Raziel stood at the window with Uriel and Remiel, the three of them smoking and talking in low tones. Samael sat on Tzadkiel’s sofa, sipping tea from a porcelain cup and talking with Haniel and Metatron. Raphael realized that he was the last to arrive.
“Ah, there you are.” Remiel strode over to shake Raphael’s hand, smiling broadly. “We were wondering when you’d show up.”
“Sorry, I was in London when I got Tzad’s call.” Raphael smiled at Remiel. “How is Ishtahar?”
“She’s good.” Remiel’s smile turned soft and gentle. Raphael wondered if his face took on that expression when he talked of Israfel. “She’s been helping with the shelters in Oregon.”
That didn’t surprise Raphael at all. Ishtahar, beautiful and burdened with immortality as the punishment for being impregnated by a possessive, selfish Grigori named Semjaza, refused to use her eternity of life for herself. She spent her time working with the homeless, the poor, and the sick, with abused women and orphaned children, with war veterans and people who had slipped through the cracks of social welfare and had nothing and no one. Ishtahar and Agrat had partnered up to open safe houses in eastern Europe for those unfortunates who found themselves on the wrong side of human trafficking, and Raphael knew Ishtahar worked tirelessly trying to make their lives a little better.
“Does she need me to check over anyone?” Raphael asked.
Remiel’s expression became one of great relief. “I’m glad you asked, Raph. She’s got three women, one man, and two kids in a makeshift isolation ward in this house she and the others are fixing up and using as a shelter. They’re pretty sick, and she doesn’t know what with. The local medic doesn’t know either. She wanted me to ask you if you could come take a look.”
“Then I will do so when we’ve adjourned.” Raphael touched Remiel’s shoulder in a reassuring grip. “She herself will not become ill, though. You know that.”
“There’s a first time for everything,” Remiel said. He sighed, unable now to disguise his worry. “She works too much. She still thinks she has to repent and make up for her sins. Which weren’t really her sins, since Semjaza raped her.”
“Her sons still live,” Raphael said gently. “I understand your concern, Remi. I love her too. She’s the sister we never had. Even Uriel loves her, and that’s not an easy thing to achieve.”
Remiel laughed at that. “True. Still, I worry. I love her, Raph. Not the way you guys do, obviously, because that would be so weird, but she’s my life.”
“I’ll double-check that she’s all right when I go to see her patients,” Raphael promised.
Remiel looked as if he’d had the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders. “Thank you,” he said, and his voice was soft and full of emotion. “I really appreciate it.”
“It is nothing.” Raphael smiled. “We worry over the ones we love. I understand all too well.”
“How’s Israfel, speaking of loved ones?”
Raphael raised an eyebrow in surprise, and then he smiled with rueful amusement. “I should have known that you would ferret that information out.”
“Not I—Raziel. Mysteries and Secrets, remember.” Remiel grinned. “Plus Haniel knew, which wasn’t really a surprise.” Raphael shook his head in agreement as Remiel continued. “Uriel seems to think it’s the weirdest match ever, but I can see the appeal.”
“You can?” Raphael blinked, astonished.
“Sure. It’s the music.” Remiel lit another cigarette. “What’s the sound of Heaven to angelkind’s ears? Music.”
Raphael reflected on that for several moments. “That is certainly a part of it, yes. It’s not the whole thing, though.”
“He’s a cutie pie who has an adorable and amusing tendency toward the very long and rambling sentence?” Remiel laughed.
“That too.” Raphael laughed as well. “He keeps my soul young.”
“Ah. That I understand. Ish keeps mine young.” Remiel nodded. “We are truly blessed, Raph.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Raphael said.
Tzadkiel called the meeting to order, and conversation ceased as Tzadkiel cleared his throat and handed out copies of his report.
“How do things stand?” Michael asked.
Raphael looked at Tzadkiel.
“Some things are good, some aren’t.” Tzadkiel shrugged. “Some islands have sunk and some parts of the world have been destroyed, but other islands have risen up, and people are adjusting to their new living situations. There’s going to be famine in some parts of the world, though, and water shortages.”
Michael sighed, his expression sad. “Is there nothing we can do?”
“Not really. I’ve asked Raziel to examine the integrity of the planet’s core and the atmosphere, and his findings are that if we mess about with weather and natural resources too much, we’ll just make things worse. We need to let the planet heal at its own pace. Unless God Himself decides to step in and do a few repair jobs, we should leave well enough alone.”
“That is hard to do sometimes,” Michael said.
“I know.” Tzadkiel gave him a small, sad smile. “But we did sort of cause a lot of this, after all. Fighting in some parts of the world was brutal. The planet simply could not take the weight of the power generated by the armies of angelkind fighting demon legions.”
“The planet has endured worse things made by mankind,” Michael said, starting to frown.
“Not really. Sure, some of the weapons that humanity has made are pretty awful, but they don’t weigh anything, not psychically. Our powers, when we unleash them in battle like we have been for seventy years? That’s too much of a psychic weight for any landmass to take unscathed.”
Michael shook his head and turned to Raziel. “Is this true?”
“Yes.” Raziel exhaled a cloud of smoke and took another drag of his cigarette. “That is my finding on the matter. Imagine, if you will, that the landmasses that make up nations and countries and islands float, held in place by strings that connect them to the core of the planet. Those strings are flexible. They react to things like tsunamis or earthquakes. Those are natural disasters that are par for the course for the planet. Our powers being used in such a way for so long are not natural to this planet, ergo, there is no natural compensation for the effects of our power.”
“I dislike doing nothing.” Michael’s frown deepened.
“No one likes doing nothing.” Tzadkiel shrugged. “Take it up with God.”
Michael said nothing to that suggestion.
“Is there anything we can do to help humanity that doesn’t involve interfering with the planet?” Raphael asked.
“Ah, a sensible question,” Uriel drawled.
“Uri,” Raz said, lightly nudging Uriel’s side.
Uriel rolled his eyes but stayed silent.
“There is,” Tzadkiel said, raising his voice so he could be heard over the grumblings of the Brotherhood. “We can go where we’re needed, offer comfort, mercy, healing. We are, after all, capable of these things, despite some of us being badass with a sword. God didn’t make us to be unable to do other things. We can help with things like desalination plants to provide water, transporting food, clothing, blankets. We can help rebuild towns and villages with tools and our hands. There’s a lot we can do if we put our minds to it. After all, we’re Archangels. We’re not helpless. We’re not limited. We can’t manipulate the planet itself, but we can help the humans who live on it with our two hands and our compassion. And if we’ve forgotten how to do that? Then I suggest those of us who feel it’s beyond them take a good, hard look at Agrat and Ishtahar, and see how they help people, what they do, and how much they are able to achieve without using any power or magic.”
There was a long silence when Tzadkiel finished, and Raphael silently applauded the speech. Tzadkiel had said far more eloquently what Raphael was feeling than Raphael felt he would have been able to.
Remiel was the first to speak. “I’ll be going to help Ish after we fini
sh up here,” he said, “and Raph’s coming with me. There’s a few patients that Ish is worried about.”
“Good, good.” Tzadkiel nodded in approval. “You see, gentlemen?” He looked at the other Archangels. “Take a page out of Remiel’s and Raphael’s books and stop asking stupid questions about grand gestures that would be ultimately counterproductive.”
Michael stood and bowed stiffly. “As you say, Tzadkiel.” With that, he was gone.
Tzadkiel exploded. “What is up with him?”
“He don’t like feeling useless, Tzad,” Gabriel said. “And he feels impotent in this situation. He wants to fix things quickly and permanently. He ain’t realized that it just ain’t doable until now. I mean, who of us has? Apart from Raz, ’cause Raz is Doctor Science, and you, ’cause you’ve had his report. Don’t worry about it,” Gabriel finished. “I’ll go and talk to him.”
“Okay, okay, fine.” Tzadkiel huffed. A little grudgingly, he added, “Tell him I’m sorry I bit his head off.”
“Will do.” Gabriel grinned. “For what it’s worth, I weren’t offended. See you all later, chums.” With that, he too was gone, following Michael to wherever he’d headed.
Raphael sighed. “Michael feels things very deeply.”
“You mean he takes personal offense when he can’t fix something?” Tzadkiel sprawled in his armchair. “No, ignore me. I’m tired. I’ve been working nonstop getting this shit sorted out so everyone can understand the report. I need to take a few days to do nothing. I really didn’t mean to lecture you guys,” he added, looking sheepish.
“Don’t worry about it,” Remiel said. “We get it. Right, guys?”
There was a murmur of agreement.
“There you go.” Remiel grinned. “All good. How about we all leave you to it so you can get a bit of R and R, and we’ll all convene again in a few days? When cooler heads can prevail and all that.”
“That is a fine suggestion,” Samael said, standing.
“Then let’s do that.” Remiel looked around, and Raphael noted that everyone was nodding in agreement.
“Awesome. Now, I’m going to Oregon to see Ish. I’ll see you all later.” Remiel vanished.
Samael moved to shake each of the Archangels’ hands. “I must go to Africa,” he said. “There is, sadly, work for me to do.”
When he’d gone, Haniel and Metatron following soon after, Raziel turned to Raphael. “Are you planning on seeing Michael before we do this reconvening?”
“I hadn’t, but that doesn’t mean I won’t. Why?”
Raziel chuckled. “Uri’s kidnapping me.”
Raphael blinked. “He’s what?”
“Raziel’s being dramatic.” Uriel lit a cigar. “I’m putting him on R and R for a month. No one better argue with me, or I’ll set their wings on fire.”
Raphael held his hands up in a placating gesture. “Not arguing, Uri, just asking. Okay, I’ll pass that on if I see Mike.”
“He won’t be happy about it,” Uriel warned.
“He’s rarely happy anyway,” Raziel said.
“He’s generally happy with Gabriel,” Raphael said.
“For now,” Raziel said.
Raphael frowned. “I hope that’s not a prophecy of bad things coming, Raz.”
“Nah, just me being pessimistic about the prospect of Michael remaining content for any period of time. He’s only truly happy when he’s miserable.” Raziel pulled a face.
“Okay, well, I’m going to leave you crazy kids to your bitching and go help Ish and Remi.” Raphael shook his head. “And stop smoking. I know you don’t have lungs, but it’s a bad example for the humans who do have lungs.”
Uriel let out a string of invective at that, and Raziel laughed. Raphael sighed.
“I live in hope. Forever, clearly. I’ll see you all later.” Raphael left before he could be subjected to Uriel’s opinion on quitting smoking.
ISHTAHAR was relieved, Raphael saw, her beautiful eyes hopeful as he materialized in the entry hall of the ancient house that she and her helpers were fixing up as a shelter for the homeless. She rushed to him, hugged him, and kissed both his cheeks. She smelled faintly of lavender and honey, and Raphael smiled reassuringly at her.
“I’m here, Ish,” he said as she took his arm, “so let’s have a look at your patients and we’ll see what we can do, all right?”
“Thank you, Raphael,” she said, guiding him down the hall. “I do appreciate you coming on such short notice.”
“I’m happy to do it,” he said, and they made small talk as they walked toward the rooms that she had set up for her patients.
Raphael wasn’t hopeful for the survival of the sick after he finished examining them. He closed the last door with a soft click and turned to Ishtahar, who was waiting for him, her expression anxious.
“I’m so sorry,” he said. “They’re not going to make it.”
Ishtahar’s eyes filled with tears, but she nodded. “All right. Can I do anything to make their final time easier?”
“Water, keep them cool.” Raphael pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry,” he said again.
“It is not your fault,” Ishtahar said.
“I’ll take care of the fans to circulate the air a bit,” Remiel said, coming up to them.
“You heard me, then?” Raphael said. It wasn’t really a question.
“Yeah.” Remiel sighed. “I suspected they weren’t going to live. Always helps to have a professional opinion, though.”
Raphael nodded. He didn’t really know what to say to that.
“You should go and be with Israfel,” Ishtahar said. “He is probably missing you.”
Raphael smiled at that. “Yes. Yes, I will. Thanks. And again, I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “You did your best. Thank you for coming, Raphael.”
“You’re welcome.” Raphael disappeared, going straight to London and Israfel.
ISRAFEL was sitting on the couch, watching TV and eating popcorn. When he heard the distinctive pop of Raphael’s return, he got to his feet and rushing to hug Raphael tight. Raphael clung unashamed to his lover. It had been a long day.
“Are you okay?” Israfel asked.
“It’s been a tense day,” Raphael said.
“Okay, well, come on, baby, we’re going to veg out and watch TV, eat snacks, and later have awesome sex.” Israfel tugged Raphael to the couch.
Raphael sat down, arms still around Israfel. “That sounds wonderful.”
“Good.” Israfel kissed him. “Maybe a bubble bath too.”
“You’re spoiling me, Iss.”
“And why not? You deserve it. Hush, now, Caitlin’s about to learn that Henry really does love her and isn’t leaving her for Samantha.”
Raphael started to laugh. “Oh, Iss. You adorable angel. I love you.”
“I love you too. Now shh.”
Raphael mimed zipping his lips closed, but he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
4
“WHAT’S wrong?” Gabriel looked at Michael with concern. He had found his lover on their island, inside the house.
“Nothing. Apologies, I fear I am thinking too much.” Michael gave Gabriel a wan smile. “I have some paperwork to do.”
Gabriel opened his mouth to protest, then changed his mind. “Okay.”
Michael gave Gabriel a quick kiss on the cheek and headed into the study. When he had gone, Gabriel sighed and headed out to the porch.
The weather was turning, he realized as he looked out over the beach of the small island he and Michael shared. He had a fair idea of what was on Michael’s mind, considering how the discussion had gone at Tzadkiel’s apartment. Like Michael, Gabriel felt the frustrations of not being able to use his power to help those humans who had been so badly affected by the war. And, like Michael, he wanted to use his power to try to heal the damage done to the Earth.
It rankled, being told to essentially sit and stay. Although Tzadkiel and Raziel had not exactly said that the Archa
ngels were to do nothing and watch humans cope with the aftermath of a global war between forces they could not completely understand, Gabriel still felt the restrictions chafe at him. He wanted to go and see if he could fix those places that were now nothing more than giant craters of dead earth, wanted to see if he could use his power to find fresh water and release it in new rivers or lakes. He wanted to try to fix some of the damage he knew he had caused.
He felt guilty, he realized. Gabriel did not like the feeling, especially when he thought that he could use his power to fix some of the damage. However, Raziel and Tzadkiel’s words rang in his ears, and he sighed, leaning against the balustrade of the porch and scrubbing his face with one hand.
“Apologies.”
Gabriel jumped as he heard Michael’s voice, and turned.
“I did not mean to interrupt your thinking,” Michael said. He looked tired, Gabriel thought.
“It’s okay, solnyshko.” Gabriel held his arms out, and after a brief moment’s hesitation, Michael went to him, wrapped his own arms around Gabriel, and hugged him tight.
“That was a hell of a meeting, huh?” Gabriel rubbed Michael’s back with one hand.
“Yes.” Michael shook his head against Gabriel’s chest. “I feel frustrated.”
“Me too.” Gabriel sighed. “Not a lot we can do, though, is there?”
“I fear not.” Michael pulled back enough to look into Gabriel’s eyes. “I will need to speak to my people in the morning. Perhaps they will be able to assist where we cannot.”
“That’s a good idea.” Gabriel nodded. “They were in the thick of it in some places. They’ll have a damn good notion of what to do and where to do it.”
Michael nodded. “That was my thought.”
“And it were a good one.” Gabriel pressed a soft kiss to Michael’s forehead. “Better than any of mine.”
“Did you come to any conclusions?”
“Not so much.” Gabriel looked out over the sea once more. “I want to fix things. I know that I can’t. I feel like my hands are tied and I hate it. It’s fucking annoying.”
No Surrender, No Retreat Page 5
