Yes, there is no Author's note.

~o~o~o~o~o~

How many years had it been since his sacrifice? Centuries? Millennia? It certainly felt like a long time. Not that he would know, for he was far too busy in his work and all to free at the same time. With his constant companions, he was able to defeat Erebus each day with ease, he was the wall that kept humanity safe from itself, the wall that separated Nyx from Erebus.

Minato looked around sighing again, seeing the cars as they went past him. He was still accepting his newborn freedom from the seal, he was uncertain of lots of things -for one the Kirijo Foundation did not exist, neither did Port City in this new bizarre world, so he had taken shelter in the nearby church. He did not know how Elizabeth freed him, but he was certain it was her constant effort that finally freed him from his seal, or at least allowed him to move around he was wary of death if by some miracle the seal was still linked to his soul he could not die under any circumstance.

He was shaken at first. Ripped out of a fairy tale with no evidence of his past, of his life. He was left questioning his experiences, his life, whether it all existed all it or if it was a lone madman's dream, even then some part of him held true, the same Bastion of Humanity that had held Erebus each day, never had the walls of thus mighty Bastion buckled never had it trembled in front of the very darkness of humanity personified, and now the towers of this Bastion lit up brightly, it called for them, those who stood with him all along the ride, those who accompanied him till the end and then he heard them.

The ones who refused to let go of him in his eternal prison, the ones that even now held their ground by his side. All of them came back, from Jack Frost to Helel, he almost spilt silent tears at the validation of his life. He had not given his life for no reason, his friends, his experiences, the humanity he sacrificed his life to save- it was all real, so he had talked with them, slowly he had healed the gaping hole in his life, he was the Messiah, he had a purpose beyond the great seal, a reason to live -from ancient times to the information era there was one duty those who carried his title were destined to do, protect Humanity, and so in Italy a new Messiah took his place and the age of preservation when those who professed justice and light had let go of justice finally came to a slow halt after the Great War, old flames would awaken, a new golden generation of heroes would rise, unknown to all the second age of miracles had just begun, with the Messiah at its helm.

But for now, the Messiah had taken his time to mourn the things he had left behind, all the things he had lost and all the things he would never see. SEES, their High School, Junpei's constant uplifting spirit, Fuuka's gentle kindness, Akihiko's protectiveness, Yukari's sarcastic responses and Mitsuru's gentle strictness, they were not perfect -but then again no one was, if he was the Messiah then they were the pillars that had made him a possibility, they were the reason humanity's saviour was born from bonds forged in a war.

He had mourned for a while and spent his time exchanging what Yen he had on him to live around the nearby church, though he usually hung out in the church in deep thought as he conversed with his Personae. Michael had warned him of the mildly corrupt nature of the Priest in the church and but he stayed his hand resolved to not act till he gave any true reason, it was his Personae that had helped him through his darkest moment and let him recover.

Though through his Personae he could happily live in isolation, with them providing everything he could desire the Messiah had begun working odd jobs here and there, earning a basic living. Once his living condition was he started pondering if he should try joining a school, it was not too hard to join one, especially with his Personae, and here he sat in the same church once more pondering if he should join a new school and perhaps avoid brooding in the church all the time.

Thankfully languages never bothered him, with Solomon and some of his Personae helping him, increasing his knowledge subtly would serve him well if he truly wished to once more protect Humanity and Solomon's gift helped there.

In his information gathering want, he had met the one proclaimed as the Holy Maiden, Helel had come forth and confirmed her purity so they had exchanged greetings. He had kept a watchful eye on her, she seemed almost too innocent and so naive- maybe it was the greater affinity he had with light that made him admire her kindness, or perhaps he just admired kindness or maybe it was this nagging feeling that she would be in trouble, and Minato would never deny help to an innocent. It was simply not in his nature to stand by and watch as the helpless were attacked.

So he had chosen to investigate the Nun, through some careful probing and careful use of magic through Merlin they had managed to disguise him as an inquisitor and get some valuable data from the Church about the nun.

The Holy Maiden was an adored and respected figure throughout the church, and thus he was surprised to see the Holy Maiden run out with tears in he eyes followed by a more calm priest exiting the church, who was looking at her with fake contempt. And some guilt, was he not completely corrupt then?

Minato had wanted to follow the nun and inquire of what happened but Helel had requested he interrogate the priest first, it was then he sensed the slight disturbance in the air he tensed, Helel already equipped and ready to manifest.

"What did you do?" he said, quickly up slinging his bag back on, moving to face the priest.

The Priest broke away from his thoughts, "That nun is excommunicated from the Church for her crimes," he said, though his eyes were stuck behind him and they had the beginning of both horror and anger.

'Fallen!' Helel said, his apt warning was all Minato needed to dive out of the way of a Spear of light that embedded itself into the ground where he had stood a second ago, quickly turning to face the Fallen that had attacked him, he sighed, why couldn't any mission go like it was planned to?

"You dodged, I won't miss again human," The Fallen said, an arrogant twinge in his voice, the two-winged fallen was quick to prepare another spear only to be interrupted by the Priest stepping up in front of Minato, "No! You swore not to spill blood in the church!" he said, indignation prominent in his voice.

"And you swore to be alone, I suppose we both lied eh?" The fallen said, snorting sardonically before launching the spears at both him and the priest, only to fizzle out halfway through due to the intervention of the Messiah.

Minato sighed, why did everyone always want to stop him from doing the right thing? Time was of essence, therefore there was a need to go all out, "If you flee now it would save us both time, and time is something I'm short on I suppose," he said, as he was made his remark Helel finally took over, Minato's hair turned black and eyes developed a golden ring around his Iris.

The Fallen was quick to fire off his new spears, ignoring Minato's change of appearance only to find them dissipated as well, however now he was slightly wary and slowly edging back towards his exit.

"I forgot why you lot fall in the first place," Helel said, sighing, sometimes orders were meant to be followed he thought, annoyed at the rebellious child in front of him before he released some of his power, making sure none escaped the church, "Kneel," he said, for once letting some of the power contained within him leak through. He was the lord of the sixth heaven. Impertinence was rarely endearing to him, especially when he was short on time.

The Fallen wanted to growl at the one who was obviously an angel, he wished to say something. He gaped as his body rejected his will and kneeled however that was nothing compared to the terror he felt as he gazed at the form of Helel, whose twelve wings now open for the priest and the fallen to gaze at, "He has given you his light and yet you betray his faith, have you no shame, brother? That you would hunt the defenceless and taint the pure?" Helel said, his eyes blazed white for a moment, gathering information from the fallen's mind quickly, he honestly felt nothing but pity for the Fallen. Over the years many had given way to crimes and deeds best left unspoken, at the same time so many had fallen because they had carried out Justice, and curbed injustice. Indignation was fueled in him, Angels shouldn't fall for enforcing justice unless the sixth- Oh Michael. Helel shook his head in annoyance, his little brother and he needed to have a long overdue chat.

"I-i Apologise my lord," The Fallen said, he was quivering by now Helel had let go of the reigns that stopped held his power, "Please, I swear on my life I'll be better. I'll repent! I beg of you don't kill me," A well of pity was already opened in Helel's heart it only pained him further to see him beg like this.

Helel stared at him, without breaking his steely gaze, "Many of my brothers would have you slain for tainting our Father's gift and twisting his light. I cannot confidently say once I would have not done the same to you," Helel said, how could he slay the fallen when the one in front of him had fallen for breaking the policy of non-intervention and dealing his own justice, a policy he was against very firmly.

The Fallen closed his eye bracing himself for the blade that would follow, "But I am not the same I once was, and nor do I wish to slay more kin than I already have," he said, regret-tinged him as remembered the great war. Helel pressed a finger on the fallen's collarbone, and soon enough the fallen wing flickered away much to his horror and Helel's satisfaction.

"Live amongst the humans brother, repent but not for father, repent for thyself, redemption comes not from father but from within, and one day join the heavenly host once more serving father and his light," Helel said as his eyes lit up again balance would be restored, "The great preservation is almost at an end."

The Fallen looked relieved but quite aghast at the notion of losing his wings but the look soon evolved to one of grim determination Usually he would be adverse to returning to Heaven due to why he was banished, yet for some reason, he felt an odd connection to this Seraph in front of him.

And against common thought falling was not pleasant even if the act that caused the fall might have been satisfactory the fall itself constantly gave a severe feeling that always made them feel like the Lord was disappointed in them, but if the word came from an angel as strong as the one that towered over him then perhaps reconciliation was possible just yet and redemption was not some mad angel's dream, "I swear it by his name, I will not fail you again my lord, may we reunite again in a better time in the gardens of heaven," the Fallen said, and he was gently let go off as he left the church silently, "May I know your name, my lord?"

Helel smiled before letting his aura turn more gentle and activating his projection abilities,

Once I was father's most trusted son

Helel's wings spread wide open, showcasing his pure white wings, all twelve wings displaying the colour of heaven,

The Leader of his legions

An armour that was lost after the Great Rebellion flashed onto him, a sword long lost to Hell, and a face lost to time,

The Champion of his peerless light

His light-filled the Church, the eyes of the Fallen nearly popped out in surprise at the outrageous thought that came to his mind, the light was familiar yet so distant surely it simply could not be!

I am Helel, Eldest son of God

The Fallen slumped down gazing at the at the angel in disbelief and then at his wings before once more looking at the Angel itself before silently leaving after a nod from Helel, awe present on his face as he left.

As soon as the fallen was out of the church Helel turned to the priest, his eyes glowing white, "And what is it that you have done?" he said, utilising projection to get the information he needed without hurting the man.

The Priest squeaked in terror before quickly spilling his plan whilst flinching at the seemingly angered Seraph, he explained how they would send the Holy Maiden outside the protection of the church and to a rather untimely fallen plot. Helel just sighed at the stupidity shown by the priest, did he think the Vatican would let him live after such heretical acts?

With a snap of his fingers, the priest was knocked unconscious and his mind wiped of Helel's intervention. As the angel looked at the door he gave control back to the Messiah, his job done for the time being.

The Blue haired boy was quick to exit and sprint to the direction he could still sense the Nun in, aided by Helel, he was relieved at seeing the nun sitting on the bench with her luggage next to her safely. He didn't know if he should have intervened further, perhaps it was not his right to intervene, but no hero had left innocents to despair. He took a seat next to her, he might the Messiah but he was most certainly not the person to comfort the girl. He hardly made speeches like some of his more wordy Personae.

Supposedly the Nun had healed a devil and so she was excommunicated quickly by the priest who went into this scheme in return for the Fallen hiding one of his secrets. Curiously he had sent inquiries about the excommunication to Metatron, who was very clear and firm in his mind, 'The rules of heaven are strict by need not want Messiah, but if my assumptions are right the girl has not committed a breach large enough to actually be corrupted, I too can sense her aura it is still pure.'

"It wasn't your fault," he said, the blunt statement startling the blonde nun who almost fell of the bench in surprise, he never claimed to be the best at comforting crying maidens, Gabriel told him it's trying that matters. He wasn't so sure of that, but he agreed that trying did matter to an extent, though if Gabriel told him that to comfort him or not, 'I did not!'

"Do I know you, mister?" The nun asked, she was quick to hide her sorrow and greet him politely, had he not been here moments ago he might have actually believed about this act of hers.

Minato just shrugged, "Probably not, not many do," He said, even though he was the Messiah not many knew him in this world though that would probably change, "I suppose not anymore, but I can assure you your crime is far from unforgivable. Especially by those of heaven."

Minato winced as he saw the teary hopeful eyes of the nun, "Really? You promise?" she said, exited with hope shining in her eyes, was she really about to trust him out of the blue?

He hesitated, not knowing what to do before taking a cue from Helel and gave the best imitation of a comforting smile he could have, "Of course, I've got a good source for my information."

"Thank you, mister, although I will be leaving- the church still has me excommunicated and I have to go to the only place I'm allowed in a church," She said, wiping her eyes before smiling brightly at him, "I really appreciate you trying to comfort me."

Minato looked troubled, something deep inside him told him to stop her, to not let her go off to wherever she had apparently been invited to, "And where exactly are you off too?" he asked, trusting his gut, if it could guide him through Tartarus it could guide him through this situation.

The nun looked around a little nervously before leaning in conspirational, as if telling him a secret, "Japan."

Minato's eyes widened before a vain glint of hope appeared in him, he would be better off in Japan regardless, and a large part of him wished to go home even if home was not exactly there anymore, "Don't let me stop you," he said, smiling slightly as he got up after the Nun too dusted her skirt and prepared to leave, "But it seems both of our destinations," Minato said, smiling for real for the first time since arriving in this world, "are the same."

The Nun looked to stop him before he nodded at her before equipping Helel once more and swiftly vanished in a flash of white light, leaving behind a pure white feather that radiated light and hope. Glowing brilliantly showing the way through the darkness like the Morning Star had aeons ago when he served his father before he had rebelled.

Asia gasped as she clasped the feather clutching it like a precious relic, which in all fairness it probably was, before smiling brightly realising it was an angel that promised her she was not barred from heaven for an act so small, "I promise I won't fail you again, my lord," she said, before mumbling another small prayer Asia got ready once more, before departing to get a taxi -and then go to Japan.

~o~o~o~o~o~

Minato sighed as he unequipped Helel, before sighing again. Now he had to get to Japan, not that it would be a real problem with his Personae, the main problem would be the reaction of the 'factions,' about his personae any faction would be very creeped out if they caught him summoning one of them.

He'd have to use a Persona quite unrelated to the pantheons of gods that existed according to the priest. And the Biblical factions were there too, it stumped him why the Biblical factions would situate themselves in Japan, wouldn't it be wiser to situate themselves somewhere not so close to the Shinto gods? In all fairness the home bases of all three were out of Japan, so perhaps were they fighting over Japan? As it stood he'd have to pull a Persona used to disguise himself, and a quite powerful one as well.

He kept on thinking, delving deep into the sea of souls before smiling as the perfect Persona came to his mind, The Archmage Merlin- suitably powerful yet suitably human, the Archmage of Camelot would be the perfect escort for him, he was one of the most powerful humans to live on Earth, calm and collected he seemed inhuman at times but many a time the Great Councillor had proven his wit and might.

With a deep breath, equipping Merlin, Minato let his breath out, "Persona," he said, exhaling as a swirl of energy encircled him, bursting with radiant silver light.

With a swirl of energy a silver-haired man wearing a white overcoat appeared with a smile he winked at his lord.

I am the guardian of Camelot

Minato shook his head with a sigh, "There's no one here Merlin, you're not supposed to do that."

Merlin pouted, pausing his projection, before raising his eyebrow, "Go on and ruin my bombastic entry, we'll see who laughs when you're hair is pink," He said, he had done it once, to Arthur.

"Bad Archmage," the Messiah said, and turned around preparing to leave -the threat of a prank fazed him little- and walked out of the alley they were in, "Come on we've got a plane to catch."

Merlin snapped his fingers making his staff vanish and his overcoat turned into something of a more modern design though it was arguably a blue trench coat was fitting but he was a mage and mages were known to be the oddest bunch, "And who'll give us the tickets, Messiah?"

Minato looked pointedly at him, "You're an Archmage of immense power."

Merlin chortled, "Excellent point," before he cloaked them and opened a portal. Before closing it after blushing as he remembered the last time he'd been in Italy was Centuries ago.

Minato raised his brow questioningly, "I don't know where the airport is," Merlin said, an embarrassed mumble escaping the Archmage's mouth as he pouted, "Come on this way", He said walking to grab a taxi and head for the airport.

"I'm not a child you know?" Merlin said, voice a little bit whiny as he followed his lord, taking in the looks of his surroundings, "Do you think we should do some research before leaving? Talk to the pope maybe?" The Pope would be glad to talk to the Messiah, even if he only chose to reveal Helel.

Minato stopped for a moment, before shaking his head, "I don't think so, the entire point of summoning you instead of Metatron, Bael or Odin is entirely to lay low for now, besides I came to know plenty by reading the fallen's mind," Besides he needed to take a closer look and properly assess the situation.

Soon enough they were on their way sitting in a taxi with Minato and Merlin gazing out of their windows watching the city as they went.

Merlin was already stretching his magical senses as widely as he could whilst maintaining secrecy, sensing for any danger or secret in the city and though it took nearly some time after they had boarded their taxi and after a whilst they were at their destination, the airport.

"We're here," The taxi driver grunted as they pulled up to the airport, startling Merlin out of his thoughts on how little magic he sensed during their drive to the airport before turning to Minato who was sleeping. It was rather shocking to see what once used to be the hub of magic be so dry, he could sense those with potential -indeed he had identified two with a mine of untapped potential but there was no grouping of magic like the old times. Except for light oriented mages but those were presumably the church mages they liked calling exorcists.

Minato's eyes flickered open as Merlin poked him a couple of times, "We're here Me-" he said, stopping at Messiah as his eyes quickly flickered to the driver and back to Minato, "My lord,"

Minato nodded and handed the payment to the driver before nodding to Merlin, as he and Merlin walked towards the counter they took out fake tickets that were charmed by Merlin. Japan it seemed, was to be the latest host to the Messiah. And so started a series of events that would change the balance of power completely, because the wild card had finally arrived.

~o~o~o~o~o~

Minato looked out of the window as their plane smoothly landed in Kyoto, he and Merlin were still following the nun, Merlin had already confirmed that his feeling was right so he had cast an illusion spell and they had been on their way to wherever the nun went to.

The nun had gotten off the flight and taken another car though this time it Merlin was quick to warn him of the malice radiating from the being, a white-haired man quite distinctly European in origin. That and the white-haired human reeked of malice even to his senses, and he was barely using any of the sensing ability he had gained due to equipping Helel.

Merlin looked confused, "They're going to… Kuoh Town?" He looked at Minato, "Where's that?"

"The Taxi drivers should know these details right?" the Messiah said, shrugging it mattered very little where Kuoh was, especially since he was not about to leave the nun with that horrid man.

Merlin blinked, "Do we have a plan, milord?" Merlin asked, he had faith in the Messiah and his prowess but he had always liked having a well-defined plan and advised Arthur to plan his campaigns as well and this was similar to those times when the promised king would have some bizarre idea and rush through to implement it with the subtlety of a bull.

"We go to Kuoh and prevent harm from befalling the nun till we find out what's bugging all the Angels out so much," It seemed the Messiah believed the best of plans were the simplest ones, much like Arthur himself. We have no immediate plan Merlin thought with a wry smile.

As they hailed a taxi Minato continued to worry about much of what he learned from that fallen, but much of his worry was fueled by Helel and other angels but he fretted on his own as well. For Samael to be cursed for such a long time and Azrael leaving on her own -In a time when the only faction that he could support, other than human but that is hardly a faction, was already down many of their strongest angel they could hardly spare two other twelve winged angels.

He had already thought about the devil reincarnation and after convening with Solomon, Bael, Metatron and Helel they all agreed that it was in all likelihood a corrupting and enslaving device no matter the intentions of those who revived the aforementioned humans, "We have to do a lot of things," he said, as a grimace took over his face as the memory of the Nekomata Massacre came to him, another memory he had gained from the fallen.

Though startled at the prompt change of tone Merlin nodded in agreement, "The situation is dire for Humanity, it's fairly easy to understand why you were sent here my lord."

Minato raised his eyebrow questioningly, Merlin smiled an ever-present twinkle in his eyes, "Well when the times are dark and the master of light himself falters who shall stand up and protect the innocent, but the Messiah himself."

Minato nodded in agreement, before finally deciding on his next course of action as their taxi came to a stop as they reached Tokyo, Kuoh was within walking distance- but before that, he walked into an alley to summon a Persona.

One that would protect the nun whilst he left to do something extremely important, gathering the well-remembered Persona to his mind, once more delving into the sea of souls he ignoring Merlin as he set up a small invisibility barrier and a moderate anti-spying field, "Persona!"

With a small flash of grey light, one of the most feared holy swords came into existence, with the herald of Frankia.

I am the greatest Paladin

His armour as brilliant as the day he fought for his previous lord,

Heathens fear me and the Loyal embrace me

His sword gleamed under the light of the sun, appearing nearly peerless in an ethereal beauty, had he not seen Excalibur he would have called it the most beautiful sword in existence.

My swordsmanship akin to my sword

He had blonde hair and blue eyes, broad-shouldered yet lean, the perfect warrior,

I am the Paladin of Charlemagne

He raised his sword, and it gleamed, in an expression that would make daemons and fallen quiver and angels roar in triumph,

I am Roland, the master of Durandal's peerless Blade.

Minato just looked at the knight with a deadpan stare whilst Merlin looked at him accusingly, "Why did he finish and I get a thump?!" He said, pouting at the Messiah who just shook his head, slightly amused.

Roland smiled before returning to his poker face, "It matters little my magical friend, the Messiah has desires for our aid and we shall give it!" Merlin sighed muttering something about good-for-nothing knights and Arthur before nodding in agreement much to the amusement of both Minato and Roland.

Minato had given great thought to the plan he would commit to, in his sleep he had converser greatly with Solomon on how to proceed and they had the beginning of a plan ready, the first item on their agenda? Jailbreak a la Helel.

"I'll be going to the Greek part of the underworld, and try to retrieve Samael and then I shall seek and get back Azrael, that is if she wants to join us. Metatron and Helel will help in redeeming the first and finding the second, whilst I do that you two shall be looking after the nun," He said, waiting for a moment to get affirmative nods before continuing on.p

"If anything happens Merlin will open a gate to me and I'll come over. I have faith two of the strongest Archangels and the king of Olympus can handle not having me around for some time even if they have to deal with Hades for whilst," The first agenda was extremely important, they had to bolster the strength of Heaven in the face of constant decline it had suffered across the Millenia. There was no shorter way of bolstering the strength of heaven other than actively getting back the twelve winged angels they could.

Roland nodded in agreement bowing his head in deference, "As you wish Messiah, you have my word that the Wizard and I shall protect that nun unto our death and beyond!"

Merlin nodded along before casting another level of secrecy, "There now the Youkai that were vainly trying to eavesdrop can't even try," He said, snorting with a huff, "As if they can breach my wards, I will also do my level best to see if there is a way to turn the humans back from devils, Messiah."

"Well then, we should be on our way!" Roland said, his voice booming as he blinked innocently as both Minato and Merlin stared at him, "Is something wrong?"

Merlin looked pointedly at his armour, "You're a gigantic perfect blonde blue-eyed germano-french paladin wielding a holy sword that'll give the daemons nightmares from miles, can you attempt to hide?!" he said, the last part in exasperation, "I swear you holy knights do it to annoy me," he said, mumbling something about Galahad being just as annoying in this matter.

"You are a wizard, hide us, my friend," Roland said his blunt response only making Merlin sigh, though his annoyance had quickly turned into amusement.

"You're lucky I'm me, any normal wizard would never be able to hide you," Merlin said, waving a hand over the paladin, casting a concealing and an illusion spell on his comrade, why did Roland remind him so much of one of the boy scouts?

The Messiah was glad that Roland and Merlin got along, he was slightly hesitant about choosing the paladin above Galahad or Arthur but Galahad did not possess a holy sword not to say he was weak, in a fair fight both Galahad and Arthur had a rather even chance of winning. Arthur was probably going to release light all over Japan before restraining himself.

"I'll see you both in Kuoh," Minato said, nodding at Merlin and Roland, "I have a Greek God to make a request to."

With a flash of silver light Helel once more merged with him whilst this time he equipped him whilst summoning Zeus himself, the god of thunder and drama understanding the occasion and not projecting, though not for the lack of a desire to do it.

"Farewell Messiah!" Merlin said, respectfully bowing before turning away to leave.

"Take care Messiah, I can't think of someone better to redeem the fallen than you," Roland said, marching ahead of Merlin fairly easily matching Merlin's pace with his longer strides.

With that said Minato nodded towards Zeus, who nodded back and in a bolt of lightning the Messiah and the King of Olympus transported themselves to the domain of his brother, Hades the god of the underworld.

"You're not dropping the armour are you?" Merlin asked with a hefty sigh, why this was like that time he had gone *undercover* with Lancelot.

"Never my friend!" The Paladin said, cheer dotting his reply only made Merlin sigh even more, nay not even Lancelot was this cheery, whilst they infiltrated the coven of death dragon cultists in the Catacombs of Paris.

"God help me," Merlin said sighing in amused annoyance, removing the barrier walking out followed by the Paladin of Charlemagne, "Better look for the nun," He muttered, snapping his fingers and subsequently checking for his tracer when it did not respond before snorting, it would have been too easy had it worked.

"Come Myrdin, there are adventures to be had!" Roland said, his voice boomed as he took off smiling, taking in the new looks of the modern city walking towards the general direction of Kuoh.

"Wait for me!" Merlin yelled, running to catch up with the Paladin who had naturally long strides, "Not everyone is a perfect human!"

Up ahead the paladin of Charlemagne boomed in laughter as he kept walking.

~o~o~o~o~o~

Hades was sitting on his throne, as usual with Persephone next to him as he let his bored gaze look over hell before a vast boom of thunder well boomed despite being leagues away from the palace. And the whole complex being underground.

He sighed making his skeleton form vanish and taking on his more heavenly aspect of a raven-haired man wearing black and red robes wielding his Scepter, "Ostentatious as ever brother," he said, rolling his eyes, why would he ever come discreetly when he could be in his favoured domain of drama.

Persephone looked at him inquisitively, "Father has come my dear?"

Hades grumbled, "Who else is this noisy miles off I swear sometimes he does it to annoy Poseidon and me."

Persephone chuckled as one of the strongest beings complained about his brother being a noisy neighbour, "We should greet father shouldn't we, he is our king?"

"No need the oaf's coming to u-"

Before Hades could complete his sentence he was emphasised by the doors slamming opening with a crackle, "Brother! I see you are well, you to daughter!" Zeus said, his rumbling voice was hard to miss.

Hades just nodded before smiling wryly, rolling his eyes, "when will you change brother?"

Zeus roared with laughter as he pulled in Hades for a hug, "Never!" Before hugging his daughter as well whilst the Messiah stood there, waiting for the family reunion to end.

Hades's eye twitched before it landed on Minato who was just watching this happen with a look that said he did not believe what was happening. Weren't they supposed to be enemies?

"How did you happen to come here, father?" Persephone said, the joyous mood was quickly cooled down by the appearance of the human, he felt odd, holy even.

Zeus suddenly grew serious as he looked pointedly at Persephone, "This an Olympian level issue my dear."

She rolled her eyes and left their room, huffing, "Honestly I'm a big girl now, I can attend meetings too you know?"

Hades looked at him warily, raising an eyebrow, "An Olympian issue not being discussed with the council brother?"

Zeus just railroaded onwards, still looking more sombre as he faced his brother, "I shall endeavour to be honest brother, we are here to visit Samael."

Hades eyes narrowed, "cooperating with the Christians again?" he said, his eyes narrowing with an accusatory glare.

Zeus sighed, "Brother please, you despise only those in the wrong here or have you begun to aim your bitterness towards the Angels as well?"

Hades just then snapped his fingers and a door appeared, "I have nothing against the angels, but beware she who guards the cursed, she was pure once, now… now she is something unique. Though I hardly feel one would face any trouble with her, she is after all greatly weakened."

The angel of death had exiled herself from heaven yet somehow perhaps because of the purity of her intentions she had not fallen yet, a unique case of an angel weakening so much without dying or changing colours.

Minato just nodded, agreeing to the request by Helel to let him take over, as his twelve wings spread wide he looked at the Greek god, "By his name, which one of my siblings was not scared or foolish enough to permanently reside in the underworld?"

Hades stared at him before nodding once, "Azrael guards your brother forever hoping he would forgive him," Hades snorted sardonically, "It doesn't matter he's dead isn't he?"

Helel snorted this time, shaking his head in disagreement as he walked towards the door, "I noticed the lack of his constant light over us, he sleeps, he slumbers, he is weakened exponentially. But trust my word on this, killing God," He looked into Hades eyes, "Is Bloody Hard," he said, his self here had fought him four times, and despite being weakened so greatly not once they had come close to the feat of defeating him, not conclusively of course.

Hades stood with his mouth agape, in a position not befitting the god before closing it and opening it again, "Did that angel just swear?"

Zeus snorted, "I doubt he was on Santa's good list before that either."

~o~o~o~o~o~

Samael had always been a prankster joking and japing even whilst in heaven and his humour was well received usually, even by the heavenly father.

But his last prank was too much for even her father, he who had remained calm in the face of countless adversaries and his own child starting a war against him, like lava from a volcano his rage erupted furiously, he who had seen the consequences of Samael's actions- of the great war- had cast down Samael, to be eternally punished for what the events he had unleashed, she had begged father to reconsider- even Metatron tried to get him to consider shortening his sentence, just when it seemed like they would get him to budge both Metatron and he died.

But her Father refused to budge even before that, how could he ever forgive Samael when he had imperilled so many of his siblings? Perhaps he would have eventually spared Samael, she would never know for he himself perished avoiding the fate wrought by Samael.

She was shaking as she gazed at the one who entered the prison, she did not have much strength left- for so long she had starved herself of all that Angels thrived off, almost imprisoned with her brother. Thus it was a reasonable error she mistook Helel in his glorious light shining as brightly as old days when the Morning Star brought father's light to the people, "Fa-Father?"

Helel's eyes widened before rage flooded his veins at the condition of his sister, horrified and furious at the same time, he was thankful for the barriers that separate this place from the main underworld. For he could not control his own light as it radiated pouring onto the small prison as if the ocean was enveloping as island very briefly he felt like those old days, days when he was filled with anger and rage and only at the insistence of the Messiah he stopped.

Only to be horrified again by looking at his black wings, he had gone into his fallen form unconsciously, with great determination he changed back to his angelic form. His sister needed Helel the Morning Star, not Lucifer Morningstar.

At the same time, Minato took over briefly in order to summon another angel, before letting Helel take over again, "Persona!"

This one was an angel of metal, his metallic face shining with the same intensity of light Helel released had released, he was Metatron, the Voice of God.

"Aide Azrael brother, I'll see to Samael," Helel said, his voice was soft but underneath its softness, the iron of the former lord of the sixth heaven was still heard clearly by Metatron who nodded and carried a certain edge of steel in his voice.

Metatron walked over to his sister, gently holding her, before wielding the light of his father to do something he had often seen his father do, heal. Light flooded into his sister through their linked arms as she gasped, "B-Brother? You are ali-ive?"

Metatron simply nodded before pushing even more light to his sister, he would never be able to heal her completely, wounds and scars suffered over a millennia in a moment, "All will be alright sister, you have my word," Azrael had already slacked in his arms, her wings rapidly blazing back to their pure white colour, Metatron cracked a rare smile, "Sleep well sister, for today thy brother shall watch over thee, so says I, his voice."

~o~o~o~o~o~

"Brother, always the radiant prankster," Helel looked down sadly, "Till one day you took it too far," He shook his head slowly, before gently bracing his shoulder.

"How many of our brother and sisters fell or died in the war that begun by thy hands Samael?" Helel said before sighing, what point was asking questions before healing him.

Helel was surprised to hear some mumble come from Samael's bound mouth his hands glowed as they moved across his mouth, "What say thee, Brother?"

Samael lifter his face, his hollow eyes digging into his brothers stomach deeper than any daggers ever could, "I...said to-too many," before tears begun pooling as they cascaded down, "I am so sorry...always sorry, I accept this punishment. For there is no redemption for one who has sinned like I, the daemons merely did the deed, I am the one who killed them all," true regret coming from Samael shook even Helel, who was taken aback, so much regret. His father had clearly underestimated how sorry Samael would be, and it became his undoing for he never repented for he never wished to leave his punishment. He truly felt as if this punishment was just.

Helel gripped his hands slowly pushing his healing light into Samael's body, "Usually I let those who fall discover such for themselves, but, you deserve another chance brother," he said, or maybe it was horror at the condition of his kin that drove him, but all the same he was never going to let such a thing stand, and neither would the Messiah.

He started unravelling Samael's curse, "Thee has repented," His body, once looking like that of a monster slowly turned back into one belonging to an angel.

"Thee has been punished," His arms were healed, his wings turning back to the murky black of the fallen but with each word from Helel they turned lighter.

"But the lesson thee must understand," His eyes healed as in front of Helel stood an angel with twelve brownish wings.

"That so long as thee does not wish in thy heart to serve his purpose again, to once more fly with our brothers of silver, to once more defend the righteous and the innocent from the horrors of the darkness," He finished healing Samael who stared back at him.

Samael himself clinging to each word, and slowly turning back to the silver city, "Redemption comes from within, neither I nor father could redeem you. Only thy can."

Helel looked into his eyes, "I ask of thee brother, who are you?"

Samael clenched his fists, a new flame appearing in his eyes, "I am Samael! The Bane of Dragons" Light flared from a third source as bright as Metatron and Helel, "The Son of God!" His wings as pure as Helel's, white without an inkling of black.

They turned to Metatron who had Azrael in his arms, Helel was smiling, "Let's get out of this hellhole."

~Fin~

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