He's alive.

I haven't told anyone that I saw him, and I certainly haven't done anything out of the ordinary. On the outside, I'm continuing with life like everything is normal.

But on the inside, I'm screaming. My thoughts are barely able to form complete processes. I'm amazed that I have been able to last this long without one of the other noticing, either I'm better than I thought at acting or they're naive.

I'm on autopilot.

His face keeps popping up every time I fall asleep, the memories soon after.

I shouldn't have believed them. I should've checked the ground before anything else.

"Don't trust the Council" were the words he had told me.

I'm lucky enough to be in my office when the anger strikes. My fist finds the closest thing. It barely dents the wall and stings like all hell.

My strength is in speed, not strength itself.

I run my knuckles as my breathing calms.

I have to keep control. If they see that I have changed any, I will not be allowed to go back to Earth legally.

Even if I'm one of the strongest angels, ordered by the one and only to guard his throne, they still have power.

Father is gone, and we need to accept it. The Council has taken his place and become easily corrupted by the hidden Demons in Heaven.

I can be called back if they sense I have left without permission, and that would get me in deep trouble.

I flop onto the bed with a defeated sigh, closing my eyes.

So I have to wait until they send me out again.

I'm patient most of the time, but this isn't like it was before. We made eye contact, he knows I know he lives. He knows that I'll be back as soon as I can be.

He knows that this is very illegal.

Just the fact that I'm having these thoughts is illegal!! Just because I'm a higher up, capable of scaring the living shit out of most the angels here, doesn't mean the rules don't apply to me.

I'm not invencible.

His face pops back up into my brain.

The look of surprise on it is priceless. But the flicker of fear in it is what unsettles me.

The angels mistreated him, I knew this from the times I had to heal him. But he was scared of my voice...

If I take action, they'll notice...

If I don't take action, it could be years before I'm sent back down...

I sit straight up in bed, the idea bringing me back to life.

I can request time off, right?! They let Anaphrial get break!

Anaphrial is a fellow Seraphim who typically does shifts with me because I'm the only one who can stand his constant talking. And I mean constant. He's even a sleep talker! A few weeks ago, he suddenly gets time off from his job. A request was sent to him. He didn't say a word to any of us, and just vanished.

He came back two days ago and hasn't said a word about it. Most people don't notice that he's changed, he still talks as much as usual, but it's... different. The tone has changed.

Then he goes and avoids me...

Oh yeah, I'm finding out what the fuck happened.

I stand and move towards the door, slipping into my shoes as I go. The door opens seconds before I get there and see colors on a very decorated robe.

It's mostly red with golden trim that spirals into little crystals all around it, making it seem to glow with power. My heart stops.

Council Member Micheal looks up to me, reflecting my surprise.

Yes, they made Micheal a council member. It happened after Lucifer left.

"Nizosis! Were you going out?" I smile kindly at him,

            "Uh, no? I can stay if you'd like." He nods,

             "That would be better for this conversation." I move aside to allow him in, and he moves past with practiced grace. I almost try to stop the door as it shuts behind us.

"For this conversation?" I question as we move to sit. He goes to the confortable chair by the coffee table, I sit on the wooden one, as is custom.

"The council has come to a conclusion." I bite my tongue, trying not to let my worry show as he continues, "We know you just got back from Earth, but we feel it necessary to send you back again. You're the only one who has seen what we are up against."

I nod and resume sitting straight up to act normal,

"I see... What would you like me to do once I get there?" He leans forwards, clasping his hands in front of him with his elbows on his knees,

"Recon. In order for us to be able to sign an official squad for this, we need to know more about them. Their habits, their hangouts, their weaknesses. We need to know everything." I nod with confidence,

"Understood sir. When do I leave?" He stands, making me stand as well, and pulls out a... entire suitcase... from the side of his robe.

I stare at it with what's probably a bewildered expression that brings forth an amused smile from Micheal,

"Right now." I look at him and take the suitcase,

              "Alright then." The handle finds my hand as I bow low. He nods,

               "All of Heaven is behind you, Nizosis. Anything you need will be provided." I remain in the bowed position and watch the back end of his robe drag the floor all the way to my door.

Then the doors slide shut.

I straighten, looking at the suitcase.

I can get there quickly, that won't be the problem. But until I land, I won't be able to check it for bugs and who knows if I'm the only Angel they're sending.

If I want to be able to see Lucifer, I'm going to have to be very creative.