PART I: THE BEGINNING

Chapter 1- Father Instincts

2115 years earlier…

Location: Heaven

In the beginning of the end,

It’s time for you to ascend.

Don’t worry about a dead end,

For you are the true godsend.

While the warm light of the morning sun shone through the clouds, the beautiful structure of the Angelicum castle winded around itself into incredible height with the highest towers vanishing within the white fluffy mist. The holy architecture itself was modern yet antique, unique yet classy with its colored glass walls near the ground painting the grass below the three angels in a wonderful play of light. Decorations of rich marble stones graced some glass walls elegantly, the combinations of different textures feeling even more magical the higher the walls of the castle reached into the clouds. Whilst the colorful glass reminded one of rainbows and ethereal happiness, the transparent colorless glass walls high in the sky were far more stunning to glance at. It was because of the air of elegance surrounding the higher parts which were displaying the flourishing life within the castle.

Yet, this rare ethereal beauty of the Glass Palace was lost by the three standing in front of the enormous entrance doors to the castle. The gathered Archangels waited impatiently to be let in, or rather, hopefully be let in. Ever since the birth of his daughter, their brother Archangel Michael had turned into that type of overly protective parent you don’t want to mess with. Ever.

“I told you, Gabriel. The chances of Michael letting us back in after what happened a month ago are 60%. I calculated it precisely and perfectly, but considering the fact our brother’s attitude changed as soon as his daughter was born, there is still a risk and chaos factor that could mess up my calculations.” Uriel asserted firmly while he adjusted the golden monocle resting on his right eye, which complemented his softly freckled cheeks. His four wings the color of sunset were folded neatly on his back, even though they occasionally ruffled in obvious annoyance. “More so-“

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Gosh, you already told us all about your oh-so-wise calculating! One time was enough for me to get the deal now, so shush, smartass.” Gabriel dismissed him in their snarky way while waving their hand, the nonbinary Archangel rolling their eyes as they fixed their long golden hair that was up in a stylish bun. Gabriel’s features were surprisingly feminine even though their jawline showed more of a strong masculine shape that resembled their brothers.

“Besides, it’s your fault we got kicked out. You, Mr. Big Brain, did not have to hit Mr. I-am-a-father-now-oh-my-gosh with the chances of his daughter dying in the first weeks of her life... Like, excuse me? You freaked him out more than he already was and look where that got us! Kicked out of Angelicum as if we are misbehaving brats!” They ranted out rather sassily while their four light pink wings were unfolded in clear disgruntlement.

“Guys, please… Let’s just calm down, okay? We haven’t been back at the palace in a month so who knows what happened… Let’s just be thoughtful and hopefully big brother will give us another chance to meet our niece.” Raphael interfered, smiling rather nervously as his light green eyes were shining and swirling in an eternal and enchanting way even though his small lanky form was lost next to his tall brothers.

“You two want to see Seraphina again as well, right? So let’s be on our best behavior to not give Michael any reason to kick us out again... Please!!” The brown-haired Archangel begged his brothers. He just wanted to check up on their niece because he felt uneasy about the fact he wasn’t able to check up on the baby before. His single pair of wings folded on his back, only to unfold again in clear nervousness and worry. Like usual, he was the nicest amongst the four Archangels. His caring nature was quite the perfect trait paired with his special healing ability.

Gabriel sighed in defeat, pinching the bridge of their nose. “Fine, fine, whatever.” They grumbled softly, searching the pockets of their stylish white and golden robe for their lipstick.

Uriel brushed the “imaginary dust” from his purple old-fashioned suit with a strict expression, clearly displeased with both Gabriel and Raphael right now. “I informed you that the chances are 40% we are going to wait here for forever. If you can’t accept the big part that science and wisdom play in our world, I cannot help your low-capacity brains. If you wish to have an IQ similar to a pebble, then so be it.” He replied with hidden anger, gaining a nasty side look from Gabriel. But before the two could start bickering again, the golden entrance doors creaked open only to reveal the fancily decorated insides of the monumental building.

“King Michael allowed your entrance. He is awaiting you in his chambers, milords.” A young male in polished silver armor greeted them as he stepped aside to let them pass in with a respectful bow, the knight of Heaven acknowledging the three Archangel’s status as he was a mere Nephilim, the half-blooded child of an angel and a human.

“Ah! Finally~ Gosh, any longer and I seriously would have filed a complaint against my brother. He should have more decency than making us wait for so long.” Gabriel exclaimed dramatically as they took long strides inside, Uriel and Raphael following their brother quickly and silently to make sure their theatrical brother would not just storm inside Michael’s chambers and throw a tantrum without the formal greetings… What wouldn’t be the first time.

“Please calm down Gabriel, I don’t want to scare little Sera so let’s just push your dramatic tendencies down a little.” The brown-haired Archangel inclined gently as they hurried through the palace halls. Once they reached the main tower, they all unfolded their wings and flew up towards the main west wing where their brother’s private chambers were located.

“He shouldn’t have kicked us out to begin with! Even though we don’t live here, that still doesn’t justify the humiliation! I may be on the move all the time but I, unlike you two, need to access every place in Heaven, Hell, and Terra to get the messages of the gods across the world. But fine… Just this once I will let it slide because of my generous heart and being.” They huffed out and flicked a strand of their fabulous shining hair back, making both Uriel and Raphael exchange a deadpan look because both of them knew how “generous” their brother can be. And that was close to nonexistent.

“The possibility that Michael would hold a major grudge against us because of this was close to 0. So, I just think he has been too busy with his duties and his job as a single father to bother trying to contact us until today.” Uriel mumbled while they slowly landed in front of the Archangel’s gigantic chambers, the doors made of marble were decorated with fine gold leaves and ornaments that formed their family crest in the middle of the two-winged doors.

“Yes, I think he hasn’t been holding up very well if I am being honest. I am quite worried… It just has been a month since Seraphina was born and…that happened. You two know that it broke him-“ Raphael whispered sadly only to be interrupted by Gabriel slapping their hand over his mouth to shut him up with a worried expression.

“Shh! You know that we should not talk about this anywhere near Michael-“

“Talk about what?” The deep thunderous voice of Michael asked from within the dim room in front of them. The doors to his living space had opened enough to let them enter, and neither of the three seemed to have noticed he had opened the doors already. For a split second, his three younger brothers froze in shock and surprise from being caught like this.

It was completely silent for a few seconds before Gabriel sighed as they noticed Michael did not hear enough to know what they were talking about. 

“Yikes… What a close call.” They whispered before giving both Uriel and Raphael a long warning look and quickly slid into the room. “It’s nothing of your concern, brother. Don’t worry too much about it~ More so, why didn’t you let us in earlier! We have been waiting for forever-“

Raphael slammed his elbow into Gabriel’s side, making the fit tall Archangel gasp lightly as their younger brother merely smiled sweetly and ignored the deadly glaring blonde next to him. “We are grateful that you allow us to visit you and our baby niece again. We hope you have been well.”

Uriel nodded in agreement, studying the oddly dim room before the thousand bright eyes on his body settled upon the shadowed form of Michael. While it was clear they were talking to Michael from the enormous size of 2.10 meters of the figure, it still seemed quite odd that it was this dark in the room. Usually, the sunlight would have hit the glass walls and made the room light up, but the clear walls seemed to be covered by blankets and only let in the slightest bit of light.

“Mhm? Yeah, I’ve been fine… Just busy and taking care of Sera…” Michael merely grumbled, reaching for a cup filled with a dark black substance. He slowly sipped on his coffee before the loud gasps of his brothers made him glance up in confusion. “What?” He asked and raised an eyebrow at the shocked Archangels.

As soon as their eyes had adjusted to the dim light, the three had realized just in what type of state their older brother was in. The grim and cold Archangel usually looked perfect and attractive, from his uniform and robes to his armor and battle outfit, his clothes and appearance always looked neat, majestic, and flawless. But now... His pretty short dark hair was so messy it looked like he hadn’t brushed it in a while whilst even his usual strong, golden, and intimidating eyes were now dim and tired. Not just that, the deep dark bags under his eyes spoke of more than a little lack of rest and the coffee stains on his shirt made him appear rather chaotic.

“WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO YOU???!”