~ In Case Forever Ends Tomorrow ~ A Good Omens Fanfic

9 - Our Side

~ Aziraphale's Perspective ~

The angel did not miss the demon. Or, at least, that's what he forced himself to believe. He was lying to himself, to Heaven, to Hell... To Crowley, if he said he didn't love him still. His heart, usually filled with light and goodness, was heavy with dread. His pale blue eyes shone with silvery tears as he flew on, into the war. If Crowley didn't love him, that was okay. He was a demon, anyway. This was how things should have been.

To Aziraphale, Crowley was gone.

And still, he found himself kneeling before the altar at the church, his hands folded. The church was broken, the large window at the top shattered, and the walls smothered in ashes. His eyes were closed as he lowered his head, whispering words only God could hear.

"I thought it would get better," He started, "I thought the war wouldn't come if I just tried hard enough. Forgive me, Lord, for I have failed you. And I have failed my Love."

Aziraphale raised his head to the Heavens, the hope hidden in his prayer echoing into an empty sky.

"I know he is a demon, and I know he does not love me. But I love him, and I want him to be safe. I am not so foolish as to believe this war can be won. I know there is no stopping it now, that this was the great plan all along. I just... I will do anything to keep him safe from harm. Today, they broke something inside him. I want to know that he is protected, even if I can't be the one one to do it," The angel's voice broke at the end of that line. He took a deep breath and went on.

"Please." He begged, "Please keep him safe. I don't care what it costs, just don't let them hurt him. I will return to Heaven, if need be. I'll - I'll Fall for him if that's what it takes."

And even though it was dark outside, the moonlight filtered through the windows and surrounded him, assuring him his prayers would not go unanswered.

And the angel knew what God wanted.

So he unfolded his magnificent white wings and shot into the air, flying through the gap of the broken window and into the sky. Flying all the way to Heaven.

And when he reached the clouds, he entered God's kingdom and landed on the white palace floors. Glimmering in the white light was a flaming sword, the same one he had wielded all those years ago. The angel took the sword by it's handle and turned to look down.

He would fight in war, just as Heaven wanted.

And they would not lose.

The angel didn't stop, though his eyes were blurred with tears. He flew into the night, a faint glow radiating off his wings. He could have been mistaken for a star had he not been holding a flaming sword. He ducked through a cloud, a starless sky looking back at him through dark eyes. Before him, the angel felt one tear fall as he beheld the sight. Angels, all of them lined up and dressed in white robes with holy weapons, standing in the clouds.

And Gabriel was leading them.

"Aziraphale!" He called, "Get in line!"

The angel, his heart aching with grief, obeyed. He flew alongside a female, an angel of the lowest class. Her long dark hair fell to her waist and her green eyes were dull and drenched in sorrow.

"You do not wish to fight." Aziraphale observed quietly. She cocked her head at him, barely glancing his way.

"I am an angel. I would never wish such a thing."

"Glad to know someone thinks so."

"You wield a sword of flames, Guardian of the Eastern Gate." She said, a faint knowing smile crossing her pale face.