Aziraphale's Background

A very, very long time ago, Aziraphale was created out of fire. Or, perhaps, he was created in such a way that fire would take after him--it was not all that evident, which came first. His name then had not been Aziraphale at all, nor anything else to be recognized in human writing. Back then, he had no human corporation, though his human-like head (merely a head then, as there were no humans to speak of) did share a vague resemblance: light curls, and blue eyes. He was made of much more muscle then, and there was not much softness between his heads and limbs at all. He was massive; he was wrathful; he was created a warrior.

His purpose, he was told, was to guard. He was to guard the Almighty Herself. He was to eliminate all threats, and wage war on all enemies. At the time, there were no enemies. The universe was still being created, and Aziraphale was restless. Most of the Cherubim were--itching--frightening each lower angel as they tried to hurry on with their own business. The other First Spheres thought them rather feral, like rabid dogs on a tight leash, if the comparison could even exist yet. But, Aziraphale knew, God still loved them.

One day, there was a Rebellion. The Cherubim charged at their chance to guard against the traitors. They tore them apart, or banished him, or destroyed their very essence. Before them, the Host was in terror, but it did not take long for the rebels to strike back. Aziraphale found himself wounded, but at the time, he was barely more than a savage. In his rage, those that cowered, those that refused to fight, were done away with as well. But as the battle died down, Aziraphale and four of his brothers were not satisfied. The bloodshed was not enough for the betrayal against Her.

The other Cherubim did their best to step in, but Aziraphale and the four were unreachable. Three loyal Cherubim were destroyed, and another mutilated, when finally Aziraphales human-like head was destroyed. With the death of the domineering head, his struggle stopped. They hacked away at him until he was only a bird head and a lion head, one set of wings, and four limbs. Now mutilated himself, and unable to fight against the strongest of the Cherubim, a trial of the First Sphere was held.

It was determined that the five Cherubim would Fall. Aziraphale watched in anguish as his loyal brothers were tossed away. But when it came time to send Aziraphale over the side of Heaven, he did not descend all the way into Hell. Because of the way his form had been warped by Divine instruments, the Thrones determined that his Grace, though severely scarred now, could not be completely ripped out of him. He would either have to be destroyed entirely, or punished otherwise.

The court wished for his destruction, but at the last moment, a Cherub, approximately Rikbiel, spoke in his favor. He sent for a messenger to the Second Sphere, and ordered the essence of a human soul. It was administered to the frayed remains of Aziraphale's form, and he was commanded to learn mercy.

He will be sent to the lower angels, as Principality, and Guardian of the Eastern Gate, Rikbiel ordered. He will learn suffering and guilt as those humans must. Never shall he return to our ranks; [Aziraphale] is no more.

Upon failure to guard the humans and serve Her, then shall come the time of his destruction. Hell cannot have him, and Heaven is burdened with him; this is the reasonable way.

And so, Aziraphale, Principality, Guardian of the Eastern gate, was stuffed into an unassuming corporation. He was issued a sword, that upon his touch, burst into flame. The Archangels, sent to command him, had not been told of his shameful origins, though Rikbiel assured Aziraphale that deep in the archives, should it come time for the Fall, they would discover that he would need to be destroyed. And Aziraphale came to exist with that knowledge--the Host's contempt of him--for his failure, for his cruelty, for his inability to be a good angel. He was a monster and a mistake, and surely now, God did not love him.

The human soul, over time, only made his thoughts more troubled.

And then, he met the demon Crawly.