The vastness of the multiverse was something that most Empyreans were well-acquainted with. The sheer immensity of All Things, existing within all spheres known and beyond, was not something for them to fear. No, it was something that they wished to learn and master - become one of dominant powers known to existence.
To this end, they tailored their home to become the ultimate center of information for their kind. Empyrea, in its entirety, was set to be a hub for all angels; a well-oiled machine that operated from the hard work of every available body. This was the will of the Empyrean Lords - the godlike angels of the realm who reigned over the Seven Heavens with unmatched authority.
Left to their own devices by The Maker, they created a society of beings similar to themselves. Underneath them, they created the most powerful of their heavenly servants - the Archangels. They were to be separated into three types of beings, with each Lord taking three underneath their proverbial, and often literal, wing to teach them the ways of running the Heavens.
This was not the beginning of Amitiel's story, however. No, their beginning came an eon following that, through their formation as an Agathion under the Archangel Yuizel.
They were created as a servant of this Archangel, who regarded their existence with only mild interest. Amitiel was nothing more than a drone - a Messenger whose job was to perform Empyrea's grunt work. In terms of the pecking order, they were the lowest.
And, knowing no other option, Amitiel served this role with distinction. Their story had begun with them looking toward the light of their Archangel, who represented something that had to be respected.
That radiance had to be followed, awed, and unquestioned.
" The light will guide thee. "
Amitiel had many memories, but one stuck out as a turning point in their lives.
A mission, much like any other, to another plane of existence. Someone called for the assistance of the Heavens, and the Lords decreed it so that these beings would be helped. So, Amitiel was sent as a Messenger of Protection, serving with seventeen others to act as the guards of a creature who called himself a Minister of Souls.
Whom he was would not be as important as what he could offer Empyrea - a presence in his realm to expand their own territory, in exchange for protection against spiritual enemies. The angels were in their element in this battle, with all of their training being to face existences such as this.
The battle that occurred whilst the Minister performed his ritual was none too spectacular on their relative scheme of things - energies clashed in an unseen phase of reality as the angels and belligerent spirits did battle. Although facing powerful foes, the celestials were an overall more well-organized force, and the Minister was protected quite easily in the end.
While the Empyrean's meditated on their skirmish, one Amitiel couldn't help but notice how strange the fight had been. The spirits had been almost reluctant to battle the angels, disregarding them with the express purpose of attacking the Minister. While their comrades simply stated that it was the result of their wicked nature, Amitiel found it fit to watch their charge closely.
What they noticed was something bizarre - the rituals that the Minister was performing seemed to exude the same energies that the spirits themselves were composed of. It was a curious coincidence, as Amitiel had found that soul based magic differed when used by different individuals.
The afterlife was a place that was known to Empyreans, but rarely visited by Messengers. Thus, despite the mission's need for a clear head, Amitiel sought out revelation. They asked their comrades, whose only responses ranged from mild disregard to outright disdain for Amitiel's poking around.
"An angel's place is on the battlefield, unflinching and unquestioning." They echoed those words to their curious sibling, and requested that Amitiel return to their post.
Needless to say, the latter was
not satisfied.
Amitiel's mind projected itself to the Records of Empyrea - the Second Sphere where all information known by the angels was stored. In the days before, Amitiel would have simply asked one of the workers there to help with Revelation on this problem.
Today was not that day. They had a feeling that something was amiss, and they would find out. The angel began to sift through the notes of spiritual magic. What they pieced together was something that could only be described as soul-linking; the tethering of a soul of similar or the same disposition so as to draw them to your location.
But, why would the Minister be using a soul-link?
Another battle occurred with the spirits, and just as before, that battle was won. When the angels went back into meditation, Amitiel was the only one who projected themselves into the area where the Minister stay working.
What they found was something blocking their way in - a ward of some kind that prevented interference from celestial beings
specifically. Another very curious thing.
When they lifted their hand, the ward attempted to fight back. However, the power of an angel won out over a simple barrier, and Amitiel passed through into the area. What they found startled them.
The soul of a girl, bound by ethereal chains, screaming out for help. Her energy was the same as the beings who attacked the group. She was in pain - that much was certain. She gazed upon Amitiel with panicked eyes, and beckoned for her release. She wanted to be free.
She relayed to him the story of her imprisonment; how the Minister lured her to him and proceeded to perform painful experiments on her essence. His end goal was uncertain to her, but her innocence rang true.
Amitiel searched for revelation on this new information, and was met with a single response.
"You are to destroy the Minister."The message was clear, and Amitiel was quick to act on it. When the Minister returned, he was met with the platoon of angelic soldiers.
Despite his confusion, their anger was palpable. He lied to them; brought them there to cover up his tampering with the spirits of the dead. He put them in danger so as to cover up his crimes against nature, itself.
He was now to be erased.
Amitiel led the assault against the Minister - the angels used their powers to hoist him up and leave him immobilized, just as he had done the girl.
In Amitiel's hand, a light glowed intensely. The ultimate price would be paid.
The smiting was quick and efficient; one moment the Minister was there, then there was a flash, and the next he was not.
However, it still stood that the girl had to be dealt with. Amitiel was given one more task - destroy the girl and the souls that will make their way to the Minister's home the next day.
The angels carried out those instructions.
Their mission was done. It was time to go back home.
" Your purpose has been fulfilled. "
Word spread of Amitiel's exploits; an angel who dared to take matters into their own hands. By their own hand, the mission had been fulfilled, and the plot of the corrupt was revealed.
And still, it was Amitiel's brazen use of the information in Revelation that stuck out. An Agathion that spoke out against its orders? Who would allow such a tool to exist?
They were ready to accept their fate; destruction at the hands of their Archangel.
Except, no such thing occurred.
