To Meet With Death

Xyron woke up with a start, sweat dripping from his brow. Why did these memories plague him in every dream? He got up from the bed, letting the covers slip away, He stood and placed his hands over his eyes. The cool air felt good against his bare chest and wings. He walked over to a few drawers built into the wall, opening one up and pulling out a few light robes. He slipped his wings out through two slots cut in the back. He wouldnt need to hide his wings where he was going. He sighed and walked out of his room. There was no place in particular that he had to go, but he preferred to find a place where he could find solemnity. This would not be a short meeting, and he didnt want anyone worrying about him while he was out of his body. This wasnt going to be a physical meeting like Shamgarel's before him. This was to be a full out-of-body experience. This way his body could still be discovered and his fate determined should things turn foul.
Xyron made his way through GUN, nodding as he passed the occasional hero up this late. There was a perfect location that he remembered from a meeting a while back with the man named Brock Pain. It was on the roof of GUN, where the stars glittered and the world seemed perfectly at peace. It was only a matter of moments before he reached his destination. He could remember the chance encounter with the leader of GUN here. Brock had offered him a sample of the smoking object he referred to as a "Blunt." Xyron smiled at the memory. GUN was quite an interesting place to live. Walls were constantly under assault from random powers, and meals proved somewhat...original...at times. Still, the area was clear today, and the HQ was quiet. It was the perfect chance to contact Azrael. Xyron sat cross legged on the ground, wrapping his wings around himself in a cocoon. He cleared his mind, entering a trance. It was no time at all before he was in a different place entirely. Even as he got up, however, he felt a chill run down his spine. His wings shuddered and Xyron knew immediately that he was not alone.
"Hello, Azrael."

Azrael slowly tilted his head in greeting.

"You've contacted me very promptly, I did not expect that Xyron."

"The urgency in Shamgarel's voice implied that you required my attention immediately. I did not want to keep you waiting for too long." Xyron turned to face the Aspect of Death. "I have had feelings of a foreboding darkness in the weeks ahead. Something is not right with the world. I had assumed this was the same reason you called me here today...?"

"I was hoping you had noticed."

"Indeed I had. Do you happen to know the reason behind these feelings? What is it that causes my dread?"

"A dark day is on the horizon Xyron. I wished to speak with you because you show the most potential to be able to grasp the situation at hand. As you may or may not know, Raide has made his way to Earth."

Xyron could feel his stomach tighten and his breath catch in his throat. "I could feel the increase of demonic power on Earth in the recent weeks, I admit, but I had attributed the phenomenon to the presence of the Succubus Alruna. I had not heard of Raide's entrance into the realm."

"Yes. While nothing can be done directly, this is the very reason Shamgarel sacrificed his immortality. The seraphs are expecting results from him. Raide plans on the rise of Satan and the onsuing Armageddon."

Xyron shook his head. "No. Raide will not succeed. I have lived among these heroes for some time now, and I know that they will not simply lie down and let it all happen. They have power beyond normal limits. Perhaps even power beyond those of Raide. And WE," he emphasized the word, to include himself, "will be ready for him."

"Pray you do, if not the world you and the heroes love will perish in the flames of Hell."

Xyron stood, his fists clenched and his jaw set in determination. He nodded slightly towards Azrael as he unfurled his wings. "Thank you, Azrael, for the warning. I will do everything in my power to make sure we are prepared. Raide's plans will not come to fruitation while I yet draw breath." Xyron closed his eyes, preparing to return to his body. As an afterthought he added: "Its good to know that I am not completely forgotten by my once-bretheren. Just know that no matter what I may have done, I am still loyal to Him. I just believe that there is always another way."

"He knows, but until there's an alternative to death, I will do my job, you do yours, but the other angels are expected to not interfere with me."

(Hey Kado, this meeting was taking place in my head... sort of. Azrael had asked to speak with me specifically. Nice enthusiasm though )

Xyron laughed as the surroundings began to fade. "She was still alive, Azrael. So technically you interfered with me..." The world dissolved as Xyron returned to his body. He was still sitting on the roof of Gun with his wings wrapped around him. He stood and let his wings return to their normal position, opening himself up to the cold night air. His thin robes werent enough to shield him from the chill. He turned towards the door as he mulled over what Azrael had said. As he took a step, however, his leg faltered. He flapped his wings to regain his balance, narrowly avoiding injury. It seemed he had been away for a while. Time passed differently in that realm.

Xyron stumbled inside. He would need to start planning for the days ahead. He opened the door and his stomach gurgled angrily. Perhaps he should eat first. Xyron took one last look behind him as he left. Azrael and Xyron never saw eye to eye, but they still had a measure of respect for each other. For Azrael to think the world was doomed meaned that this was serious. He sighed as the door closed behind him. It always was serious. But the combined might of GUN could handle it. They'd have to.

[[End Topic]]