We Dream of Hope

The Cause

At the highest point on the tallest mountain there sat a temple. Its stone structure glistened in the light of the constant setting sun. Residing far above the clouds this monument was raised as the one place where violence could not be committed. As such it became the ideal location for all the angels to convene, state their claim, and part ways in a perpetual state of peace. This second realm was beyond any depth let alone comprehension for any mortal and yet the angels were meant to decide their fate nonetheless. 

The interior of the temple was just as magnificent a sight as its views. Chiseled marble decorated the room as a powerful beam of light shined down from the hollow center of the ceiling. There was no table for the attendants to use as a shield as mortals were accustomed to in their gathering halls. If someone wished to speak they stepped forward displaying in all their vulnerability what they felt needed to be said.

At one side a chair rose from the earth bright gold and decorated with intricate carvings of winged beasts talons gripped shining orbs at the feet holding the extravagant work far above the floor. The back of the throne had two large birds resting but still alert for ground activity, to one side an eagle and to the other a crow. 

They turned to each other as other animals entered the hall in the formation of a clockwise pattern. First pounding against the floor strong strides brought a rhinoceros with a turtle hung over its back that while quite large was dwarfed by the hall and throne. As their position was taken water gathered and pooled into the formation of a small koi. As the koi’s size grew it took a more human shape as a young woman’s legs stretched and gills sealed shut. Her body soaked up the last bit of the water and she stared down her nose at the beasts who already gathered, her eyes slanted and she turned her back holding her head downward. Then as a howl echoed through the halls a large white wolf leaped forward and slid to one side as she struggled to find the solid ground. Three rabbits were the next to zip and hop their way into view; they stood with confidence noses twitching but their security was assured even as two large lion’s and one small tabby cat between them strutted through their opening. The final animals to enter the hall were two large elephants that stood next to the cats but with a noticeable gap between them and the birds. They stood studying each other silently judging and while they held their own opinions toward the others no sounds parted the air which grew stagnant and heavy as the large light dimmed and stars broke through the sky sparkling like diamonds in a bedrock of slate. 

In unison as a flash of light, the main attendees appeared standing with the throne being finally occupied. To the left alone while still holding the confidence of the others a man dressed in a black suit pulled up his own chair. 

“You dare to sit as if you were a king!” The accusation rolled through the halls vibrating the floors and shaking the columns. The owner stood with the owner of the rhino and turtle. “Take your ass off the chair and stand with dignity.”

A smile cracked across the recipient’s face and he crossed his arms, “Brother, I sit because I am a king-”

“Watch your forked tongue!”

“Let me finish, it’s quite rude to interrupt.”

The pair looked to the throne and from it a hand glided into view allowing this to pass, “Let him sit, I’m certain he’s weary from all the hard work he’s done.”

As the affirmation was finished the lone man stood walking to the center of the hall his stride was smooth and his heels clicked against the floor while his hands rested with a suave demeanor in his pockets. “What a wonderful way to start this ceremony. I would like to say first what an honor it is to have made such an impact as to warrant this sort of action. I would also like to apologize that my impact has disrupted all of your lives.” He turned to each man standing with their companions and his eyes fell to the smallest attendee, a young woman her hair shone like rays of sun, her hand rested on the back of the large wolf gripping its fur for comfort. Their eyes locked and his face grew soft as his head tilted struggling to keep himself moving. “We all stand here with our own reasons behind meeting, so why is it that I seem to be the only one who is in the wrong?” He walked back over to the side and took his seat legs and arms crossed, back straight, and head held high. 

The former koi danced around to the front of her council, and spoke as a voice echoing through water dancing through waves and bellowing a sweet song, “It is Raphiel’s wish for me to speak for him, as a recent injury has left his voice broken and exhausted.” She waited for a nod from the throne and a hand waved around for her to continue, “We have seen first hand what humans are capable of, each of the war beasts has lived the nightmare and it is in each of your infinite wisdom and experiences that you have awarded us a new and better life. I thank you and pass on my sire’s wish that further actions be taken to ensure the nightmare will not continue.” She regained her place behind the man looking down away from all the eyes now focused on her. 

Finally, with one leap the throne was empty and down floated a man with four pairs of wings nails curling as talons with a sword hilted to his side. His bare feet touched the ground and the backs of everyone straightened, “I do not condone the actions of our brother. My only regret is that I cannot make him see the error of what he is doing. I feel deep sorrow and ask only that I be allowed to take action against him. He, like us all, are only seeking to show our power in the best way possible for the mortals,” he turned to the one in front of the rhinoceros and turtle, “Uriel, do we seek to judge him when you yourself have tried to show the humans their true potential?” Uriel looked down with no comment, “Raphiel,” the koi turned her head to look at the man standing in the center, “You took your stance over the common illnesses and how is your interference any different than his?” 

Raphiel didn’t speak but his eyes narrowed and fists clenched to his sides. 

“Camael, you shower your control of emotions daily, your felines hold power over the breaths of humans passing a joy where there was once only sorrow. And Azrael,” he paused as he turned on his heels to meet the gaze of the one with elephants, “Need I say more about your role in the lives of mortals?” 

“Sir,” The rabbits danced around the feet of the one talking, “May I speak?”

With a twist and bow he backed away and all the others looked around sensing a change in the air. “You humble us with your words, what message will you pass to this world Gabriel?”

“While we sit here deciding what to do, one of us has already decided a battle is going to take place following the conclusion. We are wasting our breath continuing a discussion. A thousand years will be the only way for our future to progress.” He was expressionless and hollow as he gazed forward his eyes glossed over and the rabbits all stopped their movements to stare at his face as a tear fell down pooling at his cheek before making one last descent to the ground, “You will know the sound of dying rabbits like crying children desperate to flight but powerless for their fate. Screams and fire echoed through the night.” He turned to Uriel an expression finally washing over his face with his lips quivering as more tears streamed down his face, “Know the pain of the dying rabbits.” With a flash of light he was gone his furry friends nowhere to be seen either. 

“Michael!” The lone man stood, “I Lucifer challenge you to a single fight, no need for Gabriel’s foretold bloodshed, in one week we will face each other as equals.” With another flash he disappeared as well. 

“Brother…” the girl took a stride forward and wrapped her arms around Michael. Her petite size only allowed her to reach his waist, but it allowed her to wrap her arms all the way hooking her fingers together below his wings. “Please, show mercy,”

“Ramiel, my little ray of hope,” pushing her hands down he finished contact with her with a pat on the head, “I proclaim this: until the battle is finished and I walk victor, none are permitted more than one child. We cannot allow our power to be depleted further. Gabriel will have already seen this, so leave him in peace. Take no action against him, his messages are not his own doing. Whatever happens, do not hold him accountable. I will take my legion and we will fight. Whatever happens, protect the humans and make sure his demonic forces dwindle to a husk in his absence.” 

With the council concluding the lights raised and the stars were once again pushed from the sky. The attendees parted in worse spirits with the message looming over their conscience. Ramiel took one final look at the throne before hugging her wolf and vanishing in a flash quickly followed by the others.