Watch Your Step [Open]

[GABRIEL]

Walking through Central park on a snowy, cool winter day, Gabriel scoured the many mortals that walked through the icy park. Looking for any sign of danger, or just generally looking out for them, she was also searching deep within her senses to see if any Angel or Demonic presence was nearby. Where there was a yin, there was a yang. Where there was an Angel, there was always a Demon.

She took a position behind one of the larger trees, and leaned against it, in her mortal form. She closed her eyes for a few moments to take in the familiar sound of laughing children, talkative adults and the tweet of birds above her. It seemed normal enough, but it didn't hurt her for looking.

She only wondered where Michael was. The Archangel, as stubborn as she was, was probably slaying a few weaker demons in the Wraith House. Typical Michael. Always diving headfirst into battle.

Gabriel opened her eyes again, and felt content. So far, there was no supernatural presence nearby. Either that, or the being was very good at cloaking themselves.

[Sun Wukong]

A cold breeze interrupted the silence. Followed by a much stronger wind. The large gust picked up the fallen white snow. Covering the surrounding area in a white blanket. Blurry eyes made out a figure of a demon in a mans form. His presence was known, Gabriel would surly sense it. As fast as the gust had arrived so to did his presence. The demon moved his feet. Slowly the crunches of snow beneath his feet Begin to form as he walked in the direction of his enemy. He began thinking to himself. (Who is this I approach? Shes an angel and would most likely try to kill me. Is this the one who will end my life?) Keith had been thinking. It was funny that he liked the very thing he was supposed to hate. He didn't mind the angels and in-fact enjoyed there company. It was a tense feeling that he longed for. Knowing that at any moment of a casual conversation they could betray each other.

Were there was yin, there was yang. Yes this is true but many seem to forget that both yin and yang reside in all things. An angel as so a demon both have the capacity to have both yin and yang hidden within oneself. True the angels are known to be purely good and the demons have yet to become role models for the young. But is it possible that there could be change in the making? Sun Wukong was a god among his primates. Were the monkeys whom followed there king evil just because there king was? Or were they just misunderstood? As that matters is there king themselves Sun Wukong just a little misunderstood. He walked slowly to the angel with these thoughts in mind. Pulling out a apple.

"These trees bear no fruit in the cold." The demon pointed out to the angel standing before him. He shined the apple on his shirt. "A princess with snow white skin stands before me. In the story she is given an apple by her enemy in human form." He told her and as he was finished with the sentence he gave her a grin. "As so do I give this snow white princess an apple, would you care to have a bite?" He asked her as he held the apple outward for this angel to take. "If your the one to kill me malady carve out my name Sun Wukong, The Monkey king. For I am the Demon monkey of the west." That was Wukong's way of introducing himself to this women. "All graves should honer there dead with the names of those who reside there wouldn't you agree?" He asked Gabriel.

[MICHAEL]

Michael stopped his motorcycle and parked it by Central Park. He was restless, and that was why he was out joyriding. Even the thrill of riding a motorcycle, however was nothing compared to the sheer joy of flying. For one thing, the skies weren't nearly as crowded as New York's roads.

Michael knew deep down that he would probably continue to feel anxious as long as he was restrained to his mortal shell. He needed to fly, to gaze down from the heavens in wonder at how small and insignificant man and all his creations still were, after all these centuries.

The time when Michael would be able to do that again was fast approaching. However, his anticipation was tainted by the knowledge that when he could openly show his true nature, it would mean mankind was in dire need of help.

Michael felt a strong presence near him and his spirits lifted. He recognized it immediately. Gabriel, his fellow archangel. No doubt she would be disappointed that he had no tales of heroism to regale her with, against either mortal or immortal foes. He grinned at the thought.

[GABRIEL]

Gabriel had not wished for war. But if it called upon her to fight, then so be it. She was not as strong as Michael was, but she was no peacemaker. She did what she had to do to make things right and true. Justice. That's what she aimed to preserve, in her own way. Just because she was an angel, does not mean she goes through life being walked-upon.

She felt the presence soon enough, and knew it was a matter of time that her whereabouts were known by dark forces. And one demon found the time to reveal himself.

He was rather tall, probably around the same height as her. He had short, fair hair and blue eyes. It was a mortal form, no doubt. A demon. She felt what seemed like pins and needles under her skin. The feeling she got when she sensed a demon nearby. Of coarse, it was a different feeling when she sensed another angel nearby.

The demon, anounced himself as Sun Wukong. Not a name she has heard before, so no doubt he was one of the few she had not met. He anounced himself, which sounded rather poetic. For a demon, that made her even more willing to silence him.

She took a few steps closer, and glanced at the apple several times. With what seemed like an innocent smile upon her delicate features, she replied, "Depends which story you are talking about. In my version, the woman takes the apple and hurls it away - " With a small flick of her finger, the apple flew out from his grass and landed beside his feet. In mortal form, her powers were not all that powerful. If she was in her immortal form, that apple would have flown across the city.

Briefly, her eyes flashed a brighter blue as if to indicate what kind of angel she was. By now, most demons would recognise her human form. "I don't need to introduce myself, i'm sure. Sun Wukong..." The name rolled off her tongue as if to try and remember something. "I don't believe we've met. Demon Monkey of the West, you say? Fascinating."

Her eyed darted to the distance, in what seemed like a whole new feeling. A new sense. It was not the stabbing sensation she felt when approached by a demon...this feeling was more of warmth...content. Yes. One of her fellow angels was here as well. A small smile tugged at her mouth. If it was who she thought it was, it would definatly make her day. It seemed like eternity since she last saw him.

[Sun Wukong]

There was another angel nearby. Another strong one at that. Out numbered and out matched should the monkey king flee? No, he would remain there even though the odds of surviving were slim. He didn't think that he would last long if there were to be a fight with ether of the two. They both seemed like they had a high level of skill and confidence. That they hated the demons and wished to kill there kind. Sun Wukong lived for situations like this. He could be dead at any time. The adrenalin rushed threw his veins with ideas in mind, (Flight or fight?) He thought to himself. Questioning his very movements as they could have set him up. This could have been a trap from the start. Having one angel present themselves so to draw out a demon and then the other would arrive to ambush that poor fool once he was in range. It could be a plot to thin out the numbers of the demons. This other angel was on his way yet did not make contact with them so far. It was a good thing because Wukong still wanted some alone time with the female. He was curious to see how she would react to his words before he sense the presence of that other angel.

What Gabriel did was expected of an angel. Why would they take an apple from a demon? But then again why would a demon offer a gift in the first place? Sun Wukong lowered his head. "Typical angel. Changing the script to a good story. Just like with these mortals lives. I guess you have your reasons." The demon sulked. He didn't like wasting any sort of fruit. Fruit was the one food that Wukong couldn't live without. He bent down and picked it up. Shinned it on his shirt yet again. "A new script is written then? ...." He pauses and rubs his chin thinking of a new story. "The princess declines the juicy fruit offered to her by a simple traveler. Her piercing blue eyes shines in this freezing weather. Tell me Missy, Do hate my kind?" He asked her after stating what had just happened in story form. He gave her a worm smile. "I like you, theres something different about you. Your one of them arnt you? Those Archangels said to be the ones closest to god." He looked at her as if he was studying her. "I cant tell you apart other then a sense of something different. That human shell your wearing keeps your power restrained and your aura aswell..... Pity I would love to see you in your true form. " Sun had to admit to the angel.

She said she shouldn't have to introduce herself to the demon however he wanted to be sure. "Dose the fear lady go by the name Gabriel? One of the high archangels who's beauty stuns any mortal man with a gaze of hope and mercy." Wukong asked her. It was true the two hadn't met yet but he had a feeling this meeting would be one of many. "You wouldn't have heard of my greatness unless you look beyond your own god and into the others. The Chinese refer to me as a great legion and even use my story in there art or entertainment. I guess my journey into the human world many years ago had an influence on them." Wukong explained. He wanted her to know more about him so she could understand him better.

[MICHAEL]

Michael caught sight of Gabriel and raised his hand. He smiled. His mouth opened to greet her, but snapped close almost immediately, There was another presence near her, a presence which made him nauseous. A demon! But where...could it be that man standing right in front of her? Gabriel's face betrayed no sense of alarm, but he noted how tense her body was, as if she expected a fight.

Well, maybe turning a demon into a punching bag would improve my mood a little. But no sooner had the thought raced through his mind then he chastised himself for it. Even warriors should not relish fighting, but merely accept it as a necessity.

"Gabriel!" he called out as he approached the pair. "How are you, my friend?" Perhaps letting the demon know that Gabriel wasn't alone would be enough to intimidate him into beating a retreat. Many demons were cowards, after all. Besides, as much as he wanted to cleave the demon in two, this was not the place. It was too public, with too much of a risk of collateral damage. Nevertheless, Michael mentally readied himself for a fight. He would not draw his sword unless it was necessary; that might attract too much attention. He could justify using hand-to-hand combat or the pistol in his jacket- he was, after all, a cop. Neither his fists nor his gun would be lethal to a demon, however.

[GABRIEL]

She smirked, rather darkly for her taste, as the demon picked up the fruit and shined in on his shirt, "Scripts are always being written, Sun. Whatever choice we make...whatever thing we do, is not always preordained by the Fates. Or God for that matter. What is really important, is here and now. No stories are going to convince me otherwise." She never particulary like story-telling. Spreading the word of God was her aim, not telling mere stories. It was the future she was concerned about, not the past.

There was a split moment in time where she felt at ease. Content and at peace. The angelic presence seemed to come closer and closer. Yet, this was no ordinary angel. In the distance, she squinted against the sun as a figure made their way closer to them. Peering through the frost, she saw the mortal form of non other than Michael. God's Champion.

She beamed at his presence. A wide smile from ear to ear, almost forgetting her confrontation with the demon before her. "Michael - What a pleasant surprise!" As an Archangel, they were able to sense each other, which means they very well knew who they were. In this life, she had indeed met him before. By accident of course. Since her mortal self took up a job as a bartender to watch over those young teenagers, she was encountered by Michael, who is a mortal policeman. During an incident at the club, they briefly met and that's where the sense became intense. That is where they clicked and understood who they were.

"I am very well. What brings you to Central Park today? Surely not the same reason I am here - " She glanced quickly at the demon to see if he moved. It was no doubt Michael could sense the evil presence within him.

[Sun Wukong]

Sun felt the presents of the other angel getting closer and closer. He felt like this angel was of the same type as Gabriel. That same feeling of something different from the rest of the angels. Were these really archangels? Why would two be in the same place at the same time? It wasn't like Sun was going to flee. He knew he was out numbered and of course out matched. Though he was a powerful demon with a high place in hell and in the eyes of his lord Lucifer. Sun knew that if he would try to fight them now he would most likely be caught in a handicap match with these two vs one. He had no idea as to what each of them had as far as powers go. He knew Gabriel could use telekinesis and that was about all he knew. Sun would use his motto which was live today and fight another day. He wouldn't attack them unless they made the first move. However if they did make a move Sun had a plan in mind. He would use this environment to his advantage. There were plenty of people around. An angle always puts the lives of the humans before there own. It would be easy to get away from these two.

Gabriel mentioned that the scripts are always being rewritten and that not everything is predetermined by fate. She told him that what really matters is the here and now and nothing would change her mind on the subject. Her grin reminded him of his own. One of a demons. "True Missy, Most days in are lives are meaningless and contribute nothing to are fates. And then there are the days were fate can be completely rewritten and a new chapter begins. But fate is always present and is always in control. The reason why fate must change is so are future cant be predicted. If we knew what was going to happen then we could change are actions but by changing are actions we would get a different future and change are fates. Fate is something that can not change for that reason alone. No matter what we do or who were with were all going to end up were we are meant to end up. This is predetermined by are fate witch guides not your mind but your soul." Wukong explained to her. "We live in the present, remember are past and look forward to are future." Sun stated as he didn't like her comment for living in the present. There were reasons why he didn't like this statement but he would keep it to himself.

As this new angel arrived he called out to Gabriel and she replied back using his name Michael. "Michael?" The demon spoke quietly to himself as the two seemed to be having a conversation to themselves. Forgetting about the demon for a little bit as they greeted each other and started to small talk. Sun Wukong didn't like being forgotten about. He relished being the center of attention. The star of the show. Sun stepped closer to the pair of angels. He rolled his hand and took a bow toward Micheal. "Well well well, pleased to meet you Michael, the archangel who once defeated my king in a battle between good and evil. I've always wanted to exchange words with you." Sun admitted to gods champion. Wukong always had a secrete desire to see if he could defeat his lord Lucifer in battle. However he had a dilemma. He couldn't outright fight him because he had to much respect for the demon, But if he would fight the only man to defeat him then perhaps he would know how he would fare fighting his master. So to put it simply if he could defeat Micheal he might also be able to defeat his king. But that would have to wait as Gabriel was still around. It wouldn't be a fair fight like Sun had thought a few moments before.

[MICHAEL]

Michael folded his arms across his chest. He feigned a yawn, just to show the monkey demon how little he cared for his words- both his attempts at flattery and at trying to impress him. The demon's strange method of speaking- talking in riddles and switching from flattery to intimidation in seconds- was he insane? Or was that perhaps how all of his kind were? If there were others of his kind. Michael had fought animal-shaped demons before, but he couldn't recall a monkey demon.

"I overheard your story, demon. Surely you are not referring to the fall of man. It's a common misconception, but the story never says what kind of fruit lies on the Tree of Knowledge." He came to stand opposite Gabriel, so the demon was between them. Michael didn't know what kind of attacks the demon was capable of, but he doubted the demon could attack in two directions simultaneously. Of course, he was certain the demon would pick up on the significance of Michael's maneuvering and move accordingly.

Michael's voice became cold. "Now, if I'm not mistaken, you were just leaving. Before I got upset with you and did something rash." He gave the demon a brief glimpse of the shoulder holster beneath his jacket. He didn't want to actually shoot the demon in public- he'd have a ton of paperwork to fill out and questions to answer at work. Still, he was willing to use force if necessary.

[GABRIEL]

Gabriel looked at both Michael and Sun Wukong. She didn't intend to fight, but she was pretty sure Michael would. She only hoped her friend understood the concept of 'laying low'. One wrong move out in the open, could end in disaster. As for the demon...well. She figured he couldn't care less.

She folded her arms, only then realised that Michael did the same. Looking sternly at the demon, she spoke, "I do not intend to fight you. We both know that doing so here will put all of us at risk. Even your kind. If you don't obliged by the those rules, then i'm afraid I wont be there to stop Michael from breaking your neck." She spoke rather sweetly, yet serious.

She turned to Michael, as if to ignore the demon again, and smiled, "We have much to catch up on, Michael."

[MICHAEL]

Gabriel's gentle chiding left Michael chagrined. She was right- sometimes he was so caught up in winning the battle that he forgot about winning the war. He was glad she was there to help him keep things in perspective. As much as he loathed the sight of demons, he could not afford to goad the demon into battle right here. Not only would such a fight attract unwanted attention, but it could put helpless mortals at risk. He couldn't afford to let his own selfish desires take precedent over the need of his mission. If he did, he was no better than the demons.

Michael let his body relax. His body felt on fire from the human adrenaline which had started coursing through his system at the prospect of a fight. He had experienced the sensation before, as it was a common experience when one's job constantly demanded risking bodily harm. Still, he was not sure he would ever grow used to the sensation of his limbs trembling with a power that was not divine in origin but a mere chemical reaction. It was a reminder that not everything about wearing a human guise was bad, some parts were just...different.

"Indeed, old friend," Michael said with a smile, letting Gabriel lead him away from the demon. "I hope you have not had more trouble with those wayward teenagers. I may have been a bit too intimidating with them- SWAT training prepares you for handling serial killers, not rebellious youth." He hadn't hurt the youths in any way, of course, but Michael had learned long ago that when you were tall and well-muscled, it was easy to overdo the intimidation.

[Sun Wukong]

Sun snarled when Micheal folded his arms. He could tell what the gesture meant. His face expression combined with his body movements were just the tip to cause Sun to become slightly angry. To push him over that edge of his tolerant level. Sun Wukong was impatient and had little amusement for being put to the side like some old movie that has once been a joy to watch but now will collect dust on some shelf. Thats how he felt by the simple jester Michael gave to him. Sun was different from most demons. As he actually cared about what the other side thought of him. He was a demon yes, but also he considered himself a god. His worshipers call him a god and it actually went to his head thinking he is actually in fact a god mistaken for a demon.

Sun was pretty angry of the two angels going back and forth as if he wasn't standing there. Rocks around the area began to shake slightly. You wouldn't be able to tell by looking at them but it was a slight vibration. Suns eyebrows lowered. His hart started to beat faster and faster, Of course he could here it like a beating drum. A drum sound that invoked his inner desires to be heard and to be in the spot light. Then something that Sun actually found interesting. The rocks stopped there movements. "Ah the fall of man." He replied to Micheal's words. He said he overheard Suns story and thats what he got out of it. Sun laughed as he caught the irony that what he was in fact talking about was snow white and the seven little things that followed her. Sun wanted to kill them all so he didn't bother learning there names. He only liked that goofy one they called dopey. But it was funny how an angel would misread that to bring up an even better story. "Yeah, sure.... What ever." Sun replied sulking like he didn't want to talk to him if they wont talk back to Sun.

Michaels words to try and intimidate Sun and also his maneuvering around to put Sun in a position ideal for attacking. Was he serious? Sun smirked. "Don't get cute, pretty boy." His eyes shifted reapetily back and forth swaying side to side. He stated that Sun was just leaving. "Am I now?" Sun asked him in a under-meaning tone. "Maybe your reading the wrong cards, I have a full house on my hands." Sun said referring to the amount of people nearby. "And your trigger finger wont be fast enough to stop me." Sun said standing his ground. In between the two angels.

After Gabriel told him what she had said Sun thought about it. She was right. It would endanger his kind as well and with that Lucifer would surely be upset with him if he caused there kind as a whole any type of set back. But Sun didn't look to convinced he should leave any time soon. "So what if one of the cards suddenly was damaged?" Sun asked again using cards as a little code name for the humans who were in the area. "Like that one over there." He signaled with a movement of his head to a women and her child. A little girl holding a balloon. "I know! What if there was a weak phone poll and it just collapsed on the poor girl and her mommy? Oh and the electrical wires will surly do more damage then that. Just adding to the fun am I right?" He asked sarcastically. "Ignore my words and greatness again and something like that story will become reality and expose your kind but not mine. Oh no mine will be safe as I have an Ace in the hole." He spoke to them like he had the power for such a thing. Like his plan was flawless. Of course the angels continued to go back and forth.

[GABRIEL]

Gabriel continued to smile, in that innocent yet haunting way. Knowing very well the demon did not stand a chance again two of the most powerful and significant Archangels on Earth. But that wasn't what annoyed her. The fact that Sun had to the guts to point out the advantages and the disadvantages according to the situation they were both in. Of course she understood his playing card reference. But on her terms, they might as well play snap, because Gabriel is not one to play nicely.

She scanned the demon from the head to toe, knowing very well that even Lucifer would scold him for trying to go up against the angels without backup. "You do have some nerve. However, i've been in this position too many times before, which means I pretty much know how it ends. You better rethink your options, because i'm giving you a chance to run away. I have little patience for vermin like you."

She took her glance off from the smug looking face of the demon, and observed the area around them. Sure, he had ways to enact chaos, but Gabriel had ways to reverse it. All without drawing attention to themselves. So it all came down to if the demon was cowardly enough to run away, or become stubborn enough not to budge. All it all, it was his loss.

[MICHAEL]

Michael gazed at the monkey demon. If the demon wasn't going to take the chance to leave peacefully he was insane. Not to mention as arrogant as Lucifer himself. Gabriel and he were perfectly capable of killing this foolish demon, and neither of them would miss a second of sleep over the matter, either. And that would be exactly what would happen if Gabriel couldn't persuade the demon to leave them. Michael himself typically used a different style of persuasion to convince others to see things from his perspective. It wasn't very artistic or subtle, but violence, or even the mere threat of violence, could be a very persuasive argument.

Still, the demon would have to be very stupid to launch an attack in the daytime at a public avenue like this. Michael knew all the stereotypes about New York City, but Central Park was hardly the ghetto. People would notice if a public attack took place here. Then the demon would have to be very careful about appearing in public.

Then again, if demons were smart, they would never have rebelled against the will of God.

[Sun Wukong]

Sun didn't like the intense feeling of the cold air. He could tell these two wouldn't mind showing off there skill levels to the demon. But Sun was curious as to what in the world they would do. How would the angels react to simple words? Sun wukong smirked as he was insulted by Gabriel. She told him to run away and that she has little patience for people like him. He started to laugh a bit. Did she know who she was talking to? Of course Gabriel and Michel were of gods most formidable angels but Sun was a demon unlike any other. His reputation is built upon his skill in combat. He was cocky and arrogant. He was rude yet friendly. Sun wanted to fight them as he was insulted. So much to the point that he balled his fists and tensed up. He was ready as soon as it would happen to counter attack. But Sun stopped himself. He couldn't do that and the angels knew it.

Michel didn't say to much afterword. Sun could tell he was thinking of something. Something that most likely involved something to plot Suns demise. Sun didn't like his attitude. In fact both of the angels seemed as cold as ice. "You angels are so heartless and imperfect. You think that demons cant be more then just that. You call us evil yet my thoughts are not. I wish to fight for the share fun and sport of it. While you stupid angels only think of my death. Who's the blood thirsty ones now? You call your selfs angels because thats what these scum of humanity calls you. They cant wrap there minds around the fact that demons arnt just killing beasts. We have souls and feelings. A demon is more then what you simple minded overgrown birds take us for. You tell me to leave, well why don't you two just sprout your little wings and fly back to heaven. The people of earth need to feel unlike your kind. You have no soul. Only pride clouds your judgments and emotions. You've been fed a silver spoon up there that you've forgotten how it is to experience true pleasure." So blurted out in rage at them. He took his bottle of Sake he slammed it to his face. He took a sip and then placed the bottle back in his large pocket.

"Your all so high and mighty it makes me sick to my stomach. Your scum even worse then the humans. At least they can choose there fates. Yours are commanded to you by a careless god. Thats why Lucifer will win this battle in the end. He hasn't lost the ability to feel." Sun warned them as he turned his back to them both. "Theres no fun in fighting people like you. I'll leave on my own terms and hope that when we meet again your not alone." He told them as he glared, his head tilted to the the side. Before Sun made his departure the ground Begin to shake. "A message from my lord Lucifer." He told them and ran off using his super speed. However before he was gone cracks appeared on the ground. The earth shook and out of the event an earthquake was created. This earthquake made its way to a large building with many people inside. It fell to the ground. Crashing into another building killing many humans trapped inside. More injured still trapped. Sun laughed as he vanished from sight. His final thoughts about these two angels were that they would have fun trying to save whats left of the survivors now. Did he just ruin there pathetic day?

(OOC:Sun left the thread.)