Interlude: Peacemaker

Michael awoke. He found himself lying down in the center of a circular platform. Gold rails surrounded the edge of the platform. Silver plating burnished with bronze made its floor. The Peacemaker stood up, examining his surroundings. Nothing could be seen, covered in darkness, except where he stood.

A flash of light blinded Michael. Frightened, he fell to his knees and covered his face with his arms. Footsteps echoed throughout the area and grew in noise as they came closer to him. He withdrew his arms shakily, still a bit scared. Dan stared at him with his hands buried in his pockets.

"Hello, Michael. I have received news that you have been told about the Peacemaker." Dan smiled at him. "Well, you're not the Peacemaker. I am." Michael rose to a stand, eyes filled with questions. "There will be time for answers later, Michael. For now, I am here to dismiss you of the rumor that you are the Peacemaker. Do you believe me?" Dan smiled once more. It was so alluring and infectious that Michael smiled too. Dan nodded his head at him, and turned to leave.

"Daniel. The firstborn Heart Angel. The one who started the Council of Hearts. The being to create a kingdom on a fallacy of lies." Dan swiveled around, an expression of both hate and bewilderment crossing his face.

"How did yo-" Michael brought his sword to his neck.

"Greg instilled the knowledge within me. I have witnessed the entire history of both Soul and Heart Angel thanks to him. I am the Peacemaker, and this shall be the first peace made." Michael slashed with his blade. Daniel disappeared. Michael laughed. "Coward! You hide behind lies. There is no 'Soul Rip' on Taylor, is there? You just brought me away from her side so that you may take her away from me!" Daniel reappeared before him.

"This is true," he said slyly. He waved his hand to the side, and the air began to waver. A small window, looking over Taylor's home, appeared. Michael stared on curiously. In a few seconds, he understood the image. He dropped the blade to the ground as he fell to his knees. Daniel laughed. "You're too late, Michael. Wake up and see the truth. Wake up, Michael. Wake up..."

Michael awoke, screaming. Greg was bent over him, poking him in the stomach. Ryan stared down with a look of wonder at the scream. Tracy giggled. "I think you overworked him, Greg," he said, smiling. "Showing him thousands of years worth of history must have given him a nightmare."

Greg nodded, and helped Michael to his feet. He breathed heavily, trying to catch his breath.