One Week Later...(Mari/Open)

[Michael]

The night sky brought a crisp breeze throughout the downtown area. It had already been a week, but people were still edgy about the nearby abandoned house complex. It was no secret that countless homeless people made their homes in these complexes, but the fire that took down the old housing development, and nearby abandoned houses marked a great despair from the city's countless homeless, while many corporations that saw the land as a cash crop saw dollar signs. It was an opportune moment, and all they had to do was hide the fact that a man was killed there by some maniac crying for his mother before setting the house on fire. It was reported that the killer had also died in the fire, when the house collapsed on him, but other reports said that he somehow blasted through the rubble and walked away. Reports were skeptical at first, before the police later got another report of a notable drug dealer found naked and gruesomely killed in what looked like an animal attack. But an animal attack in L.A. ? It had to have been the same man, and he had to be deranged. In the end, the police choked it up to the nutjob killing the homeless man, sat fire to the house, and then killed the drug dealer and took his clothes. As for the homeless who reported the incident where he survived the collapse of the building, the police just simply wrote that the reports were probably given by a bunch of crackheads, and thought nothing more of it.

While the justice system of this world was willing to look the other way, there was one that would not. One that was also watching that day, and was given the command to stop the one responsible before it was too late, and the true chaos broke loose.

Many still lingered around the complex. Although it was gone, it was the only home that they knew, and somehow, they all believed that if they left then when they came back, the housing complex would still be there. It seemed that their despair was all that they had left. So, the homeless came, and they also paid tribute to their lost loved one. They may not have all been blood, but they were family. So they gathered at the site, and they mourned. Many were so grief stricken at first, that they did not bother to look above.

High above the sky, there was a bright star, or at least that was what it looked like from a distance. A bright, white star. One that got bigger and bigger with size. It shined brighter than any star, and after a few minutes, the ones mourning looked up and took notice to the beautiful white jewel shining in the sky, but someone soon cried out that it was growing larger and larger. Soon, many people noticed the same thing, and before too long, it realized the the white ball in the sky was not a star, but a massive ball of fire that was getting brighter and brighter as it fell to the earth. Before too long, many began to flee, fearing that it was a comet, while many satellites from various world governments also took notice to the splendor that was the ball of light, watching as it entered the atmosphere at super sonic speeds. Faster and faster the ball of fire plummeted until it was high above the housing complex. In a panic, the residents even began to flee before the fiery form, unable to directly look at it without being blinded by its bright light. It was as if the sun, itself had fallen to earth. The heat could be felt nearby even, and the roads themselves seemed to begin to melt. As the ball of fire loomed overhead, those who decided to catch a glimpse from a far off distance were perpetually blinded would swear that the last thing that they saw were six wings within the fiery light.

Soon though, the light itself began to fade, and hovering above was a man. A man with black hair, blue eyes and a lightly tanned skin tone, but the most noticeable thing about him were the six wings on his back, that were keeping him suspended in the air. The man looked down above with a stone face, before slowly descending to the ground with a light tap. The man looked around, and knew that he was on Earth.


Michael had not been on earth for a long while, but he knew that humans in this day and age did not respond kindly to people with wings, nor anything that their new found religion of logic could not explain. As all six wings enclosed his body, they seemed to meld to his build and soon, he was dressed in casual clothing. Michael wold have to blend in. He knew that Samael would have sensed his arrival. All demons would have probably. It would not have surprised him. Not in the least bit, and although, it would hinder him somewhat, Michael had to remain steadfast and vigilant that he would find the half demon before he managed to accomplish his goal. Slowly, but surly, he began to look around some more, before the person that he was expecting had arrived.

“Hello Mari.” He said calmly, and casually, as if expecting her. He knew that she would come to investigate, and it was exactly why he was here. Now, she had to acknowledge him.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

The whole day had been odd. She couldn't explain it. It was like she was being led by some instinct. She didn't know what it was it was just odd and she didn't know how to put it into words. She just knew something was going to happen. Reaching into her wardrobe she found her favorite pink dress. And put it on after a long cleansing soak. She seemed to take extra care with her appearance today not out of some need of vanity, after all she barely wore any makeup, but as if she was preparing herself for something. She dressed and in spite of the edict not to go out at night she found herself going to the worst part of town as if led there.

To be sure there were unsavory types but they seemed to shrink away from the direction she headed. Several hurried past her limo as if fleeing a major catastrophic event but as far as she could tell there was nothing to be found save an old series of buildings. Getting out of her limo she made her way cautiously to where the feeling led her. Surprisingly her shoes held up well against the gravel and it didn't seem to do the damage she thought it might. Her hair was held back by a headband and blew in the hot breeze that often accompanied a fire but she didn't see anyone here at first.

Looking about she brushed a brown strand out of her eyes. Why was she here? The usual worries and trivial things that plagued her mind weren't bothering her for some reason. She felt oddly comforted and yet terrified at the same time. A disquieting feeling for anyone let alone a cupid that was still learning her job. Then she saw him, his rumpled appearance bileied his angelic nature and her eyes went wide as he addressed HER of all beings on this planet. She found her eyes watering as her senses went into overdrive and she looked down. Even in his more mundane state her sensing ability was dazzled. Her knees buckled and she knelt. What else was one supposed to do when a seraphim approached you and said "Hi." as if he'd been riding the bus. That song drifted through her mind and she staunched the thought. "Hello." she said as she tried to look at him and not go blind.

[Michael]

He tilted his head slightly to the side, as he watched the young cupid kneel before him. Slowly, he walked towards her and knelt down, looking upon her with his human blue eyes. As she looked upon him, he smiled softly and whispered softly in her ear, “Behold the Seraphim, herald of the Almighty, and right hand of the One, True God.” He extended his hand and with it, took hers and helped her back upon her feet. “Kneel not before me, child, for I am not worthy of worship, that is for the One above, who watches over us all.” It was Mari after all, that he was interested in. If only she knew her significance, and what she would be ready to do before too long. How she was already connected to the mission at hand from God, Himself. As she finally stood upon her feet, he looked down at her and then looked around at the scenery before him.

Everything was so incredibly different now. This was a world that fell into darkness, and the meek had inherited the earth truly. It was coming the end times of Revelation, itself, but did it have to be that way? There was so much damage done now to the earth, but it could be saved for a little while longer. Michael walked forward, looking at the road ahead. He could literally sense the people who were not returning to the site of his descent to Earth. He knew their fear and curiosity at what could have landed. “This world...is so entirely different.” he exclaimed in a calm, yet curious manner.

Michael then turned again, his focus back upon Mari completely. “You must lead me to Samael.” he said plainly then, as if it were not a request, but not an order either.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

Her eyes widened at the proclamation that came from the scruffy looking man that knelt before her. This was the voice that could both terrify and inspire and it sent chills down her spine. Her emotions were a tangle and she felt him help her up and rose obediently as he helped her up, "Forgive me if I sound rude but which Seraphim are you?" she asked softly as she pushed her glasses up on her nose and regarded him a bit quizzically. Her sensing was dying back down now that it knew what it was seeing and she relaxed minutely. One did not take a seraphim for granted after all but at least she knew she wasn't going to have to translate Aramaic or Hebrew. She turned and matched where his gaze fell and tilted her head.

"Not knowing the exact time you last came to earth it is hard for me to know what to say. We humans tend to advance quickly." she said softly before she looked back at him, "I can try and help you if I know what it is you seek and I'm able to assist you with it." she admitted with a nod as she looked around the area and hugged herself. At the mention of Samael she shook her head gently, "I do not know the person you speak of." she said regretfully as she stood there in the burned out remains of the building.

[Michael]

A warm smile was on his face. It was not one of those friendly smiles that one would expect from an angel, nor was it one that would inspire warmth, but rather, it was as if it was the limit of what that human form could come close to accessing. His eyes were directly on hers. While he was scruffy looking, he had a focus unparalleled to anything the Earth had ever seen, save for times when Michael was on it. It was the kind of focus of someone who was adamant in their confidence, and no sign of doubt. Unbreakable faith. Devout love for all things forged by God. It was all in those blue eyes as he stared into her own. “You have known me all of your life Mari,” He said softly in his somewhat hoarse voice, “although I have not been directly apart of it, you certainly know me. My name is Michael.”

Michael was well aware of Mari's pain. He could look directly into her soul and read her life, as if it were one, long tale of heartbreak, and his heart did break for her. “I have not been on this planet for seventy years,” he answered honestly, “before that, it had been two thousand years since I had last come to Earth, when I informed Mary that the Christ had risen from Death, as has all souls on this Earth. Michael only ever came to Earth when God commanded it of him. “Humans indeed have the ability to advance their own technologies, but day by day, they seem to lack less and less of the spark that makes them human. They have become lost, when they should rejoice in the new life that will await them.” Michael pitied the humans. Most have twisted and perverted God's word for their own benefit, went to worship other gods, killed in the name of God, and dared called it Holy. But as upset as it made him, it was his pity for these creatures that made him realize the depth of love that he held for them all.

“I did not expect you to have met him just yet,” Michael explained, “but in time, you will. But beware of him, for he is an evil that will attempt to disrupt the Natural Order, and usher in chaos throughout the universe if I do not find him. He is a deceiver, and a threat greater than the First of the Fallen.” To this day, Michael could not bring himself to utter Lucifer's name. When he was forced to cast his elder brother into the pit, he swore to never utter Lucifer's name again. Something that no soul on Earth, save for God, knew of. “Mari, it is no coincidence that you are here. By now, you also probably know this. You are here to serve a grand purpose, to help me in keeping the Natural Order balanced. I cannot tell you how that is, only that you will soon discover, and will know that it will feel like an insurmountable task. But know now, that I am here with you, to help you along the way.”

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

Nodding quietly she furrowed her brow worriedly, the fact that he had arrived on the date that he did made her wonder. St. Joachim and St. Anne were the parents of Mary and many felt that this day was to remember ones parents. It was a bit mind bending given that her mother had died and her father wouldn't qualify for being honored. "You are the protector of the Church and the Warrior of God among other things." she nodded quietly as she regarded him back with trepidation and a bit of shame. She knew he was the judge of souls and had even been equated with the angel of death. So while he may have been attempting to comfort her it was tempered by his grim duties.

"It is easy to lose site of the grand scheme of things today." she agreed quietly, "Very few of us, myself included, see past the day to day concerns of survival and comfort." she said with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "Its hard to relate to something that seems so vast and final." she massaged her temples and part of her wondered how or if she was going to be able to speak on this. Yes, she had a degree in religion but that didn't make her an expert by any means. She wasn't a priest or nun nor any other religious figure of importance. Just one more person with perhaps a few more problems than most.

"How will I know him when I see him? I think you know better than I that my fathers nature means that I interact with demons more than the average person." she flushed with a bit of embarrassment, after all he vanquished the very beings she'd grown up with. It was a bit mind bending to actually think of how few humans and good people she knew. She usually avoided them for their own protection. Growing attached made them targets. She usually kept to herself when it came to her faith for much the same reason.

"Why me?" she asked softly, "I'm no one special. I don't do anything of importance. I'm not a Hunter. I don't go attacking demons. I barely know what I am and even then, its all based on books and theory not actual practice. Why not go to one of the Evans brothers or one of the other people with powers that could defeat a demon? At best the books tell me I am a soul healer but that sort of requires a person be around me for a long period of time. I'm surrounded by vampires and demons who have shown me more compassion than the one hunter I met. I don't understand." she felt overwhelmed and completely unworthy of such a great task. She knew she would do it to the best of her ability but she lacked the knowledge of where to start. She ducked her head, "I've managed to keep alive through the grace of God but I don't know how to do much more than I have."

[Michael]

Michael smiled as she acknowledged who he was. However, she was only slightly right. “I am the protector of God's will on Earth, rather than the Church's will,” he said softly, “the Church has become corrupted and decadent in the past millennia.” It was almost no longer a house of God. While the symbols of the Christ were still symbols to repel away evil, the ones that called themselves Popes and Arch Bishops in the past were more heathens than those that they so declared condemned to Hell. Michael looked into her eyes and could tell her discomfort around him. If she knew that much of him, then she more than certainly knew that he had more than just a reputation as a protector and warrior. He was the Wrath of God for all practical purposes, but Michael was a servant of God above all other things, only doing what his Heavenly Father commanded. There were times though, that even he had his doubts in his faith for his Father. Why some had to die, and why some needed to be made an example of. While it was so incredibly rare, he did have his own questions. “You're uneasy around me.” he pointed out, “It is okay to be. But do not be afraid of me, or feel the need to kneel before me. Long before you were even born, I knelt before the first your kind.”


Michael looked into the starry night sky as he listened to Mari speak. When she spoke of people not being able to comprehend something so vast and final, he smiled and looked over towards her. “Nothing is final Mari,” he said reassuringly, “all things go on, even after mortal death. Life is what is vast, for it exists beyond after death. The soul is an immortal thing with the potential to last...forever. But people of these days live as if they will never truly live on. These seemingly-benign choices ultimately lead to chaos, just as they did when God brought the flood.” He sighed and looked back to the night sky, “Not all choices are quite too terrible, but there are those choices that people choose to make that leave dire consequences.”

He digressed though, and knew that he was not here to talk about the state of the world. As Mari asked how she would know Samael, Michael simply smiled and said, “Samael will make his presence well known. As for your father, he plays the ultimate role in why Samael is here. I cannot tell you why just yet. You must find out for your own, but all will be explained soon. I promise.”

Michael walked over to Mari again and extended his hand, placing it softly on her shoulder, “We all have our purposes in life Mari,” he explained, “while you see yourself as someone that does not know their own importance, I see a golden thread in the cloth of life. I chose you because God commanded it. He knows you better than you know yourself Mari, and he knows that you are the only person who can help me keep the Natural Order in balance by helping me with finding Samael. You are meant for far more than you can imagine, and while you have your questions, and feel the burden of this, know that God does not put more on your shoulders than you can carry. I promise Mari that all of this will make sense when the due time comes. Have faith.”

Michael closed his eyes momentarily before opening them again, but as he did, they shined like bright, miniature suns as he gripped Mari's shoulder tight, but not painfully tight. His hand began to glow a hot red as he began to sear his mark into Mari's shoulder. The process was practically painless, and at most, it would only feel like a pinch. However, once it was done, a mark was now branded on her arm, that resembled a tattoo. “You have been given my mark, Mari,” Michael explained, “it will allow me to know where you are at all times, and will allow you to bring me to you when you need me the most. Just say my name, and I will be there.” Michael explained with a smile before stepping back.

Suddenly, six white wings with bright fires highlighted within some of the feathers erupted from Michael's back and as he extended them forward, he looked upon Mari with kind eyes and said, “I must leave for now Mari. We will be in touch.” And then, with the synchronized beat of each of the six wings, Michael was propelled into the sky and was gone. There was much he had to do.



(OOC: Sorry for ending it so early, but I figured that we could get started on the Samael/Reginal thread soon. )

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

Mari nodded, "I understand. Forgive me I was raised Catholic..."she blushed feeling awkward around him more than before. She really didn't know how best to interact with him yet and it showed as she stood there and folded her hands in front of her respectfully.

Absorbing his words quietly she nodded, "It will take me some time. Its not every day one meets an archangel." she pointed out as she pushed her glasses up on her nose. "As for kneeling, yeah that's gonna be easier not to do given that you'd have to help me up each time if I do it." a bit of her old cheekiness shown through as she smiled softly at him.

"The modern age is such that it distracts us from what is truly important as much as it brings us closer. Its easier to get caught up in things that do not matter than to work at the things that do." she admitted softly. Her eyes sad at the thought even as she found comfort in his words.

Biting her lip she took in his words with trepidation and acceptence, "I guess it would make sense. Demons do like to show off." she said to him as she shrugged her shoulders. She knew that many liked to terrify and torment their victims with their looks. She rubbed her neck where Trent's mark lay, more out of habit since she did that prior to the mark than from any pain.

She looked up at him and her brown eyes met his blue ones. She tilted her head in acknowledgement of his words as she tilted her head and regarded him. He was still a puzzle to her but one that she would accept even as her mind strove to understand the magnitude of it all.

Twitching slightly she felt the pinch and accepted it, "I'll try not to abuse your trust in me." she said gently even as she realized her life had changed drastically in the last few moments. She'd have to be focused and not let herself forget lest she lose sight of the task at hand. She kept her gaze on his own as he spoke to her in his gravelly voice and she thought about the enormity of it all.

"Safe journey." she said by way of goodbye. It was not as if much could hurt him. Still, it was polite to say. Once he was gone she walked back to her car and told him to drive. Her tone polite and soft.