CASTIEL'S REQUIEM

Chapter 34: Trouble in paradise

In the heart of the Golden City of angels, within the grandeur of an angelic Spanish manor, Rafael stood firm, his determination unwavering. The manor's walls, adorned with intricate frescoes and celestial tapestries, seemed to whisper secrets as he faced Ariel. The soft glow of luminescent orbs cast an ethereal light on the polished marble floors, illuminating the ancient artifacts and heavenly maps that decorated the halls.

"So lemme get this straight," Ariel squinted her silver eyes, her voice laced with a hint of disbelief. "You're going to Earth?" She leaned back in her chair, the intricate carvings on the bamboo frame seeming to blur as she focused on Rafael.

Rafael sighed, his wings rustling softly in the dim light. "Si, for Castiel." His voice was resolute, his eyes gleaming with a fierce loyalty.

Ariel nodded, understanding that no matter what she said, Rafael would still sneak off to meet his sister. Though not an archangel, Ariel was considered Castiel's sister in the angelic realm, their bond forged through eons of shared experiences and unwavering trust. Besides, Castiel was a friend of hers too, even if it had been over two thousand years since they last hung out together. The memories of their adventures on Earth still lingered, a testament to their unbreakable bond.

Their angelic casa, with its grand halls and celestial architecture, seemed to fade into the background as they stood there, their hearts and minds focused on the journey ahead. The Golden City, with its shimmering towers and streets paved with gold, seemed to whisper its approval, as if the very fabric of the celestial realm was weaving their fate together.

"So when do you leave?" Ariel asked, standing up from her chair.

"I'll leave now," Rafael replied, his eyes closed as if bracing himself for the lectures that would follow.

Ariel's eyes widened in surprise. "Now?" She took a step closer, her voice firm. "Okay, Rafa, but I'm coming with you." Her words hung in the air like a challenge, her determination mirroring Rafael's own.

Rafael's eyes snapped open, his gaze locking onto Ariel's. "And don't think of leaving me behind, cos I will go with or without you," she added, her voice steady.

The air in the casa seemed to vibrate with tension as Rafael's wings fluttered, a subtle sign of his acquiescence. Together, they would embark on this perilous journey to Earth.

—_—

"Nope," Uriel protested, shoveling more burritos into her mouth. She moaned in delight, savoring the flavors that danced on her taste buds. Castiel watched in disbelief as her sister devoured the food, her eyes fixed on the dwindling mountains of pizza and burritos.

"Pretty please?" Castiel begged, her eyes locked on the food. But Uriel was unfazed.

"Nope," she said again, burping loudly before diving into the next victim - a slice of pizza. This game had been going on for hours, with Uriel consuming enough food to feed a small army. Each time Castiel reached for a slice or a burrito, Uriel would slap her hand away, refusing to share even a morsel.

"Come on, sis, it's me, Caz, your favorite sibling, remember?" Castiel pleaded, her hands hovering near a slice of pizza. But Uriel was relentless, slapping her hand again.

"Give up already, I'm giving you nothing," Uriel said, her mouth full of food.

Castiel growled in frustration. "What the hell, Uriel? We've been through this for two hours. What's wrong with you?"

Uriel sighed, dropping the pizza slice she was eating. She couldn't explain to Castiel why she was stress eating - it hadn't even worked anyway.
"My father's dead," Uriel announced, pushing away the pizza box. Her appetite had vanished.

Castiel's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly recovered. "What! El can never die, sister. It's impossible," she said with a laugh. "I mean, I'm Death myself, and even I know it's impossible to kill El. If he died, all reality would cease to exist. His essence is what keeps the universe, including heaven and hell, functioning."

Uriel's expression turned sour. "Not El, Castiel. I meant my human father, the Elyseaian king."

Castiel's eyes widened in surprise. "You're mourning a mere human? Impossible," she said, aghast.

Uriel's anger flared. "You're so insensitive, Castiel. Sometimes I forget how cold you can be."

Castiel spoke slowly, trying to reason with her sister. "Uriel, humans die. It's a fact of life. No matter how much we wish they didn't, they come and go."

Uriel's laughter was laced with sarcasm. "Of course, if it were Emily, you'd raise her from the dead. You're so selfish, Azrael, just like Samael." Her words spat disgust.

The tension between them was palpable, as if the air was thick with the weight of their conflicting emotions.

"You did not just say that," Caz growled, angry at being referenced to Lucifer. Her palms fisted, her eyes narrowed. "I did," the other angel sneered. "What are you gonna do, kill me?" Uriel said, clearly spoiling for a fight.

Caz roared in anger, slugging Uriel on the jaw. The force knocked her down, but Uriel stood almost immediately. Caz punched her again, repeatedly, while Uriel returned the favor. Lifting Uriel, Caz threw her against the refrigerator, which bent from the sheer force and weight of Uriel. Rushing toward Uriel in a flash, Caz lifted her left hand to deliver a bone-crushing punch but stopped as she remembered who she had been hitting.

It was obvious Uriel wanted to feel pain, but instead, Caz spread her arm, engulfing her sister in a hug. Knowing Uriel hated showing her emotions, she patted her head. "I'm sorry, sis," Uriel murmured. "I just wanted to feel pain."

"I know, I know, but if there's any consolation, he's in paradise, reunited with his wife," Caz consoled, musing inwardly at how their roles had reversed. A week ago, Uriel had been the one consoling her.

"Hate to be the one breaking your pity fest, but I've got news, girls. You both are gonna die," a voice said, startling both women.

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