Michael sat on the floor with his back against the wall several feet away from Azrael's sleeping form. The Archangels were staying in a small abandoned house that Michael used as shelter. After much bickering, the elder Archangel had insisted that Azrael take the lone bed and the angel of Death finally obliged his equal. copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUEqfDJcqf
Michael looked to Azrael and smiled sadly. He reminded the Archangel of how he and his fellow Archangels were at the beginning of time, unsure of their position in Heaven. Gradually, they grew to carry their rank with ease, becoming accustomed to the responsibilities, knowing full well that Father had given them their position for a reason. Azrael would do the same; Michael was sure of it.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTX9LcTE8V
If Father truly wanted to wipe out any trace of Samael from Heaven then He certainly picked an angel who looked the polar opposite of Samael. Where Samael had dark features, black wings, and possessed a stern face, Azrael was fair and comely with pale blond hair, hazel eyes, and white wings. Perhaps it was better to have such an open face to greet the dead when they arrived to Purgatory.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0lHzBCbWm
The light of a full moon filtered in through a small window, falling across Azrael's face. Michael looked away, scolding himself for staring. He shook his head and laid down on the ground, using his arm as a pillow for his head, Michael wrapped his wings around his body and eventually drifted off to sleep.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡMshqTw3CJu
Michael stood at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the grand entrance of Heaven's library. He was dressed in white and gold, his hair hung loosely around his shoulders and he was barefoot on the cold marble floor.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFnOO91INa
A figure stood at the top of the stairs with his back to Michael. The figure was dressed in long black robes, his raven hair went down to his waist and his black wings were glossy and reflected the light of the midday sun.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYbZFKBiWx
The figure turned and looked down at Michael, an unpleasant smile carving into his features. It was Lucifer, or at least what Lucifer was before he fell.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI0W9Tscwb
The Archangel staggered back and Lucifer laughed. "It's been far too long since I last saw this place. Good thing your memory is so detailed Michael, otherwise I wouldn't be able to see Heaven."copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnQ4cFden1
"You have no business to be here." Michael seethed.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1Zz0FjBXg
Lucifer rolled his eyes and began to walk down the stairs. He stood before Michael and glared at him. "Stay your anger. You're far more temperamental than I remembered."copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CYay841kA
"What do you want?"copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1Y35bJjp7
"Samael has been replaced hasn't he?" Lucifer said as he began to pace in a circle around the Archangel, completely ignoring Michael's question. "That's a shame, he's a good soldier."copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN8km90GLY
"I know. Losing him wasn't easy." Michael snapped.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVAV683aao
Lucifer said nothing and stood still, regarding his brother curiously. His face became stern and devoid of any emotion. "He never told you did he?"copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnpJrvUaPk
"Tell me what?"copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡha7qvtzval
"There's another reason why God banished him from Heaven. It wasn't just his unfaithfulness to the Lord that caused his downfall."copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6g42nd5xn
"What is it?" Michael asked, feeling irritated at his fallen brother's vague way of speaking. "Out with it!"copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡujKT3bpYme
Lucifer looked disgusted. "Youj always claimed that the Archangels are quite perceptive of one another. If that is true, then tell me Michael, did you ever notice anything peculiar about Samael's behaviour towards you?"copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDpp3UTDp3
Michael bit the inside of his cheek and searched his mind frantically for anything that would have struck him as odd. The Archangel shook his head at a loss. "No, nothing I can recall." He gave Lucifer a weary look. "Just speak plainly Lucifer, I have no time for your poetic speech."copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTagXcDaib
"Very well, I'll spell it out for you quite plainly so that even a dunce such as yourself can understand," Lucifer snorted. "The other reason why your father wanted his own son gone so much was because of dear Samael's unhealthy infatuation with you."copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMuhGyt6wP
Michael shook his head in disbelief. "Samael told you this?"copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOtJexD8b3
"Really Michael, you're smarter than that. Think!"copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaWmqTy44R
Michael gaped at his enemy. "Samael already......?" He trailed off and averted his gaze away from Lucifer. No! It couldn't be true!copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBDJTkhnqO
Lucifer's smile was smug. "Exactly. Samael already had a black mark on his soul, he already had dark, twisted thoughts in his mind since the dawn of time dear brother. While you were too busy doting on humanity and clinging onto God's every word like a leech, Samael was left to fight with evil thoughts that he could barely control. He was doomed since the beginning of creation. Now what kind of so-called loving and just creator damns one of His own like that? That certainly isn't a loving thing to do."copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKDGuRe8Zp
"You're one to speak of love." Michael snapped but his words lacked their usual venom. His thoughts were too occupied with what Lucifer had told him. Poor Samael! Michael had naively overlooked the sombre air that always clung to Samel's being. How was he to know how Samael felt?copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbA8x12656
"Samael should have told me." Michael said softly, sounding sorrowful.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkIA4CUm0k
"And what would have happened? You would have rejected him since you're so loyal to your vows as an Archangel. You would never risk your power for the sake of another angel," Lucifer spat. "You were the first angel created and so you became an obedient dog, unable to think for yourself lest Daddy disapprove."copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd5OUAG8IF
"Since when did you have a conscience?" Michael snapped, his anger flaring at Lucifer's preaching.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUR83o96uf
The lord of darkness waved Michael's question away. "I speak the truth, believe me. When you see Samael in Babylon, ask him about it, and he'll tell you."copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrAV2FyW2y
Michael awoke with a start.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdLm1FWHOF
It was early morning, judging by the light filtering through the window. Azrael was still fast asleep, his chest slowly rising and falling with his steady breathing. Michael's arm felt as if there were thousands of tiny pins pricking the skin as he sat up. He stretched and thought how his calm surroundings were a balm to his dream.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmzevDCFJ7
Lucifer had spoke to him in a dream. That in itself wasn't distressing as angels and fallen angels alike could communicate to one another and humans through dreams. It was what Lucifer had said that caused Michael's stomach to twist into painful knots.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWyvSAaqxc
Michael remained on the floor for several minutes, mulling over the dream. He tried again to recall anything that Samael might have done or said that would have been suspect. Perhaps Samael's gaze lingered on Michael for too long and maybe his touch would remain on his brother's arms or hands for longer than was appropriate, maybe his jokes would be too morbid and sinister at times. But Michael couldn't be sure, he was starting to over analyze any memory he had of Samael.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOpLbrq89f
With a frustrated grunt, Michael stood up and went out into the street. copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwCnL70nNJ
Why would Lucifer tell him of such things? It was likely his aim was to throw Michael off course and confuse the Archangel, but what if it was true? Michael shook his head. Lucifer was a trickster and lied constantly to deceive both angel and human alike, however Michael couldn't deny how serious his fallen brother looked in the dream. Something nagged at Michael, telling him that Lucifer for once wasn't lying.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIG4dyFnZc
Perhaps he could ask Father for the truth, but would He be willing to answer? Michael couldn't be sure, he was constantly walking on thin ice with his creator, always playing the obedient servant whilst doubting and asking his master too many questions. It conjured much ridicule from other angels and annoyance from Father.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY1ZJcralA
Who could Michael confide in then? Uriel? He was away in Heaven and Michael certainly wasn't going to call his brother to earth over something so petty. Gabriel perhaps? No, Gabriel hated Samael too much to listen to anything about their fallen brother without sneering in disgust. Rahmiel would be willing to bend a sympathetic ear and listen but Michael doubted any of his brothers would understand the situation he was in.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡq862vRawfX
Michael snorted in annoyance. He didn't have time to be weighed down by such thoughts, he had a war to wage against his Father's enemies.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLFWPSuugu
Azrael came out into the street. "Michael? Are you alright?"copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQsIQcVhng
Michael forced himself to smile. "Yes of course."copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNpXPUPZr5
Azrael gave the Archangel a skeptical look but didn't press Michael further. "I should check on my angels." He said and bid Michael farewell.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGQCDFv7aL
The Archangel put his face in his hands in frustration. He was acting foolishly, allowing himself to get so worked up over a dream. If one of his other brothers were here they'd laugh at him and tell him to stop worrying so. It was so easy for the other Archangels but never for Michael.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRC4AshwJE
Michael threw his hands up in defeat. If humans could confide their woes to their creator why couldn't he? It was probably more of an annoyance to Father that he didn't speak of what was on his mind. He couldn't hide from Him even if he tried.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBsczh7ohy
The Archangel bowed his head and pressed his hands together in prayer. Father, Lucifer spoke to me in a dream. He had some troubling news for me but I cannot tell whether he was lying or telling the truth. Michael paused, considering his next words. Father, I don't know what to make of what Lucifer told me. Was he telling the truth about Samael?copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡtffkRSZn0a
Michael waited to see if he would get a response. Finally, a voice broke through his conscience. I know my son, I know. When thee goeth to Babylon, why don't thee ask Samael? I will make him listen.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C1LHBdY7X
Michael shrugged. I don't know if I am willing to face him and hear his words.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVy577newF
Don't be fearful of the truth Michael. Father chided.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0U2kMUk9V
Was Samael doomed from the start?copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡuixv3e7gdf
There was silence.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQaMWhTkwp
Father please. Answer me. Was Lucifer telling the truth?copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjpUmJGh4P
There was more silence before there was a small reply. Yes.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy8J3bYbrb
Michael flinched. Why wouldn't you heal Samael? Rid him of his obsession?copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF2ArZSljp
The answer is already known to you so why bother asking? Father's tone was scathing. It caused Michael's skin to prickle painfully as if he was being stuck with thousands of tiny needles. He grit his teeth in pain. copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjJad5UUmY
Father, of course, was right; Michael did know the reason already. If they were humans, Samael's idolatry of Michael would still be frowned upon, but they were angels and were called to be completely devoted to their creator. They couldn't divert whatever love and devotion they did have towards another. Samael had gone against that in the worst of ways; another sin which damned him.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡKywSiA3gLv
Pardon me Father. The pain finally went away and Michael could breath a sigh of relief.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡscbvNDuGYO
When Azrael and his angels have fully recovered their strength, Father said. Take them and thy angels to Babylon and destroy the heathen city along with Samael and all his angels.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5K8OUlUPgg
Michael hesitated at first then sighed. It didn't matter how Samael felt, the former Archangel would have to be destroyed either way. It shall be done my Lord. Michael replied.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1PkT8UXpG
Father seemed satisfied with that answer and left Michael, making no comment of the Archangel's hesitancy. Michael shook his head and went to find Azrael.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSSEnGiSmh
Heaven would soon get its revenge on Samael and his band of traitors.copyright protection174ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr1PgVbaLr
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