In The Heavenly Realm
The Archangels gathered around the table after their presence was requested by Mikhail. As Mikhail reported what had transpired down on earth, the others couldn't help but notice that Mikhail's skin was scalded.
None of them interrupted him but it was evident that their expressions were divided amongst each other.
"The Seraphims are currently with him and his sentence will be carried out tonight. This meeting is regarding that, I want to ask a favor from all of you," His pleading eyes looked around the room, "Please show him mercy."
Silence greeted the room.
Gabriel was the first to break the silence. He crossed his arms, a frown rested on his face. "Are you insane? Forgive a murderer?"
[ Archangel Gabriel, Messenger of God.]
Uriel rubbed his chin in thoughtfulness. "I would've considered it if the Nephilim had stopped killing after killing the people that were responsible for their imprisonment."
[ Archangel Uriel, Angel of Wisdom.]
"No, this is beyond forgiveness." Jophiel shakes her head dismissively. There's a growing anger in her voice. "I do agree that both parties are in the wrong but innocent people should not have been involved."
[ Archangel Jophiel, Angel of Judgement.]
Mikhail tightened his jaw. He wanted to correct them, but Jophiel and Uriel were right, so he had nothing to say. Since humans were also involved, Eden may have had the chance to be pardoned even though the Nephilim had broken their promise to God. However, by allowing their resentment to fester, the Nephilim became no different from those who had wronged them in terms of taking the lives of the defenseless.
Nevertheless, Mikhail needs to convince them.
Mikhail didn't notice that Raphael had approached him until he felt a hand on his shoulder and a warm sensation traveled throughout his body, healing his burns.
[ Archangel Raphael, Angel of Healing.]
Camael chimed in, "Let's not forget, the Nephi are humans too. Please have some empathy. They were grieving and angry for the loss of their loved ones caused by the Humans. They acted rash, yes but let's put ourselves in their perspective."
[ Archangel Camael, Angel of Courage.]
"Is that really an excuse?" Gabriel countered. "We don't forgive humans that kill other humans either."
"To support brother Camael's argument, if they have a reason to kill and that reason is acceptable, shouldn't it be forgivable?" Zadkiel joined in. "Their hearts were in pain from what they'd been through and suffered, which says something. Even when they sought vengeance, it wasn't enough, so they turned their pain to other humans."
[ Archangel Zadkiel, Angel of Mercy.]
Then the room erupted with different opinions, opposing whilst the other in favor of forgiving the Nephilim. This continued on with Gabriel leaning more on the round table as he debated or one might say argued with Zadkiel while Jophiel with Camael.
This continued until eventually they stopped when Raphael raised his hand as if requesting permission to speak.
"I don't understand why this is difficult." Before anyone could respond, Raphael added, "Yes, they have suffered at the hands of humans and acted with vengeance, but did they stop there? No, it resulted in the deaths of hundreds of innocent individuals. "They dug themselves into this hole."
"Have some empathy?" Raphael repeated Camael's words with a soft chuckle. "Then what about those humans that were not involved at all?"
"I-" Camael started to say but he couldn't come up with a counterpoint, neither could Zadkiel. Mikhail hasn't even said anything but he knew the conversation was over as Raphael's words were like a nail to the head.
There were only two Archangels that were willing to give Eden a second chance.
Mikhail's mind was racing to find other solutions and just about anything that could potentially save Eden from his inevitable fate but no matter how hard he tried, he could not come up with anything.
An indescribable expression crossed his face and with a deep sigh, it was gone. He looked up towards the other Archangels and spoke for the first time in a while, "If these are your decisions, then I will respect it. I thank you for your time despite the short notice. Zadkiel and Camael, would you two please help me with this matter?"
"Yes brother!" Zadkiel said whilst Camael answered with an eager nod. A tight lipped smile settled on his lips and he was thankful that at least there's people on Eden's side.
"Then this meeting is-"
"Aww, is the meeting over already? Have I arrived too late?" A strangely familiar voice spoke suddenly in a cheery voice from behind him. It was a voice Mikhail hadn't heard for decades. The last time he heard it, it was when he casted him down to hell.