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I didn't know you were a fan of Queen, brother.

[ Michael just shrugged. ] It seemed apt. Classic rock seems to fit with this particular look.

[ He prodded the charred corpse with the toe of his boot. ] He fought well, although that's probably a small consolation now.

He'll be back eventually. [ Gabriel looks around the small alley. ] Though perhaps we should be gone as well before some authorities arrive.

[ After all times are different. Police respond quicker these days. ] We can discuss your music tastes somewhere less a murder scene.

You want to explain that better?

No doubt. [ A small snort. ] This makes the third time I've send him back to the Void, but the little bastard always manages to claw his way out. [ But Gabriel was right, regardless. Michael spread his huge wings, onyx feathers reflecting the wan city streetlights. ]

Aye, they've matured somewhat, but still have a long way to go, brother mine. Shall we? [ A rush of cold air and the elder was airborne, hovering for a moment while waiting for his sibling to join. ]

[ He had not spent as much time as Michael changing bodies. He didn't take as many risks. His wings were fully grown and a fine mix of tans and browns with white dotted with dark brown underneath. He leapt after him and circled higher with a few powerful downstrokes. ]

You really should stop taunting them. You hunt them almost as obsessively as Uriel. [ He does wish his brothers would enjoy their lives instead of warring constantly. There was so much to this world and time they could enjoy. ] The Void doesn't miss you when you're gone.

How was it in any way unclear?

Someone is actually dust? That's what you're saying?

[ Flight was one of their gifts that Michael relished more than most. His wings were huge, their feathers black as night itself. Strong and powerful, they lofted him high, spiraling upwards through the smoggy air until he broke through and emerged into the starlight, taking a deep breath of clean air. ]

That's my job. [ He gave Gabriel a pointed look when the other appeared beside him. ] And I'm very good at it, hadn't you noticed? [ The barest hint of a smirk flashed, followed by a lifted eyebrow. ] So are you, if memory serves.

Not 'someone'. 'Something', you might say.

There's more to this world than killing. You can do good in other ways. [ Which was exactly what Gabriel spent his time doing these days. ] Yes, you're helping but Creator save me there are more than enough of you focused on slaying to last a thousand lifetimes.

[ His concern was because it put too many as risk. Yes, they would return but that time without was lonely to say the least. ] You have many options.

And you're still not making it sound any better.

Does it matter? The threat is eliminated, the streets are safe--for now--and you're interfering with the rest of my work. Detective.

Lieutenant, and I'm not about to let you walk away after you've admitted to killing someone and that you're going to do it again.

I save a puppy every other week or so, Gabriel. I haven't become as stone-hearted as you seem to believe. And you know why I fight, so don't give me 'the lecture'. There are many who strive to slay, yes. But how many of those actually do?

[ While it was true that battle was Michael's main purview these days, it was only because he was one of the only ones of their kind left who could meet the bastards on the field and survive. He shook his head and sighed as they flew, ghosts over the city. ]

The numbers of Voidspawn have never been greater, these past few centuries.

[ As if his job wasn't hard enough. ]

--very well. Lieutenant. The corpse--or what's left of it--is right behind that dumpster. Feel free to investigate it. Mind the sulphur; it's hell to wash out.

I never said stone hearted. Don't put words into my mouth. This go around I'm older than you and you should respect your elders. [ He even went as far as to wag his finger at him like a scolding adult. ]

They haven't been greater, they're simply more aggressive. We see them more. It's a change, yes, but I don't believe they're growing. Especially not with how quickly you and others put them back to the Void.

[ This is what apparent murder and a confession gets you. Handcuffed and pushed towards a waiting car. ]

That's for the ME. You and me are going to talk more at the station.

By half a century. That hardly counts. [ The gesture was largely ignored, Michael shearing through a cloudbank. ]

Be that as it may, there's a reason for this increase in their activity, Gabriel. We need to discover it, eradicate it, and restore what balance still remains before we lose this world entirely.

[ Glass half-empty, that was Michael lately. ]

---and don't give me the 'half-full' idiom either, please.

[ Rather than cause even more of a scene, Michael suffered himself to be ushered into the squad car and sat in silence. This wasn't the first time the human 'law enforcement' had interfered with him and his kin, and he knew it wouldn't be the last. ]

There's this glorious thing, brother, called hope.

[ Honestly, it's like talking to a brick wall. He understands the dedication but Michael cannot see the forest from the trees. ]

It's not that glass nonsense you're touching on but no matter how many crawl out of the Void it cannot be killed or banished or sent away.

[ She gave a few orders to those gathered at the scene then climbed into the driver seat, locked the doors and turned around to face the man in the back. ]

So, you set people on fire for fun or profit?

[ Michael paused in their flight, wings beating sharply as he stopped. ]

If it can't, then what's the point of hope, Gabriel? [ Michael's tone was stern, all previous banter absent. ]

One day, it will be destroyed. Creator bless me that I'm here to witness it, that we all are, brother. Else what is the point of our dedication? [ His frown deepened. ] What is the point of our sacrifices?

[ The glare of the siren lights likely made it impossible for her to see the green reflection of his eyes, and had he room, Michael would have given her a most tangible answer, but instead he simply shrugged. ]

Neither. And, for the record, I didn't 'set him on fire'. I smote him, which is completely different.

[ Hovering at the same level as his brother Gabriel gestured to the sky all around them. ]

Life, in and of itself, is the point. Our cycle, their cycle, all of it as it is and meant to be. What you do, brother, is important, but do not let it consume you. It's all too easy to lose yourself to all of it.

[ Which could lead to horrible things as they had seen in some of their kind. ]

Try to enjoy this go around before you return.

Smote huh?

[ She narrowed her eyes at him then turned back to the steering wheel and drove off. After a minute of aimless driving she pulled over, got out and pulled him out of the back of the car. As politely as possible when annoyed she took the cuffs off and stepped away from him. ]

You'd better be one of them and not some crazy that I'm about to set free.

[ Michael simply stared at his brother for a long, long moment, then again shook his head and sighed. ]

...I need coffee.

Now there is a statement that surprises no one.

[ He responded by unfurling enormous wings, their dark sheen gleaming in the car's bright lights. They flapped once, a gust of bone-chilling air.

Despite the seriousness of the entire circumstance, Michael had to grin, although it was tinged with a hefty dose of cynicism. ]

Would you have shot me, otherwise?

Good. Let us embark upon that mission, then.

[ Michael's amused snort echoed even as he winged downwards, heading to the far side of the city and a favored cafe nestled there. ]

You're the ones that dispense justice without a trial. I have a taser.

[ Yeah, the little show didn't do anything to ruffle her feathers. Murphy had dealt with weird for years. ]

If you're staying in the area doing this sort of work do me a favor and tell me first so I can handle this properly. Sorry about the misunderstanding.

Oh, of course.

[ He wheeled and twisted midair before joining in the gentle glide down, following Michael. ]

Let us not delay on such an important thing.

[ It wasn't done out of ostentation. More of identification, such as it was. He and his were the only beings who could boast such appendages, after all. ]

It's better that way, trust me on it.

[ The wings faded back into the aether again, leaving him naught more than a tall dark haired man in a rather beat up leather jacket. ]

No harm done. [ This time. ] Had I been here on an 'official' hunt, I would have informed the 'locals' of my presence. But that particular unfortunate caught my radar without warning, so I apologize.

[ His gaze became stern again. ] I'm not one to leave vermin behind, alive.

That's fine. I don't want them in my city but when you're done take a minute and call.

[ She got a business card out of her pocket and held it out to him. ]

This whole thing works better when you're open and upfront with us. It's easier to keep the secret that way.

[ He'd become a regular at this particular place; they knew what to serve him the moment he walked in. It also served as a way station from this world to theirs; messages ofttimes arrived containing updates, orders and other important information.

Michael took his customary place in the corner booth, resting his head back on the cushioned upholstery. A waitress brought him a mug of hazelnut coffee and he took a long swallow after thanking her. ]

See? Homicidal instincts curbed. For the moment.

If only the demons knew to offer you coffee.

[ Gabriel was less a regular but they were familiar enough to give him black coffee with nothing allowing him to doctor it himself. ]

You would be putty in their hands. [ He draped an arm across the back of the booth while sipping at his coffee. ]

State secret, Gabriel. Can't let them find out. [ But he grinned regardless; all of their brethren seemed to have a weakness for sugary treats and caffeine, both together if preferable. ]

[ Then sobered. ] I wouldn't be surprised to discover they had quite the dossier on all of us, actually.

[ Michael took the card, gave it a glance--instantly committing it to memory--then handed it back. ]

Bit of an oxymoron, no? [ His saturnine expression deepened. ] As I said, I was passing through. Nothing else has caught my attention here, so I'm prepared to move on.

Seems reasonable. This is the information age. [ It would not be a surprise to him if they were studied and tracked. He's fairly certain the government does it already. At least, the parts that know of them. ]

I'm sure we could build our own if you wanted.

"That which is written down can be read by unfriendly eyes," Michael remarked, mug in hands and elbows propped on the table.

"Granted, it's taken them a while," the mortals, "to develop instantaneous information sharing." He took a sip of steaming coffee.

"Despite missing the node in their brain which governs telepathy. They're naught if not adaptable, I have to admit."

If something else catches your attention and you pass through again just give me a call. [She tucked the card back in her pocket.]

Now, excuse me, I've got to clean up your mess. Thanks for the paperwork. [Her salute was a touch sarcastic as she got into her car.]

"Not everyone needs to have telepathy, brother."

There were days when Gabriel would've liked to keep his brothers out of his mind and enjoyed silence instead. It did have its advantages though. He wasn't sure it would benefit humanity any. They couldn't even have civil text based conversations. To read thoughts?

He wasn't certain they were ready for such a thing.

"Perhaps we can use some of their adaptability to our advantage in this fight. It is not a bad avenue to pursue. We would need to send someone willing to interact with them."

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AU verse for the win

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so had enough of brackets, ye godlings

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