Michael's heart ached at seeing the tears in Raphael's eyes. However, he couldn't stand back. Not anymore. He couldn't live with himself if Raphael Fell and he had done nothing to prevent it. So, uncaring about Raphael's pleas, he gently picked up the healer and set him again behind himself. Then he faced Uriel, who was still watching him wordlessly, his sword raised.

Uriel was not going to step back, that was for sure. Apparently he wasn't going to make the first move, either.

"No, Raphael," he said quietly. "You fly away and be safe."

And, with this, he charged.