God's Guidance

The revelation of Uriel's past with Azrael left a heavy silence hanging in the air. Azrael, Mirai, and Gabriel exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of astonishment and contemplation. It was a story that none of them had anticipated, a testament to the intricate web of connections that had brought them together.

Azrael, in particular, was at a loss for words. His memories remained fragmented, and the story Uriel had shared was like a missing piece of a puzzle he had long been struggling to complete. He felt a strange mixture of emotions – gratitude for Uriel's unwavering dedication, confusion over his own forgotten past, and a growing sense of responsibility to reclaim what had been lost.

Mirai, too, was processing the newfound knowledge. She had always been a steadfast companion to Azrael, but the depths of his history were far more profound than she had imagined. It left her wondering about the true nature of the bond between Azrael and Uriel, and how it might impact their shared journey.

As for Gabriel, he understood the weight of promises and the power of transformation better than most. He respected Uriel's dedication to her vow and recognized the significance of her connection with Azrael. His thoughts turned toward their collective mission and the challenges that lay ahead.

In the midst of this silence, the threads of fate continued to weave their intricate patterns, binding these four individuals together in ways they were only beginning to comprehend. They knew that their journey was far from over, and the mysteries of their pasts and destinies remained shrouded in uncertainty.

Az. Angels are immortal beings. They don't age, even over the span of centuries." Mirai suddenly added.

Azrael's eyes widened, realization dawning on him as he processed the implications of what he'd just heard. His gaze shifted to Uriel, who, despite the decades that had passed, still looked as radiant as the day he'd first met her.

"A century... I had no idea."

Uriel's features softened, and she gave him a gentle smile.

"Time doesn't touch us, Azrael. I waited all these years for the chance to see you again, to fulfill our promise."

The weight of their immortal existence hung in the air, a reminder that their reunion had been a century in the making. Azrael couldn't help but feel a profound sense of awe and gratitude, both for the enduring nature of angels and for the enduring bond that had brought them back together.

The conversation flowed with a subtle rivalry between Uriel and Mirai. Uriel noticed Mirai casually referring to Azrael as "Az," and it irked her a bit. Teasingly, she questioned Mirai's use of the nickname, wanting to stake her claim on Azrael. Azrael intervened, permitting Mirai to call him "Az," which prompted Uriel to do the same. She moved closer to Azrael, a silent message to Mirai.

Their playful banter continued, and Azrael found their antics amusing. Surrounded by two strong-willed angels trying to get closer to him, he welcomed the newfound camaraderie with a smile.

Mirai concealed her jealousy beneath a veneer of indifference. Despite the tug of jealousy in her heart, she masked her emotions, putting on a façade that nothing was amiss. She didn't want Azrael to sense her inner turmoil, opting instead to maintain an appearance of nonchalance.

Gabriel watched them in profound silence, the injuries on his battered body slowly healing, and his form regaining its strength. His eyes flickered with a mix of emotions as he observed the complex dynamics between Uriel, Mirai, and Azrael. He couldn't help but feel a deep sense of longing for the lost years of his own existence. The room seemed to crackle with tension as the three angels navigated their complicated feelings, and Gabriel couldn't shake the feeling that this reunion would change everything they knew about themselves and their shared past.

As Gabriel reflected on that pivotal moment when he stood on the precipice of death, facing the malevolent presence of Asmodeus, a shiver ran down his spine. He remembered the desperation that had coursed through him as he witnessed the human who had extended a helping hand about to fall victim to the demon's wrath.

In that dire moment, his plea to the divine had been fervent, a plea for the strength to shield those in peril. It was then that a voice, ethereal and commanding, had whispered within his very soul, urging him with a simple yet profound command: "Protect everyone."

The recollection was etched into his memory, the voice vanishing as swiftly as it had appeared. And then, the dormant power of his God Strength had surged within him, akin to a dormant volcano awakening with an unstoppable force. It was a sensation he thought he had lost forever, the power he once wielded when he graced the halls of Heaven.

That surge of celestial might had breathed new life into his weary body, propelling him into a fierce battle with Asmodeus, and changing the course of their confrontation. It was a divine intervention, a testament to his unyielding determination and the connection he still held with the celestial realms. Gabriel couldn't help but wonder if this newfound strength was a mere glimpse of the greater destiny that awaited him.

Startled from his deep contemplation, Gabriel turned his attention to Azrael, who had called out to him with genuine concern in his voice. The physical wounds that once wracked his body had substantially healed, thanks to the mystical aura of Mirai's home. However, the mental scars from his battle with Asmodeus still lingered, and his thoughts were in turmoil.

Azrael's inquiry was a lifeline, pulling him back from the abyss of his thoughts. He managed a weak but grateful smile and nodded in response. "I'm getting there," he admitted, his voice laden with the weight of the battle he had endured. Gabriel knew that he owed his life to Azrael's intervention and the enigmatic resurgence of his God Strength.

As he met Azrael's gaze, he couldn't help but wonder about the angelic enigma before him. Azrael had been a mystery, a forgotten chapter of his past, and yet he had returned when needed most. It was a reunion that defied explanation, and Gabriel was eager to uncover the truth behind Azrael's reappearance and the secrets of their shared history.

Azrael approached Gabriel with a sense of deep gratitude in his eyes. "Gabriel, thank you for protecting everyone when I couldn't be here to help."

Gabriel, still processing the events of their battle with Asmodeus, managed a faint smile. "I had some divine assistance, Az. But I'm glad I could be of help."

Azrael placed a reassuring hand on Gabriel's shoulder, acknowledging the strength it took for him to rise to the occasion. "You've always been a formidable warrior, my friend. Now, we'll face the challenges together, as we should."

Gabriel nodded, feeling the weight of their shared history and the unspoken connection between them. 

Gabriel expressed his gratitude, "I was lucky that Uriel was there to protect the humans during the battle. Her courage and power made a difference."

Azrael nodded in agreement, "Absolutely, Gabriel. Uriel's strength and determination were remarkable."

Gabriel hesitated for a moment, pondering how to explain the inexplicable. He finally spoke, "I know it sounds unbelievable, but in that dire moment when I was on the brink of death, I called out to God for help. I heard a voice telling me to protect everyone, and suddenly, I felt an immense surge of power – the God Strength."

Mirai looked intrigued, "So, you're saying that God intervened directly to aid you?"

Gabriel nodded, "It's the only explanation I have. I couldn't have summoned that level of strength on my own."

Uriel chimed in with a thoughtful expression, "If this is true, it means that God is still watching over us, even though we've fallen from grace."

Azrael, ever the pragmatist, added, "Regardless of how it happened, Gabriel's newfound power was instrumental in our battle against Asmodeus. We should be thankful."

Azrael nodded in agreement, his gaze filled with a sense of profound understanding. "It seems that even in our fallen state, God still has a purpose for us. We may have lost our place in Heaven, but we haven't lost His guidance."

Uriel, who had always been a steadfast believer, added, "God's plan is mysterious and beyond our comprehension. We must trust in His wisdom and continue to carry out His will, even in this new chapter of our existence."

Mirai, while still processing the revelation, offered her support, "Well, it looks like we have divine help on our side. As long as we work together and follow the path laid before us, we'll face whatever challenges come our way."

The Archangels shared a moment of unity, their faith in God and each other stronger than ever. They knew that their journey was just beginning, and the trials ahead would test their newfound strengths and their unwavering belief in the divine purpose that bound them together.