Chapter 9, Part 1: Arrival Day - Michael

                                    

                                          
New York, 2/2/2025
Michael landed on top of the United Nations Secretariat Building alongside the East River, with Gabriel following behind. They remained unseen in the shadows, waiting for the legions everywhere to resume their positions.
Uriel and the Cherubim would spread over Eurasia. Azrael and her Dominions would take over Africa. A dispatch of Gabriel's Elohim would be stationed in Australia, the rest here, in the Americas. His legion, the Seraphim, would split in half to cover the United States and certain countries in Europe and Asia. Michael understood human politics thoroughly and knew which nations might pose a threat.
In his mind, the voices of Uriel and Azrael informed them that the invasion, still hidden in silence, was complete.
"Brothers and sisters, the time has come to let ourselves be known. Remain serene during your interaction with humans. A certain level of deviant behavior is expected on their part."
After he broadcast the message, Michael turned towards Gabriel. "The minute our legions manifest, we enter the United Nations."
Gabriel's gaze fell on him. "Are you sure we shouldn't wait for some feedback before we face their leaders?"
"No. Better not give them time to prepare."
Michael folded his hands as angels all around them materialized. He didn't trust humans, especially their leaders. Humanity had a long tradition of placing the worst among them in power. 
All archangels and plenty of angels empathized and interacted with humans. But the one with the most engagement was him. For some unknown reason, the Divine Force had decided long ago that, when it came to the children of Earth, Michael would mostly cater to them.
And the blessed day this burden would be lifted off his shoulders, had finally arrived.
Gabriel's chuckle drove his attention to the streets below. By the looks of it, their appearance had unleashed chaos. His warriors were having a rough time holding off the love attacks of people. Michael expected as much and had warned them. But as he watched the sweet and funny exchanges of love, his eyes grew distant and a deep ache filled his chest. He wished he could feel the warmth of her hug instead of standing on the UN Secretariat rooftop.
He returned to the present when he caught sight of a woman jumping on an Elohim, shoving her head at the crook of his neck to sniff him.
Maybe he hadn't warned his legions enough.
"Time to go, brother," he said to Gabriel, and seconds later, they materialized in the General Assembly Hall inside the United Nations headquarters.
The blue, green, and gold circular hall greeted them, as their footsteps' echo bounced off the walls inside the empty chamber. Michael glanced at the United Nations emblem before stepping up to the podium and taking his seat in the middle - the one traditionally held by the General Assembly President. Gabriel followed along and sat down to his right.
Michael cast a fleeting glance to the left, eyes lingering briefly on the empty seat that Rafael should occupy. But his younger brother was a marshmallow when it came to humans. In all honesty, he had expected Rafael's refusal to take part in the invasion. But that didn't make the absence any less painful.
Putting the hurtful thoughts aside, Michael broadcast again to the legions. 
"Those tasked with bringing the leaders proceed."
They had agreed to kidnap the politicians and bring them to the UN hall the moment the invasion began. Gabriel was worried that such a move would increase suspicion and hostility, but Michael pointed out that they should not wait for the humans to dress, pack, and then fly by airplane from every corner of the world to arrive at the UN headquarters. It would take forever, not to mention give the mischievous mammals time to plot against them.