Raphael paced amongst his books. This was the day, and he had to remain steadfast. He had sent Orion with Zerachiel half an hour prior, and he had to prepare to face the Ruler, alone.
–This must go perfectly. Every word must be chosen carefully. If I falter, everything falls apart.–
The Seraphim stepped between the realms, appearing in front of the Palace. He made his way up the steps slowly, deliberately. –Everything must be perfect.– Raphael pushed open the doors, seeing the multitude of low-ranking angels who worked away, polishing already flawless fixtures, cleaning walls that hadn't seen dust in centuries.
His soft boots made no noise on the white marble, and all of the servants had stopped their work as he passed to bow to him, the higher-ranking angel. The silence was eerie, and the pressure weighed heavily on his shoulders, pushing his wings back.
–If I falter, everything falls apart.–
This was not Raphael's burden to bear solely, but as he was the one Orion was tasked with guarding, he was the one who would be questioned as to the Archangel's whereabouts. He had run through the story multiple times with his Brothers, and was determined not to let the young Arch down.
His wings twitched with his nervousness as he stood before the doors of the Great Hall, the only barrier between the Ruler and himself. He had seen enough of the Ruler's wrath, and if he was caught in his lies, he would be His next victim.
–Every word must be chosen carefully. Your Brothers revere you as the wise one, use it. Centuries of study. You can lie to the Ruler.–
Raphael folded his wings back and puffed his chest out. He opened the door to the Great Hall, and stood before the Throne, preparing for his usual ritual, as well as his lies. He bowed deeply, his wings spread far. "Greetings, Mighty Ruler."
"Rise, Seraphim Raphael. Where is the Archangel Orion?"
Raphael stood on command, folding his wings back, bowing his head, and clasping his hands in front of his body. "Thank you, Gracious One. The Archangel Orion remains in the library. I had found some ancient scrolls for him on the history of the Archangels, and he was fascinated by what it was to be one of the great warriors in Your army. He is studying on how to serve You better, Mighty Ruler, and thought his guard would be incomparable to Your great sight."
The Ruler settled back in His Throne for a moment, seeming to think over Raphael's words. He knew that Raphael was clever, but He also knew He had assigned Orion specifically to the task to make the young Archangel a greater warrior. He decided Raphael was trying to earn back His favor, and had indeed given the Arch readings on how to better serve.
"Very well. You may go about your tasks in the Palace. Report back here on the hour."
"It shall be done, Mighty Ruler."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Zerachiel shoved Orion out of the back door of his home, unsure of when Azrael would return. The Seraphim's voice was a low hiss as he looked around for any signs of his guard. "You're certain you've taken or destroyed every single thing that could be used to Trace you?"
"Certain."
"Okay. When we get there, we're likely to be attacked by several pale figures with red eyes. They're Lucifer's demons, they would very likely kill us if they weren't called off. Don't fight back, just let it happen. He calls them off, they're very obedient to him, and him only. I know it's not in your nature to allow the attacks, but it's not in their nature to allow for intrusions either. It's their realm, and we need to follow their rules."
"I won't touch a blade."
"You're absolutely certain about this? Once we go, there's no turning back." Zerachiel looked Orion over, checking for any last-second hesitation.
"This is my dream. I want out, Zerachiel."
"Very well. Under my arm, step together. Ready? Go."
The men stepped between the realms together, Zerachiel guiding Orion to the UnderKingdom where he had been before. He braced himself for the demons' attacks, but to his surprise, none came.
Orion looked around, wide-eyed, at his surroundings. The Great Hall captivated him with its black marble and gold fixtures, the fires sunk in the firepits. He turned, taking in everything there was to see of the new realm. The dark aesthetic was beautiful in its way, and the Arch could almost sense the strength, the power that these walls contained.
"Well, aren't you going to say hello?" Lucifer's voice purred from his throne where he lounged, observing the pair of silver-haired angels that appeared in his home.
The Arch spun around as he heard the voice; he hadn't noticed the tall, lean man draped across the throne at the end of the Hall. As Orion gave a nervous grin, his gaze drifted over to the man's left, seeing one of the demons that Zerachiel had warned him of. –But this one is making no signs that he's even interested in defending his realm? Perhaps Zerachiel was just trying to test me, make sure this is what I wanted?–
Taking uneasy steps toward the man that had addressed him, Orion left Zerachiel behind. Before he could reach the man on the throne and the demon who sat beside him, he stopped, taking off every weapon and blade strapped to his body. Lucifer sat up, leaning forward, intrigued by the vast amount of weaponry that the angel possessed. Edward began to stand, but Lucifer put a hand on his chest, pushing him back to his seat.
Orion removed the engraved dagger from his thigh holster, looking at it with longing. –Not all of my brethren were bad. But this is the place I need to be.– He placed the weapon on the top of the pile, before approaching Lucifer unarmed.
"Good day. You must be Lucifer, the one who agreed to take me in. I am Orion, the youngest of the Archangels, the Ruler's warriors." He spoke slowly, trying not to let his nerves show.
The man on the throne grinned wickedly, his poison-green eyes trained on the Archangel before him. "Ah, yes. Orion. My second ally. Welcome. I have so many plans for you."
Orion glanced back at Zerachiel, who pressed his lips together.