Fallen From Grace

“Open the gate, bring the injured in immediately. Take the critical to the main house now!” The gates opened to a terrifying sight of the angels bringing in their fallen foes. Their bloody clothes clung to their tired and bruised bodies, conveying the brutality of the attack. Seraphiel watched as his companions carried the dead and injured, transfixed by the hellish sight in front of him. Their white clothes were unrecognisable and he only wished he had been with them, telling himself that it would have made a difference to the outcome. However deep down, he knew that he would be among them, perhaps being carried like the dead.  No one could have predicted a scouting mission would have turned to an ambush. If only they had considered that the demons knew their plans, then they would have been better prepared. Seraphiel sighed to himself, urging his thoughts to not venture further. Right now his people needed him, the war was far from over. Before he could collect himself fully, a worried voice hurried towards him. “Seraphiel, we suffered great loss from this attack. We are at a disadvantage until the injured recover. What do we-“ “Michael-” Seraphiel needed his trusted friend calm in these turbulent times. There was no choice anymore, they had to protect the girl before the demons found out about her existence. He only hoped that Michael would accept his decision without an argument.  “What are we going to do? We cannot retaliate” he continued, oblivious to Seraphiel's firm expression.  “Michael.” Seraphiel waited for his friend’s full attention before he furthered the conversation. “We cannot wait anymore. You must leave immediately to protect the girl”. Michael’s face fell. He knew what this meant. There were no other options. Seraphiel was unsure if we would remain victorious in the war and if we lost then the girl would be in harms way. After a moment of silence between them, Michael spoke. “Seraphiel, all hope is not lost. Those demons shall not succeed. We will win this war even if we have lost a battle” Seraphiel took in his words, grateful at his friends hope and optimism. No matter how much he wanted to though, he could not bring himself to believe what he was being told. The bloody sight from earlier still lingered in his mind, forcing him to face reality. The survivors were lucky to be alive.  “I hope so dear friend, but our numbers are dropping while the demons are creating more allies with each passing day. Our only hope is that they do not find her until we can defeat them. All hope will be lost otherwise.” The tension displayed on Seraphiel’s face hinted at Michael that he needed time alone with his thoughts. With a curt nod Michael replied, “I will be gone by the evening.” Michael wanted to stay and help but he knew that the task was of too high importance for Seraphiel to consider appointing anyone else. Although he wanted to talk further to his friend, Michael turned around and left to prepare himself for what was to come. Seraphiel watched his trusted friend, the person he regarded as a brother, leave as a great turmoil brewed within him. Although he had faith in his companions, the demons were embodied with sin. This only led to their nature being more cunning and devious than the angels, leaving the demons to carry out the most extreme of actions at every given chance. Before he could stop himself, another sigh escaped his lip. The only way to win was to match their ruthlessness. Seraphiel only hoped his actions would not taint his pure soul. For now, he had to focus on the injured while part of his unease faded knowing that the girl was safe with Michael. At least they had the advantage of keeping her hidden. For now at least…