty would not be having this discussion with him if it were merely that He were going away for awhile.  There was more to the story, but the angel understood why he could not know of it.

"I will work with them as You request," he answered, bowing his head toward the woman standing next to him.  "They are my brothers, despite everything else."  He had known this from the beginning, but it was difficult to let your guard down around those whom you found to be so suspect.  But if his Father commanded this, he would do it.  His faith in the Almighty was still unwavering.  If He felt that Gabriel and Loki could be trusted, then trust is what Michael would do.  "And I will protect Bobby, no matter the cost."  He knew that his Father was correct.  Even Charlie would not want him to save her life only to sacrifice the child.  He had been willing to sacrifice Charlie once for the safety of the child, he would have to prepare himself to perhaps do so again.  The child must come first.  Michael straightened with the weight of his new task, his new frame of mind.  It was the boy above all others that must be protected.  Everyone else would come second or not at all.

"You need not be concerned, Father.  I will take care of everything, when the time comes."

I know you will, came God's reply. It wasn't him she was worried about, at least not directly. Michael had his own mind, his own opinions, but ultimately he was one of her most loyal. She also knew, once Lucifer arrived, the majority of what she said would make sense to him. He was well aware of his destiny in destroying his brother. It was hardly a thing one tended to forget. Turning to face him directly, her head tilted back to peer up at him, the smile on her face was a loving one. Reaching up with her hand, she gently brushed her fingers down his cheek.

Your faith is an asset, as is your ability to do that which others simply cannot. However, your capacity to think for yourself and infer my Will as you see it rather than how it may appear to be is your greatest ally, Michael. Make certain to keep that in mind in the upcoming weeks. It will aid you far more greatly than anything else I can leave you with. Then she took a step back and her smile became humorous. Just remember that your brothers also have ideas worth merit and, sometimes, help can come from the most unlikely of places. Another pause before she added simply, And always remember my love for you remains constant and my pride for you knows no bounds.

Stepping back, she continued to smile as she gave a slight wave of her hand. She'd spoken with three of her angels. There were two left and then, her time was up. With that thought, she disappeared from sight. A gentle breeze was the only indication she had ever been there to begin with.

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