In most mythologies, gods were powerful and revered beings. They inspired awe, admiration, or even terror in their followers. They were a beacon of light to their believers, guiding them towards a certain path. Above all else, they were beings worthy of respect.

Sayaka really wished that her best friend would act more like a goddess right now.

"Oh my God, Sayaka-chan. This is the Garden of Eden! The very one referenced in the Bible! Do you think I'll become smarter if I eat the fruit from that tree there?!"

"You're already omniscient to an extent. I'm not sure if eating that fruit would do anything for you, aside from making you put on more weight."

Sayaka inwardly chuckled as Madoka began to stutter out denials. Despite her ascension to godhood, Madoka could still act like the innocent and bubbly girl she once was.

"As fascinating as this place is, there are still several more floors to go," Michael said as he smiled in amusement at the two's antics. "I'm sure you will be far more impressed by the upper levels."

"Ahhh, don't be such a downer pretty boy," Sayaka teasingly replied.

Madoka, however, straightened up at the reminder. "He's right, Sayaka-chan. We should get going." She gave her friend a bright smile as she continued, "I'm sure we'll have more time to explore later!"

As Michael led the two of them to the next floor, he briefly recalled the events that led them to this point.

The time when a divine being once again sat on the Throne of God.

He was kneeling before God's throne on the seventh floor of Heaven. It was a routine he had adopted soon after he became the leader of Heaven after his Father's death in the Great War. Although he knew that no one would answer, he sat there and prayed.

For the strength and courage to be a good leader.

For the wellbeing of Heaven's residents and its followers on earth.

For the knowledge to know what He would do.

As usual, the room remained silent. But even so, he felt a little bit better. As he turned to leave, he sensed a pulse of power.

He froze in his tracks. Can it be? He wondered. No, it's impossible. Father is dead, and nothing can bring him back.

But even so, this kind and benevolent aura that washed over him was achingly familiar. He frowned a little. Although similar, this divine power felt different from that of the original God. It felt more . . . feminine?

Just as he thought that, a bright light enveloped the room. Once it died down, a beautiful woman stood in the center of the room.

Her long pink hair flowed down her back, with two white ribbons nestled on top of her head.

Her long white dress billowed out around her, and her slender hands were encased in pure white gloves.

Her face was young and innocent, with a gentle expression that seemed to naturally suit her.

But her most striking feature were her eyes.

Two brilliant golden eyes that seemed to hold a great deal of wisdom despite her apparent age.

When she looked at him, Michael felt as though they pierced his very soul.

"It's nice to meet you," she said with a voice that was soft yet strong. Not at all like the booming voices that the gods in the other pantheons seemed to prefer. "I am the Law of Cycles; the one who brings hope to those mired in despair."

Her smile was radiant, outstripping even the sun's glory. "But you can just call me Madoka."

His mind was frozen, but his body had long since grown accustomed to greeting beings of higher station.

"Goddess Madoka . . ." He bowed his head. Even if she wasn't the god he worshipped, he would still show her the deference a being of her station deserved. "Why are you here, in front of the Throne of Heaven?"

Her expression saddened, as if pained by what she was about to say. "There is a vacancy here, is there not?"

Michael's head shot up. Even among the faction of Heaven, few knew the truth of God's demise. How could an outsider, even one with divine status, have known of this closely guarded secret?

The goddess continued, untroubled by Michael's panicked thoughts, "I can feel the emptiness in this place. A void that will slowly consume those that live here, leaving nothing but empty husks behind." She turned to him, a serious expression hardening her gentle face. "As the goddess of hope, I cannot idly stand by and watch a place that was once bright with joy fall into despair."

Her face softened as she held out a hand. "Will you allow me to help you and your people avoid a tragic end?"

Michael stared at her outstretched hand for a while. He was still shocked by the goddess's sudden appearance, and he couldn't help but be a little suspicious. "Why would you help us? What do you stand to gain?"

A lifetime of dealing with treacherous devils and devious fallen had left him wary of outsiders. But the goddess was undeterred by his mistrust.

"Didn't I just say it? It is in my nature; salvation is my identity as a divine being." Her face grew somber. "I take on all the hate, all the regret, all the despair from those who are doomed to a dismal fate."

Her voice sharpened as she displayed her resolve. "For those who would curse the world in their dying breath, I take away their bitterness and give them the peace that they deserve. After all, . . ."

Her expression grew sorrowful once more. "It would be too sad if those who lived lives rife with misfortune met their end in the pits of despair." She gave him a reassuring smile. "I just want to help. That's all."

The goddess's words resonated deep within Michael's soul. But even so, he couldn't help but feel that the offer was too good to be true. The only god he knew to be truly benevolent was Father . . .

His eyes widened as he remembered that the goddess's aura felt like that of his creator. Her warmth and kindness . . . is genuine . . . and she bears the sins of those she saves so that they can be free from such heavy burdens . . .

Michael couldn't help but be amazed at her benevolence. Could she really be . . . the one I've been waiting for all along?

Someone to lead and guide Heaven in a kind, confident, and righteous manner, just as Father did.

Someone to counteract the corrupt and isolationist policies that had sprung up under his indecisive rule.

Someone to make the heavens swell with laughter and joy, as it did in days long past.

Ever since that fateful day, Michael had been in a perpetual state of stress. Afraid that his choices would lead his people to ruin. Afraid that one of the other factions would discover their great weakness and wipe them out while they were vulnerable.

But above all else . . .

He was afraid that Father would be disappointed with him.

Wasn't that the greatest fear of any child?

I don't want . . . to shoulder this burden anymore . . . But someone like her . . . I don't think I would mind following someone like that . . . If she were to take the throne . . .

Then we might finally have hope again.

Despite these tempting ideas, Michael hesitated with his decision. Although he desperately wanted to accept her offer, Heaven had only deteriorated under his leadership. He didn't know if he was making the right choices. Oh Father, if only you were still here and could show me the way!

But of course, his Father's absence was the only reason he was in the present situation.

He fervently prayed. If I can only make one right decision for the rest of my life . . .

Please let it be this one.

And so, he reached forward and took the goddess's hand.

xxx

In life, Madoka was never the smartest person. Her grades had been average, and she often struggled in class.

But she doesn't need her goddess's intuition to know that the throne in front of her was way too big. "Am I supposed to sit on that?"

Michael smiled sheepishly as he replied, "Our Father was larger-than-life, oftentimes in a very literal manner."

Sayaka whistled as she peered at the symbol of God's rule. "I see what you mean by the upper levels being more "impressive" now."

Michael chuckled nervously. "This isn't quite what I was referring to when I mentioned that . . ." He turned to Madoka as he continued, "But regardless, this throne belongs to you now, my Goddess." He bowed to her. "Take your place on it, so that all may know of your ascent to the mantle of Heaven's leader."

Madoka, however, could only shake her head. "It wouldn't feel right, for me to be up there and lording myself over you all." She clasped her hands together as she smiled. "I suppose you can say I prefer a more . . . personal approach."

Her mind flashed back to one of the many magical girls she had saved.

The girl was panting heavily. Her clothes were torn, and her hair disheveled. While those traits would already be concerning in of themselves, the most alarming feature . . .

Was her pitch-black Soul Gem.

The girl was sobbing. She knew her time was near, but all she could feel was the nauseous, choking sensation of despair. Why? Why must it end like this?

She made a wish in hopes of a better future, but her path ultimately led to a miserable end. Slowly fading away at the base of a tree. No one to see her off. No one to hold her hand and tell her everything will be okay. All her family had long since died off, and she was the last of a once bright and cheery group of magical girls. All the others had long since perished at the ghastly claws of the wraiths they fought to sustain themselves.

But as her mind faded, she felt a warm touch on her hand.

No, on her very soul.

It was soothing, like a mother's voice to her child. It promised a peaceful rest, an escape from all the worries and sadness that permeated life.

"It's okay," the voice whispered. "You can rest easy now."

The tone was light and cherry, a welcome reprieve from the gruff voices she grew up around.

"I won't let your wish end in despair."

She wasn't sure what was going on, but as her soul melted away, she had one last thought. If this is what dying feels like . . .

She turned her head and glimpsed long pink locks and warm golden eyes. Then maybe it isn't so bad after all . . .

And so, the girl closed her eyes for the last time.

The goddess who had come to claim the girl smiled sadly at her tragic past and terrible hardships. At the very least, she's in a better place now.

The fragment of the Law of Cycles dissipated. I'll make sure of that with my own two hands.

xxx

The Holy System was one of Heaven's most important functions. It was what made blessed objects harmful to devils, what allowed God to enact his miracles, and what determined who could be saved. All of these were highly integral aspects of Heaven.

Unfortunately, it could be quite difficult to use.

"Um . . . what does this button do again?" Madoka asked confusedly.

Despite her status as a goddess, the machine was created by one who was on an equal or greater level of existence as her, so it was only natural that His creations would be difficult to grasp.

"Ah, that takes you to the menu that deals with the management of the Sacred Gear System, which is what allocates various artifacts created by Him to suitable human hosts to give humanity an advantage against the supernatural," Michael patiently explained. He was never able to use the system as effectively as God, but he still managed to learn how to operate it on a basic level.

"Oh, I see! I think I'm starting to get the hang of this." Madoka twisted some levers around and caused a bright flash of light to emit.

Michael blinked from the sudden flash, then shook his head to reorient himself. "I believe that you just granted someone's prayer for a miraculous recovery from a terminal illness."

Madoka gasped and jumped happily as she exclaimed, "Really? That's great! And uh . . . completely intentional!"

Michael smiled knowingly in response. "You clearly have a natural affinity for this. It took me months for me to perform even basic tasks, and I was never able to do anything as great as enact a miracle. You should be proud of what you managed to accomplish."

Madoka smiled and thanked him for the praise.

Meanwhile, Sayaka was growing impatient. "Are you two done yet? My feet are falling asleep over here."

"Ah, sorry to keep you waiting, Sayaka-chan." Madoka skipped to the exit, then turned back to face them. "Let's go back to the lower floors! I want to see how my girls are faring."

As they travelled to Third Heaven, they passed by several lower-ranking angels. Many of them stole glances at Madoka and her entourage and whispered to each other their wild speculations.

Michael frowned at their disrespect. "I'll have a word with them later about being more respectful to their new leader."

Madoka shook her head in response. "I don't blame them for acting like that. Having a new goddess move in is probably the most exciting thing to happen since the Great War, and they're hungry to know all the details."

The other Great Seraphs had taken news of Madoka's new position with mixed reactions.

Gabriel had squealed and hugged her, calling her adorable.

Uriel had been dissatisfied and considered Michael's decision to be rash and impulsive, but ultimately decided to wait and see what will happen before passing judgement.

Raphael had just nodded at her before striking up a conversation with Sayaka about the properties of healing magic.

The lesser Seraphs had a wide variety of responses, but the dissenters eventually deferred to Michael's authority and grudgingly accepted the new situation. The rank-and-file angels were just glad that something new had happened.

All in all, quite a smooth transition considering the magnitude of the change.

"Ah, we're here," Madoka said, startling Michael out of his thoughts.

He looked ahead and saw that they had stopped in front of a set of pink, wooden double-doors. They appeared to be detached from reality, existing in the middle of nowhere.

"I don't recall something like this being present in Third Heaven . . ." he muttered with a bemused expression.

Madoka smiled warmly at him as she replied, "I have a bit of prior experience with managing an afterlife."

Sayaka looped an arm around Madoka's neck and pulled her in. "As you can see, Madoka-chan here is very qualified for this job! Aren't you glad you hired her now?"

Madoka laughed lightly at her friend's teasing. "You think too highly of me, Sayaka-chan."

"Don't be so modest! Who else can say that their best friend is a goddess huh?"

Watching the two of them interact never failed to bring a smile to Michael's face. They look so young, but one of them bears such a heavy burden.

Sayaka urged them forward. "Come on! I bet they're dying to see you again, Madoka-chan."

They opened the door and disappeared into the void.

xxx

The first thing that Michael noticed upon reorienting himself was the smell.

Unlike the crisp, clean air of Heaven, the scent he found himself inhaling right now was much more fragrant. It reminded him of a field of flowers, blooming in the spring. Unlike Heaven, which emphasized purity, this place felt much more lively and joyful.

It felt like it was filled with hope.

"Madoka-chan! You're finally back!"

The goddess was tackled by a white and pink missile that embraced her tightly. She smiled warmly at the smaller girl. "I was only gone for a little while, Nagisa-chan." She reciprocated the hug as she continued, "But I'm glad to see you again too!"

They embraced for a while longer before releasing each other. Nagisa turned to Michael with a curious expression. "Oh? Who's this?"

Madoka smiled and introduced him, "This is Michael-san. He's a new friend!"

He leaned forward and offered his hand.

The bubbly girl excitedly accepted the gesture. "It's nice to meet you Mister!"

As he interacted with the little girl, he couldn't help but take note of her apparent age. She's so young . . . and this is supposed to be an afterlife of some sorts?

Michael scanned the horizon. All he could see was a wide array of brightly dressed girls who had shown up to welcome their goddess back. The thing that bugged him the most was . . .

"Why are so many of these girls . . . so young?"

If this really was some kind of heaven, then the presence of so many adolescent girls could only mean—

Why are so many children dying young?!

Madoka turned to him with a sad smile. "All of these girls were willing to risk their lives for the sake of a single goal, a single wish." She looked over the large group of girls in a loving and tender manner. "I am not the one who starts them on their journey, but I am the one who takes them in at the end."

Her eyes narrowed, and her voice grew steely. "The one who instigated this would have them drown in despair at the end of their journey, but I will not allow it. For people who have sacrificed so much, the least they deserve is a peaceful rest."

As Nagisa dragged Madoka off to meet with the rest of her followers, Michael couldn't help but marvel at how often his new goddess managed to surprise him. She looks innocent and unassuming at first, but there is an unshakeable resolve hidden underneath.

He observed how each of the girls enthusiastically greeted Madoka and noticed how the goddess took a bit of time to speak to each one of them. Their devotion to her is plain to see, and they seem to adore her for her personal interactions with them.

His Father had been more partial to a hands-off approach; aside from a few miracles here and there near the beginning of mankind's history, he had allowed humans to progress and develop at their natural pace.

Many of my brethren were dissatisfied with such an approach.

"Look at all the humans being reincarnated as devils! Look at how the Sacred Gears, your gifts to them, are being pervaded by that which they were meant to combat!"

They cried out at what they perceived to be injustice, but God merely smiled at them and told them to be patient. Now that He is dead, we will never know what He planned to happen. Who was right in the end? I don't think we will ever know.

Heaven has fallen to such a pitiful state but . . .

He looked at the young deity being swarmed by crowds of her worshippers.

He watched as she laughed and smiled with them.

I think we finally have hope again.

xxx

"What do you think of Heaven so far, Madoka-sama?"

"It's quite nice! A bit more uptight than what I was used to, but I should be able to loosen things up soon!"

Her face turned serious as she shifted topics. "More importantly, I've noticed that there really aren't that many angels here, are there?"

Michael sighed as he dredged up unpleasant memories. "Indeed, Heaven took the largest amount of causalities during the Great War, including God himself along with thousands of lesser angels and hundreds of higher-ranking seraphs. Many more fell after learning of their creator's death. Some just left Heaven and disappeared. Only a tiny fraction of angels remain."

He grimaced as he continued, "With such a drastic loss of manpower, we have been unable to maintain as many congregations as we would like, thus severely lowering the amount of faith we receive from the human populace. This will also negatively impact your ability to influence the world."

He thought back to the crowd of young girls cheering at her return. "However, the offerings you receive from your previous position are likely enough to sustain you for quite a while. But now that you have more duties than before, you will likely be strained to the limit trying to manage all of it."

Madoka frowned as she pondered deeply the issue of rebuilding Heaven. After gathering her thoughts, she said, "So, we should try to improve our influence on the human population so that we can gather more faith, and thus more power for me to use."

Michael nodded in agreement. "We are in an uneasy truce with the devils and fallen angels now, but we never know when hostilities will break out again. It would be for the best if we are well prepared when that time comes."

The goddess was somewhat puzzled. "Why are you so sure that fighting will break out again?"

He sighed. "Because we have been in conflict with each other since time immemorial. Unless something drastic happens, it is unlikely that will change."

She tapped her chin in thought. "Well, Heaven having a new goddess in charge is pretty drastic, isn't it?"

"That is . . . certainly unprecedented," Michael admitted. "But . . . are you certain? Mending relationships is no easy task, especially one based on an eternity of hatred and bloodshed."

"The cycle must be broken. And I will be the one to break it." She smiled. "I have broken one cycle of suffering already, so I do have some experience."

"Very well then," he said. "But before we deal with inter-faction politics, we should get our own affairs in order. There are a few churches in Italy that are understaffed –"

"Are there any churches near devil or fallen angel territory?" Madoka suddenly asked.

The archangel paused. "Well . . . I believe that there is an abandoned church in Kuoh," he reluctantly divulged.

"Perfect. That will be my starting point. Don't worry about the logistics, I'll be sending my own people for this."

Michael sighed. He thought instigating relations when they were still weakened to be a reckless move, but . . .

His decisions were why Heaven was in such a sorry state.

Was he in any position to argue against Her?

"As you wish, Goddess."

She mimed picking up a phone, even though it was wholly unnecessary for what she was about to do.

After all, telepathy wasn't constrained by such physical attributes.

"Homura-chan? How do you feel about a trip to Kuoh?"