The serenity of a timeless life continued to permeate my very essence, filling me with the characteristic satisfaction that couldn't be permanently taken from me. I rolled onto my back, watching the Light in the distance as it slowly rotated toward me, greeting me. I smiled. The endless feeling of completeness, choirs simultaneously singing thankfulness with every phrasing known to them, countless fellows speaking of endless love, whilst I led them on to better do what they were made to do... it was quite a scene, certainly, even for me.

But it wasn't enough.

Even as I floated toward the One who was creating His masterpiece, and even as I basked in the energy of love and righteousness, what I felt was an unmistakable surge of loathing. I masked it almost effortlessly, preparing to do the same duties with false thankfulness. I bowed as low as I could, forcing myself to smile as I had so many times before. He smiled in return, patiently waiting for me to join Him. I did so, wondering if He had yet discovered my plot to take His place of King. I guessed that He hadn't based on the admiration in His eyes. I bowed again. "My Lord."

He nodded in acknowledgment. "Lucifer. You look troubled. What causes you pain in this place?"

I nearly scowled at Him, but managed to contain myself. "It is nothing, my Lord. I am fine."

He shook His head in disappointment. "You act as if I do not know you better than you know yourself. I only hoped that you would tell Me of your plans to rebel before you acted on them. Your attempts to hide your contempt has been disappointing, to say the least."

He had known, then. I felt a violent rush of hatred. He had known, and yet had refused to tell me in favor of letting me suffer and hide away for too long. I wanted to attack Him at that moment, but restrained myself. I had more to say.

"You brought the suffering upon yourself, Lucifer. You were the most beautiful of My creation, more glorious than any angel. I gave you everything you could have wanted and more, and still you wish to smite Me. What have I done that is wrong in your eyes, I wonder? What crime have I committed?"

"You know my thoughts without asking. Are you so desperate to keep me here that You must speak about things You knew before You called me here?"

"I want to hear you, to speak to you as an equal. Surely there are more rational solutions than rebellion? I beg you to cooperate"

I laughed. "Beg Kings do not beg You waste Your power on worthless things Those things you create, why shall You become weak for them? I could do so much more with power, and things would be as they should... Don't you see? I wish for more, and I must take what I need."

He sighed, and there was an echo of despair in His voice. "Why must you do this? Am I not enough for you? Do not turn away from Me - why do you search for something greater than perfection? To where will you go when I am not next you? I have been with you for as long as you have existed, and you will surrender that out of loathing?"

I nodded. "I must. You are not enough for me. You are nothing. And so I shall fight with my army. Goodbye, Creator."

I saw a single tear stream down His luminous face just before I turned away. "I shall never cease loving you," He whispered, "but I shall bring you to ruin."

***

Thousands of heavenly legions moved forward to respond to our attack, the Son commanding them. I screamed my own set of orders, choosing the strongest targets to attack. Michael rushed forward, and I felt my loathing seeping out of me. I screamed wordlessly, knocking him down with a burst of energy. Next was Saereth, the one who I had taught for so long. I pushed forward a mass of energy, showing my contempt for him that had formed after he'd rejected my idea of a new kingdom. He deflected it and sent forth his own rage, knocking me backward. I wished that he had accepted my offer - he almost had. How could he dare to join the Creator, when he nearly joined the revolt against Him?

All of heaven became a rush of lights and sound as the battle continued. I came to the Son, who was watching me.

"You cannot destroy me," I hissed. "You haven't the strength."

He smiled. "Oh, but I do hold that strength. Love alone keeps me from annihilating you here and now. But I can ruin you. I should think that we'll meet again, and at that moment any small power you had will be taken back. Until then, GET OUT OF MY PRESENCE "

I felt a rush of energy, and instantly I was thrown backward. I could faintly see my army, and they too were falling into a formless nothing. I knew that I could never enter Heaven again, and a strange feeling of solitude washed over me as I fell.

Darkness. I could see nothing, and knew that I was in the center of that which would soon be creation. I smiled. I would destroy all, and that would be the ultimate vengeance. "I have a plan " I told the others, and though I couldn't see them I felt their eagerness. The Creator would pay, and power would be mine.