[Ever since Ben has known about vampires, he hasn't liked them much. They smell wrong, they act snooty, and they give him the willies.
That being said, they've been less problematic to him since he started the Hound of God gig. Last time one of them tried to feed from him, it exploded in a puff of dust and bones, like it had consumed a glassful of holy water.
Of course, last time a vampire tried to feed from him, he didn't have six premeditated and callously unrepented murders hanging over his head--and he wasn't stopped on a dusty little planet for refueling and resupply on his way to a "rescue mission" that will no doubt result in more casualties he won't be particularly sorry for.
So he's very unpleasantly surprised when he's ambushed by a trio of vampires as he's coming (alone) out of a seedy little bar. They've got silver shackles and a wolfsbane net, and it takes them less than no time to truss him up, toss him in the trunk of a car, and drive away, while he swears impotently at them.]
...Guriel!
- (no subject)
And thus... [A pause.] We stay our hand.
For now. Because you are not wrong. We wanted to make sure you knew your own mind, however.
[And he steps forward and enfolds Guri with arms and wings both.] Oh, little brother.
Leave it to Michael to know that.]
I'm sorry, Michael. Should've had more faith in you.
You still love him, Guriel? And continue to remind him who he is, and to Whom he still belongs?
Edited at 2015-06-07 05:12 am (UTC)
[Guriel takes a shaky breath and buries his face in the arc of Michael's wing. Sometimes it's good to just let himself be the Least among the Host for a few minutes.]
I don't know how far he's gonna fall before it's over, Michael, or if I can do anything to help stop him. But I won't ever stop being his Guardian first and before everything else I am to him. You gave me the job and I won't let you down.
Even if he falls all the way, little brother. You must not blame yourself if he does.
[Guriel sighs and lets the Grace soak through him. It helps, it really does.]
He has his choices to make, same as they all do. I know.
Be strong. You are stronger than you know; you can endure even this. We have confidence in you.
Thank you, Michael. I'll make you proud of me, I promise.
Just . . . would you. Pray with me?
[He knows Michael is always busy, that Things of Import call his brother every moment of every day. But he still just wants to hold onto the moment for a little, tiny bit longer.]
And we ask that You show Benjamin a path through his sorrow that does not lead to his destruction. Impart Your Mercy, o God, and show him Your Love through all things, even things such as this.
Anything to add, little brother?
Edited at 2015-06-07 03:50 pm (UTC)
I know You've got a plan, Dad. Please just help me follow it.
I think that pretty much covers it.
I love you, lion cub.
I love you, too, Michael.
Thank you for coming.
Watch and pray, little brother. And know that we all watch and pray with you.
[With a final tightening of arms and wings, he disappears.]