✝ 05

[archistrategos]

[Watching the sleeping form of the girl on his couch, Michael sat at a close, but safe, distance away from her. After they'd gotten home, he'd taken back his jacket and wrapped her in a warm blanket instead. It had taken both patience on his part and courage on her part to keep her from bolting. But Michael had remained tempered, and the girl made

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[archistrategos]

One is better than none.

Samael's not your man. I speak from my heart. It would've been impossible.

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[archistrategos]

The proof is that he's bed-bound, horseman.

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[archistrategos]

And I had been ready to believe you. The four of you had great conviction on this very idea. But I had been ready to accept this truth until I saw Samael for myself.

An angel entrapped in a human body. He heals as fast as flesh and blood.

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[archistrategos]

He had been wronged above the offenses he first committed to yours. But this I say gently. There's no hidden intent there.

Small, significant clues tell me that there's a ring of truth to them. Perhaps you acknowledge the direction of my own suspicion.

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[archistrategos]

My principal is fairness and honesty, above all. You know this. I'm protecting him now because if yours lay a hand against him, you'll lose the integrity of the vengeance you seek.

No, I'm not asking you to leave him. It is your right to question him for his first crime. But I ask you to reconsider. And to doubt your original certainty, just as I came to doubt it.

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[archistrategos]

I wouldn't revoke your need for retribution, but my suspicion is only that -- suspicion. And there's no need for me to elaborate on rumors for which I have no assertive proof.

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[archistrategos]

And for your forwardness and clarity of thoughts, I am humbled. You want safety and justice for yours. I share that sentiment for my brothers, and especially in those who are in danger of persecution. As such I understand that you are only one horseman, and that your sister, perhaps, will not be bridled. So I will watch and protect himself myself if I must. Then warn me if you see fit, and only if you see fit.

As for the mercy which you claim and the actions shown against him, I can only trust hearsay. And I will consider your words with equal gravity.

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[eatasam]

you say we have no proof? we've got eyes, angel

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[archistrategos]

Perhaps our human eyes fail us in the dark of night. It's not my intention to discount your testimony. But I'm certain that what I believe now is equally true.