5000 years ago

The world burnt. It usually did, nowadays. Wild fires raged across the Ash plains, flames that would roar for years at a time. The bodies had stopped decaying long ago. Demons and Angels locked in an eternal war, their weapons entagled in each other as they died.

Judgement stood on a hill over looking the battlefield, great sword nestled in his hands. He was oblivious to the burning ash that fell around him. The hot ashes burnt the very ground, but he stood defiant, glistening golden wings streched behind him, flowing in the burning wind. A thousand swords, spears and axes laid sprawled out on the battlefield before him, remnants of a battle previously fought.

Avenger approached Judgement. He was covered in blood from the recent battle, and one of his wings was clipped, badly. He stepped up to his commander, taking a spot next to him, gazing out towards the battlefield.

"This was all my fault, wasn't it?" Judgement said, not bothering to look at his companion.

"We are avenging Mercy." Avenger replied.

Judgement said nothing.

"I destroyed our home. And I destroyed this world. The one Mercy loved so much." Judgement sighed. "So many of our brothers and sisters have died. This war has waged for well over three hundred years, with no end in sight."

"We are doing this for Mercy." Avenger replied, resolute. "These monsters must die. They deserved to be wiped from the face of this world."

"At what cost, my old friend?! At what cost?! Our home world lays barren. Battles only end in stalemates. And the Demon King still lives on." Judgement said, gripping onto to his blade tightly. "I don't know if I can keep this up. In my rage, I caused this endless war."

"Like I said.." Avenger stopped himself. He noticed the brokeness in his friend's eyes. Judgement refused to take his eyes of the battlefield. "We must go soon commander. We must lick our wounds and prepare for our next battle."

"My sister loved this world." Judgement said. "She loved the blue skies. She loved the rolling green fields." He sighed. Ash covered the landscape, a pattern of black and gray.

"My friend. We must fight. It's what gives our dead comrades meaning. We must avenge them." Avenger assured.

"The Demon King. He's just across this field." Judgement said. "All I have to do is slay him. And this war may come to an end."

"I would advise against that my friend." Avenger said, looking Judgement in the eyes. "You are indeed one of the most powerful angels in Michael's court. However, the Demon King can match Michael in battle. Even you would die."

"But, with his death, we would win." Judgement said.

"You'll die." Avenger said.

"I'll pay for my sins." Judgement said.

"You..."

"I'm going." Judgement said, folding his wings. "It's like you said. I'm avenging Mercy."

Avenger said nothing.

"Remember me." Judgement said. "If I do not return."

Avenger nodded. His companion gusted his wings, soaring into the air, glistening sword reflecting off the pale red sun. He soared across the battlefield, headed towards his opponent, the Demon King.

Avenger drove his sword into the ground, watching his companion go. He sat, and waited for his friend. He waited for a long time.