CASTIEL'S REQUIEM

Chapter 26 : Dmitri

The Italian version of Heaven, Paradiso Italiano! It's a place where la dolce vita (the sweet life) meets divine bliss. This was a realm where the skies are perpetually painted with the warm hues of Tuscan sunsets, and the air, filled with the sweet scent of freshly brewed espresso and freshly baked pizza crust.

The streets are paved with golden cobblestones, leading to grand piazzas where musicians dressed in gold suits  play the accordion and sing opera. The buildings are adorned with frescoes depicting the great works of Italian art and literature, and the sound of laughter and music fills the air.

In this heavenly Italy, the rivers flow with wine and the trees bear fruits that taste like gelato. The inhabitants of this paradise spend their days lounging in picturesque villas, feasting on endless plates of pasta, and engaging in lively debates about the merits of various Italian football teams.

In the distance, the sound of Vesuvius erupting in a joyful crescendo of fireworks and celebratory cheers echoes through the land, as the Italians in heaven welcome new arrivals with open arms and a warm "Benvenuti in Paradiso!"
Gabriel's abode, Villa Fiore (Flower Villa), is a majestic green mansion nestled in the heart of heavenly Tuscany. The walls of his home are crafted from delicate flowers, petals overlapping like intricate tiles, emitting a soft, ethereal glow. Vines and ivy entwine the structure, adorned with blossoms that shimmer like diamonds in the soft, golden light of Paradise.

The grounds are a lush tapestry of emerald grass, dotted with wildflowers that seem to hum with gentle music. A tranquil lake glimmers in the distance, its surface adorned with lotus flowers and a fleet of majestic swans. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine and the gentle chirping of angelic birds.

As you approach the villa, a delicate pathway of rose petals and daisies leads you to the entrance, where a delicate fountain features a statue of Gabriel himself, playing a lyre and surrounded by adoring cherubs. Inside, the mansion is filled with opulent furnishings, plush couches, and velvet drapes in shades of sky blue and gold, all crafted from the finest heavenly materials.

The interior walls are adorned with masterpieces created by the finest angelic artists, depicting scenes of heavenly beauty and joy. The atmosphere is one of serene tranquility, filled with the soft sounds of harp music and the gentle rustling of wings. Villa Fiore is a true marvel of heavenly architecture, a testament to Gabriel's exquisite taste and his role as the heavenly ambassador of beauty and joy.
Rafael burst into Gabriel's villa, his wings fluttering wildly as he skidded to a stop in front of the lounging archangel. "Gabe, I need your help! Now!"

Gabriel looked up from his mana pizza and wine, concern etched on his face. "Rafa, what's wrong? You look like you've lost your last feather!"

Rafael's eyes were wild," I need you to start a rumor Gabe."

With a sly grin, Gabriel said, "A rumor, huh? What kind of rumor?"

Rafael's eyes locked onto Gabriel's, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need you to spread the word that Castiel is going to take over Hell."

Gabriel's eyebrows shot up, his interest piqued. "Whoa, that's a pretty big rumor. What's the reason behind it?"

Rafael's expression turned serious. "Let's just say it's a precautionary measure. We need to gauge the reaction of certain parties."

Gabriel's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Ah, I see. And you want me to be the messenger boy?"

Rafael nodded. "You're the only one I trust to get the word out there without arousing suspicion. You're the Golden City's favorite gossip, after all."

Gabriel chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, I do have my ways. But, Rafa, you owe me one for this."

—_—

The office of President Dmitri was a grand, imposing space that exuded power and control. The room was vast, with high ceilings and dark wood paneling that seemed to absorb the light. The walls were adorned with grandiose portraits of the president, depicting him in various heroic poses.

The floor was made of polished black marble, reflecting the light from the crystal chandeliers above. The furniture was heavy and ornate, with intricate carvings and gilded accents. The president's desk was a massive, imposing structure that seemed to dominate the room, with a high-backed leather chair behind it.

The atmosphere was thick with tension and intimidation, as if the very air was heavy with the weight of the president's authority. The guards stationed around the room stood at attention, their eyes fixed on the president with unwavering loyalty.

In the center of the room, a large, ornate throne-like chair sat atop a dais, reserved for the president's most important meetings and pronouncements. The overall effect was one of opulence and authoritarianism, a physical manifestation of the president's iron-fisted grip on the country. President Dmitri was admiring his newly acquired firearm when his personal secretary, a lanky bald haired bespectacled young man walked into his office to pass an to him.
"Let her in," President Dmitri spoke in Arrysian, his voice breaking the silence.

Cariel walked into the large room, her eyes fixed on the man seated a hundred meters away. President Dmitri's gaze met hers, a half-grin spreading across his thin lips.

"President Dmitri," Cariel called out in the same language.

The guards lowered their weapons, and Dmitri motioned for them to withdraw. He approached Cariel, his black cassock swishing as he moved.

He stopped in front of her, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and caution."Ms Winter, a pleasure to finally meet you" he smiles fully " Rumor had it that you kidnapped the American President." he says in heavily accented English.

"Heard a rumor you've got lung cancer, Dmitri" Cariel mocks, cocking her brows.

"Yeah, the human does, and I do not care if he chokes on his own shit" he answers, exhaling smoke, his voice getting deeper, showing indeed there was a possession.

"So what brings you here Harbinger Jr" mocking Cariel.

"I'm starting plan C, ran it by Luc, he says it's excellent, he says you'd be willing to work with me" Cariel says, making herself comfortable.

"Lucifer does not tell me what to do, I'm one of the three devils" Dimitri's voice turns more sinister.

"Oh but he's more powerful than you Beelzebub, know your place you filthy dog" Cariel growls.

"Fine" Nikolai huffs in resignation "let me hear this very awesome plan of yours".

Cariel grins, relishing her victory. "We are starting world war III and you will lead it".

****

I'm on a roll guys