View source for 10519/Path of Glory: Voices of Those Who Stand Looking

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2022/03/19
|Location=Between Heaven and Earth
|Synopsis=Jon and Cael pay a call to the archangels to see if they can fix the problem of Michael invading Jon's dreams. The solution is there, but the means of it comes from the ever pragmatic voice of Cael.
|Cast of Characters=3387,3364,2924
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The summoning process takes a bit longer than usual. Usually Jon would say the words and get an almost immediate response from the Archangel of Light. This time it's a bit different. There is silence for several minutes. Long enough that the pair might be getting worried that the summoning didn't work.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then, abruptly, the room falls away into darkness. The pair are standing on empty space, stars and swirling gases spread out in all directions except forward. There a great bright light looms on the horizon: Heaven. The Silver City. Between the pair and the Silver City are three angels.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One is <span style="color:#ffffd7">Uriel</span>. The nondescript young man is in his garb of ceremony, a simple linen tunic hanging to his ankles and an overrobe over crimson. His firey wings are held close behind him and his sword of office, the one of immeasurable flame and light is sheathed at his side. To his right is <span style="color:#d75f87">Raphael</span>, garbed in his simple linen robe with his staff in hand and his pink wings held close to his back. There is a pink flower in his hair and a soft smile on his face. The last, to Uriel's left, is the tall youth-seeming <span style="color:#ff5f00">Sandalphon</span>. He is in a shimmering white tunic. The pristine white and silver wings on his back shimmer in the light of the Silver City.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uriel speaks to the pair as they stand between the cosmic passage and Heaven. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">You'll forgive the delay, Jonathan. I hadn't expected a house call and... we're a bit more confined to home with our recent... field trip.</span>" He means the war that Michael instigated. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">I also had to make a few calls to my brothers to address what I assume you are here for.</span>" He adds. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">But I did not tell my brothers the reason... perhaps that should come direct from you.</span>" He gestures softly, ceding the floor to Jon.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3364|Jonathan Sims (3364)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon does indeed have a few moments of panic. Was Uriel unavailable? Was he being punished for intervening on Jon's behalf, back when he died? Had Michael done something in retaliation for Uriel spying on him during the battles for Manhattan?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Did Uriel just not need him anymore, now that he'd fulfilled his role in Uriel's plan, and died to get the attention of the Presence?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When they're suddenly in a space full of stars with bright light on the horizon he lets out a sigh of relief. "Oh thank the gods, I thought..." He shakes his head. It doesn't entirely matter what he thought. He peers at Raphael and Sandalphon, narrowing his eyes somewhat at the second. Raphael he understands; Uriel probably wants her to run interference with Cael. What's /Sandalphon/ doing here?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another shake of the head and he clears his throat, then says, "Well... if you're /aware/ of what's going on..." He sighs, and glances over at Cael, then back to the angels. "Michael's invading my dreams, and I'm worried that he might be trying to affect me mentally. Mind control, or even just subversion." He frowns. "I'm becoming more... ruthless? Bloodthirsty? Definitely reckless. More willing to be violent, even entertaining a willingness to kill." He hadn't told Cael about /that/ just yet.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He sighs. "My own wards don't seem to be strong enough to keep him out, so I was hoping perhaps you, or another of your siblings, could help with warding?" He glances at Cael. "It was her idea, actually, funnily enough."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2924|Cael Becker (2924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The panic isn't that hard to see, as the moments tick by. Jon seemed to expect a rather prompt response, and as his worries continue to increase, Cael simply slips her hand into his, giving it a reasuring squeeze, while flashing him a brief smile. This would either work - or it wouldn't. And if it didn't - well. They'd bloody well figure something else out. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sudden change of locations, however, sets //her// on edge in turn, her shoulders stiffening as she gazes around at the starry expanse, before fixing her gaze on the angels. Raphael gets a simple, brief nod of acknowledgement, and Sandalphon is all but ignored. Uriel, however, she fixes with a glare, her jaw tightening - as does the hand she slipped into Jon's. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, well, I figure if these fucks can make a problem, they can damned well help us fix it." Is she being unfair? <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't really care. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sandalphon's expression is as impassive as ever but he does nod in understanding. Raphael frowns at Cael's words and gives a glance to Uriel. "<span style="color:#d75f87">You knew of this and did nothing to help?</span>" he asks Uriel. "<span style="color:#d75f87">That is... rather uncharacteristic of you, brother.</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uriel sighs. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">I am no weaver of dreams and Our Father has forbidden us from intervening for or against Michael in this... endeavor. I imagine any intervention would have been met with an easily dismissed wave from either Michael himself or any sort of blockade set in by Our Father to prevent us from such things.</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He sounds irritated at the very fact, but resigned nonetheless. He regards Jon and Cael. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">However, Jonathan coming to us for aid was not forbidden and so...</span>" he gestures to the tall form of Sandalphon. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">I've enlisted the services of the one of us most familiar with such things.</span>" The tall youthful archangel steps forward and seems to regard Jon more directly, his gaze a definite weight on the Archivist as his eyes glow a soft orange gold.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a moment the tall archangel jerks his head back. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">There is significant damage within the your mind. I may be able to help though. As Uriel has said, I am the Archangel who governs the realm of dreams. If he is invading via that medium, then I might be able to see that you are protected from the worst of his intrusion. But Michael is the greatest of our number... know that even against my wards he may be able to still exert some control over what you experience, regardless.</span>" He arches a pale blonde brow. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">With that in mind, do you still wish to proceed?</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3364|Jonathan Sims (3364)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon glances at Cael with a frown. "None of them caused this," he says softly. "Michael did."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He turns the frown on Uriel, then. "So because you cannot disobey Michael's orders, you have to help him attack mortals... but the Presence won't let you intervene on our behalf? Or is that in place so none of you /help/ Michael?" He shakes his head. "The entire setup is bullshit, and you can feel free to pass that along."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he focuses on Sandalphon and clears his throat again. "Damage within my mind? What has Michael done to me?" A pause, and then, "If you can help at all... please, go ahead."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2924|Cael Becker (2924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're blaming the system. These guys are part of the system," Cael states flatly. She has more than enough anger and frustration to spread around. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Sandalphon speaks, however, he finally earns her full attention - a worried frown pulling at her lips, and wrinkling her brows. She gives Jon's hand another squeeze, as she tries to sort out just what 'damage to Jon's mind' might entail - and what it would mean for him, and the rest of his family and those who care for him. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Is there anything I can do? To help repair things, or protect him further interference, or... anything like that?" she asks bluntly, her gaze locked onto the 'youngest' or the three angelic beings. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raphael answers as Uriel's mouth forms a tight line, possibly an indication that shares Jon's sentiments even if he cannot voice them. "<span style="color:#d75f87">It is to ensure that Michael doesn't repeat the past two months in a different plane. Because yes... there are some among our number that still support him regardless of the loss. So in wisdom he bared us all from intervening, limiting the power Michael could draw to himself.</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At Cael's words Raphael gives her a sympathetic frown and a shake of his head. "<span style="color:#d75f87">Humans... even Avatars of the gods need sleep. The only way to prevent Michael's intrusions is to never sleep. The waking world keeps him safe, but even you cannot keep him there forever.</span>" He looks to Sandalphon and the tall archangel steps forward towering over Jon.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"<span style="color:#ff5f00">To accurately understand the nature of your damage... I must touch you and your mind. I give you my word, that I will not interfere or offer solace without consulting you first. Acceptable?</span>" At Jon's acknowledgement he reaches a large hand and lays it on the crown of Jon's head. Orange light envelopes both figures and after a moment's pause Sandalphon frowns. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">I... I see. I am not sure what I can do for you, Jonathan. You have accepted this intrusion. You opened the door for Michael's power to flow through you...</span>" He looks down at the man. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">I see a glowing gem, touched by your skin. That touch... imprinted the power of the Lord of Hosts on you.</span>" He keeps his eyes on Jon, lighting pouring off him and onto the other man. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">Do you understand?</span>" he asks softly, his tone crestfallen and worried.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3364|Jonathan Sims (3364)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm not blaming 'the system,' Cael. There isn't a /system/, or if there is, we are /all/ a part of it." Jon looks to Cael earnestly for a moment. "Actually, you and I have far more influence over the Presence than the angels do, by virtue of having souls. I mean, the Presence /is/ us, but not quite, it's..." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He sighs. "Never mind," he mutters. This isn't the time to try to relay what he learned while he was dead.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sandalphon's statement that Jon 'accepted this intrusion' gets a confused frown, and the frown deepens as the angel goes on. "That's... no, that's... I put that in the Archive. It's under several layers of wards. And anyway, I /rejected/ Michael's offer, I didn't agree to /anything/. I only picked up the jewel because... well... I thought it might be useful."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2924|Cael Becker (2924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I wouldn't try to keep him awake. Not sleeping fucks you up pretty bad." Mentally, physically... She wouldn't do that to Jon. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's quite possible Jon stops because of the look Cael is giving him as he tries to explain things. Half 'are you really doing this NOW?' and half 'do you really think I give a shit about the 'Presence'?' As he relents, her attention returns to Sandalphon, her jaw tightening once more at this news. "You can't do //anything//?" she asks in a frustrated voice. "Then what the hell are we supposed to do? Who //can// protect Jon? Can we... get rid of the gem? Destroy it?" <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her attention shifts back to Jon as she adds, "And what fucking gem, anyways? I thought you threw away the gem he offered you?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"<span style="color:#ff5f00">I can shield your dreams but... the power imprinted on you, or an echo of it did,</span>" Sandalphon says, releasing Jon's skull and stepping back, the glow fading from him somewhat. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">Wards, barriers, all of that was fairly useless after you willingly touched it with your bare skin.</span>" He looks at the man. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">Useful? Perhaps. But power as all things comes with a price. In this case, you allow the source of that power free reign in your unconscious mind.</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uriel's expression is saddened. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">I... saw what happened, Jonathan. I can see what you see when I want to... you consciously took it up. That power, even if not the piece he offered you... is still quite dangerous.</span>" He scowls a bit. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">What was it you planned on doing with it exactly? Not using it, that you locked it up is clear enough evidence to contradict that.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3364|Jonathan Sims (3364)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon's gaze flits back and forth between Cael and Uriel for a moment. He drops Cael's hand and steps away a little, like he feels he needs to defend himself. "I... there was another gem," he explains. "In the 'throne room,' next to the piece of the stairway. It... it held Michael's power. I remembered how useful it was, to have parts of Michael's power. I thought we could use it to negotiate, perhaps, or..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks away, expression ashamed. "I /did/ think of using it," he admits quietly. "All that power... maybe I could even use it against Michael. But... but then I thought better of that. I figured maybe it could affect me if I was holding it, since I couldn't seem to tell anyone about it. So I locked it up in the Archive, so it wouldn't... tempt me." He snorts. "Fat lot of good that did."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He finally brings his gaze back to Uriel, though he's not looking at Cael. "If I give the gem back, will that fix this problem? Will Michael stop being able to affect me? Will I stop being so... reckless and violent?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2924|Cael Becker (2924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon steps away, and for the moment... Cael lets him, her gaze dropping down and away as her left hand tightens and relaxes repeatedly. Taking Michael's power, inviting that in - even inadvertantly... Jon had //caused// this problem, and in some way, somehow, that hurt and felt like a betrayal all over again. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What the fuck was he thinking, trusting any of that? <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This mess started, Jon, when your //friend// started dabbling in powers he didn't understand - without thinking or asking for help," she points out flatly. "And you go reaching for more of that same power, and hiding it from us..." She looks back to him then, her jaw tight, and her expression momentarily stern, before she breathes in deeply, and forces much of that away. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Closing the distance he'd opened between them, however, she reaches for his hand once more. "But whatever I think of that... I promised not to let you pull away. Right?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raphael's smile is faint but there. Uriel's words though drawn it down into a frown once more. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">I... don't know...</span>" he says. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">It depends on what that power -is-. The influence it exerts on you. It's not the Demiurgic Force, that was the first power he offered you. The Morningstar's memory. But... you released that power into the sky, forcing him to flee the field after it. It would not do to have some vengeful ghost falling upon such things.</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks to Sandalphon who speaks. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">There are a great many changes occuring within him.</span>" The archangel's eyes glow again and the light of that glow plays over Jon directly. There is physical warmth in that gaze. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">Violence. A greater understanding for the need of discipline, even if mete by the most ultimate and final of lessons. But... that was changing in him before he acquired the power. It is his own. No...</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The youth shakes his head, platinum blonde tresses shaking with the action. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">The changes made by the influence. The echo. Ideologies, acceptance. He thinks... like our wayward brother at times. Agrees with the suggestions offered by the Lord of Hosts.</span>" The lights dim and he adds. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">A dangerous and insidious power, especially to be used by one of our own. The Lord of Hosts plays a very dangerous game; to test the strength of free will so blatantly.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3364|Jonathan Sims (3364)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon frowns down at his feet, flinching at what he can sense of Cael's anger and hurt, not letting her take his hand right at first. He frowns more deeply at what Sandalphon says about the changes that were already occuring, hunches his shoulders a little. He's still trying to adjust to the idea that he finds all of this exciting. It's not who he's "supposed" to be.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The Demiurgic Force?" he finally manages in a strangled whisper. "H-he was offering me... /that/?!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His jaw tightens, and he shakes his head. "I /am/ asking for help, Cael." He looks up and around at her, expression frustrated, but he reaches out finally to take the offered hand. "That's why we're /here/. This is me, asking for help. I had a... a moment of weakness. I have the whole fucking /universe/ on my shoulders, and evidently Michael offering to give me the literal power of /Creation/, and... and I can't... I'm not strong enough to handle it, I /know/ that. So I grabbed the jewel, and then I /tried/ to put it aside, put it away. I /know/ what Michael can do, but gods, Cael, even Frodo fell to the Ring in the end." He swallows, frowns. "Though I suppose this was more... Boromir, looking for the power to defend his home."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He sighs. "But... I /told/ you about Michael. I asked for help. But I can't... I couldn't... I /couldn't/ tell you about the jewel, I /tried/, and I... I /couldn't/. He was in my head already. That's /why/ I was afraid he was in my head, and affecting me!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2924|Cael Becker (2924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cael listens to Jon's words in silence - but it doesn't fully soothe that feeling of anger and betrayal. He shouldn't have taken it - shouldn't have touched it at all - but he knows that, so what's the point in berating him over it? Instead, she seems fully prepared to ignore those feelings as she pulls him in closer, still holding onto his left hand and wrapping one arm around him to pull him in closer. She stands there in silence for a while before murmuring, "I've got your back - you know that. Even if you are an idiot. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So what's our next step?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uriel answers Cael's question directly. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">You have to win. You have to get Michael to sacrifice the power he holds on to so tightly. Return the Demiurgic Force and return to his position as the guardian of the Silver City and the enforcer and protector of the universe.</span>" He frowns and looks at the other two for input.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raphael adds his own perspective. "<span style="color:#d75f87">Don't engage Michael alone. If he has fingers on your mind encountering him alone could prove disasterous... for everyone.</span>" He gives Cael a nod. "<span style="color:#d75f87">You've been given great power... use it to protect him if nothing else.</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sandalphon adds his own thoughts as well to complete the triad. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">Appeal to his sense of honor if you must. He -knows- what he is doing is wrong. But he feels his feet are set on a course that cannot be changed. If you can cnovince him that he doesn't have to be the great arbiter of all he has put forth... he may relent.</span>" He pauses and sighs. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">It is a long shot, as you humans say. We are all quite... stuborn in our ways. But it may give him pause enough to allow you an opening that you can use to push or to retreat if the situation is dire.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3364|Jonathan Sims (3364)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon accepts the hug, closing his eyes for a moment as he tries to tell himself that Cael believes in him. That things will be okay. That he hasn't ruined everything.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he turns away, to look to the angels as they speak. "So... precisely what I've /been/ doing, or things I could have thought of myself. Convince Michael to give up the Demiurgic Force, tell him what he's doing is wrong, don't let myself be alone with him." Jon laughs, bitterly. "Except, of course, the /entire problem/ is that he's coming to me when I'm /asleep/! In my /dreams/! When I'm alone, and vulnerable!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He glares at the archangels, at Uriel in particular. "I /died/ for this whole bloody business, and none of you can help? You can't even... point me in the right direction? I'm just... floundering out here, trying to figure this out, when I barely know how to handle my /own/ power, let alone everything /else/ that's been put on me. I mean, I get it, I fucked up, but it shouldn't even have been an /option/ in the first place!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He shakes his head. Cael, at least, can surely feel the trembling of his hand, the panic rising within him. The angels? Definitely. "Fuck it. I figured out how to come back from the dead, I'll... I'll figure this out. Somehow. I... maybe... we can... use this as an advantage, somehow. Maybe..." He frowns, eyes darting back and forth, clearly trying to come up with /something/.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a moment he looks down at his feet again. His shoulders slump, and he all but whispers, "Do /I/ really have to be the one that stops Michael? Or can I just... walk away, since I'm compromised now?" It's not a matter of running away in fear. It's more like accepting defeat.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2924|Cael Becker (2924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cael's grip never falters, as she continues to hold Jon to her, her own hurt and anger slowly being replaced the pain of seeing him suffering once again. Why isn't enough enough? Why must he be tormented more? Whose face does she have to break to put a stop to all this? <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She wishes it could be that easy. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Is it possible to find someway for me to be present in Jon's dreams? So he doesn't have to face Michael alone in his sleep?" she asks, without bothering to look at any of the angels. "Is that within your power?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raphael nods to Jon. "<span style="color:#d75f87">Your presence is unfortuntely essential in the turning of Michael. You are linked as opposing forces, even should you wish it not you stand on opposing sides of the same line. Order in the hands of living beings versus order in the hands of the Lord of Hosts.</span>" After, the Archangel of Love smiles like a teacher hearing a student give the most brilliant of disserations before a crowd of experts. After all, he has chosen Cael as his charge in this and she is the one who seemingly discovered this loophole.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uriel opens his mouth to answer Jon as Cael offers her suggestion. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">I...</span>" he closes his mouth and looks at Sandalphon. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">Is... is that possible?</span>" he asks the Dreamshaper. He seems completely taken aback by the idea. It never occured to him to link two mortals together in their dreams to give strength to one who was weakened.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sandalphon nods. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">That is a simple enough matter to do. However, I must warn you it comes with a small detriment. If linked by dreams you must sleep at the same time. Regardless of proximity, if one of you falls asleep the other will be compelled to do the same despite energy levels.</span>" He eyes Cael. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">I will need to touch you both to forge the link. While I understand and do not discount your animosity to my person, I would rather not incur damage lest said damage transfers to you both while I work.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3364|Jonathan Sims (3364)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon's shoulders slump further as Raphael confirms that he does, indeed, /have/ to be directly involved. "So much for taking calling this a red card, then," he mutters, still staring at his feet.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He glances over at Cael finally and says softly, "...Are you sure about that? I don't think it'd stop him from coming after me. If anything... he'll probably try to use you against me." He frowns, and swallows, and looks down at her with concern. "I'm not saying no. And I'm not... gods, Cael, I'm grateful. Where would I even /be/, without you? I just... I want you to understand what you're potentially getting into. Everything that Michael did to traumatize you, but with me there, too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2924|Cael Becker (2924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's dreams. It's the stuff of imagination. We give him a taste of what he's been giving us all this time, yeah? We teach him what it means to mess with us," Cael says firmly, and determinedly. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Will she be capable of 'lucid dreaming' this stuff, and giving Michael a taste of his own medicine? She sure hoped so. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm sure, Jon. I'm not going to leave you face him alone. Alright?" She lets go of Jon with her left hand, so she can cup it to the back of his head again, pulling him down towards her so she can kiss him on the forhead. "We've got this," she murmurs quietly, before looking towards Sandalphon, and offering a simple nod of acknowledgement. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uriel and Raphael are silent as the Archangel of the Mind steps forward and places a large hand on each of their heads. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">Relax. You will feel a pressure and a sense of... duality, but it will fade after a moment</span>" he says softly as orange gold light envelopes the three of them.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a warmth that permeates from the archangel's touch. It's not wholly unpleasant either; like sinking into a hot bath of water after a long hike in the cold. After a moment there is a feeling of something sliding into place and suddenly the duality is present. It's as if you are in your body and also in the body of the person linked. -It- might be unpleasant. The unknown of where one person ends and the other begins.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sandalphon releases them both and steps back. As he lets go, the duality sense fades before it is almost unnoticable. Focusing on it brings it back, a feeling like a part of you resides in the same location as the other but if you ignore it, it's as if it's not there at all.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a visual component to this joining as well, at least here on the plane of astral. A golden tether linking their wrists. It stretches and contracts without resistance and seems to weight nothing at all. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">That tether cannot be severed by any power that we have encountered save my own. Once this endeavor is over... should you wish, I will remove it with as little trouble as it placed it.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3364|Jonathan Sims (3364)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon frowns at Cael for a long moment before Sandalphon steps forward. "I don't want to hurt you," he says softly. "I don't want you to be hurt. But... I know you feel the same about me." He smiles, and leans down to give Cael a brief kiss and who cares if the angels are watching. Then he presses his forehead to Cael's, so as to make the business of linking them easier.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's probably easier for Jon to handle the duality than it is Cael. He feels the emotions of others all the time, he experiences other people's memories as if they're his own, and even if it's been strange and confusing on some level he was always meant to do that. His mind and genetics are primed for magic and telepathy. He /does/ blink, though, rapidly, staring down at Cael for a moment as he tries to wrap his head around the weirdness of looking at his own face with her eyes at the same time as looking at her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's terrified. Of /himself/. Of what he might do, with Michael already having hooks in his brain. But he's trusting Cael, and he loves her so much it's kind of overwhelming.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then it passes and he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath. "Alright," he says. "Alright. Well."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2924|Cael Becker (2924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"When you're hurting - I've already been hurt," Cael answers Jon a bit wryly. "To a degree, anyways." She's more than happy to press her own forehead to him in return, taking deep, slow, steading breaths as she feels Sandalphon's hand on her head. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The feeling of duality leaves her feeling disoriented to the point that she mistrusts her own balance, and clings to Jon for stability. She lets out a sign of relief as she sensation eases, and after a few steadying breaths, she looks to Sandalphon again to give him a nod of gratitude. "I imagine we'll be asking you to undo it eventually. I really don't need to fall asleep in the middle of a car chase just because Jon gets a bit sleepy - ya know?" But in the short term - she'll just stay away from car chases. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Easy. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uriel nods and says. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">Then I belive you have everything you need?</span>" he asks. Uncertainty is clear in his tone if not his face. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">I am sorry there was not more we could do. But you seem to be powerful enough on your own. Which is sort of the entire point of this conflict, is it not?</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raphael nods. "<span style="color:#d75f87">Never forget that together you are more than twice as powerful as you would be individualy. The process is exponential, not multiplicative. Believe in each other as much as yourself and you will never fall.</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sandalphon moves to rejoin his brothers silently and inclines his head at the pair. He raises a hand and offers an age old benediction of his kind. "<span style="color:#ff5f00">Peace go with you always.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3364|Jonathan Sims (3364)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm not sure what the point is anymore," Jon says with a frown, pulling away from Cael finally. It's a marked difference from when he seemed so certain about things, before. Somehow, becoming an avatar of morality and justice has only made him less willing to be a moral authority. Or maybe it's just the timing, with Michael messing with his head.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He sighs, and looks them over. "I hope you're doing better, with what I did. I hope that didn't backfire on your end quite as spectacularly as it's backfired with Michael."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks down at Cael. "Shall we?" He tries to make it sound light-hearted, but fails utterly. He just sounds tired.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2924|Cael Becker (2924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cael lets Jon pull away, as she turns to regard the three angels in turn. Raphael and Sandalphon both earn a brief nod this time, before her gaze falls onto Uriel again, anger flaring back to light behind her eyes. "I fucking hate you, you know," she spits out. "And I wouldn't shed any tears if you died. Wish I'd done more than just mess up your fucking face," she says coolly, her hand clenching at her side for a moment, before she forces herself to turn away while almost every inch of her was encouraging her to try pummeling the man into the ground. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He'd just heal himself afterwards. What's the point? <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Let's go home. You need to get some rest." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uriel nods to Cael. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">I accept your animosity fully and unconditionally</span>" he says with full sincerity. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">We have all done a great disservice to you though this and I accept my part in it.</span>" He pauses. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">Which is why...</span>" He moves forward and wraps his arms around Jon.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In following his wings move around the man as well ecansing the pair of them in a holy embrace. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">I need you to understand that I still listen. I am still here. I still see all that you do with the gift that I urged to be made.</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He pulls away only slightly and looks the man in the eye. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">And I still believe. In you. In your authority. In your strength. In everything you do. You have given us a gift that not even -Our Father- could conceive and we have done so much with that already that you may never see. But it is...</span>" He swallows tears standing in his eyes as he glances back at the Silver City. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">-Existing- is better there. More fulfilling than it ever has in eons upon eons, since before time. And that's because of you. Even if you don't believe in yourself. -I- believe in you. And I'm still rooting for you from this corner.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3364|Jonathan Sims (3364)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon blinks at Cael, clearly surprised that she didn't strike Uriel. He doesn't quite know what to say to that, though he frowns in concern.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Uriel hugs him, and the archangel's words make Jon start to cry. "I... was worried you didn't care anymore," he admits. "I know, it's ridiculous, I know you /created/ the Archive, you made /me/, but I still... it's still hard to... believe that anyone /cares/ beyond what I can do for them."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He can feel that Cael doesn't appreciate the proximity, that she's angry, but he pushes that aside for a moment, and lingers. He /needs/ this, needs the support and validation, more than he realized. So he takes a moment, to hug the archangel, then steps back and wipes at his eyes.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thank you," he says. "Knowing that it helped... it's reassuring. I... I've been... doubting every choice I've made, lately, and that was a big one. It's good to know that it helped."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2924|Cael Becker (2924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cael //seethes// under Uriel's close proximity - watching him wrap Jon up into a hug, while she strongly considers beating his face in. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sensation doesn't ease much when he releases Jon, and she continues to glares at him, her hands balled into fists. She knows Jon doesn't //want// her to pummel Uriel, and for the moment at least that's the only think restraining her as she says tensely, through clenched teeth, "Jon... Let's go." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She needs to leave just as much as he needs to stay. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:3387|Chas Chandler (3387)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uriel gives Jon another strong look and nods before he steps back and rejoins his brothers. "<span style="color:#ffffd7">Good luck, Jonathan. Cael. We will be watching from on high as we are allowed.</span>" He waves a hand and the cosmic landscape fades back into the interior of Jon's home. The archangel's wave returning them to the very place they made the call from.<br> <br>
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