Hadriel couldn't stop his mind from remembering the look on Missouri's face, when it was so close to his. He saw her eyes softened to a darker hue, he recalled the warmth of her breath and brushed the unwanted thoughts from his mind as he halted behind Satael.

"What is the nature of this conversation?" Hadriel drawled in his usual authoritative tone. Satael was vexed, but more so was the worry that took its toll on his features.

"The nature of the conversation has increased in topics, but primarily, movement was detected not far from the Cathedral, Muriel and I were about to check." He paused and the anger shone in his eyes again, "Just wanted to let you know." 

Satael turned to walk off, but he was stopped by Hadriel and bound by loyalty and the fact that Hadriel was the leader, he obeyed.

Hadriel was rather annoyed at Satael's tone and manner of speech that he resorted to being his usual self. "I will go tell Muriel that the both of you are to stay here, if I stay longer than ten minutes, then come." He didn't wait for a reply but stalked off, without a glance at Satael, he called behind his shoulder. "Next time you'll do well to remember your place when you speak to me, remember your oath." 

Hadriel was gone; the only evidence to suggest that he was there was the swift movement of wind that instantly filled the area around Satael.

Oath! How dare Hadriel speak of oath to Satael? 

Satael gave his life to serve Hadriel, did everything in this favour, followed every decision of Hadriel's, even when he disagreed. He had thought that Hadriel would trust him enough to consider his concerns. He did once, but in the space provided by the mere blink of an eye, it changed, Hadriel changed.

Hadriel, who would not care for the life of anyone but those under his charge, since when did he allow a human to alter his rightfully believed perceptions? Unable to bear consideration of Hadriel's abandonment of companionship, Satael went to relay Hadriel's message to Muriel.

Hadriel flew in angel form, he circled the cathedral but when nothing was viewed, he circled a wider range until he saw to figure clearly in battle. 

Hadriel flew down, using all of his speed and landed with a deafening crouch, the force he exerted rippled out and caused both figures to be thrown back, away from each other and each on either side of him; he stood in the centre.

Missouri had watched them leave and didn't avert her gaze well after they were gone, she stood at the balcony, and had only realised that her entire body was shaking and she felt light headed. She buried her face in her hands and then ran her hands through her hair, exhaling deeply.

"There you are sleeping beauty." when Missouri appeared puzzled he used his hands to gesture. "I was sent to keep an eye on you while Hadriel's gone."

The figure closer to Hadriel was clearly demon and it was more than bruised, the demon didn't bother getting up. Rising to his full length, Hadriel was menacing, he gazed at the other figure and his reason clouded with uncertainty. He knew every angel, hell all angels knew every angel, but even though the figure is one of them, he hadn't the slightest idea of who it could be.

The unknown angel rose to his full height and raised his hands in defence, "I mean no harm."

"Who are you?" Hadriel maintained his posture.

"A friend." The angel offered, his eyes pleading.

"I believe one is supposed to actually know their friends, who are you?" Hadriel asked again, his tone growing unfriendly. The angel didn't seem to notice instead he asked, "Are you Hadriel?" 

"Depends on who wants to know." He wasn't taken off guard by the mere fact that an unknown angel knew his name, he was known in many circles, mainly for his participants in many wars.

"Listen, you need my help, I know something that you will need, if you want to survive." The angel pleaded and Hadriel almost felt pity for him.

"I doubt you can help me with what I really need, as for surviving, we all die someday my day be be sooner and not because of something I ought to know." Hadriel spoke again, tilting his head to study the angel.

"You do not understand, the-" 

"You are not of heaven are you?" Hadriel interrupted but he needed to be sure although he was ninety nine point nine percent sure, but that one percent played on his mind, somehow he felt as if he knew the angel. 

"No, I am not." The angel answered exasperatedly.

"Then you do realise that I am bound by protocol to carry you to the Council?" Hadriel asked, he wasn't in the least bit worried that the angel would try to escape him, not many could!

"I do realise that." The angel was resigned, he surrendered, but Hadriel hadn't the heart to do it, the angel's hair was streaked with grey and he appeared fatigued, this showed in his eyes and his posture. Turning to the demon that was sprawled on the ground, Hadriel spoke, "You may go, and speak nothing of this to anyone."

The angel stood glued to his spot while Hadriel, transformed into his gargoyle form and flew off with the demon in his grasp, without a second glance at the angel standing, blood soaked in blood that was not his.

Hadriel flew to the roof of the Cathedral with the unconscious demon, he spotted Muriel and Satael, the former was crouching on the banister, her arms resting on her legs for support, whereas Satael was pacing, until he saw Hadriel arrive.

Hadriel dropped the demon and didn't seem to mind that it fell with a thud and rolled a little way off. Both Satael and Muriel were confused. 

"We can obtain information about Varcan, lock him up." Hadriel spoke, and turned around and both angels knew they were being dismissed. Muriel took hold of the demon and carried it to be imprisoned, while Satael followed Hadriel into his chamber.

Hadriel had already seated himself behind his desk when Satael walked in, "Hadriel, do you have a moment?" Hadriel gazed up from the table to glance at Satael; he motioned for him to sit on the opposite chair.

"Before you say anything, Satael I want to apologise for my behaviour to you, it was unfair." Hadriel was sincere; he had always hated it when Satael was mad at him.

"All is forgotten." Satael was good natured in his response.

"Now." Hadriel's tone took on a more formal note, "What do you wish to speak to me about?"

 "It's about the girl." Satael confessed and tried to decipher Hadriel's thoughts but failed.

"Missouri?" Hadriel grew curious and slightly cautious. Satael sighed. "What is the manner of your  connection with her?"

"My connection?" Hadriel mimicked, while he leaned forward in his chair.

"It seems to be more than what is required-or proper." Satael spoke carefully.

Hadriel rose from his chair ungracefully and made his way to the opposite side of the room. He turned his back to Satael, and stared at the wall.

"I am not blind Hadriel." Satael stayed seated and was not affected by Hadriel's movement in any other way than it being confirmation of Hadriel's attachment to Missouri.

"I would hope not, visual impairment is not a quality I require from my soldiers, it would injure me during battle." Hadriel responded dryly.

"Hadriel," Satael was exasperated. "You're our commander, our leader, we follow you. You cannot strengthen whatever it is that you and Missouri are beginning to have, it will grossly affect and bring about the downfall of us all."

"There is nothing between Missouri and me." Hadriel countered.

"Then you are more foolish than I gave you credit for, can you not see that she cares about you." Satael paused and despite the nature of the conversation, Hadriel couldn't help but feel satisfied at Missouri favouring him. 

Satael's voice was softer now as he continued, "And you care for her too." his tone indicating clear disapproval.

Hadriel snapped, and he blamed it on Satael's tone, his voice was steady but the emotion inside of him was recognisable. "Why shouldn't I care for her, what difference does it make to you or Muriel or Leo?"

"It is forbidden! You need to put a stop to this." Satael gracefully removed himself from the chair he was occupying and walked over to Hadriel, where he placed a brotherly hand on Hadriel's shoulder.

"We weren't made to fall in love Hadriel, or to be awarded such happiness. We are destined for a purpose and through that purpose our souls may be considered unfortunate. We stand alone Hadriel, and the sooner you accept that truth the better. I hope you take my advice and put a stop to this."

Hadriel hadn't been aware of the exact moment Satael left, and in that moment he truly did feel alone. He knew that Missouri could never be his but that didnt stop his heart from yearning. Hadriel stepped out of his chamber and walked around the Cathedral, he paused when he heard voices. He saw Leo and Missouri, they couldn't see him but he could see them clearly although he was out of earshot. 

He looked at Missouri and enjoyed the pleasure of being able to watch her from afar, even though he felt some sort of restlessness due to his inability to make a decision. Should he heed Satael or his own heart?

Missouri was sitting while Leo stood, "You know, I have always envied humans their free will." Upon hearing this Missouri couldn't help but feel remorse, she couldn't imagine what it would be like to be an angel. "Free will is over rated." Missouri responded.

"You're probably right, and I wouldn't trade being this awesome for free will."