"Destruction by his will - I can't stand that Uriel! People suffer from such punishments, even the innocent. Bystanders get dragged into destruction when it happens - is that what He's truly like? That He doesn't mind the collateral damage?"

Uriel's words felt like a blow to the chest. He healed, loved mercy... the idea that war was necessary was bitter to him, even moreso when he thought of the idea that He made it so.

Raphael wanted to run far away at that moment.

"I have no idea about Michael," he said briskly. "Nor do I care much. It is not my duty to love him in the way he does me. I don't have to return his affections and it's not my fault if he loves in that way when I do not; he must get over it but I'm not responsible for his feelings just because I don't reciprocate.

I am not afraid and I know the consequences of lonliness. But if my refusal to return his feelings drives him or others away, thats not my fault.

I can't help how he feels."

Raphael felt disoriented and took a step away from the other angel.

"And I still don't see why war must be His will. There are always other ways. There have to be..."