I recall a certain time I parted with what I thought was one of my most cherished possessions. Upon taking up my station in Celestia, I swore upon my soul that I would protect Heaven and all of the light from evil, wherever it was, whenever it arose. My pledge was eternal service, and to solidify this vow, and as Emperious claimed, "to make sure I remembered it," my sword-hand was slashed from palm to wrist. Not a fatal wound-not with nearby care ready to treat my injury once the ritual was complete-but enough so that my lifeblood was infused into the weapon I grasped for the first time as the aspect of Wrath. That weapon was my sword. One or two-handed, this one a straight blade with a fuller running half the length of its edge. Crafted of Celestial steel, consecrated at the summit of Mount Celestia itself. Since then, I've wielded many, but all have held the same significance to me. When I gave the weapon that had seen me through the War of Tyranny to Holly, I didn't do so lightly. I'm glad she's kept it. There's a part of my soul in that metal, and I hope that part of me keeps her safe and helps her save the one's she loves. And now, I wield a blade forged by a friend, keener than any I've ever known and one that makes me all the more formidable for it.   But there are more out there, two of which I know of, and both of which I'm equally uncertain of and the part they'll play in my future.   The Blade of Kas...a dark weapon wielded by an equally vile being. Kas found his ruin at the same time he enacted Veccna's, and the world is better for the absence of both. And yet, this weapon now lies waiting for a hand to claim it, and what comes from that is what we can only hope will be the final destruction of Veccna's remains. But the evil in that weapon will endure.   I don't want it. I don't want anything to do with that weapon. And yet, I cannot shake the thought that perhaps I'm meant to. Especially if the prophecy rings true. If that's the case, I know for certain where my destiny leads, and it most certainly isn't back to Celestia, and I'd be naive to think it brings me back to Orianna and Zora. Not with what I'd become. Not by what that blade would do to me. But maybe there's a chance, however slim, that if I'm truly meant to take up that malevolent blade, it's to protect it and keep it from the wrong hands who would unleash the full potential of its destruction as Kas once did.   A fool's hope, but a hope nonetheless...   Then there's the other. The Sword of Zariel. The blade that once belonged to my closest friend in Heaven, the sheen of which I'd seen strike down countless demons and devils in the protection of good and holiness. I'm grateful to hear it has endured in Hell, against all odds. But I'm also afraid of what that means. Or at the very least, why I covet it so.   If the weapon has withstood Hell's corruption, the influence of Heaven remains true within its steel, and much like the first sword I ever took up, is capable of all forms of miracles. One of which is the redemption of Zariel, should she choose. Just as Tyreal made his sacrifice for me, so too would I for Zariel if it meant freeing her from Hell's grasp. I would return her sword to her, should she take it. But should she not, whether by ascension and abandonment of the blade, or by what I fear most, defiance, the weapon would need a wielder worthy of its cause, and I...   If I'm being honest, truly honest with myself, I know why I wish to earn that chance. Of course I wish to return to my former glory. To my former honor and the holy purpose for which I was created. If the sword deems me worthy, I would know beyond any doubt what my destiny is and who I'm meant to be. I would safeguard and honor the sword and its cause as much as the cause and holiness of my own soul, and I would use it to protect my family and all of Heaven from the darkness of the Hells and every evil entity beyond. I would endeavor to earn that privilege, that duty, every day as I once swore to. Eternal service. I would be honored.   But that's exactly why I don't think I'm worthy of it. And why I can't trust myself with it. I was corrupted once. Part of that corruption still remains, even marks my flesh beyond the scars of Hell's torment. I've done too much evil. Failed to prevent too much. What right have I to claim the sword?   Especially when there is another beside me who is far nobler, and far more worthy than I could ever be?   Light and dark...Kas, or Zariel...I don't know which path I'm meant to walk. All I can do is hope to find something in the middle, and one that would save those I love and uphold the cause I still serve, whatever form I take. Whatever fate I go to meet.