II. Gods and Monsters

Earlier

Carter gave Gabrielle a weak smile.

"I think I know why you're here," he told her.

He'd forgotten how beautiful she was. Each angel was designed to perfection, but she was the crown jewel. Her long, golden hair flowed down her back without a single strand out of place. Her wings were flat, broad and powerful, yet seemed no lighter than air. Her soft, pale skin glowed ever so slightly with the light of Heaven itself. Her kind, blue eyes could sooth the greatest ailment. Even after all these centuries, she hadn't aged a day, unlike himself, who showed every year.

"I wish it was under different circumstances that this meeting occurred. I have wanted to visit Earth for a long time. To visit you, old friend."

"Time has not been kind to either of us," Carter conceded.

He was right, time had aged him horribly. His once strapping complexion was now frail and weak. His muscles had withered away and his shaggy grey hair bore testament to his age. Even his once piercing green eyes had been reduced to a dull silver. His skin, once smooth and slightly tanned had become paler, rougher, older.

"I came to warn you that it will happen soon. The day has come when you must fulfil your destiny."

"I guess it was gonna happen sometime soon. I've seen it coming for a few days now."

They stood in solemn silence, knowing fine well what it was he referred to.

"I also came to say goodbye," she told him, "What you do in the future, will be retold in song for all time. And I shall lead that chorus."

"You're too kind to me Gabrielle."

"No, you are too kind to me. It is my fault Metatron has been unleashed on this Earth."

The angel's eyes fell to the floor in front of her.

"We've been over this countless times," Carter reminded her, placing his hand on her delicate shoulder. "You have a job to do. You do it. There is nothing more you can do."

She gave him a small smile that he swore could have lit up the entire world.

"Time really has not been kind to us, has it. If only things had been different."

"It does not matter what we may have had. What matters is what we have achieved in the time allotted and what we have left to do. You and I have made memories to cherish. Remember that."

The angel nodded before leaning forward and placing a delicate kiss on Carter's forehead. They both knew what this meant. This was an angel's farewell. The most intimate blessing she could give him. This was their final goodbye.