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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡH12nMykptt
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx42Po1QZs
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB8hAPAsyf
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoRA75S1me
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw4mJJQ7dd
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK5KspWNey
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡskC3ocpiNc
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf8ynrbndW
"You have no business to be here." Michael seethed.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsKI58XxsE
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SP2SndJSx
"What do you want?"copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRvLIlZt1c
"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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiiECxsMFv
"I know. Losing him wasn't easy." Michael snapped.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAYbu1wDeS
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzTjrz7Qxx
"Tell me what?"copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP14lWTnYe
"There's another reason why God banished him from Heaven. It wasn't just his unfaithfulness to the Lord that caused his downfall."copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyhL5Zx6dc
"What is it?" Michael asked, feeling irritated at his fallen brother's vague way of speaking. "Out with it!"copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqfNNz3fi7
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnOdESobwL
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpxV2bcgXZ
"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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQZRJOegYW
Michael shook his head in disbelief. "Samael told you this?"copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnxNQhRLsj
"Really Michael, you're smarter than that. Think!"copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W1Ko8gubM
Michael gaped at his enemy. "Samael already......?" He trailed off and averted his gaze away from Lucifer. No! It couldn't be true!copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LhjLaYIRb
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyeq654YCD
"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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6hZdPY1mk
"Samael should have told me." Michael said softly, sounding sorrowful.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd91RXYSjb
"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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aa5yJwVYb
"Since when did you have a conscience?" Michael snapped, his anger flaring at Lucifer's preaching.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKjd1ZIVLP
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYWb4mFUY3
Michael awoke with a start.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfCA4apMrj
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEq20UOqmz
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5eFuAgdBF
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYnyJy7zks
With a frustrated grunt, Michael stood up and went out into the street. copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94tmOJZoF3
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XXS7uozRx
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h9B2PfyjT
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrw6Ik84g5
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQIq9A2h1b
Azrael came out into the street. "Michael? Are you alright?"copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwAjbAMpri
Michael forced himself to smile. "Yes of course."copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZICujt7Du
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx78094QeQ
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoWvkywqQr
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fWVOLrVnT
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29xh68JPo6
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDKK3NK6SA
Michael shrugged. I don't know if I am willing to face him and hear his words.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU04m20y27
Don't be fearful of the truth Michael. Father chided.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I791mviEe
Was Samael doomed from the start?copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kPHqoFgVU
There was silence.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9piTqFl3W
Father please. Answer me. Was Lucifer telling the truth?copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡavdpNMDjHR
There was more silence before there was a small reply. Yes.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJi0Aa6c7U
Michael flinched. Why wouldn't you heal Samael? Rid him of his obsession?copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCIJ5wbNQa
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡX27YkUaySV
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22Szte8VbE
Pardon me Father. The pain finally went away and Michael could breath a sigh of relief.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMlgPLVp7s
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOJnvIZwPu
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7Voy2OBJy
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 protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3bPGCvkHJ
Heaven would soon get its revenge on Samael and his band of traitors.copyright protection416ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGtSVL7qlb
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