Assaciel's Story

The angel expected that reaction from Isabella so she wasn't much bothered by it, at her question which was also another thing that she anticipated, Assaciel frankly responded, "Lyra's soul is in Heaven. All I did was answer her prayer, she wanted this Isabella." Even if she could explain her reasons it would do nothing to console the girl, she had lost a dear friend, and there was absolutely nothing in the world the angel could do to make anything better for her. Sensing the others around her react at her arrival, Assaciel remained still, not making any sudden movements so as not to cause unnecessary fright about her. She came in peace as clichéd as that sounded, and was only present to aid -nothing more. She switched her gaze to the next face that called to her, this one a huntress, Selene. She too was interested in the human girl's status, "You all need to understand this, Lyra has given me consent to serve as a vessel. I'm here because God commanded it, and I will follow through with my orders, there is a great war coming and it must be apprehended, which means Isabella must be kept away from those who wish to use her for power," the angel's eyes surveyed the bunch that had collected around her, as of now it appeared that none of these people would be prepared for the great danger that the Lombardi girl would face had she been attacked now. Perhaps the hunter would be, but she could also see that they had yet to form a tight unit, or even a plan of action. Good thing she dropped in.

Michael petted the top of Isabella's head, finding consolation rather natural on his part, he would try to soothe the distraught Italian girl but this was a pain much worse for her than anything yet, and he could tell that there would be much more to come. Glancing at Selene, he whispered further clarification, "That's not Lyra anymore, Assaciel is riding inside her now, and that means it's really getting serious. Not a simple case anymore love," he eyed the auburn haired girl curiously, this would also be his first at witnessing an angel full on. He couldn't say he would enjoy this much. angels and vampires weren't exactly BFFs after all, it would be tough, but they were all on the same team so maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

"So that's it, Lyra's soul is in Heaven, she's dead now?" Michael asked Assaciel, just to be on the sure side, a question he was positive Isabella would want answered as well.

Assaciel stared at the vampire, her face unfazed by the creature's presence what so ever, at his query she took no longer than a heartbeat to say,"That depends on many factors, but most importantly if Lyra decides she wants to return when all this is over."

"So she's not dead then, just sitting it out in cloud 9? And why her of all people?"

"Correct. And finding a vessel durable enough to contain me --it's not easy. Now, tell me your status." This time she was directing this to the hunter Dean, who just like her was of celestial blood, but not so heavenly. She had heard of him amongst the angels, of his father who like no other had defied expectations and twisted his role of a demon into those of a hero, siding for the sake of humanity over destruction and chaos. It was why, she was more than happy to assist them in this cause, save the world, save its people.

Dean stared at the girl now revealed to be an angel, he couldn't believe it. One second ago she was "testing" her faith and then suddenly a big flash and now she's an angel? Was that even possible? Well he had seen demon possessions, so who was he kidding? But an angel-possession? Really? It had to be something else because it all just sounded ridiculous to his ears.

"Look, pal I'm not buying a thing you're selling. So who are you, really? A demon?"

"You can't shoot her, you'll be shooting Lyra too Dean," Veratos warned him, gripping at his hand as she caught him reaching instinctively for the weapon.

"I told you. I'm here to rescue both you and Isabella."

"Right and why would someone, especially an angel want to rescue me?"

"Good things do happen."

Dean scoffed, "Not in my experience."

Assaciel's head fell into a slight tilt, he wasn't like most people, interesting.

"What's the matter? You don't think you deserve to live?"

She had touched a nerve, he asked forcefully, "Why'd you do this?"

"Because we have work for you."

"Well this is so interesting and all, but we should really get going now, sun's coming up." Aleksei said, appearing again as himself, he looked at the angel and nodded to her in greeting. "Thanks for coming over Assaciel, we could use your help." He had his fare share of angels before so none of this was new to him.

Dean asked, "What kind of work?" he ignored the pure blood already used to the vampire popping up randomly.

"That will be discussed when we're within much safer ground, as of now, you're all vulnerable." Assaciel replied to the hunter, then to the vampire she acknowledged him with a glance, "Is there a safe place that I can transport you all to?" She was speaking to the entire group now.

By transport she meant teleport, herself and them all through time and space to another location, she could cover great distances in a matter of seconds. So no airport would be required for when the time came to go to Italy. Aleksei could not help but ponder whether that was a good thing or a bad thing in their case. "Yes, my home, it's safe there, I've already prepared the place for Isabella's stay. We can discuss this there." He provided, reaching the angel then turning to the others to clarify a few things. "Isabella you have nothing to fear, your friend is safe as long as the angel is here, she won't let anything happen to Lyra's body I can promise you that. I know it's a bit much to take but remember it's what Lyra wanted too. She wanted to help you, not hinder you with worries, Salvatore was right, having her involved would only have put her in risk at the long haul. As you can see now, that changed the instant Assaciel took over, not all hope is lost. You will see Lyra again soon."

Dean crossed his arms but said nothing more of the matter, Aleksei was right for once, the hunter had no arguements against him. Now that Lyra was just a meat suit for a powerful angel, she wasn't as vulnerable any more and more of a necessity on their team than just another person he had to protect, along with Isabella. It was at this moment that he was seeing what Isabella had meant, they all needed to work together and rely on the power of a group in order to make it.

But what haunted him was the thoughts formulating in his mind, No world is without sacrifices, and it works both ways, if we produce casualties, we're likely to sustain casualties of our own. This won't be an easy fight, but I'll go down swingin' all the way. But it kills me to even think that we might not all come out of this in one piece. Because I know deep down that we won't. he frowned as he nodded back at the vampire and stepped closer, seeing Veratos take his hand and reach out to grab at Aleksei's offered one so that they could all form a link, he turned to take Isabella's although with her breaking down, he didn't think she would even want him to touch her so he placed a hand over Selene's shoulder. The vampire held Isabella, and she in turn was in contact with Michael.

He would give Assaciel a chance, but as soon as she showed even the slightest hint of betrayal, he would cast her out and send her packing right back to the attic upstairs if he had to. If there was something he couldn't stand, was bastards pretending to be people they weren't and hurting those he cared about. Maybe they were all sorta strangers and haven't known each other very long, but the hunter was already feeling like they were family and when it came to family he took that very seriously.

(Since apparently we are no longer in the forest, I'm just gonna leave it as Sable, cool?)

At the words, "Lyra's soul is in Heaven," everything around Isabella began to spin. A shrill ringing resounded in her ears, drowning out the conversations between her friends and the angel. Even her eyes had glossed over, and her body became rigid, as though she were suffering from shock. Everyone she had ever known and loved- literally, everyone- was gone. As Aleksei grasped her shoulders and attempted to explain the status of her friend to Isabella, she could hear nothing above the sound in her mind, only see his lips moving in slow motion, though she did not look at him directly.

Selene's eyes flared red again at the pounding of Isabella's heardbeat so close to her. It was in a panic, and pumping blood crazily to her system that was gradually shutting down. She looked to Aleksei for help, since she knew the little Italian wanted nothing to do with Dean in her moment of despair. Endless tears poured from her eyes, though she no longer made any noise as they reappeared in Aleksei's living room. Through her peripherals she recognized the setting, and was the first to rise and walk away from the others toward the courtyard where his elaborate garden waited.

She disappeared into the corridor and finally outside, where she stood at the ledge of the balcony and gazed despairingly into the darkness that engulfed the primly manicured field of wildflowers and greenery. Alone at last, she let out the deepest sob that had been aching to come out of her since her father had been killed. She leaned against the railing for support, her knees no longer able to carry her, and wept bitterly.

Selene watched the girl as she left, then rose and turned to the others, joining them in seating themselves in the parlor to address the arrival of the angel. There was nothing either of them could do to console the only human among them.

"This is getting worse," she said softly. "What do we do now?"

Assaciel shifted her gaze around the room, for the moment she could determine from the many servant vampires around them, coming and going at the ancestor's arrival, that Isabella would be safe here. At the Italian girl's retreat the angel followed her with her eyes until she left thrpugh the door way. Her mourning was also something she had known would come. It was best to leave her alone at a time like this. Returning her attention to the group, she caught Selene's words.

"What we do is plan ahead. But at the moment you all could use a good rest. It's been a long day. Let her rest as well, it won't be easy mean while I'm going to find the rogue angels Azera and Zeriel. They've become a problem. I will return as soon as possible. If you need me all you have to do is call my name and I will return."

Michael looked at Selene then to the angel as she informed him she was leaving. "So what about this plan we're supposed to discuss pertaining to Isabella's case?" He asked.

The angel stared at him pointedly, "Isabella needs to be comforted, and as of now she's safe here. That can be discussed later. The vampires are planning to revolt but before they do that they want Isabella. They need her first. As long as we have her within this safe zone she is protected."

The sound of rustling wings could be heard and she instantly disappeared from the room.

Michael looked surprised for a moment then he approached Selene and touched her shoulder and hugged her gently. "It'll all be fine I promise ma petite." he whispered to her soothingly.

((Himekura has given me permission to play around with her characters Azera and Zekiel. Hope I can portray them as well.))


Assaciel appeared in what could be an abandoned factory, there she had summoned with her both Azera and Zekiel. They were surprised to have been summoned so soon after they'd been kicked out of Heaven.

"You two were apart of my Garrison, and now you're both just lost. You've become their informants, not a good job to put on your resume, what do you both have to say for yourselves?" Assaciel asked, looking from one to the other, her gaze slightly frustrated.

Angels operate in garrisons, which are units or divisions in The Host of Heaven. Angels collectively contribute to the affairs and take part in activities assigned to their garrison. Every angelic group has its own leaders and supervisors that are separate from Archangels. Assaciel was the direct superior to both Azera and Zekiel, and a host of other angels back in Heaven. However, ever since they relinquished their grace and fallen to Earth, she had decided to remove them from her division. At present it wasn't too late for them to regain their grace, if they wanted and she believed that they might be able to. Though accepting them back into her Garrison was a different factor altogether.

"I was sent here to remove any liabilities that would contribute to Lombardi's capture. You both have shown me that not only are you both culpable if they come after her now, but that I have no choice but to stop you two," she extended her hand, the silver, lustrous angel sword she wielded flared out, lethal and glowing, "as unfortunate as it is your lives will cease on this earth now!"

They all fought at extreme speeds, looking more like beams of light as they flashed around the room, clangs resonated as their swords met and for a while it seemed like the fight would last forever. Until Zekiel was stabbed in the chest by Assaciel's sword and his vessel's eyes and mouth flashed a bright light before fading and the body fell to the floor.

Azera appeared above, her wings open and her eyes glaring down at the angel, "You're too late anyways Assaciel, we've already told them where Isabella is and of her meeting the Nephilim."

"My question is, why?" Assaciel asked, standing, she eyed her suspiciously, planning to take her out as well, as soon as she saw an opening.

"Because we really don't care about this war, how many wars have we fought in Heaven? Many, this world is already falling apart on its own, I want a new beginning, I don't care who starts it, the demons, vampires, even us, it's a free-for-all!" she yelled, gesturing with her arms about them, "you're become God's little soldier, and where is he huh? When was the last time you've seen him? We get our orders from Seraphs or Arc Angels, when was the last time you heard his voice?"

Assaciel's eyes narrowed, just what was she getting at? "Are you trying to say the Lord has abandoned us?"

Azera nodded, "You're getting it Assaciel, that's exactly what I'm saying. Our great God has turned his back on us all, why else do you think they're all battling up there for? Think about it."

That made her hesitate, the thought itself of the one she worshiped most, forsaking them? Could that be why he'd been missing for the past few decades? It couldn't be true. It just couldn't!

It was that moment of distraction Azera was counting on, enough for her to make her escape. She left Assaciel floored.


^-^

Michael glanced out the windows as the rays of sunlight stretched across the horizon, turning away from the windows he walked about. There had been times before that he had visited Avalon Manor, but never had the pureblood actually allowed him free reign of the place, and this he was most excited about. Though he would await his beloved Selene before he embarked on the journey of this extravagant estate.

"Assaciel," came a deep, regal voice from behind the angel.

Attached to the sound akin to a peal of thunder was a chiseled, masculine face of the arch angel Gabriel, appearing as though it had been immaculately cut from fine polished marble. He had eyes the color of sparkling emerald, with curly locks of earth brown. On his handsome features was a countenance that was quite grave, a stark contrast to the usual softness that was custom of a seraphim, and he gazed upon the female with a slight frown.

A hand rested on a golden double edged sword, whose handle was the bodice of a huge lion, and from which the blade protruded from its violent gaping jaws. He wore a breastplate of platinum with the same lion engraved upon its chest; held by his free hand was his helmet of pure gold, carved with intricate scriptures written in the sacred language of the angels. His enormous ivory wings were folded against his back, which also carried a shield of silver and brandished with bronze.

"I come with terrible news."

Assaciel was just about to disappear in search for the Nephilim, to be sure that he was doing what he was supposed to, but just before she could teleport out, a deep and powerful voiced callled her name. Turning back to see the male vessel Archangel Gabriel inhabited in order to manifest on this earth, equiped with the weapons bestowed upon him from Heaven, and his helmet inscribed with the Enochian words that was customary to their language, her eyes widened slightly, she had never expected him to appear. Immidiately she knew something was amiss, after all, Archangels are fierce, they're absolute, they're Heaven's most terrifying weapon, and Gabriel, God's greatest messenger, was one of them. Here, to warn her, about something that by the look in his expression, was grave.

Squaring her shoulders like the brave angel she was, she turned to fully face him, "What is it Gabriel?" she asked, her tone soft and respectful. Whatever is was she was sure it would be left up to her to decide on her next move, or perhaps a new order he was to place on her. She would do anything the Lord wished, anything at all, may it be calamitous or not. It was her purpose, to serve, simple as that.

Gabriel stepped forward, every footstep causing the earth to tremor beneath him. He stood directly before Assaciel, towering over the angel, his features fierce and stoic, though clearly perplexed. A sigh escaped through his nostrils as he studied her for a moment before bearing his news.

"The Italians have taken the soul of Maria," he began, his voice like a roaring tidal wave. "With the aide of one of our own, they have managed to break the threshold between Heaven and earth. They are preparing for the sacrifice."

He looked down at the handle of his blade and gripped it. His jaw was clenched, and the outline of a vein protruded from his neck, clearly angered. His wings spread and contracted quickly, eliciting a loud whooshing noise and a gust so forceful it could have blown an oak tree over.

"The high priestess of the Roman pureblood empire has grown exceedingly more powerful," he continued. "It is crucial that the Italians are stopped, and quickly. Every day we waste, they multiply in strength."

He paused for a moment before bringing his bright eyes to meet her gaze. They held it for several seconds, unwavering in their ferocity and regality.

"God has grown furious. The threat on His favorite daughter is stirring His rage. He asks that you give this to the Nephilim boy-" Gabriel unlatched a satchel from his iron girdle and handed it to Assaciel. "It is a gift from his mother, and blessed by the breath of God Himself. He must first learn to control the part of him that is a demon to utilize it."

Although it may have looked like a simple dagger, once the weapon was wielded by its intended owner, it would grow to be long, double-edged and buzzing with heavenly power. The handle was the body of a phoenix, with wide spread wings and a tail of brandished bronze to appear like fire. In the center of the bird was a jewel- a crystallized tear from his mother's eyes, which would glow when held in the boy's hands.

"Know you have a comrade in me," Gabriel concluded. "If ever you need aide in battle, call for me. Now go, Assaciel- it is imperative that you locate the Italian empire and strike them immediately. Prepare the girl for warfare; her time to fulfill the prophecy is coming sooner than you all can fathom."

"Do you believe that the events to come are meant to be Gabriel? Perhaps Fate has decided the outcome herself, and no matter what measures we take to absolve that matter, what will happen, happen..." Assaciel spoke softly, her eyes riveted on the angel that commanded her. She reached a slender hand, taking the object of greatest power to be passed on to the Nephilim child. There was some weight to it, and she could only guess what could be inside, though was pretty sure it had to be a Heavenly weapon no doubt. Acknowledging his warning, she told him with a look that this matter she would personally solve. Vampires were irritating creatures, and could be obliterated instantly.

Assaciel appeared behind the nephilim, another tragedy it seemed rocked the boy, she sensed the vibrations of the Reaper still in the air long after it had gone. Leveling her penetrating amber eyes at the "chosen one" she spoke to him quite frankly, "Dean Winchester, I know this is a bad time, especially in what happened to James, but I come with an urgent message that you must know." She informed him, trying to keep on track with the current situation. It gave her a sense of hope and equally promise to see that Isabella was at his side, lying on a bed in a room that was crafted especially for her by the pureblood vampire away in France.