Zuriel's Fate

The perpetual noise of gunfire in the background was as nerve racking to Zuriel as this insane assignment was turning out to be. Yes, he understood that soldiers needed guardian angels just like everyone else, maybe more. And yes, he knew on an intellectual level that, as a Senior Guardian, he was expected not only to deal with the more difficult assignments, but also with those requiring him to guide a soul to the next life. He had observed but never dealt with them as a junior guardian. If he wanted a promotion to the next level this millennium, he had no choice but to master this and, above all, get a grip on his reactions. Thinking too much or questioning orders was not a trait his bosses liked.



But--really? Why were the powers that be expending all this energy and angel power protecting human soldiers from the ravages of war instead of working with the diplomats to stop the cruelty altogether?



Zuriel had never been closer to rebellion against his orders than at this moment. Knowing that he was expected to let his charge die gnawed at his heart, his conscience, and just plain went against his ingrained sense of justice. He knew death was a necessary part of life. Souls needed to move on, and he was normally good about following orders, but to let death take one so young just didn't seem right.



Shaun was a new soldier on his first tour to Iraq, an idealist who wanted to fight for what he believed was right. Barely out of basic training, he was totally unprepared for the realities of an invasion that was controversial even among humans.



Shaun moved forward with the rest of the US Third Infantry Division making its way north to bypass Baghdad as quickly as possible on their way to securing Najaf and Karbala. They had finally made it to Talil Airfield, a point of strategic importance if the invading forces hoped to gain control of the capital city. The Iraqi soldiers, however, were not giving up easily. They returned fire, fighting ferociously to defend their homes against the foreign invaders.



It was an intense battle, the US First Marine Division lending support on their way to the eastern parts of the city from where they'd attempt to seize and subdue the city. Shaun was overwhelmed by the noise, the stench of burning buildings, and the shock of comrades being shot all around him. He maintained a brave front as he kept moving, seeking cover behind buildings and overturned vehicles whenever possible. Little did he know that he was not going to survive.



Zuriel moved with him, invisible to the humans, his face set in grim lines of determination. Pure force of habit kept him with his charge, because--what was the point? He sighed as he took note of the sniper who was going to end Shaun's life. Making ready to accompany the young man's soul into the next world, the saddest duty any guardian angel ever had to face, he made sure that his energy enveloped Shaun when the bullets that ended the young soldier's life hit.



Minimizing Shaun's physical pain was not strictly according to procedure, but at that moment, Zuriel could have cared less. He had been an exemplary guardian angel for over a millennium and figured he might be given some slack if the random selection process used by Internal Affairs picked this case for closer examination.



Nobody was there to help him through the soul-deep anguish of feeling a soul ripped from its living body. The jagged pain sliced right through his soul, like it always did. He mentally gasped and focused on Shaun so he would not drown in the despair of losing a life he had been entrusted with.



He gently caught the young man's soul when it emerged from the convulsing body, shock pervading every fiber of Shaun's being.



"What?" Shaun's energies swirled in confusion, retaining their human outline for now but turning dark with the mental pain and shock at being ripped so suddenly from their physical body.



The thought was barely audible, but Zuriel was well attuned to Shaun's mental signature. Nineteen years of looking out for the man had formed a certain bond. One that was about to be brutally ripped apart now.



"You are okay now." Zuriel let his energies take a more human shape so Shaun could perceive him better. "You will be fine."



The white beacon light to the next world, as humans called it, appeared above them and Shaun looked up, his energies still following the dictates of his now-dead body. It always took a while for the souls to adapt to their new existence.



"I'm dead, aren't I?" Sean's voice sounded bleak, his energy turning darker.



"Your physical existence has ended." Zuriel let healing energies flow toward the wounded soul. "But your life as a sentient being of the higher planes is only just beginning."



"Why now?" Shaun's desperation was clear even through the turbulence of his confusion. "There was so much I still wanted to do."



"I know." Zuriel shrugged. It was what most of them said, even the ones who had been given several decades to live. "It is not within my responsibility to understand. I was sent here to guide you to the next level."



"Okay." Shaun made the mental equivalent of a sigh. "I guess you're just the messenger, right?"



Zuriel nodded. Suddenly, the truth of that statement hit him hard. He'd always accepted his assignments and done his job to the best of his ability. The senselessness of Shaun's death, serving no particular purpose and after an even shorter time on Earth than most were granted, was particularly poignant. For the first time in his existence Zuriel really started to wonder what the point of it all was. But there was no time for philosophical deliberations. He would deal with the fallout during the debriefing.



"This is it, huh?" Shaun had calmed down a little, probably realizing that there was nothing he could do anyway.



"Yes." Zuriel pointed him toward the light that had descended until a tunnel-like opening was right next to Shaun.



"Thank you." Shaun turned his attention toward the tunnel and vanished inside without looking back.



Zuriel's pain intensified for a moment then diminished until it was gone. He sighed, wondering how it was possible that most humans, once faced with the inevitable, seemed to adjust rather well. One of the secrets of the universe he would probably never understand.



He gave himself another few moments, tuning out the noise and mayhem around him. He remembered Shaun's life, quietly celebrating the triumphs and grieving that it was now over. When he was ready, he turned inward for the transition back to Heaven. It was time to face the administrative music.