5.

Not your everyday kind of coming together, two semi-opposing Angels on Earth, opposing only with each disputing the other as to what could be done, should be done or as to if Angels should interfere at all on a world created by God and being invaded by Satan.

Raphael believes that there should be no discussion, Angels should be fighting Darkness. It is their battle, their war just as much it is a war that Humanity should take part in. People cannot sit back and allow themselves to be taken by Darkness, some would relish that of course though the majority would not. Darkness is powerful, supernatural, and far too strong for Humankind alone to defeat it.

Michael is the most powerful Angel of them all and nothing can be agreed upon without him having the final say. He fully believes that any interference in the world of the living should be done stealthily, influencing positively through whisper and nothing more. Fighting wars is a no-no, no matter the circumstance or possible outcome.

He, who usually is in the best position to challenge Michael, is Raphael. Gabriel agrees with Raphael and had been no longer willing to wait while Michael and Raphael discuss why interference should or should not be granted. In his impatience, Gabriel made an appearance on Earth with the intention of bringing aid and for this Michael has stripped him. He decided that Gabriel should fall and become mortal.

Angels cannot simply arrive on Earth in all their glory at any given moment, to do that takes time. Gabriel had taken his time and managed to arrive on Earth in his full form, being capable of being seen and heard with his full angelic capacity at the ready. That changed with the discovery of his actions and when Michael passed his instant judgement. Raphael had been making arrangement for some time, being a subordinate, he did not want to make a move unless such a thing had been agreed upon, Gabriel jumping the gun changed that.

Michael had been making no plans to vacate Heaven to head to pastures of mortal entities so in such along with a need to get there without delay, he needed to possess a mortal man. In doing this he has to leave behind much of what makes him who he is. He is still powerful of course, even in his current incarnation and at that he holds and restricts Raphael to the spot he stands in.

In seeking Gabriel, Raphael made his feelings known. No longer ready to stand by and wait, Raphael made a move to find his comrade and he done this with a head start on Michael. Michael couldn't have that.

Yeah, Michael needed to get to Gabriel before Raphael could and that is exactly what occurred. Thing is, why did Michael not ensure that Raphael fell too? Many reasons. They both are as close as can be in the kingdom of Heaven without being completely on the same level and Raphael is the trusted voice of reason. He brings options when Michael needs options so Michael cannot simply force Raphael to fall and at that too, Raphael is not guilty of interference, he is not guilty of anything other than making a move to find he who is lost in a fall.

Raphael too is as trustworthy as can be and only went to Earth against command for he felt he had no other option. Gabriel is lost to his fall and is transitioning from angel to man and will need aid to ensure his survival.

In the here and now just off of a dirt road, quite the distance away from the nearest civilization, two Angels have come together with a third being not so far away.

'You can't hold me here forever ...' Raphael states the obvious, indeed being held in position by Michael.

'I can certainly try ...'

'C'mon ... you know as well as I do that Darkness must be aware of Gabriel's current condition and he certainly will do all he can to get to him ...'

There is a momentary pause filled only with the sound of one or two hyperactive sheep doing what they do best then Michael releases all restrictions he has imposed, and Raphael is freed. Instead of directly moving on to where he is sure Gabriel so happens to be, Raphael moves to stand in front of Michael.

'You and I need to be on the same page, not just for Gabriel's sake or for the sake of Humanity but for us too. What do you think will happen if Darkness is successful? He will want to take more than this world and that is a certainty.'

Michael considers Raphael's worlds. 'You have always been the most trustworthy servant. To be honest I should have listened to you from the start. I just didn't want to. I haven't taken this seriously at all, this is why you are who you are ... to show me the way when I am unable to see it. Who is your friend?'

'This is Emily ... Emily, this is Raphael. She aided me upon my arrival, I am sure she can continue to provide ... aid.'

'I can? ... Nice to meet you ...' she says questioning Raphael's words and thinking about putting her hand forward as a greeting for Michael to accept but she refrains, '... I think.'

'Maybe we need a sit down.'

'Let us head inside' Michael nods towards his vessel's house then calls out over in the direction of the barn. 'Yo Gabriel, come on, we are heading indoors ...' then to Raphael 'he is not quite himself ... just so that you are aware.'

'I understand.'

Gabriel comes rushing out of the farmyard barn like a child looking forward to receiving something he has been waiting a long time to receive. Right away he moves right up to Raphael.

'Raphael ... you made it ...' Gabriel says this with the largest of smile consuming his face and the words are followed by the most unexpected of hugs ... a childlike response to a return or a homecoming of a close friend or family member.

Raphael certainly was not expecting this, and he is kind of at a loss for how to react to it all. Michael can't help but smile, he himself feels as if a huge weight has been lifted off of his shoulders. He can finally allow himself some room.

'So, you recognize who I am?' Raphael asks Gabriel.

'Of course, I do ...', Gabriel then notices the woman in Raphael's company and continues to react like a child. He goes silent with the sight of a girl and a pretty girl at that. Of course, Emily is more of a woman than a girl ... still. 'Who is your friend?' he whispers in a manner to hide his question from her.

'Gabriel, this is my friend ... Emily. Emily ... this is ... Gabriel.'

'Oh, the fellow you were looking for, the guy who fell ... oh I do hope you are alright ...'

Gabriel blushes over the words that have been directed his way.

Inside, Michael makes tea and considers that perhaps he should spend some time as a Human, it may aid him gain further perspective but this body he currently is occupying is not his and he is still restricted by it. He will need to return it soon.

Tea is consumed, discussion is lighthearted. Gabriel is told exactly who he is, and he finds it difficult to believe. Raphael can restore Gabriel's memories but decides against doing that just yet, too much all at once may not be wise. Before the discussion becomes serious, both Michael and Raphael sense what is coming.

'You three better get going.'

Gabriel has had the most recent encounter with shadows, not that he knows it for he has absolutely no memory of that encounter. Shadow, in whatever form it may be in, is rapidly closing in on this farmhouse.

'What about you?' Raphael asks of Michael.

'Don't worry about me. I'll hold them off. I can only send you short distance, my current condition and Gabriel's too. You'll have to find safety by foot.'

'And what about your vessel?'

Raphael and Michael eye each other. Michael's vessel may not make it through the upcoming visitation. Right now, it is more important to get Gabriel away from danger. He is more or less human now, so movement indeed has to be done that hard way. Forget about lost memory, forget about change. Heaven cannot afford to permanently lose an Angel the likes of Gabriel. Has Michael made a mistake in having Gabriel fall? Raphael is determined not to allow it to be a mistake.