Chapter 123: BE BRAVE, BE KIND

Leviathan caught him instinctively,

And laid down the frail child carefully.

On the brief moment that their eyes did meet,

He felt something odd, like a feeling so sweet.

He felt different when the young eyes of the boy meet his,

He felt thrown into his childhood, when he was once a young angel with pure white wings.

He looked at Lucifer, who was not bothered at all,

"Lucifer, this is why we have talked."

"Leviathan, he's just one kid, and his lost won't make much difference,"

"At least let him grow, so we can actually use his stamina and strength,

One small kid can't do much difference here either,

Don't you saw how much he struggle, to lift even the smallest boulder?"

"Whatever, I told you we'd stop for the moment,

Take the kid if you want, I can't care any less,"

"Lucifer, with all due respect to your title,

But...you, you're being unfair.

You want them to work for you,

Make them feel like they should,

Feed them, clean them,

Because they're part of the victory, you're making sure.

I don't care if you kill them after,

I'm just saying this because their deaths were slower,

No bleeding, no cuts, you're slowly draining their energy and that sucks.

I'd rather be killed with a knife, than labor that doesn't even cost a buck.

Look, they're eating half a cup of rice,

And their resting place is infested with mice.

You are not being smart on this decision, Lucifer,

If they die, where else would we get our workers?

And by the way, this place stinks,

Do something with it."

Leviathan walked away pissed,

Barely forgetting his desire to impress him.

Lucifer held his arm however,

His grip getting tighter.

Lucifer felt insulted, especially since it's in front of so many people.

Lucifer, distastes being corrected and wronged,

He had never been so, for so long.

And now that Leviathan stood up for once,

He felt confused, irritated, "You dunce!"

"I thought you came here to stop me so you could have a good night sleep?

Now you're telling me what I should get rid off and keep?

Don't you remember who I am and what I hold?

I can kill you now, and throw your dead body in the cold!

I don't care if you're loyal to me or whatnot,

But you shouldn't criticize me, in front of these men,

You're just an extra in my story, alright?

It is I, who deserves glory, and you're just sharing a part of that.

I know what's needed to win this war,

You're even living your life with comfort,

And soon you'd have a child.

Did knowing you have an heir with an angel suddenly boosted your confidence so much?

Have you thought you're better than me knowing such?

Do you want me to kick you in the ass?

Do you want me to crumble you into dust?

Because calling me out and telling me what to do,

Leviathan, that's so very unlike you..."

Lucifer loosened his grip,

The cold ruthless expression, he no longer managed to keep.

Than anger, it was worry tainted in his face,

His mouth did not apologize, but his eyes told him anyways.

Leviathan understood that Lucifer may not mean what he said,

So he turned around once more, and walked away.

Despite knowing those words may be half-meant,

He still feel hurt, and a bit of resent.

Satan was the only person Lucifer listens to,

Perhaps because deep down, Satan's a part of him too.

"Lucifer...that selfish, self-absorbed brat,

And yet...I still should respect him a lot.

He gave me freedom, and a great position,

I shouldn't feel this way, I should be contented,

And not doubt my submission."

...

Jegudiel, the archangel of kindness kept watch that night,

But he felt a bit of chill, as the cold air bite.

He looked at the poor angels, the lower ranks,

They were shaking, tired were their arms.

He knew even thirty minutes of raising your hand is too much,

And they have been doing it for hours, so he understands.

He smiles and told them to rest,

"I will handle the barrier, lay down so you could refresh,"

At first, the other angels kept insisting they do it,

But Jegudiel continued to insist.

In the end, they could not stop the giving nature of Jegudiel,

They rest and could only watch, as the archangel keep the barrier still.

Barachiel saw the effort Jegudiel did,

And worried that the solo duty could make him lonely,

The archangel of patience, accompanied him,

As the two close friends, kept the night safe and at peace.

"I'm just doing this because I'm afraid you'd get too tired,

This barrier's still thin, but it's better if we're together,

Also, you need to control your kindness, Jegudiel,

You're too emphathetic, sometimes, read the situation well."

"I know what I am doing, my good friend,

But those hardworking angels, they deserve a rest,

They are kind as I am, the only different are the ranks,

So do not worry much, I did it without them having to ask."

"Mm...I remembered Uriel all of a sudden,

If he was here, he'd stay with us, I know he would have gotten.

And still, I feel sad that he's just not here anymore,

Such a shame, he's an expert in creating strong barriers."

"And yet...he's gone now. Michael told me that the chains used were strong enough to create a hole,

And the next thing he knew, Uriel's losing his glow.

His barrier and energy were far too low,

His body gave up, and the next thing that happened,

Well, we already know.

What's good is that he's finally at peace,

His goodness and existence, continued to live within.

Lluming will grow and be just like him,

Kind, humble, goals aren't just focused to win."

Barachiel looked above, admiring the stars,

"They sure do look beautiful, even from afar.

I hope some day, we could have the humans watch them too,

Although those who deserve forgiveness, are only a few.

I know the deaths will continue to spike up,

And our efforts, would never be enough,

I know we'd lose more of our brothers and sisters,

But I hope, this war won't go on much longer.

It's frustrating, and kindness is dying,

They can't help but look out for themselves,

As their neighbors are fighting.

Jegudiel, I'm afraid they'd only do things to survive,

I'm afraid they'd resent us, if we have failed to arrive."

"Everything is according to His plan,

Like a teacher making sure his students have learned,

One would put a test, to see if they apply things they've been taught,

Some would cheat, some would give up,

And those who'd pass, may not be a lot.

What's important is that even if they die,

So long as their faith and hope lingers,

They'd be welcomed to paradise."

The two archangels kept discussing,

As Raphael watched from behind, smiling,

He wonders if he should go ahead and stand beside them,

Would it ruin their fun? He can't tell.

Suddenly, he felt a light tap on his shoulder,

It seemed like Lluming had followed.

"Sir Raphael, it seems like you're doubting yourself,"

"Hahah, quiet Lluming, sometimes, it's better to stay still,"

"They look happy, I've never seen them like this since the bloody war,"

"That's what I'm admiring right now, they sure have beautiful smiles."

Raphael remarked, as his focus remained intact,

Lluming could not help, but himself laugh.

"What's so funny, little Lluming?"

"You talk as if you also weren't smiling!"

"And somehow, that's supposed to be funny?"

"Oi, don't talk like that, you're too serious, and I'm seriously trying."

"Hah, and I'm glad you're more cheerful than before,

I hope you're healed now, and if you have problems, please tell me sooner.

Lluming, it's alright to break down, okay?

We may be angels, but we're not perfect in any way."

Lluming quiet down, as he thinks hard,

He sure have been, quite rude and apart.

He smiles at Raphael and nodded in agreement,

"I'm sure to tell you next time, so I won't again left."

"Yeah, and if you want to talk about your romantic feelings, I can listen too!"

Suddenly, Lluming had his cheeks painted in red hue.

He looks at Raphael, with disbelief in his eyes,

"Sir Raphael! How dare you remind!"

The archangel laughed this time,

As he continued to tease the angel,

unfine.

"She's not like that! Please don't exaggerate it!"

And suddenly, Barachiel and Jegudiel saw them both.

They felt touched seeing the once little Lluming laughing and having fun,

He deserved it, after all that Lucifer have done.

Lluming, he was an angel so young,

Compared to them six, he was but a quarter of their span.

And yet, Lluming had manage to carry burdens as equally heavy,

So with those considered, it's refreshing to see him happy.

His serious and frowning expression melted into glee,

It was a sight, truly not all could see.

"Jegudiel, Sir Michael would be glad if he sees this,"

"It's precious, it's like all his worries had ceased.

I hope peace would be longer lived,

I wanted to see more smiles,

Than those face tainted with grief."

Suddenly, they felt the air changed its temp,

They turned around, only to see a man dressed in red.

"I came here, to inform you, dear protectors,

I am not a threat, so put down your barriers."