She stood there still pondering what could've made him mad at her. Among all the angels he was the only one she felt a connection towards. He was strict yes, but different.
She walked slowly, leaving both her chambers and the temple. She paced on, the wind flowing by her long hair, and the light from the sky giving praise to her. She walked for a few hours thinking about the way Raphael spoke to her, after a while she bumped into death, his face and gestures as bubbly and smiley as ever.
" I heard from the angels that you were wandering the entirety of the second layer. "
" Do you know where Raphael is? " She said ignoring his earlier statement.
" Hmm? I think she's with Em. "
" Em? " She asked puzzled with an eyebrow raised.
" I think you might have the attention span of a goldfish. "
" How rude. " She said as she crossed her hand pouting.
" Sorry, sorry. Em is my gardener. You met her yesterday. "
" Really? " Her face changing from a pout to a perplexed look.
" Why is Raphael with her? Seems kinda weird for him to take a liking to a specific soul let alone your gardener. "
" Yeah. Even for me it was weird at first but I figured it'd be good for the both of them. Em needs someone she could talk to, someone who'll always give her attention, and protect her and keep her safe, someone to show her how to live here. In other words, she needs a big sister. "
" You care slot about your gardener? "
" Yeah..." death said his mind wavering.
" When she first came here she was so jittery and shy. "
" Who? "
" Em. She didn't have the best life before I brought her here, and while the soul is the purest form of their desire, love and hope, it can still be tainted with fear, hate and anxiety. Even on bringing her here her mind wasn't still at ease. She was always nervous, one would assume it was me, after all I don't have the most welcoming of faces. That being said, after a little while, she met Raphael. " He said, the wind blowing back his cloak, the light illuminating his bony face just like it did four hundred years ago.
" Death– who is that? " Raphael said gazing at Em who hid behind death.
" Her name is Emily. "
" I didn't ask for her name, what I meant was, is there a reason she isn't with the others? "
" Uhhh, Because she doesn't mix well with other people. "
" And who gives a shit about that " Raphael said walking towards her.
He was tall. Very tall. Over eleven feet tall, even death looked like a child compared to him. His eyes fixed on hers as she whimpered, moving further behind death. Reaching out his hand he grabbed hers.
" Souls are not your property. " He said looking dead at death.
" They are to be free and mingle with others. It's as decreed by the first life. " Raphael went on.
" It doesn't matter what either of you think, it's the best for them. " He said pulling a little bit on her arm.
Just then, an arm grabbed Raphael's. It was fair and beautiful. Her nails painted a beautiful assortment of reds, whites, blues and greens. Raphael turned to face the one who grabbed him. Her hair was a deep and bold green, as streaks of blue moved through them, like river on a riverbed. Her pupils was a direct copy of the earth spinning in its own axis. She wore a long sleeved dress that flowed behind her like a wave. The sleeves barely covering gruesome scars on her arms. Some of which could be visible on her neck. She looked at Raphael with a smile, but her hands were firm.
" Yeah you're one to talk, you can barely even stand the other angels. " Her tone slightly mocking as she smiled at him.
Without another word he let go of Em's arm and bowed before her.
" Is she someone important? Should I bow too? " These were the first words she had spoken on arriving.
" Yeah she is pretty important, probably the most important person to have or will ever exist and bow if you want she won't mind either way. " Death said walking towards her
" Seventh. It's been a while. " He said with a big smile.
" Well if it isn't my favourite pile of living bones. " Her face lighting up as she said it.
" Or should I say dead bones. " She had joyfully run up to him, and now they both stood across from each other.
" So what's going on? " She said looking around
Death slowly turned around and gestured for Em to come closer. Reluctantly she walked slowly. Her face on the ground as she shook nervously.
" Good day mistress. " She said still not looking up.
" Don't be scared, I promise I don't bite. "
Life said with a smile now looming over her, her body casting a shadow over her. She stretched her hand slowly as she watched Em shake more. The closer she got the more nervous Em became.
" Listen. Don't be scared, I won't hurt you. No one will hurt you ever again here. " She said with her hand on her shoulder.
Her arm moving slowly, gently caressing her face, she held her chin and lifted it up and for the first time both their eyes met. Em saw the eyes of the world, a face filled with peace, love and joy. In an instant, all fear was gone from her, and in Em's eyes seventh saw something else and suddenly began to shake.
" You... You're soooo cute. " Seventh said covering her face with a hug.
" You're so adorable. So very precious. Death why didn't you tell me she was this cute. Don't worry you cutie, I'll make sure nothing bad ever happens to you. " She said holding her tighter as her eyes sparkled with an overflow of rainbows and stars.
Death watched from afar as seventh complemented Em suffocating her with her praise, adoration and hug.
" Milady, I'm still down here. " Raphael said trying to get the attention of seventh.
" Oh I'm fully aware. " She said barely looking at him, her hands still wrapped around Em.
" You may rise. "
His eyes steady on Em, he stood up, now a giant once more. He walked towards seventh, each step commanding power. The closer he got the more uncomfortable Em became. Then he stood over both, his eyes fixed on seventh, and her eyes fixed on his. Suddenly a flow of yellow covered her vision as Em ran her hair all seventh could see, and hid behind her.
" Please, please make him go away. " She said barely audible.
After hearing those words her eyes became strong and commanding, a single stare and Raphael stepped back immediately.
" Go further. At least ten metres. "
" But Milady " he said in protest.
" Now " her face showing hints of annoyance as Raphael slowly stepped back.
" Hey grim could you come over here please? "
" Yeah? "
" Em could you give us a moment please. " She said with a smile as Em nodded and slowly backed away.
" Why is she so scared of Raphael? I mean she was nervous when I arrived but not scared. "
" Her soul still retains some of the fear she once had when she lived. Her husband wasn't the best person. "
" And seeing Raphael must trigger a lot of that fear. "
" Yeah. Believe it or not, Raphael is very intimidating. "
" I see. Can you please call her over, I'll go get Raphael. "
She was goofy and childish but she had never been a moron and death would have followed any order she gave. In minutes, they stood across each other. Em stood behind death still partially scared and Raphael stood at seventh's side looking as pissed as ever.
" Ok Em come closer, trust me. Don't be scared, I told her to be quiet and stand still, Raphael won't disobey any of my orders. "
Reluctantly she moved closer, now standing in front of him, her face on the ground, now she was very visibly shaking.
" Look up " seventh said causing Em to look up, and all she saw was Raphael. Her eyes welling up, she looked as though she was going to cry.
" Calm down, please. " Life said, putting a hand on her shoulder trying to comfort her.
" I'm so sorry, I... I can't... "
Her body shaking violently. Even the displeased façade that Raphael had had crumbled into worry. It was built in him to care for others despite his personality. Unconsciously he stretched his hand towards her, to try and comfort her. Suddenly Emily let at a blood clenching scream, her body falling to the ground in a panic, trying to escape Raphael's raised arm, her face covered as though someone had hit her... or her body remembering the past. Seventh ran desperately towards her, scanning her to see if she was hurt. Raphael still looked worried as he tried to approach her but out of nowhere Death appeared, standing in his front, blocking his path.
" Listen. Raphael, I know you're worried, but I need you to calm down and take a step back. "
" Was that reaction because of me? " His voice cracking slightly.
" Calm down, you just...you just remind her of a past she wants to forget. "
" A past... She wants to forget. "
" Listen to me. " Seventh's voice said calmly as Emily still shook.
" I need you to calm down. " Her voice as firm and loving as a mother's.
" I'm... sorry. I can't... stop. " Almost no sound coming out as even her voice shook violently.
" Listen. I need you to look at her Emily, I need you to look beyond what she looks like. I don't know how scared you feel, but I know you don't want to feel this way forever. I know the pain will linger and you might never truly forget it, but I need you to try. You can't wallow forever just because of what a single person did to you so many years ago. "
Slowly Emily raised her face, her eyes meeting that of seventh. The eyes of the world, they looked remorseful and full of love. How beautiful and serene those eyes were. Emily looked at her, her eyes eventually seeing the scars on her neck. They were gruesome and bold, a huge slit across her lower neck. Emily hadn't noticed when she lifted her hand and placed it on the scar. It wasn't clean. It was ragged, uneven, and up close you could see how the skin bunched and pulled, a permanent reminder of an event that must have been horrible. How painful was a wound that could cause such a scar, she thought to herself. Then something soft touched her hand, it was seventh.
" I know what it feels like to be scared, to believe that the fear will control you and rule your life forever. I know what it feels like to try to live and be crushed by the weight of your emotions, but to live is to fear, and feel pain and be sad and hurt, you can't run away from everything simply because you're scared, that's why you have to try to accept those fears and move on so you can live. Trust me. Raphael is not a bad person. "
" Okay. "
This was their first day meeting, but there was something about her that made her words....
Now once again they stood across each other, but this time Emily was more confident although still scared, her head still staring at the ground.
" C'mon, look at him. " Seventh said urging her to look up.
In a moment of rashness she jerked her head forward, forcing herself to look at Raphael but this time he stared at the ground.
" I'm sorry... " Raphael said still looking down twiddling his fingers.
In that moment her eyes widened. Here he stood, a giant, yet his words and tone were gentle. These was not the demeanor or mannerisms of someone forced to do something. In his words she heard actual remorse.
" I wasn't thinking when I approached you. I was following what I believed would've been best for the souls here, I wasn't trying to scare you or make you feel uncomfortable and for that I really am sorry. "
The world fell silent only the sound of the moving plants and patting of feet could be heard. She walked towards him yet she couldn't tell why all she knew was that he was in pain too, then her hand held his cheek, it was warm. It was unlike the dry cold of Death or the embracing warmth of life. He didn't feel like a god or some strange being, he felt human.
" It's fine. " She said in a tender voice
Finally Raphael raised his head, looking into her eyes. His still as immaculate as ever behind his white locks that now dropped over his face. To some he almost looked feminine.
" Raphael I and death will take our leave, I think you two should talk a little more. C'mon grim, let's give them some space. " She said as she grabbed his arm and led him a fair distance away saying nothing.
" So is there a reason you want them to speak in private? " Death asked, his tone low and sombre as though he was whispering.
" I need them to get along. "
" Why? I think they've made enough progress, I mean it took me three hundred years before she even spoke to me. "
" No offence man but your face is neither pretty or welcoming. "
" Oh. " He muttered as his face drooped down in sadness.
" Oh! I didn't mean it like that. I think you're very charming, and good looking. " Seventh said in panic trying to salvage her earlier statement.
" No need to apologise, it's not my fault I look like this, your the one who made me look this way. " His arms now crossed as he turned away from her pouting.
" Dude you're such a child. " She said with a giggle and soon he joined in with a light chuckle.
" On a serious note, why have you been trying to get them together all day, I mean your the one that told me that relationship should happen naturally, so why force them. "
" I'm doing it for them. From what I know about this situation, she's been through a lot. To lose everything to the extent that even your soul fears everything, I can't imagine anything worse. Unfortunately for her, you aren't the right person for her. "
" And that would mean? " Death said confused.
" You're too nice, too calm, you won't push her because you believe she's been through too much already. "
" You're not one to talk now are you. "
" That's exactly why I would also be a bad fit for her. She needs someone who'll force her out of her shell, someone that'll hit her in the head, or yell at her when she does something stupid, someone to talk to and listen to, someone who understands her pain, someone who'll help her live. "
" As for Raphael? "
" Somewhere along the same line, but her needs are more... Specific, and to those needs, only you will be able to help. "
" Yeah not happening. I hate to break your bubble but Raphael is never going to like me, and the feeling is very mutual. I can't stand him. "
" You're a liar. " She said as she stared into his eyes or the empty sockets that took up what would've been there.
" I can see it in you. When Raphael dies, you'll be pretty sad, and that's because you love her more than you let on. In fact, I'll go as far as to say that there isn't a being currently alive, other than me that you care for more than her, she the closest thing you have to a friend. "
Their eyes stayed for a while as she searched his soul through them.
" Hmm. Maybe your right. You're a lot smarter than you let on. It's moments like these that I remember that you're a life. "
" What's that supposed to mean. You better apologise. " She said trying to hit him and missing.
" No it's payback for you calling me ugly. " His face a giant grin as he tried to avoid her hits.
" We're still on that, oh my goodness, you're so petty. " She said chasing him as he laughed, his joy echoing through the air.
Neither of us them had said a word after death and seventh left, they both sat together in the garden of beautiful flowers not saying a word.
Raphael was quiet, and Emily couldn't figure out what she was thinking.
" When I spoke with death, you know the pile of bones in a robe, he explained what happened to you. All things considered I'm not a bad person, my job as an arch angel is to keep an eye on all of you souls and let's just say that death isn't the safest choice when it comes to handling souls, and maybe I was a bit too hard on you, so I am sorry. "
" Oh... " She said as she twiddled her fingers
" I can sense you're still a bit uncomfortable around me. " Raphael said cautiously getting closer to her.
" Yeah, I'm sorry, I can't help still being scared of you. "
" That fair. " He said now a hair away from her.
" Can I share a secret with you? "
" Sure...? " Her voice shaky.
Slowly Raphael stood up slightly loosening his toga as Emily moved back slowly in rightful caution, but then....
Suddenly the garden was quiet again but this time, rather than nervousness, the air was filled with an awkward silence.
" I couldn't even tell. " Emily said her hand covering her mouth in shock.
" This is something not even my lady knows. "
" Then why tell me. This is our first day meeting, so why me. "
" Lady Gaia wants us to get closer, and so do I, and I already know so much about you, it only seems fair to share a little about myself. "
" But such a deep secret, one you haven't told your lady yet. "
" It's not that big of a secret, death knows and I'll tell lady Gaia when the time is right. "
" Can I ask why? "
Slowly Raphael turned away, her eyes looking unfondly at the sky.
" This tale goes back a long time. The lady and the tall pile of bones you saw are the versions of life and death humans can perceive. "
" I kinda figured that out already. "
" Life is the creator of all, from the stars to the planets to even the animals and plants. All are equally beautiful and perfect. Then she decided to create true life. "
" True... Life? "
" True life, are creations with a consciousness. Like you humans, we angels and every intelligent creature in-between. Life bring evolution, evolution brings intellect, and intellect brings evil, and eventually destruction. The smarter a being is the more intrinsic evil becomes. There is no truer phenomenon to this than you humans. You have been here for three Hundred earth years. In the spam of that time there have been two world wars, multiple depression, and hundreds of thousands, if not millions of murders. As humans evolve and become smarter, rather than seek new ways to bring peace and unity, they use it to seek new ways of wars and destruction. Lady Gaia opened their eyes in nuclear physics and radiation in hopes of furthering their understanding of the universe, but instead they made bombs that have caused wide spread pain. Hiroshima, Nagasaki, pearl harbour, the twin towers, some of hundreds of horror that has happened and will happen. You all are vile, evil creatures. In your hearts there is no sense of unity or peace...but, we angels are worse. We are arrogant, hateful, filled with spite, and unlike the humans we do not love, our hearts are unable to sing to praise of anyone or anything other than our ' great ' creator of course. I've seen them destroy whole planets, civilization burned to the ground. The screaming of agony and pain as they called out to a good that refused to listen. They do this all for fun. We are only two of trillions of examples of intelligent creatures, sharing the same similarities. There is only one conclusion, the blame and fault lies solely with our creator. The angel were made for power by a life that was born in an era of destruction. And as such they are modeled after symbols of power. They are beautiful, they are ALWAYS beautiful, pleasing to the eyes. They are also arrogant and lack common empathy to other creatures. I was not made in their image though, but in the image of love and protection. I was made to keep life safe and protect the world from death, if he ever stepped out of line. Hence why I'm me, I am special. Fundamentally different from all other angels. Yet they insulted me, ridiculed me, belittled me, looked down on me. They hurt me, and their eyes held nothing but disdain, and their leery gaze, defiling me with their eyes and thoughts. They made sure I would never forget I was inferior to them. I worded my complaint to my god, my creator, surely, the all powerful and perfect creator would fix them, help me or at least reprimand them. All I got were the words that I was too stuck up and I had a stick in my ass, or I needed to be more free and understanding.
It was then I understood her. She would never admit she was wrong, or see what I was suffering through, or that the pain I received was undeserved. She would never choose the truth if it threatens the version of herself she worships, the version that's perfect in all