Crossig The Line (PM with interest)

[AngelofDeath]

ooc: many thanks to the Preacher comics for inspiration

ic: Heaven

Most people were wrong when they assumed the battle between God and Lucifer was simply one battle, whether short or long. No it had ranged on for many years and even well into the age of man. Though as the war waged it became like the ocean current with its high points and its lows. It was during those low points that Jen had come into existence. Jen or rather Jenisys, the name given to her by her father before he had been cast into true oblivion along with her mother, was a being that should not be. Her parents had met, fallen in love and created her during one low point in the war. Nothing out of the ordinary by human standards, but by the standards of the Saved and the Damned, it was something that could not be tolerated.

Her mother had been one of the few remaining female Archangels at the time of her birth. Why were there so few? Because the majority had sided with the Morningstar, Lucifer when the line had been drawn in the clouds. Azel was twin sister to Azrael, the Angel of Death. She stood besides Micheal and the others, leading the Seraphim into battle and cutting down all those in her path. She had been beautiful as she had been righteous and deadly.

Jenisys' father on the other hand, had been a different matter. It seemed to be a cruel trick of fate that her parents were to be one the most trusted and highest ranking of both sides. Eiden had served as Lucifer's right hand fallen angel for countless centuries.

The two had done their best to keep their love a secret, meeting often on Earth and occasionally in the far reaches of the divide between their two realms. But all secrets come out in the wash in the end and in their case it came out after Azel had delivered the somewhat happy news to her secret love. They might have managed to get away had they not been caught unaware in the middle of a heated argument as to what to do with their unborn child. It hadn't been Lucifer that had come for them though. No Lucifer would have seen the possibility or using their child as a weapon.

No instead in was Micheal and the other Archangels, ready to take the two before the assembled Host and to deal with them as God ruled. Both had put up a fight, but they were soon subdued and taken. Jenisys had been born right before the sentence had been handed down. Never before had their been a being such as her. Her potential power, her potential danger to both sides could not be quantified. Azel had stood tall, handing off the child to Eiden as she walked shackled before her peers, her brothers and sisters, her Father. Azrael was the only one not there, he would not watch what was to come.

"Will you repent Azel? Forsake the hellspawn and you wil.. The soft but carrying voice of God was cut short, by Azel's venomous retort.

"HELLSPAWN!" Her voice seemed to carry into the Abyss from the way it shook the walls of the room. "That is my child and my love you speak of. I repent for NOTHING." Pale blond hair danced on the air as she turned toward Eiden, their daughter held tightly to his chest. The amber tears that pooled in her eyes never reached the floor beneath her as she was sentenced.

"So be it."

One moment she was there and the next she was gone. Not even a feather remained. Before Eiden and Jenisys could be sentenced however a voice rang out.

"WAIT!" Heads and eyes turned to watch the approach of the Angel of Death. There were many who felt Azrael had no right to be among them. They saw him as too dark and morose for the beauty and light that was Heaven.

"Why have you interrupted this judgment Azrael?"

"Please, Father I beg of you spare the babe. She should not have to suffer for her parents' lusts."

"Have you gone made Azrael?! Raphael strode forward, his face filled with anger and distaste. "Her father is an Archdemon."

"And her mother is...was an Archangel. Jenisys is neither her mother nor her father. To condemn her when she is guiltless is unbefitting of the Host He looked from Eiden and his niece toward the luminous glow of his Father. A glow that had always provided him with comfort, next to his twin. A glow that had taken her from him.

"As you wish Azreal, but she will be locked away. She will be neither of us or them."

Azrael closed his gray eyes with a soft sigh, blond locks falling into his face as he bowed. It was not what he wanted, but it was better than nothing. He could not save her parents, but he could save here. Black and gold robes swirling about him as he turned Azrael scooped Jen into his arms, sparing Eiden a brief sad glance. He went to true death, but at least Azel would be there with him. Jen began to cry loudly as her father strode forward, head held high. Looking at the collected Host he spit upon the ground. "Do it." And then he was gone.

////Several hundred years later////

Jen sighed softly as she sat in the corner of her spartan room. Black and gold wings curled slightly around her as she stared at the door to her room. She had never been allowed out of her room or to interact with the angels of Heaven. Those who were responsible for bringing her food, though it wasn't entirely necessary, rarely spoke to her, and if it was it was to remind her that she was hated, feared and unwanted. There was one window in the room and it faced the divide between Heaven and Hell. The place where her parents had met in secret.

It had never occurred to Jen to test her powers and to break free and go where she wished. No she sat in her room and simply excepted the prison that had been all she had known. Her only comfort was a single gray rose that bloomed in a vase on the table beside her bed. A gift from Azrael, the let her know that at least of the Host cared for her. Looking at her gift had distracted her from the sound her door opening and closing quickly, her plate sitting upon the floor.

Getting up, dirty blond hair falling almost to her ankles Jen, crossed the room to pick up the plate and carried it over to her bed and ate in silence. Jen was half angel and half demon and looked every in it. While her hair was blond and her eyes just as far, her wings were dark, her skin bronzed tan and the horns that curled at the temples of her head. Looking towards the window, Jen sighed softly, longing for a freedom she had never known, but wanted and for a friendly face and voice.

Her eyes grew heavy with each bite that passed her lips until Jen lay sprawled out on her bed, fast asleep. Moments later the door of her room swung open, Azrael striding in. Centuries of silently watching Jen grow up isolated, had torn at Azrael, driving him to his act of defiance. He would not see her imprisoned til the end of time or until someone sought her death. Wrapping her mother's robe about her gown covered body Azrael swept her into his arms. At the sound of her door swinging open even further he spoke softly, "You will not stop me from freeing her."

Straightening up with Jen in his arms he turned to face his fellow archangel.

ooc: Looking for a male to play the archangel that help Azrael, free Jen and take her down to Earth. Pm for more details.

[Lazorrath]

Of all the houses of all the celestial being on high, the responsibility of each for serving as a facet of God's creation. The angels responsible for beast, those responsible for the metals that ran through the world. However that which was death was a younger concept; for humanity was blessed with immortality as was the will of God. Death was the realm of beast, plants and the other small creatures that were a part of the life cycle of this planet. The creatures filled with the responsibility of undoing what God had created...a frighteningly powerful concept. It was a duty that was with a heavy burden but for God's love it was worth the labor....that is well, until the birth of humanity.

One could hardly forget the day that humanity saw a dead animal for the first time...humanity did not look upon it and understand it necessity. No they became fearful and sadness crept inside of them for the animal. The angels of death were in confusion, they loved humanity just as the other houses did; why should their labors be met with such a disposition. One angel could bear this burden like no other; chosen by God to be responsible for undoing the most precious of God's gifts...life. The angel Azrael was chosen.

For a human to behold Azrael would be of the most dire consequences. The multiple layers of reality that Azrael used to control the cycles of all beings could not possibly be fathomed. Though he was a creature in God's image. Being the Archangel of the House of Death made him estranged from those whom he once loved, yet it was always unrequited. When he was chosen to ensure humanity was to be cursed with mortal life; he could have wept that day...but he chose to side with God. Azrael lost many of his house that day; but some chose to stay and suffer with Azrael.

He was able to bear this burden for some time until it was his sister Archangel...Azel whom was found with the fallen one Eiden. Countless time he had begged for his sisters existence and then to see her utterly disappear...it was the first crack in his faith. It was simply too much for him; what creature could bear so much. Ensuring the death of all of God's creatures, ensuring the cycles of life and death for the Earth that He had molded. And his reward did not even have a corpse to bury or ashes to spread.

Then there was Jenysis...a creature truly innocent not built from any choice except the choices of others. He had argued with Michael constantly and a fierce hatred of each other grew from Jenysis existence and over the centuries it only grew and grew. The loneliest of all angels had enough of this creature being withheld and so much more. He knew what would happen to himself upon the act and for the longest time it was the only thing stopping him. Until now...One Archangel knew Azrael and his pain. He would not take this burden alone.

*************************************

"You will not stop me from freeing her." Were his last words as he killed an angel before. He understood the means by which they were created and to kill them was no different. There was slight hesitation from the Angel of Death when he viewed one of his own house.

The second in command of the House of Death; he was there when Azrael was told the fate of humanity. He watched the Angel of Death weep...and he would never forget it. The being held a mortal form, long white hair in the form of a pony tail. His eyes, they looked as if a dead mortals eyes. A sign of his transformation, he was slowly beginning to fall from the grace of God. It was the first step of his rebellion of God's wish. He held a look of sincerity no lesser then that of the Angel of Death before him. The Second Archangel of the House of Death - Ezzrek. The being stood before his superior on the brink of tears.

The angel stood with gray wings, a masculine formed lean and showed his experiences of wars. Scars lined on his body for his time at service. He wore white, pure white in contrast to the gray feathers. To some black was the color of death but he was living proof against that. The only true decoration was upon his chest an immaculate symbol for the House of Death...he bore it for Azrael with pride. There was the will of a warrior, but as an angel of death...death was not defined merely by a sword alone. Death held so many forms and Ezzrek had displayed it many a time on the field of battle.

"Azrael...you cannot do this. You are far to valuable to our House. It is you who has shown us love these years. We cannot afford to lose you." The angel then stared upon Jen, whom he had seen Azrael shed tears for so often. And he stood in a sense of awe and wonder. This was no creature of malice or destruction...she barely probably understood what she was? This union of angel and fallen, the other angel had proclaimed her some horrific mistake. Ezzrek did not see this.

"I know how much she means to you. But you mean so much to us.. Let me take her to the mortal plain. Too long have you suffered alone Azreal. I do not fear my consequences." It was as if every word was sealing his fate. To take her to the mortal realm...would it cause him to fall. The uncertainty was the only fear in Ezzrek but he wasn't about to let that stop him. Ezzrek and his kind had been pushed away by his fellow angels and by humanity...for the first time in his existence Ezzrek could change that fate for at least one creature...Jenysis. How could he not do that, even though he did not understand this creature.

Would she hate him for being an angel, her tormentor? The answers to these question he would only learn in time.

[AngelofDeath]

"Ezzrek, she is my responsibility and mine alone." Azrael shifted Jen within the circle of his arms. The younger archangel had more than likely followed him, once he figured out where Azrael was headed. Both had broken the rules set in regards to his niece the moment they had come this way. "If I am to be punished so be it. I do not pretend to know how our Father's mind works these days and I won't waste time worrying about it either. I have to do this because I also do not know how she will react to waking up down on earth." He sighed softly, blond hair falling into a face too gentle to belong to the shepherd of the dead. Things were changing in Heave, and not for the better he feared. There was unrest amongst the high holy as Lucifer's hold on the mortal world seemed to grow stronger each day.

There was even talk of Lucifer making another full frontal assault upon The Gates. If such a thing did happen, Azrael knew Jenisys would be be the first casualty. He would not have it. Better his sister's daughter was down on Earth as far away from all that was to come, than dead by the hand of Micheal or another Archangel to prevent her from fighting against them.

Watching her grow up behind locked doors had only been bearable for a short time. With each passing day his guilt grew more and more as with each day Jen began to look more and more like her mother, his twin. Azel's death had nearly driven him mad. They were all family, but his bond with her had been stronger and he felt the pain of her death. The pain of her despair as well knowing her daughter would meet the same fate as she.

Micheal's barbs did not help matters. The two angels had nearly come to blows on several occasions through the centuries. Killing him would have immediately led to him being cast out. If Jenisys' safety had not been his concern, Azrael would have shown the pompous jackass what real fear was. Azrael and the other arch angels who resided within the house of death were one of the few angles who could deal death to another of their kind. It was part of the reason why the other Host kept their distance. He was sure that Azel's affair had solidified their already form opinions of how unworthy they all were of Heaven's light.

Looking at Ezzek, Azrael knew his second would not let the matter go. Better than he come with them, a second pair of eyes would not hurt.

"There is also much I need to say to her...to ask her forgiveness for before I return here. Follow if you wish Ezzrek, but if I believe you will betray me I will not hesitate." His love for Ezzrek was he same as all their house, but it was him, he trusted at his back and at his side. "We must go." Azrael did not know if it was an oversight on God's part, but Jen's prison was set in a place that made escape almost seem expect. The Divide that bridged Heaven and Hell also cross-sected with the mortal realm. Crossing over would be fairly easy and require the least amount of expended power.

Without looking to see if Ezzrek would follow, already knowing that he would, Azrael headed for the door than led directly outside. Their feet made no sound as they walked, the real reason for the phrase "as silent as death." There was the faintest rustle of wings as they headed out into under the muted purple and blue skies. Jen stirred in her drugged sleep curling into his chest. "If I am to be cast out for saving an innocent from an unjust punishment, then this is not a Heaven I want a part of Ezzrek. You and the others have been a comfort to me, but if I can do nothing else for Azel, it will be this." He spoke not of the changes that had taken place in Ezzrek in the last few centuries. The younger archangel was close to falling from grace. The entire house of death knew it. Unlike other houses though, they had not pulled away from him. While Ezzrek didn't care if he were cast out, Azral did. He would not have him punished in his place.

Long fingers brushed the hair from her face slowly, "I never liked her name. It made them hate her more, thinking her parents chose to mock our very beginning with the naming of one who had never been before." Azreal could never bring himself to change it. Not that any would have cared.

He already had a home and a life created for her. A city was possibly not the best place, but it was large enough that once she looked human, Jen would be able to easily blend in. Because they came and went so much, shepherding souls between the realms, there would be enough time to get her settled and started on her life amongst humans. Azrael could very be unleashing a terror the likes mortal men had not seen in ages upon them. He could only hope his sister's gentle nature would be her guide. Even before he had become a fallen Eiden had been a fierce warrior. It was possible the two had been together long before the first fall, but there was no way to know.

"Are you ready?"

[Lazorrath]

Ezzrek did not speak much as they began to move; he followed Azrael with full confidence. His superior archangel had not lead him astray. Azrael was right though, the Heavens were in the dark of the will of God it seemed these days. The world was no longer the beautiful place it once was so long ago. A mix of the Lucifer and humanity had began to scar and bleed the planet dry of what it offered. Wanting more then the poor planet could produce to an ever growing species. For centuries Azrael had battled with himself, Michael and the host over Jen and Ezzrek had been powerless nearly to help him. All he could do was offer support, it was the least he could good. Ezzrek always felt he could do more.

Azrael's word of warning was well noted but Ezzrek knew his angel. He knew Azrael would not hesitate to rot the younger angel from this planet. However Azrael also knew his trust was well placed with his second in command. Even at his showing signs of his fall, the faded eyes still ever perceptive as ever. Ezzrek held a simple mind set when it came to his Angelic house. Death does not betray, death does not lie, death does not trick, death is only the beginning. Loyal as a corpse is cold.

The angels of death always moved with such silent grace, like spirits in the twilight. Azrael and Ezzrek moved as a cohesive unit and the younger archangel kept a careful view of their surroundings. Getting to a safe place was probably going to be the easier part of this day. When Jen would awaken is when the troubles would truly begin for the two archangels. Azrael most of all had to bear much of this burden. The question she would have...the anger she had ever right to place upon the two of them.

When Azrael asked if he was ready Ezzrek simply gave a nod but something was still bothering him. "Azel would be proud of you. You can at least give her a chance. We all deserve to make our own mistakes. Be it the will of God or not. I would rather be blind then to follow blindly. What your doing is right Azrael; this girl deserves a chance." He spoke without a fear or doubt in his words.

Looking upon Jen there was a slight apprehension but simply of the unknown."Jenysis deserves more then to be trapped in a room between the worlds." His look lingered upon the creature sleeping so peacefully. Her wings of gold and black, the tint of purple about her. There was beauty in this creature; you would back to be blind no to see it; or your hate not letting you see it.

"They have called her so many things. Abomination. Most Unclean. Child of Perdition. Child of the Unclean. Azrael this is not what I see. I see something innocent. Surely she can be no worse then what Lucifer has already done to this world. She could be what this world needs. She could be what this universe needs." This union of the fallen and the holy...it meant more then progeny. It had to be, God could have destroyed this union? This was where Ezzrek questioned God so much. Was this all by chance?

[AngelofDeath]

"You may be right, but for now that thought can wait." They had reached the edge of the divide. A hot blast of wind came swirling from Hell's side of things. Jen's dark hair was blown into his face as Azrael tightened his hold on her. Breeching the divide and heading to Earth was never pleasant. The sensation was different for everyone. The angels of death all said the same though, it was like having pins driven into your skin at random. There was no telling what would happen once it was discovered that she was gone, but Azrael had planned this out carefully.

Giving Ezzrek a short nod, he spread his wings and stepped on the edge of what the end of Heaven. The hot sting of descent meat nothing at that moment and he would gladly suffer worse for her. Black wings and gray ruffled loudly in the swirling void as they left Heaven. Both unaware of the glowing gold eyes that had seen their actions from Hell's side. Reaching out to Ezzrek with his mind Azrael gave him the place he planned to take Jen.

While they could make themselves invisible to mortal sight it was easier to simply go straight to her new home. The penthouse took up the entire top floor of the building and the three floors below it were empty, Jen would have all the privacy she wished to have. Sandaled feet touched down on the tiled floor a half second before Ezzrek joined him. Releasing the breath he had been holding Azrael laid Jen down upon the couch and waved his hand over her. A short burst of light enveloped her body before fading back into her. Her wings and horns were gone, she looked utterly human, though he knew some would stare at her eyes for a second or two longer than they should. They were so bright and so deep that Azrael had been lost the second his niece had turn them on him.

The penthouse was as lavish as it was simple. It was her home and Jen could change things as she wished. With a louder sigh than the one before that he walked away from her to look out onto the city down below. There was no turning back, what was done was done. Jen was free and once she woke she would have no need of him. He couldn't even be sure Jen would be thankful for what he had done. Through the centuries he had done his best to show his love for her, but he couldn't be sure of how she would handle it all.

In the reflection of the glass he could see Ezzrek taking in the penthouse, though his eyes were more focused on Jenisys. There was no one else he could rust with her safety, but something told him that Ezzrek would lean on her as much as she did him. His time amongst the Host was near its end, and he would be missed. He was not evil, but he did not fit in with the grand plan. Earth was the best pace for him as well.

On the couch Jen began to stir and slowly those piercing blue eyes opened and began to focus. Azrael could see the exact moment that she became aware of the fact she was not in her room. Sitting up Jen looked around, eyes almost passing over Ezzrek as if he were not there.

"Its ok Jenisys."

"Uncle?" She got to her feet quickly, only stumbling for a second, the drug still in her system before she was rushing over and throwing herself into his arms. "What's going on? Where are we?"

"We are in the mortal realm, Earth. Ezzrek and I brought you here. You are no longer Heaven's prisoner."Azael, stroked her back slowly as she loosened her grip on him. She really was so innocent

Jen turned and looked at Ezzrak, her eyes roamed over him slowly. He reminded her of Azrael, he didn't look at her as if he were afraid she might do something to him. "What happens now?"

"Now you are going to learn how to live amongst the humans. I could not let you stay like that, one more day, let alone one more century." Jen smiled softly, it was so different here. Before she had felt so cut off, so alone, but now she could feel and sens everything. Not just the people in the building, but those down in the streets as well. She could also sense the sadness in the angel in front of her.

"You cannot stay can you?" Jen already knew the answer there. Azrael had freed her, come to see her in the first time in ever and he would leave her to her own devices as soon as she was able to.

"Not for good no. I will stay long enough to make sure you can handle this realm though. Ezzrek as well, I believe?" Azrael lifted his gaze to his friend and brother in arms. He too alredy knew the answer to his softly spoken question.

[Lazorrath]

Pushing through the barrier of this world and the next was always a feeling that never faded in its power. Just as the time before feeling as if his celestial form was capsuled inside a mortal shell; he did not have to do it but it was for the safety of mortals. Going to earth he saw the spectrum and multiple planes of existence simplify before him until they were into the mortal realm. He could feel the his flesh cool down and his gray wings flutter as energies from the other realms shook off like snow from a tree. The telepathic bond that Ezzrek shared with Azrael received his coordinates without struggle...simply nodding his head and the two were off. Strange...before they vanished too the house; Ezzrek thought he felt something. Must have been a passing soul on its way to heaven...how wrong he was.

Ezzrek had many visits to the mortal realm, most of which were unpleasant to say the least. However despite his occupation of death, every visit taught him something new about humanity. The pent house was indeed an enthralling place; Azrael spared no expense for his niece. Looking upon the room they were in the true feeling of what he was in for came upon him. This place for the next while would be his solitude in hiding from all sides...from Heaven and Hell. Though this feeling truly was not new to him. It simply always felt this way, it was a thankless job being an angel of death. However he was not alone...was he?

Ezzrek heard Jenisys stir and his head turned slightly to stare over. He kept his distance the bond that Azrael and Jenisys shared was unlike anything Ezzrek could comprehend. He has to look away, the stoicism in his face never left him; his pale dead eyes looking to the city below him. By all technicality Azrael was like a brother to Ezzrek, all angels were held a bond. But what Azrael and Jen shared, this sense of family...this sense of care for one another it was alien to Ezzrek. The only thing Ezzrek could understand was an wanting to feel that kind of attachment.

Ezzrek then turned to look at the two again and that is when he and Jenisys locked eyes for the first time. Those piercing blue eyes met his dead faded silver eyes; there was not much emotion to him as he felt a sense of intrusion upon the two. Even with her features hidden from the world she was still ever so beautiful to Ezzrek. While many angels did not see beauty; Ezzrek was hardly picky. Being surrounded by death makes you appreciate life; especially celestial. There was so much Ezzrek did not understand upon her but what was most strange was the innocence in her eyes. He would never forget the innocence in the first mortals who walked this world.

Hundreds of years of age and yet her motions were child like. Ezzrek was glad that Azrael could be here at first, he could teach her far better of humanity then he. Truly though with Azrael and Ezzrek she could not have been in better hands. The two angels capable of fighting both Heaven and Hell. Numbers were against them but their capability for tactics and strategy were of the best. The two Archangels held an impressive tally of victories during the the wars against the fallen.

Ezzrek then heard Azrael say his name again and it shook him out of his haze of thought from looking at Jenisys. His words were soft spoken but there was a complexity too them. It was one that Ezzrek knew to well as he looked at his reflection to the dead eyes of his. He did not allow himself into fear, but he knew that he was on a dangerous path. Teetering on a thin line that could very well be the end of him.

Finally the young archangel took a few steps closer realizing he had been far too quiet at the moment. "Indeed...it is nice to meet you Jenisys. I am Ezzrek, Second Archangel..." He feared saying his title to the innocent creature before him. Especially at the controversy of not knowing how much she knew. "...under your uncle. His is my greatest friend, and I am yours." He said with a small smile patching through; he struggled to smile though.

[AngelofDeath]

When Jen didn't say anything Azrael gave her a slight nudge, "Ezzrek is not like the others." Azrael could never be sure of how her keepers treated her, but he knew they had not harmed her at least. he did not blame her hesitation at speaking to Ezzreck though. Her memories of her parents were muddled at best at and other than himself, no one had spared her a kind word or look. At least that is what she had ever told him when he had managed to stop in to check on her over the centuries.

"Thank you." It was a sincere reply from her to him. Honestly Jen was having a bit of trouble taking it all in. Never had she thought to b free from her one window room, but now she was. Her uncle had brought her to to the mortal realm and would leave her sooner rather than later. Jen knew in her heart that he would come to check in on her whenever he could though. Turning her eyes on the angel called Ezzrek she took him all in. Despite what he did Azral still had a light about him. Heaven's glow was muted around Ezzrek. He was different but she didn't know why, but he was also lonely. That pulled at her. It made her want to comfort him though she couldn't understand that. "What happens now?"

"Anything. Everything. We'll help you adjust to this realm. Teach you how to hide yourself and what you are from mortals and everything else." Azrael cupped her jaw gently. "I have always told you, that you were special Jen. That hasn't changed, Jen but amongst mortals, your wings and horns must remain hidden. You will have to be like them not only for your safety, but yours as well." Azrael knew that if she came up on Heaven or Hell's radar for that matter, that Jen with all her innocence would a walking target.

Jen tilted her head at him and then looked over her shoulder as her left hand moved towards her temples. She could feel his power enveloping her, hiding her true nature. Nodding slowly she looked back and forth between the two of them, her eyes lingering on Ezzrek, "I understand." looking around the living room of the penthouse Jen realized she had more room to move about than before. "Is all this really mine?"


"Yes it is. There are two bedrooms as well as the bath. I know this is a lot to take in, but I will not abandon you to all of this unprepared." He was speaking to them both, though if Ezzrek picked up on that was another matter. There was also the matter of Jenisys' powers. They had never been tested and she had never used them, at least to his knowledge. He had made sure that several buffers surrounded not only the penthouse, but also the entire building. Azrael would not leave hr before he knew she could handle herself. Child of Host and Fallen, Jen had the potential to destroy them all if she were strong enough.

Unlike the other Host, Azreal would not color her view of the world. He would give her the truth of it all and the mortal realm as he knew it. It was her life to do as she wished with it, good or evil.

[Lazorrath]

Her late response was to be expected, Ezzrek had never known a first meeting that the other creature was hesitant to speak to him. At least on this level it was not because of what he was but just from Jenisys own understanding of the situation. He knew of Jenisys but Azrael had forbid him to come any where near the house she was imprisoned. She was only a rumor until this moment. Hearing her thank you brought him a small amount of relief and his body relaxed ever so slightly.

When Ezzrek and Jenisys stared upon each other there was an almost an animal-like inspection. The other not understanding what they saw to the fullest extent, questioning what they were. Ezzrek knew the story of her birth. The death of her parents and their judgement...the details in between were kept frmo him. Only Azrael knew such information. There was so much for Ezzrek to learn and truly for Jenisys to learn as well...by no means was the events of Ezzrek's life convenient.

Ezzrek was slow to pick up on the fact that he was welcome here. Once it hit him though he had turn and walk away for a moment. He let Jenisys enjoy her new found freedom; on the other hand Ezzrek looked to a reflective surface to stare upon himself. His aura had faded from the pristine white he once held, it was gray as was his wings. His faded eyes, no longer holding pupils...he lingered at the reflection. His large hand going over the glass knowing that he wasn't the angel he had once been. It pained him greatly to have that missing and it only made him feel more estranged.

Ezzrek knew he should not return to the Heavens. It no longer welcomed him and it was time for someone else to take the reins. Someone who still held the high esteem of the will of God; for Ezzrek felt like he had not known the true will of God in sometime. It felt quiet was the only way to describe it. God did seem to favor the younger archangel; but for his previous actions within the last few days it was best he stayed away from the Pearly Gates.

" I'll work on security detail. We'll have to cover our tracks whenever possible if we are to stay ahead. For the next few days we must become like ghost if we are to see the next sunrise. Azrael...I'm sure the two of you have much to speak of. Would you prefer that I leave you two for a moment?" He asked out of respect for his mentor. Jenisys should have a perspective pure from one of the highest angels. His own slant upon ideals my endanger Jenisys view of the world.

Truly Ezzrek was out of his element when it came to attempting to help, he almost was as unschooled as Jenisys in terms of understanding the world around. Reaping the life from humanity had taught him a lot; and it gave him many perspectives of men and women. Sadly the perspectives were never that comforting to watch or behold; especially when you are able to look upon the last moments of a human being. The younger archangel wondered if there was anything he could truly teach her that Azrael could not do better. There were few things Ezzrek could do better but Ezzrek did not give himself enough credit for how close he was to his mentor.

[AngelofDeath]

"Thank you Ezzrek. Do not worry though, this place is as much for you as it is Jen." Azrael knew the odds of the younger angel being allowed back into Heaven with open arms were very slim. Ezzrek also doubted his own skills and knowledge very much. He had a much to share and teach Jen and Azrael did. There was also the matter that Azrael knew Ezzrek would be there to watch over her when he could not.

Was he slowly and silently manipulating his second into position for his own means? Yes, but the two of them were all that was left in the entire universe that he truly cared for. If he were to be tossed into the abyss with Azel, the least he could do before that was to make sure Jen would be safe.

"Jen needs to work on controlling her own disguise first and she has trouble.." Azrael trailed off, letting it hang in the air. If Jen chad trouble controlling her powers with such a simple trick then it was better if they weren't both caught in the backlash.

While they talked Jen had pulled away from Azrael to walk around the living room, stopping now and again to look out the window to the buildings around this one and to the lights and people down below. It was all so much and all so fascinating. Before she had had the same, rarely changing landscape to look at. It had been lovely, but utterly boring. When Ezzrek asked if Azrael wanted him to leave them alone for awhile she turned around sharply. She barely knew Ezzrek, but Jen did not want him to leave. It took her brain a second to catch on that it would be for good though when Azrael answered him. "Ezzrek, this is as new to me as I know it is for you, but if Azrael trusts you then I do. You are welcome here." Her eyes held nothing but sincerity.

[Lazorrath]

" I see...it would seem that I have plenty to do then for the time being." The two Archangel knew what the other spoke of in regards to Ezzrek. He would have to redeem himself in someway; Ezzrek was never one to give up, he was stubborn as he was loyal. It was strange though when Azrael told Ezzrek that they needed to teach her there was reluctance on his part, but upon seeing those blue eyes stare at him again there was almost a renewed vigor in him. Something to push him along more then just the favor of a friend, but someone who indeed needed help.

The sincerity in her voice was like a gentle caress to his scared soul, she welcomed him with no hesitation. It was was almost though as if he should be further on his gaurd, she was a wild card after all. In his mind he pondered that there should be hatred in her heart...had Azrael coaxed her into this peaceful state all this time. The feeling of estranged began to wither in him, one could barely see the edge of his mouth curve into a slight smile. Even through his dead eyes he felt a warmth grow within.

After all, Ezzrek truly didn't give himself credit...modesty was perhaps his undoing at time. Being the second in command he had trained legions of angels within the house of death. Ezzrek was a veteran of the Heavens. "Well, if you feel as such then who am I to refuse. After all I was trained by the best." He said with a slightly relaxed smile over to Azrael. Ezzrek took a few steps closer to Jenisys, in the confines of this building he was free to reveal himself.

" You uncle is right, I'm duty bound to my word and when I say something will be done...it gets done. I'm here to help you in any way I can. And I'm sure there is plenty we can learn from one another" The creature that was nervous to speak faded and in its place was a being worthy of the title of Second in Command. Despite his heavenly glow to be faded it did not take away from how much Ezzrek believed in this cause. The sincerity that she gave was returned equally, the being of death was able to break through hesitation.

"There is must I can teach you...but first things first. We need to teach you to control your form without Azrael's assistance. You'd be surprised how sometimes you would actually be able to walk around as you truly are, but only on rare occasions does this happen in the mortal realm. Mortals do not understand the beauty that we hold, they cannot comprehend it. So for there protection we must blend in." Ezzrek had indeed learned from the best, over the long years of working under Azrael he was well versed in the ways of the Celestial .

It was a good way to start, simplicity first...what is the nature of our power, what does it do to protect us and those around us. How do we learn to expand our use of it. The mortal Marcus Aurelius devised such concepts and it helped to build an empire. Ezzrek hoped it could be useful for Jenisys.

[AngelofDeath]

"The trick is to know yourself and how you wish to appear." Waving his hand Jen appeared as herself once more. With the glamor gone, her light hair took on its own natural light once more. It wasn't as muted as Ezzrek's, but nor did she have the full light of the Holy. "Picture yourself as you just were, no light, no wings and no horns."

Jen nodded slowly as she let the robe fall back into place. She didn't like the idea of having to hide herself, but knew it was for the best. Having see the way others had looked upon her, Jen knew she could expect no less than the same from humans. Ezzrek spoke of beauty, certainly he did not mean her as well. Jen had never been able to see what others saw in her but whatever thy did see was not beautiful. Closing her eyes she focused. Before now she had never thought to use her powers. It was strange as she felt the current of warmth course through her. She saw herself as she had been, for all appearances, human. Slowly her form changed, the horns seeming to draw themselves back beneath her skin as her wings began to disappear from view.

"Easy Jen, do not force it." Both he and Ezzrek had given her enough room, but both watch her intently. The concentration was etched onto her face, her hands balled into fists.

"I'm not," Jen replied, breaking her own concentration. It was a hard though, her wings reappearing, spread, making her take a stumbling step back. When Azrael started for her Jen threw her hands up shaking her head, "No. I have to do this myself. I'm fine." Taking a breath as her wings lowered Jen tried again. Twice more she failed before she finally got it. When she did, the warmth of her powers wrapped around her like a cloud.

"Very good Jen." He could tell that hard tired her so they would wait on her making herself look like others for another time. "Just as this is not the true you there are other beings down here than just humans. Like you they will be hiding themselves from human sight."

"Like my father?"

Azrael looked toward Ezzrek and sighed, he would have preferred to get on the subject of the fallen at a later time, but it was important to her next lesson. "Yes, like Eiden. Other beings as well that are neither fallen or host. You have to learn to see ore than just what is in front of you. Ezzreck what do you see when you look at Jen?" Both Holy and Fallen were able to see through the veils and charms of each other and other beings. It allowed them to avoid those who would give them trouble while walking the mortal plane as well as helping them pick out those they wished to seek out.

[Lazorrath]

By all account she caught on fast for a creature who never practiced her powers a day in her life. You could the threads of her power work its way around her body to hide her unique nature from mortals. The wings, the horns and her aura were soon out of sight. It took so much concentration though; in time it would be like second nature to Jen. Until then she would have to remain in doors for a bit longer. Ezzrek was a little surprised at how cautious Azrael was, he had been warned of the power that Jen was capable of but how dangerous was it truly? The simple practice would need to be repeated everyday until she held a mastery of it.

With her still learning how to hide it, it gave Ezzrek no trouble to see past the illusions she created. However when he changed the spectrum of is sight to find the celestial behind her mortal guise...he saw something he did not expect. When Ezzrek truly attempted to see her aura there was the light of the host but it mixed with another energy as well. It almost made the light at time turn into an inverted prism. Energies upon energies melding and twisting...it was a sight to behold. Was this was Azrael was talking about?

Then Ezzrek ask what did he see and for a moment he was without words as he stared upon Jenisys. "Its as if a part of the Heavan's has come with her but is constantly moving. Her aura moves and touches and interacts with everything....her curiosity perhaps?" His eyes went from the dead eyes to eyes completely faded white. To behold her as such left his jaw agape for a moment. His hand reached out slightly to see his own gray aura compare to hers; hers was full of beauty and radiance...his aura was so plain simple shades of gray, silver and white. Of course he almost had a child like fascination with it. "Its like nothing I have ever seen before...its utterly beautiful."

How the other angels of this world shone so brightly with the power of the Host. The Seraphims of this world the radiated the very lights and rainbows. Ezzrek grew to see them only as a sign of an ally, at least he did once. Never were they a fascination to behold...but Jen's aura along with her true form. Truly She was of a radiance of pure unique nature. Ezzrek then looked away slightly embarrassed at his lack of restraint. At the same time he watched as her aura left his hand and he only saw the gray that was his own. Not to mention the light within her was brighter then even his and it was a painful reminder that he luckily was able to bury away...there were more pressing matters.

"Celestials are gifted to feel the aura of others, if you shine too brightly your presence will be felt, the mortals will even feel it but they won't understand it. Your aura is the most important part of you to hide when you are outdoors. Any celestial creature passing through and feels it will be out for us. You can probably no doubt Azrael's and my own. Your aura is an extension of your will and your perceptions. It will help you better understand the world around you." Ezzrek tried to regain himself as he spoke still slightly recovering from what he had just beheld and he looked over at Azrael for a brief moment afterward. When he looked back to Jen it was almost as if he was distracted as his eyes changed back to the dead eyes of before. Looking to her powerful eyes that held such curiosity to them.

[AngelofDeath]

Azrael gave a short, but also grave nod, "Now you know why I had to free her. They do not understand Jen, neither do I, but I do not fear her." Would that be his downfall? That he did not fear her when she could very well topple all of them? He honestly did not know. "Now Jen what do you see when you look at us? Don't force your eyes to see it, just look for more than what you already see."

Jen nodded slowly, not really understand what she was supposed to do or even if she could, but when she did look, not just at Azrael, but also Ezzrek, her eyes wee filled with color. Not only bright, but also dark. " You are surrounded by the same golden light as all of Heaven was Uncle, but under that you carry darker colors. They are not as warm, but they are still very bright. turning her head she looked at Ezzrek, studying him carefully, his aura was mostly gray, under that was a very fainter blue tone it was easily missed. Ezzrek was not nearly as bright, but his sadness ran through all of him. It made her hurt for him, her own sadness at being isolated was nothing compared to hers.

Jen didn't know why he was so sad, but some part of her wanted to make him happy.

"And Ezzrek?"

"Gray, very gray. There is some blue there as well."

"What else do you see?"

"He's sad, but also curious, about me. He's also cautious about this." Jen stopped and looked away because she didn't want to seem like she had been invading Ezzrek's privacy. Looking at her hair she grabbed a handful of it. It was so long, before it hadn't been an issue, but how many humans walked around with hair this long.

"Very good Jen. We can practice more later." She couldn't stay cooped up forever but they would have to be sure that she wouldn't tear the very fabric of the world apart. That would be very bad and at that point nothing he or Ezzrek would be able to do would save her from the wrath of heaven.

[Lazorrath]

Ezzrek did not shy away from the truth, she could truly see what comprised of him at the moment. Nothing he could have done would change that at the moment but to see her picking up on her powers was good to see. She would need such gifts if she was going to protect herself. The agents of Heaven and Hell could take any and all forms. One had to constantly be on their guard especially with these three celestial beings playing against all sides. As Jen grabbed at her hair a small chuckle left Ezzrek as he took another step forward.

"Might need a change of hair when we are outside. Then again if you go with the excuse that you are a part of a band you might be able to get away with it." The smile kept to his face and the blue in his aura began to grow ever so slightly. However he didn't realize that whom he spoke to would probably have utterly no idea of what he was talking about. Ezzrek was going to make many mistakes like that.

Her wings were of great interest to him, the black with the gold made it a pleasure to look upon. Ezzrek did not speak of this yet but there was much he wanted to talk to her about. She probably would not even have the answers but maybe there was some common ground for them. There was still something off putting about her, ever so slightly. At the same time it drew him in like a moth to a flame. To stare at her eyes, pools of azure so pure that one could get lost in them. He didn't understand, and so he had to look away for a moment.

"Since Azrael shall be leaving, it might be a good idea if you were given some combat experience. Perhaps later on when you begin to learn of what you are capable of, we can practice. Being the of my house allows me to go to a place that if we practice you will not hurt the mortals. It is a bit dangerous of a place but with me as a guide I can take you where it is safe." Azrael would know of what Ezzrek spoke of, being of the House of the Dead...they alone were capable of traveling to the spirit realm. A place of reality that existed in the same place of the mortal realm but on a astral plane to where they would not affect reality on a physical basis. Ezzrek had used this place to train angels to fight against spirits of 'fear', 'war' and 'murder'...it might just be the place Jenisys needed.

[AngelofDeath]

Azrael nodded as he moved to sit himself upon the couch. While Jenisys not fighting would have been more preferable, it would be unavoidable. She couldn't hide forever and not teaching her how to defend herself would make her a lamb ripe for the slaughter. Her answer on what she saw when she looked at Ezzrek, had worked in his favor. Had she seen or felt something else, Azrael would would be rethinking the logic in allowing the other angel to be her guardian while down here.

"You don't have to leave soon do you, Azrael?" The look on Jen's face was the same one she gave him whenever she had to say goodbye to him. It hadn't fully sank in yet that she as free. Or as free as she could be at the moment.

"Not yet, Jen, but soon. They'll find out that you are gone and besides that I do have souls to shepherd. For the moment Ezzrek is on vacation if you wish. He will keep you company and should any of the others find out where you are, He will also make sure that you are safe." He didn't want to leave any more than she wanted him to do, but the fact remained that if it was noticed that both he and Ezzrek were gone along with Jen, then minds would start to wonder and pieces would be put together. It had been hard enough dosing Jen's food and waiting for the cherubim that brought her food to leave. Had it been anyone else but Ezzrek behind him, Azrael would have had to fight fight his way out. That was a fight he had been prepared for, and the possibility he would have lost. Ezzrek had yet to fully realize just how grateful indebted to him Azrael really was.

Jen nodded slowly and looked backed over to Ezzrek. She hated the fact that she felt as if she were ignoring him, but it had been so long since the last time she had been able to speak to her uncle. "Thank you for the offer Ezzrek. I don't know how good of a student I will be though." Wrapping her arms around herself she looked around her new home. It was strange to have so much space. "Can you two feel the people down below? Its like a faint buzzing in my ears, but its also as if I tried to focus on it I could hear all that is going on down there. She shivered despite the robe over her shoulders. Walking away from the window Jen moved closer to Ezzrek, the need to try and distance herself from the mortals down below and their curiosity about each other seemed to pull her towards him rather to the comfort she always found when next to Azrael.

Without thinking about it Jen reached out to touch the wing closest to her. They had been white once, but she liked them better darker. White had been the constant reminder that she had been unwanted. Even Azrael's own wings had been dark, so she had been comforted by them. They were also not the bold red of the Archangel Micheal's. She had never told Azrael, but Michael had come to her, once when she had been a child and once in the last decade. Scared the life out of her as he loomed over her. In his eyes she had seen her death if he could get away with it. There had been something more, something she had no name for in her innocence, but knew enough to fear.

She had been petting Ezzrek's wing, a fact that didn't register until his wing moved under her touch and h let out what sounded like a sigh. Pulling her hand back, Jen ducked her head, blushing slightly, "I'm sorry."

[Lazorrath]

As Jenisys and Azrael spoke he looked out at the window that Jen had been observing. He was not close to it, he didn't need to be. It was funny how different there perspective over humanity was. Ezzrek as an Angel of Death saw a something beautiful in almost every human; human's teeming with life shone so brightly. Even if there soul was dark and corrupt the spark of life was ever present. It was only when death was coming for them did Ezzrek see the spark fade and in its place a black sigil. Sometimes this sigil meant different things, at times it meant that the mortal was about to die. Ezzrek had waited patiently for each and every soul who had died in his arms. Some knew the way to go but others needed guidance. The tough ones were humans of violent deaths...the souls could transubstantiate into ghost or spirits of various kinds.

Looking around him and being in this city he could feel life and death all around him. Hundreds upon hundreds upon thousands upon thousands of people all around him. Ezzrek was trained enough to be able to differentiate and not be overwhelmed by the amount of life. He did this by being in untouched forest, when every single blade of grass was with life you learn quickly not to be overwhelmed. In cities it was easy for him, with most life consumed by concrete...the plant life long dead around him. But in its place of plant life were men, women and children building new lives every day.

He was lodged from his thoughts when Jen spoke to him again. Ezzrek then realized that he needed to stop day dreaming so much; it had been a while since he had been to earth but this was no excuse. "Good student or not...doesn't matter to me. You will learn, even if I have to drag you kicking and screaming." It reminded him to the days of fighting with Azrael, sparring constantly to the point of their bodies broken but pushing each other to endurance levels beyond the call of duty. And for the many times Ezzrek lost he remembered being hoisted by Azrael barely conscious.

Seeing as how Azrael was the far experienced he let his superior take the reigns of explaining. Ezzrek knew that he did not feel humanity like others did. Some angels felt the calling to good souls...Ezzrek knew how to feel light and dark but that did not mean that he was going to be picky. All souls deserved judgment, and how the human souls were to be judged...well that was between them and God. Ezzrek was simply the guide away from the mortal body.

Then a strange moment occurred and Ezzrek wasn't sure how to respond. He felt Jenisys's aura come closer but then he felt a strange sensation he had not felt in some time. A caress...soft finger tips running along his wings. He felt her beautiful aura come in contact with his gray and blue aura. Their aura surrounding one another as curiosity began to delve...and then that nearly breathless sigh left his lips. Though his face showed nothing his eyes twitched in his inability to grasp what he felt. He turned his head slightly, he was a little afraid she would not like the color of his dulled wings. Yet she looked upon them with fascination...was she inspecting them?

No, if she was inspecting then her hands would have been rougher. What was she doing? Why did she touch them like that...why were her hands so soft. They felt like a mix of satin sheets given a cloud like nature, combined with enough force for her to feel the roughened nature of his wings. A bit of fear came over him, as he worried if they would be too rough, Azrael's had always looked so soft. Though she kept going, each caress softer then the last.

Then she finally broke away and it snapped him back into the moment. "Its uhm...its ok...your curious is all. My wings aren't want they once were. They never were white really...even in my creation they still were gray then." He said keeping a small smile on his face as he looked over Jen's wings again. They were beautiful in his eyes and they held a special radiance like no other. Yet there color also invoked a sense of power...should he be afraid instead of so curious?

[AngelofDeath]

"I still should have asked. Your wings are beautiful Ezzrek, even if they have always been this way. They are different, not like mine, but different." Before she could go on about how she liked his wings Azrael was answer her question from before she had been enraptured by Ezzrek's wings.

"We can feel them, but not how you do. We feel their lives, their deaths. You are right though, you can choose to focus in on them, or you can ignore it. I think ever angel would go mad if they couldn't shut out the sounds of humans or even each other out from their ears. Focus on us and it should stop." He watched as she nodded and closed her eyes, concentrating. Azrael had watched her interaction with Ezzrek in quite contemplation. Fate seemed to have its hand firmly in this endeavor as the two of them continued to feel each other out. Jen didn't have Ezzrek's jaded view on everything and he didn't have her innocence. The two of them would be good for each other he realized. Azrael had no wish to see his closest friend, his brother in arms to truly become one of the Fallen. Maybe saving Jen would be Ezzrek's way of saving himself.

As Jen opened her eyes once again he sighed, even if God had only seen good in her, what would her place have been in Heaven? Would she have been placed in the House of Death simply because no one else would want her? Her wings could have been over looked, but her wings, her aura could not. Jenisys had been a bright star even in the eternal golden glow of paradise.

"You were right. I can no longer hear them. I can feel them, but its not distracting." No she was busy still feeling out Ezzrek. Even though he had pulled away from her, their auras had yet to part fully. As it was she could still faintly feel his curiosity, but also under that apprehension. About her. About himself. He was willing to help her, but he was still cautious. It was a feeling she was used to in regards to herself. Even Azrael felt it, but that was tempered by his love for her. He would never abandon her because of that, but Ezzrek was a stranger to her and she to him. He helped out of love for her uncle and the need to see the right thing done, but was that all? Would it be enough?

Once again they stood eye to eye, neither totally sure of the other or how to proceed. Closing the distance between them, Jenisys laid her hand on his shoulder as she inclined her head towards the couch and Azrael, silently asking him to join them. He wasn't blood, but he was family. The two of them were all she had in the world.

[Lazorrath]

Jenisys compliment stayed with him for sometime, being called beautiful by someone other then his own angelic house. Her voice relaxing the tension in his body, it made his smile come a little easier but he quickly shook his head and tried not to focus on it so much. Wasn't polite after all be pondering over such thoughts, but then it only brought more questions? Why was he thinking over her touch and her words so much? He then had to remember to recoil his aura, he would learn over Jen in time he was sure. Though to continue to sate his curiosity might be a bit rude; after all she had so much to adjust to as it was. However what he did learn of Jenisys so far was maybe his previous action had been worth it. The thought over his dulled eyes and his eyes stayed closed for a moment.

Jen's soft touch came to him again however, and she beckoned for them to go sit upon the couch with Azrael. There was a bond that needed to be built this day; if any of this was going to work. Without Azrael there to guide them Jen and Ezzrek would have to know one another for who they really were. Ezzrek had a long list of experience to know himself; Jenisys had much to learn now with the freedom she had. Ezzrek followed close behind Jen as they walked over to the couch and sat with Azrael. Ezzrek chose to sit beside Jenisys, he could still feel her aura without having his own aura reach for her. Her proximity was almost soothing to the angel of death.

As they sat on the couch Ezzrek cleared his throat and spoke. "Once you are ready; we should give a small tour of the city. Help you get acquainted with your new home. Help get your feet wet and know whats around. Best way to learn about people is to watch them. A little culture couldn't hurt...stay away from the TV for awhile; not there best invention but it has its uses. I remembered the first time I watched one it was just a man trying to fish for hours and I thought it was what all mortals watched." He attempted to lighten the mood with some humor perhaps not his best attempt but he was trying to embrace the idea that he was more then a protector.

Ezzrek leaned back on the couch and propped his hands behind his head. He began to alter the form of his body, making his wings disappear. Allowing his white hair to hold shade of black in it so it just seemed he was older. Upon attempting to change his eyes it did not work well at first but with a little extra effort he was able to bring pupils back out. Then as if reaching out of thin air he summoned a black shirt to wear as he put that on he also made the symbol on his chest fest away.

"Were going to need a way to blend in, getting jobs might be a good idea. Gonna need a few of those licenses they have, and after that all we gotta do is not get caught. Simple enough." Another bad attempt at human, Ezzrek knew good and well that simple was the last thing this was going to be. In his mind he knew that someone would be looking for them soon. They were going to have to make this time of peaceful enjoyment last as long as it could. Give a couple of days from now; there was no telling how bad it could get.

[AngelofDeath]

"Jen's identity or rather her human once is all set. It won't take me long to create one for you. This penthouse is in your name as well. This is well and truly, your home for as long as you wanted. And yes, going out is a good idea. The two of you won't be able to stay in forever and even with all the space in here, stretching her legs will be good for her." Azrael smirked as Ezzrek changed his clothing to that more suitable for going out. Had it been the mortal holiday of Halloween they would have been able to go out as they were. No one would have looked twice at them, except to maybe stare and compliment them on how realistic their costumes were. His own clothing changed slowly as well, the dark robe and tunic were replaced with a pair of boots, black jeans a dark red shirt. His eyes were not nearly as bright as Jen's were, but he did tone down the light of the Host that burned within them.

Jen's eyes followed all that went on around them. Azrael was quick to pass on the sensation of mortal clothing to her mind as well as several examples of what to wear. Jen nodded slowly as here brain puzzled out what she was supposed to do as well pulling her power into herself, remembering what both Azrael and Ezzrek had said about her powers and aura. Her wings and horns vanished and the glow of her aura faded to the point only non mortals would be able to see it. Her hair drew itself into a long thick braid as her robe and dressed turned into a pair of faded blue jeans and a simple dark blue tank top that hugged her firm breasts. Getting to her feet she ran her hands over the jeans, they hugged her hips, but not to the point they looked painted on. With her hair in a braid it was shorter, but not my much.

Turning she looked at both of them, "Is this ok?" She smiled seeing the nod of approval from them both. Jen wanted to make them both proud, but to prove that she didn't need to be locked away, that she could control her powers. As excited as she was, Jen was very nervous about stepping out into the world. What if she lost control of herself? What if she couldn't handle being around so many people?

Azrael sat forward and took her hand into his, "Jenisys, listen to me. Neither I nor Ezzrek are going to leave you adrift out there. The two of us will make sure that you are ready and that nothing bad happens. I know that this is a lot to take in and there is much we still have to teach you and less time to do it. You have to have faith in us and in yourself."

"I know uncle. I'm still nervous though. I know that if I can't control myself, that if I can't handle all of this, then you two will have sacrificed your places in Heaven for a lost cause. " A freak she finished inside of her head. Azrael squeezed her hand and she returned the gesture. He was right, she had to believe that she would be fine. That never gain would those four walls would be all that she knew once again...or worse. "Maybe we should keep this short?"

"OF course. No rush Jen. This is all for you." On the coffee table behind her, three wallets appeared, the smallest obviously for Jen. Azreal got to his feet and took one for himself and slipped it into his pocket, Jen doing the same while Azrael handed the third to Ezzrek. "You can change the last name, but I figur4ed to make things easier we should stick to calling you Ezzrek or Ezz. Humans have a kaleidoscope of names these days so you won't stand out too much with it." He also conjured a pair of sunglasses for him, "Just in case."

[Lazorrath]

Ezzrek had taken a few moments to focus on his appearance a little more. His body to hold a little bit of body modification, a series of tattoos went on along his biceps, a series of gray ink chains went along his biceps. Locks adorned the chain and the locks took the look of gravestones. A pair of thick steel toed boots adorned his feet and a thick belt wrapped around his waist. The last thing he added to his attire was a simple cane; which truly was a false appearance of the weapon he used in battle. Merely an illusion cast over it to look like an ebony wood cane with a silver knob on the top of it.

Watching Jen take on her human form he made sure that she did not over look any steps. She was a quick learner and everything seemed in place. It was strange though, even in her mortal form her beauty still seemed to be ever so apparent. The way her clothes hugged so tightly to her body she was a perfect representation of the modern woman...yet still Ezzrek did not understand why he stared at her like this. He had to force himself to look away.

Upon doing so, he looked at the silver knob of his cane and could see his reflection. He attempt at coloring his eyes was for not and his eyes had become dead again. A sigh left his lips as he would have to make up for this curse now upon him. Ezzrek could not help but wonder what would happen to him next, was the process slow? Could he reverse what had been done to him? He had to believe that he could attain something of what he once was.

"No need to stay out there too long, we just have a walk around the building. Just enough to get you familiar with the building and your surroundings. The only thing you need to worry about is staying together. Wandering off alone could get us killed. Especially once the Heaven's realize that your gone. Don't worry, I have faith in you Jen that you can do this. We'll be right beside you." He spoke as Jen and Azrael were talking to one another; she looked like she could use a bit of confidence.

Taking the wallet, he had a few ideas of where he could work. There were a few morgues in the area, some graveyard grounds he could be held responsible for or perhaps even a funeral home he could direct. Keeping with a job that kept him near his angelic responsibilities would be ideal. It would simply take time to find something just for appearances sake.

Ezzrek was thankful for the glasses...there was a sting in his pride but he needed to take any precaution he could. Looking over himself, perhaps there was something to this; the guise of a blind man may work in Jen's favor. Also with the element of surprise, no one would suspect the blind man if it came down to a fight and Jen was in trouble. "If you feel a little overwhelmed just let us know Jen and we'll go back inside. No need to overload your senses in one day; but you deserve to know what freedom really taste like."

[AngelofDeath]

Jen nodded and the three of them headed out of the penthouse. Just as Azrael said the top floor and the three under it were empty save for them. The silence was actually rather comforting, because she was used to it. Azrael led the way to the elevator, explaining how it worked and that to reach the penthouse a key was needed. "We are fairly close to downtown, you can walk wherever you want as do many of the mortals that live in this area, so no one will think it strange that neither of you have a car." On the ground floor Azrael pointed out the empty desk where the doorman usually sat. "He already has memories of you both, so there will be no problem coming or going." Placing his hand on the small of Jen's back they headed for the door. The tension in her body was clear enough for a blind man to see.

Swallowing hard she watched her uncle pushed to glass door open and lead her out. In heaven the passage of time was simply something you were aware off. There was always light to one degree or another. There was no night in Heaven. It was mid-afternoon the sun already beginning to dip in its descent. Jen couldn't stop herself from pulling away from them both slightly as she looked around. Now that she was on the ground she had some perspective on just how high up they had been. Turning her head she watched as cars and other vehicles whizzed by and people of all shapes and colors passed them. What held her attention most of all was that the sky was blue, not Heaven's blue, but still blue and very lovely. There was so much color and life and noise. Jen wanted to rush out to see it all, but it also scared her. She had opened herself to it all, unknowingly and the outside world came rushing in to meet her.

"Jen?" Azrael's voice filled her head, overtaking the din of life. "Do you need a moment or ?" She nodded as she took a deep breath, blocking out the extra sounds and sensations she was picking up. This was going to take practice, LOTS of practice it seemed.

"I'm fine now. I just wasn't expecting it to be so beautiful. " She smiled at them both. Still unsure but willing to try Jen fell into step with them both. Listening as they pointed out one thing or explained another, completely unaware of the looks they received, mostly Jen as both men and women alike took time to look her over, some with envy, some with lust others with humor reserved for those assumed to be tourists. There was plenty of stopping and starting because for every new thing she saw there came a flood of questions, that were met with a flood of answers.

For her first day on Earth she was doing surprisingly well, even if Azrael or Ezzrek were pulling her from the fun of window shopping or making sure she didn't walk into traffic because she was looking everywhere, but where she was walking.

[Lazorrath]

Ezzrek only had simple advice to give Jenisys as they were going to leave the building. "Breath slowly, try not to absorb everything you see, but take it in piece by piece." Azrael quickly took his place beside Jenisys and so he took to the other side of the half breed. The sun was beginning to fade and it would seem that today they would watch night take the sky this evening. Ezzrek never wondered if she had even seen night before; with the window to her room he simple guessed that she had. The cool breeze felt good upon his skin and a sigh of relief left him to be back on this plane of existence.

Immediately upon stepping outside he felt the souls of thousands of people all around him. Mortals, animals, and plants all around him. To feel life like this blossoming in the city it made his smile come easier. The streets were not filled with death like in other cities, where constant civil war let the spirits and ghost run free. Not to say that this place did not have its own spirits. With the protection of the glasses no one could see his eyes fade to white and he looked into the spirit realm. With the people walking down the street their were spirits moving around. Some of the shops simply had spirits of trade inside of them; some of the shops held spirits of greed from abuse of customers to make a buck. The fast food restaurants held gluttony spirits, giant fat creatures constantly looking for other spirits to eat...that is if the obese spirit could leave its building.

As they passed by a building there was a large painted mural on the side of the building. And a spirit of creativity was taking good care of the physical painting. If a flake of paint came off, the spirit repaired it ever so quickly. The spirit was rewarded every time someone stopped to look at the picture, it made the spirit have a big peaceful smile and a silent thank you left its lips. There were not many harmful spirits in the area; Azrael had chosen this place wisely. There was only a single abandoned building that made Ezzrek uncomfortable. In the spirit realm the door to the abandoned building was covered in blood...something terrible had happened there.

Ezzrek let his gaze fade and he looked to Jen and Azrael. The look on Jen's face made Ezzrek smile even more. The beauty and fascination she held her surrounding with was ever so touching. The angel of death could not help but wish she could have seen it before humanity had changed it so much. Though this place wasn't so bad, there was a slight sense of community but still like any urbanized area it just wasn't the same.

However as they walked along Ezzrek saw a little curio stand with a saleswoman sitting by herself. "I'll be right back...there something i need to get." Going over to the stand the two exchanged greetings and there business was quick. The angel of death saw a small pewter ring with small skull carved from animal bone. Someone had taken a good deal of time to make this ring and it had numerous uses for an angel like him. Ezzrek looked back over to Jen and he nodded. It was rather inexpensive but Ezzrek paid more then what the woman asked for. Of course there was a small sting when the woman said goodbye. "May the Lord bless and keep you." Ezzrek held his tongue.

Walking back over to Jen he knew that what he wished to create would take a little bit of time and privacy. Perhaps before they slept tonight he would be able to finish it. Naturally there were a few times they had to keep hold of Jen just so she wouldn't get hit by a bus or a guy with a bicycle. As they walked along though Ezzrek spoke up. "Always on the move, never a chance to relax. Mortals in the city seem constantly so busy; it seems like they never have time to think." He watched as a business man was coming home from work juggling coffee, talking to his girlfriend and trying to text someone all at the same time. Ezzrek could only shrug at the sight of it all.

[AngelofDeath]

Jen took Ezzrek's advice, trying to not let it all overwhelm her and it was hard doing, but she managed it. Everyone seemed to be in their own little worlds and each of those worlds were independent of those walking around them. As they continued to walk the trio turned down the street that lead to the heart of the downtown area. At first it was no problem as the hustle and bustle as well as the stores drew Jen's attention. As the walked though the buzzing came back, and grew to the rise of hushed whispers that came from all around her circling her head and filling her ears until the sounds of the city faded away. It wasn't the same though. Before the sounds of life and the city had been warm, full of promise, but this was cold, devoid of life and emotion. She came to a sudden stop shaking her head as her left hand came up to rub her temple.

"Is everything ok?" Azrael and Ezzrek stopped as well and turned to look at her. Concern radiated from the both of them and she nodded and then shook her head.

"I think I have had enough for now uncle." As she turned her eyes fell on a large black door, music could be heard pounding on the other side of it. The whispers grew louder making her look away. What was that place and why did it feel like someone or rather several someones were trying to get her attention. She missed the look that passed between her guardians as they turned and headed back the way they had come. Halfway back to the penthouse Azrael changed courses making them both look at him.

"No tour is complete without at least one stop for food." He showed them the way to a small cafe and to a booth well away from everyone and the door. Once they were seated Jen let out a very loud sigh as she finally began to relax and her mind to settle. "So what do yo think so far Jen?" Azrael's arms were rested on the back of the booth on his side, Ezzrek looking like a paler version of him, doing the same. Azrael knew something had spooked Jen, by her sudden want to go back to the penthouse, but he wouldn't press her about it just yet as he didn't know for sure if it was something to be concerned about or simply just her becoming tired from all she had been given to take in and understand. The cafe was his idea of giving her time to settle before they finished the walk home. Once they were back he intended to return to Heaven for awhile to see how things were going and to drop off the souls he had to pick up along the way.

"It lovely, and busy, very busy actually. It will take some time to get used to all of the noise, but I will manage. Thank you both for this. This was a good choice."

"Better to hide out in the open so to speak. Ezzrek will stay with you tonight, but I will be back later tomorrow morning to continue your lessons." He reached out and plucked the menu off the table his yes scanning. Whether they would actually order was debatable Eating was one of those functions that both Host and Fallen had the choice on whether or not to do it. Azrael had gotten into the habit of doing so the longer he spent in the mortal realm, but also the fact he found eating to be one of the simplest pleasures in the world.

It didn't take long for a waitress to come their way, flashing both he and Ezzre a very enthusiastic smiles as her eyes ran over them. Her eyes seemed to overlook Jen as she leaned in to take their order, and flash some cleavage at the both of them to get their attention. "What can I get for you guys."

"One Latte, low fat milk, one tea no milk and two blueberry muffins. Ezz?" He looked to his friend to see if he was going to join Jen and himself.

[Lazorrath]

The moment that seemed to take Jen by surprise indeed caught Ezzrek's attention. Azrael took care of his niece, he on the other hand tried to look around to see what could have caused this. The door had gained his attention; and it almost spurred something within him. Something called him out almost challenging him, a fool hearty challenge that would put his friends at risk. Better to understand what he was up against rather then rush in. Falling back was for the wiser; it could have been a trap after all.

The entering of the cafe was welcomed on Ezzrek's part as well. Just to get a chance to sit down and talk about what she had seen. Though it didn't seem like she was in much of a mood for talking. Perhaps when Azrael returned the next day it would give Ezzrek a chance to investigate. Until then tonight he would be on the late watch. Luckily not needing sleep would give Ezzrek a chance to finish his work on the ring he had purchased.

Despite the rough patch that Jen had it seemed she did enjoy her first day. It was a good day, though he needed to enjoy this time he had...it would probably be the one peaceful day in many to come. Ezzrek would enjoy these precious moments of peace he had before Jen became his responsibility entirely.

When the waitress came over, her enthusiasm though appreciated would not get the intended results. A humorous though went through his head to try and trick the waitresses but such mischief was not his forte. Remembering that this was cafe he knew that his choice of beverage was rather restricted. A dark lager sounded quite refreshing at the moment...but he was in no such luck. Ezzrek decided to practice his role a bit; and look in the general direction of the waitress, but slightly off. "Some black tea please."

Once the waitress had left, Ezzrek only had one more question for his superior. "This may be a lost cause but if something needs to be said; what would be the best way to contact you? Or will we have to play the waiting game? He laid down his cane down against his knee and kept his focus upon Azrael and Jen.

[AngelofDeath]

"I've been working on that. I wanted to see just how her first lessons went with her own abilities before I crafted anything that she could use should something happen to contact me. You will need one as well, in case." What in case was he didn't have to explain to his second. They would talk more back at the penthouse as there were things for Ezzrek's ears and his alone, in regards to Jen and what he should do should Micheal or any other of the Host came knocking at her door. Though if they did show up it would be more like kicking the door down, flaming sword drawn and at the ready.

Jen was busy looking around the cafe, watching people make their orders and pick them up as well as couples and friends sitting at tables and booths talking. Their actual voices blended with their mental ones. She would have got lost in them, trying to separate them all from each other if not for the sound of a child crying filling the cafe as a couple walked in, the man pushing the stroller as the woman held the door open. A few heads turned their way, but most ignored them as the couple found an open table and sat down. While the woman headed over the counter to order the man lifted the crying infant and lifted him to his shoulder and began to calm him down. Had her own father held her like that? Had her mother? Had they even been given the chance?

Azrael had never directly answered her questions about the day of her birth and their deaths. She knew it hurt him to do talk about it and so Jen had simply stopped asking. She turned her head, looking away from the family moment as the woman walked back over with their drinks. Before anyone around them could notice or the waitress headed their way, Jen was grabbing a napkin to wipe at her face. Her tears would have attracted to much attention as they were a mix of gold and silver in color, very inhuman.

"Here you guys. If you need anything please let me know." She handed out the drinks and set the two fresh muffins down as well. giving both Azrael and Ezzrek another bright smile she headed off to tend to her other tables.

"I know you were careful uncle, but do you really expect trouble from up there?" Jen picked up her tea and took a slow sip, watching him as he pulled his muffin in half and took a bite from one half.

"Yes and no. As we said before its not just the Host you will have to be on the watch for. The Fallen and others have made the mortal realm their playground. If they cannot tempt you to play their games, to be as they are they will destroy you to prevent you from striking at them first."