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Azaliah admired his golden hair which had become longer than before, she also admired his face. It had a definite structure to it that made him look like a warrior but then, whenever he glanced at her or looked around confused, he then had an innocent look.

They both walked in silence. Azaliah admired him while he struggled to keep calm under her gaze. After a while, they reached the training grounds. The area was covered with angels, practicing for the tournament. Azaliah took her eyes of Michael and focused on the angels that swung their swords, threw their spears and daggers, shot arrows and used their fists on one another.

Michael was relieved she no longer stared at him like he came from another world.

But then he started to study her. He remembered the shock on his face when he saw her for the first time lying on the floor, not having a single care in her world. How unsure he was that this creature in front of him, this small fragile creature was the one to wield the weapon that would kill Lucifer. But now that he stared at her, he could almost see it.

For some reason, he believed that her innocence would be what would save her. Azaliah suddenly turned to him with a bright smile on her face. Michael's eyes widened.

So innocent!

"This is beautiful". She said. Michael kept staring at her. What kind of person thought a bunch of fighting angels was beautiful?

"I…uh…"

Michael could not find anything to say so he just nodded. Azaliah mirrored his action and faced angels again.

"Will you fight in the tournament?" she asked.

"No". Came Michael's short reply.

"Why?"

"I don't need to". Azaliah faced him again and the smile on her face had lessened.

"I want you to". She said. Michael's mouth opened. "Just like that day".

She whispered.

Michael shook his head slowly and closed his eyes. Why did she have to remind him about that? Azaliah saw his reaction and regretted saying anything.

"I am so sorry. I didn't know that yo--"

"It's alright". He said and stared at her. "I wasn't the one who fought that day…or rather the one who won".

Azaliah stared at him in confusion.

"The one that won was the most high. He used me to defeat Lucifer, I would have died if Nahamani had not gone to plead for his help".

"Oh".

"I…I made a mistake". Azaliah could hear the vulnerability in his voice and it broke her a little. Michael had been so strong since the beginning and while the angels thought he had single handedly pushed Lucifer out of heaven, he was carrying the burden of not been able to do anything.

"I thought I could beat him on my own. I should have known earlier, none of the angels that perished on that day would have died if I had just asked for help". He said while staring at the angels in the field.

"I can't participate not only because I don't need to but also because I am afraid. The tournament scares me, it was in one of these events that Lucifer unleashed his evil plan and almost crushed us". He finished.

Azaliah touched his hand lightly and he flinched before facing her. She smiled softly at him.

"You talk as if God hasn't forgiven you. If he wasn't happy with you, will he ever see fit to promote you?"

Azaliah said to the stunned archangel. "You are not a failure Michael. Sir, angel, master Michael".

Michael smiled softly at her and shook his head.

"You truly are something else". He said to her. Azaliah let go of his hand and faced the field again. Michael did the same.

"You know, I was able to persuade Nahamani to let you watch the tournament". He said. Azaliah gasped in surprise and smiled.

"Really?"

"Yes. As long as you behave yourself". He said with a smirk. Azaliah frowned.

"When have I never?"

"I mean, no screaming or excessive yelling". Michael explained with a smile. Azaliah scoffed.

"That is near impossible, the energy in the arena would be too much and besides I need to cheer for my favorite". She said to him. Michael nodded once, the smile not gone from his face.

"I'm sure, but still…Nahamani is your guardian and my superior. If she says something, we have to follow I'm afraid". Azaliah's shoulders slumped in disappointment.

"Ah and here I was thinking you would cover for me". She teased. Michael's smile grew wider.

"Sorry, but I am not your guardian Aleph". Azaliah laughed and turned her attention back to the field. As Michael watched her, the smile slowly disappeared from his face.

She does not deserve this! But then what can he do? Absolutely nothing.

Michael's memory flashed back to the glaring stare on Lucifer's face and he shivered. If Azaliah was indeed going to kill him, she'll surely need more than just physical training.

***

FLASHBACK 3

Lucifer eyes his lookalike with surprise and the creature did the same. He didn't move because he was unaware of kind of power the creature possessed. Other spirits had also gathered to stare wide eyed at the person in front of them. After an intense stare, the creature blinked once then twice before widening his eyes as well. Lucifer took a step back and eyed him cautiously. The creature then started to look around in wonder just like he had done.

So this spirit did not know where he was either? Lucifer smiled. This was the perfect opportunity for him to command all the creatures in this garden. Lucifer walked up to the creature and eyed it with pride in his eyes, then he flexed his shoulders and spoke.

"You creature". He started. "I am Lucifer and I have been placed in charge of this garden, I will be the one you ask anytime you are confused of anything. Do you understand?" The tone Lucifer used would have put shivers in anybody's body. However, the creature blinked again, smiled softly and walked past him.

Lucifer suddenly felt like burning the whole garden to the ground. Did he just walk away from me? Does he not know who I am? How dare he?!

Lucifer turned abruptly to confront him. He reached for his shoulder in an attempt to drag him to the ground with force, but was sorely disappointed.

Just like with the four legged creature, his hand slipped past the shoulder of the lookalike and Lucifer stumbled to the ground. When the angels attempted to help him, he swatted their hands away and released a growl that sent them away. His eyes widened the more when he saw the creature touch the items on the tree and his hands did not slip past them.

Lucifer felt like pulling the remaining strands of his hair out.