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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnXKFMdNCP

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUhh3hF1pD

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLC07A4f8M

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTDo5ScvZp

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VdavQZ3xx

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAqpHxNyFM

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3sI1ux80R

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOb1A7iYri

"You have no business to be here." Michael seethed.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCKLtfgB4W

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHG71QJJ1i

"What do you want?"copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAPmHt0zq1

"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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmGHE9LPLn

"I know. Losing him wasn't easy." Michael snapped.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNcKfEpFxY

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEH8XZXXYQ

"Tell me what?"copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJHYK6jLA5

"There's another reason why God banished him from Heaven. It wasn't just his unfaithfulness to the Lord that caused his downfall."copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzsAzdFb6U

"What is it?" Michael asked, feeling irritated at his fallen brother's vague way of speaking. "Out with it!"copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSPxG6CohB

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbvYvoFkTF

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡflUYXWBgzx

"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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cAzBs1Xp6

Michael shook his head in disbelief. "Samael told you this?"copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pgH94vfVy

​"Really Michael, you're smarter than that. Think!"copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCpwtRfV2L

Michael gaped at his enemy. "Samael already......?" He trailed off and averted his gaze away from Lucifer. No! It couldn't be true!copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTnbainzFx

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfPpcENL2q

"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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TPPnbUrqU

"Samael should have told me." Michael said softly, sounding sorrowful.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y3sniuzqi

"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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwwf3ggXK0

"Since when did you have a conscience?"  Michael snapped, his anger flaring at Lucifer's preaching.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2o2DSLCPz

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS3B8QqxO7

Michael awoke with a start.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgl1WaJVfw

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEgI9KghgQ

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhUCRgko7r

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4bcY3zp2h

With a frustrated grunt, Michael stood up and went out into the street. copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOJIKu8koO

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6p8CrcBt5

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCSVEkyyYj

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNlbxxwb12

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl63HKdmH2

Azrael came out into the street. "Michael? Are you alright?"copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVpnJPjuXf

Michael forced himself to smile. "Yes of course."copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JYz9JhdGl

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQEy6Hlgjt

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgyM46c0Jv

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡtttlklFqcy

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGQKR68KYd

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡedQNTHEd0c

Michael shrugged. I don't know if I am willing to face him and hear his words.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAElt6SDDs

Don't be fearful of the truth Michael. Father chided.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpQtnSQ9tD

Was Samael doomed from the start?copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbnON86a9N

There was silence.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NdEaodYKX

Father please. Answer me. Was Lucifer telling the truth?copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp3Tw7L3IT

There was more silence before there was a small reply. Yes.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJbhQEFZ7I

Michael flinched. Why wouldn't you heal Samael? Rid him of his obsession?copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNNLl3cDrQ

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr0BytqmY8

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuvIPcMo3x

Pardon me Father. The pain finally went away and Michael could breath a sigh of relief.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB6djt3tnb

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3vuWWqH08

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXdFYwxbE5

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 protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEhHrQx38z

Heaven would soon get its revenge on Samael and his band of traitors.copyright protection418ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEkCDFJpXA

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