Azrael

Part 4

            Rocco blinks and finds himself standing in front of a giant waterfall. The waterfall flows over the side of a cliff into a lake that narrows off into a river in the forest. A variety of plant life grows around the waterfall. Vines and flowers grow on both sides of the rock wall that the waterfall flows over. To the left of the waterfall is a small field of flowers. A variety of hyacinths, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and orchids entangle together creating a beautiful variety of purples, pinks and yellows. In the middle of these flowers, a single bush of pure white roses stands out amongst the other colors. The sunlight reflects off the waterfall and the plant life that is helps give life to. Trees surround the waterfall and flowers, creating the forest that the waterfall is a part of.

Azrael smiles as Rocco takes in her favorite place in the Human World. Probably her favorite place ever. She walks to sit on the ground beside the lake, watching as the water flows into it.

Rocco comes to stand beside her. "Where are we, Azrael?"

Azrael doesn't turn to look at him. Instead, she pats the ground beside her inviting him to sit with her. He takes the invite and sits beside her, watching the water flow. She starts pushing off comforting vibes. "I'm not really sure to be honest with you. I found this place by accident one day. I just like it. It's peaceful and lets me take a break from all the big feelings that I have going on inside my body sometimes." She finally lets her gaze fall on him, a smile making its way on her face. "Is it helping you?"

Rocco nods before picking up a rock and practically expertly skipping it across the water. The rock makes it about halfway to the middle of the small lake before slipping into the water as they watch the ripples it leaves behind on the surface together. "I like it here too. It makes me feel better. Can we stay here for a little while?"

Azrael nods. "We can stay here until you are ready. Do you have any questions for me?"

"What does Azrael mean?" Rocco asks her.

Azrael smiles again, amused. 'Not exactly what I meant but okay...' "It means 'Angel of death.' I guess in a way it's right. I don't kill people, but I do help them cross over after they have passed away."

Rocco nods. "I like your name. It's pretty. Like you!"

Azrael smiles. "Why thank you. Do you know what your name means?"

Again, the toddler nods. "My name is Rocco Levi Diggory. Rocco means rest, Levi means attached, and Diggory means lost one." He explains.

"How old are you, Rocco?" She already knows the answer, but talking to him seems to be calming him down. She wants to comfort him as best as she can.

"I am four years old." Rocco holds up three fingers. He looks at his hand, an eyebrow raising as he holds up fourth finger before grinning.

"You are very smart to be only four you know that?" She asks him.

"Thank you. Everyone tells Mommy that." Rocco's grin slowly falls from his face. "I miss my mommy."

"It's okay, Buddy. Look. Can you see the fishies?" She tries to change the subject. Sensing the toddler getting worked up again, she starts to emit a calming aura again. Rocco calms back down and stares at the fish in the lake. Azrael watches as Rocco's eyes follow a particular fish swimming around the lake. He seems to be entranced by the fish.

"Meow." Rocco's eyes turn from the fish to the new sound.

Azrael turns to her feline friend. "Well, hello there, Valkyrie. I was beginning to think that you gave up on me and went home." She holds her hand out and the big black cat walks up and rubs it.