Fallen

III.

“Stay out here while I go and talk to Ariel. Do not go anywhere, I’ll be right back.” Gabriel glanced worriedly at the frowning trainee before slipping into Ariel’s office.

“Gabriel? What brings you here again? Are you still having troubles with Michael? I’ve told you time and time again that if you’d only tell him how you feel-” She cut off when a hand clapped over her mouth.

“Luciel’s been in contact with a Fallen. You need to check him for Tainting.” Gabriel frowned as he suddenly recalled what she’d been saying and hissed, “And I am not going to tell Michael how I feel!”

“That’s your decision, my job is only to advise. But why would you have me look for Taint in that thing? Everyone knows that he’s going to Fall anyway, it’s just a matter of time.” Ariel settled in her chair and frowned at Gabriel.

“Oh please, he’s a perfectly sweet trainee. Just because his father happened to be...well, that’s not the point. He won’t Fall, I’d stake anything on it.” Gabriel frowned back at her and continued, “Besides, if I bring a Fallen in here for you to test on Cassiel’s orders, you’d better test it for Taint.”

“Fine, send the brat in. But let it be known that I feel that this is an exercise in futility.” She sighed and closed her eyes, unable to believe that she was actually going to test that Hell-spawn for Taint.

FALLEN

Luciel sat outside of the therapist’s office, idly twiddling his thumbs. He was waiting for Gabriel to come out and tell him to go in, or tell him where he was going next, when Michael flopped down beside him. The Archangel was tall, with dark golden wings and eyes, and light brown hair, and Luciel envied him greatly for his normal coloration.

“Hey, brat. How’s it going?” He grinned at the trainee, the smile lighting his eyes.

“Everyone’s mad at me and I can’t figure out why...” Luciel’s voice was soft and confused and he stared down at his hands.

“Poor baby.” Michael wrapped an arm gently around Luciel’s shoulders and pulled the trainee to lean against his side. Luciel sighed and sagged against him, exhausted.

Gabriel exited the room just then, and Luciel jumped to his feet. He noted the queer expression of betrayal on Gabriel’s face, but the expression was gone before Luciel could comment on it. “She’s ready to see you now. She’ll be testing you for Taint, so go on in. Once she’s cleared you to go, you may leave. I’ll find you if we need you for anything further.” Gabriel’s voice was oddly stiff and cold as he held the door open for Luciel.

Luciel went into the office without saying anything and sat quietly in his chair. Ariel, the Councilor’s therapist, sat across from him, eyes closed. Without opening them she said, “You may wish to move to the couch and lie down. You’re going to be here for quite some time, Luciel.”

Luciel wordlessly settled onto the couch as she’d suggested and closed his eyes. He felt a weight beside him and looked to see the Councilor settled on the couch next to him. “I’m afraid this is going to be very uncomfortable for you for the next few hours, and I apologize for that.” And then she murmured something very soft and Luciel shrieked in agony as pain ripped through his body.

FALLEN

“What on Earth is the matter with you Gabriel?” Michael jumped to his feet and approached the frowning Archangel, eyes cold with fury. “You can’t just leave him to make his own way back after being tested for Taint. He’ll faint along the way. And why in Heaven is he being tested anyway?”

“He’s been in contact with a Fallen. Speaking of which, Cassiel wants you to keep watch for any Fallen in Heaven. And don’t you dare tell me what I can and can’t do.” Gabriel, to his horror, felt tears welling up in his eyes and immediately turned away and stormed off.

Michael stood frozen by Ariel’s door, staring at Gabriel’s retreating back. “Was he crying?” He murmured, shocked.

“Why yes, wings, I believe he was.” Michael whirled around to see Meros leaning casually against the wall, red eyes alight with mischief.

“What the-” Michael paused and lowered his sword which he’d drawn in reflex and took a deep breath. “What are you doing here Meros? Do you know how much trouble you’ll be in?”

“Only if you rat me out. Besides I’m not causing any trouble. Just taking care of a certain little Angel we all know and adore. And maybe they oughta be checking you for Taint, because it certainly doesn’t feel like you’re trying to kill me right now.” Meros stepped forward and smiled a bit.

“They probably should, but they did that already. You know, my first lover Fell in the Great Fall, after all.” He grinned widely at Meros, wings fluttering a bit in excitement.

“Yeah, I know. I think everyone knows. But I also think you’ve moved on from that. Perhaps to a certain white-winged beauty I just saw running away?” Meros’s eyes took on a knowing glint.

“Yes, alright, I’ll admit it. I want him.” Michael sighed in relief; he hadn’t known saying the words would feel so good. “Sorry, Meros, looks like I’ve gotten over you.”

“I knew you would. And to be truthful, I’m glad you have. I wouldn’t want you pining for me and all that. Now, I’d better go back to hiding, and you’ve got yourself a beautiful little Archangel to catch. Don’t worry about the kid, I’ll get him back to his dorm safely. I’ll probably even tuck him in.” The black winged Fallen lifted a hand in farewell and vanished.

Michael stared speculatively at the spot where he’d stood and murmured, “I think perhaps I’m not the only one interested in other Archangels... Good luck with that, Meros.” He turned and left, following the same path Gabriel had taken.

FALLEN

Luciel lay on the couch, whimpering faintly in pain by the time she’d finished. It felt like centuries of that burning anguish had passed, but he knew logically that it had only been a few hours. She finally leaned back and sighed, then murmured, “You’re the most pure Archangel I’ve ever seen, Luciel. Not Tainted at all.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose looking more than a little shocked.

“Are you sure?” He whispered, voice hoarse from screaming. He wasn’t sure that he could get anything other than a whisper to come out.

“I’m certain. I apologize for misjudging you, little one. Do you need help getting to your rooms?”

“No, I think I’ll make it.” Luciel sat up slowly, then stood with great effort. He turned to look at her and whispered, “Why are you so surprised?”

“Nevermind, little one. You’re excused from classes for a week or so, testing for Taint is a very harsh process. One of the Councilors will pick you up when it’s time for you to return to class. Go rest now.” She settled back into her chair, still looking faintly stunned.

Luciel slipped out of the room, and nearly fell the second he closed the door. A strong hand on his elbow caught him, and a warm voice murmured, “Just rest, Luciel. I’ll carry you back to your dormitory.” Meros lifted the exhausted trainee into his arms and carried him back to his dormitory. The Archangel didn’t even ask how Meros had known that he’d need help, he was so tired.

He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, Meros was settling him onto his bed and tucking the covers in around him. “Comfortable, little one?”

“Yes, thank you. Stay?” His voice was slurred with exhaustion and he smiled sleepily up at Meros’s darkened figure. Meros obediently settled next to him on the bed, his strong hand continuing to gently caress Luciel’s hair. Luciel sighed and leaned slightly into that caress, eyes losing the fight to stay open.

“I’ll be right here when you wake up, little one.” Meros smiled gently and the last thing he felt before he fell deeply asleep was Meros’s soft lips pressing against his forehead in a gentle kiss.