章 15: One of The Fallen

Azrael and Mirai walked home together through the dimly lit streets, the night sky casting a blanket of darkness over the city. The hours had stretched long, their departure from the office delayed by Mirai's patient explanations, aimed at helping Azrael grasp the intricacies of the human world's workings.

Amid the unfamiliarity of human experiences, Azrael found himself perplexed by even the simplest of things, like the act of drinking coffee or the rumbling of his stomach when hunger struck – sensations foreign to his angelic existence. As they walked, a serious expression crossed his face, causing him to halt abruptly and fix his gaze on Mirai.

"Mirai, I have a favor to ask of you," Azrael began, his tone earnest as he locked eyes with her. Mirai returned his gaze, curiosity evident in her expression as she awaited his words, uncertain of his thoughts and intentions.

"W-what is it, Az? Why are you looking so serious?" Mirai inquired, a mixture of curiosity and amusement in her voice. Azrael's serious demeanor seemed to catch her off guard. He took a moment before responding, his voice holding a hint of earnestness, "When we get back to your home, can you make me some coffee?" Mirai blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback by his request. "Huh? Just that? Psshhh, I thought it was going to be something serious," she playfully retorted, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Fine, fine! I'll make you coffee, but how about I teach you how to make it yourself as well?"

"Thank you, Mirai," Azrael expressed his gratitude with a soft smile. As they continued on their way home, their attention was drawn to a sight on the bridge they were approaching—a young boy standing there.

The sound of the boy's loud cries reached Azrael and Mirai's ears, prompting Mirai to approach him and inquire about the reason for his distress. With concern in her voice, Mirai asked, "Hey there, what's the matter? Why are you crying?"

Mirai's empathetic nature kicked in as she listened to the boy named Gabriel express his feelings of loneliness and heartache. She tried to console him, saying, "Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. There's someone out there for everyone. You just haven't found the right person yet." Gabriel's tears continued to flow as he struggled with his emotions.

As Gabriel wiped his tears, Mirai gently encouraged him, "Come on, don't cry. Everything will be alright." The atmosphere shifted when Gabriel's gaze landed on Azrael. His demeanor seemed to brighten up as curiosity and intrigue replaced his sadness.

Startled by Gabriel's sudden change in demeanor, Mirai looks at Azrael with a mix of surprise and amusement. She follows his lead as he hides her behind him, all the while being intrigued by his assumption that Azrael might be a demon due to his unfamiliar dark aura that Gabriel encountered earlier.

Azrael's brows furrowed in confusion as he processed Gabriel's words. The accusation that he was being referred to as a demon caught him off guard, his mind struggling to make sense of the unexpected situation. Beside him, Mirai watched the interaction with a mix of intrigue and amusement, her eyes darting between the two. As Azrael sought clarification, his voice carried a blend of bewilderment and disbelief.

"Huh? Are you referring to me as a demon?" Azrael's tone was laced with incredulity, unsure of how to react to this unfounded claim.

Gabriel's response was firm and unyielding, further deepening the mystery. "Yes, there is no doubt that you are a demon! I already sent back your comrade to hell."

The words hung in the air, a puzzling puzzle that Azrael was struggling to unravel. His thoughts raced, trying to piece together the context behind this accusation. As he opened his mouth to seek more information, a wave of uncertainty washed over him.

"Wait? What are you saying?" Azrael's voice trembled slightly, a mix of confusion and concern evident in his words.

Gabriel's voice held a mixture of accusation and determination. "So you're a demon that wants to target pretty ladies, huh! Maybe you're an incubus!"

With a determined stance, the boy began channeling his energy, his focus unwavering, as he summoned a bow and arrow formed from the brilliance of his power. The surrounding area was suffused with a radiant glow emanating from his concentrated energy.

Azrael stood frozen, his gaze fixed on the unfolding scene. He watched as the boy's arrow was aimed at him, a mixture of surprise and confusion evident in his expression.

However, just as the tense moment was about to escalate, Mirai's anger ignited. With swift determination, she unleashed her weapon, the dagger gleaming menacingly in her hand. In a calculated move, she struck the boy forcefully on his head, utilizing the back of her dagger to deliver the blow.

Mirai's voice surged with a fiery determination, her anger evident in her words. "Hey!!!! Who are you to tell that Az is a demon, huh! I don't care who you are. I'm not going to forgive you for pointing a weapon at Az and saying he is a demon!"

The boy's initial bravado shattered, replaced by a stark terror as he faced Mirai's ferocity. In an instant, she seemed to transform back into the formidable assassin she had been when she first crossed paths with Azrael. The sudden shift in her demeanor sent a clear message: her loyalty and protective instincts were unwavering, and any threat to Azrael would not be tolerated.

Azrael's voice carried a note of caution, a plea for restraint in the tense atmosphere. "Stop it, Mirai! He doesn't know us! Maybe if we tell him who we are, then he can understand."

But first, tell us who you are, or else I will not stop Mirai," Azrael demanded firmly, his gaze fixed on the boy.

"My name is Gabriel, and I'm an Archangel. One of the Fallen. The Guardian Angel," Gabriel responded, his voice carrying an air of solemnity and authority.

As Gabriel revealed his identity as an Archangel, Azrael and Mirai were struck with shock, their movements frozen by the weight of this unexpected revelation. The gravity of the situation hung in the air, and a momentary silence enveloped them.

Mirai's voice trembled with a mix of surprise and curiosity as she spoke, "So you are also an Archangel. That is why you have a soul weapon."

Gabriel's eyes widened slightly at Mirai's choice of words, and he questioned, "Did you just say the word 'also,' so you mean you're an Archangel as well?"

Mirai's voice held a firm yet respectful tone as she clarified, "No. I'm an Angel, a servant of an Archangel. And my master is that guy standing in front of you. He is Azrael Lockheart, THE ARCHANGEL OF DEATH."

A mixture of surprise and disbelief washed over Gabriel as he stammered, "A-a-a-Azrael."

In that moment, a whirlwind of emotions, including fear and anger, surged within Gabriel's mind.

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