Author's note: As said in the summary, the story is set before Lucifer's declaration of war against Heaven. Mentions of Biblical characters are included.

Paragraphs in italics reflect Michael's point of view and they are chronologically advanced compared to the story, constituting a musing.

Complications

Chapter 1

" We loved in a time before the fall..."

How can Heaven love me, Sarah Brightman & Chris Thompson

No matter what they ever said, it had not been difficult to feel love for you.

Beyond the honest admiration you had evoked from all the angels, I know that the day you reached out to me, when you admitted to yourself that more than anything else you needed someone to talk to and dared to confide me a small part of your heart, a secrecy of your uniqueness... I loved you. I did, while you may were fearing that I would show contempt or reprove you... You were expecting that I would silence you, dismissing your presence with anger.

Perhaps you had not understood that I was never the one who would judge you. For anything. Advice has always been what I could offer, even if you wouldn't listen... Besides, the gift of free will was bestowed upon all of us, on you and me.

And that's how the consequences of our decisions and actions, at any time or occasion, weigh heavily on us... And sooner or later, the burden spreads to those who are close as well.

Michael was full of inner contentment and peace after a long day consisted of long series of tasks. The time was flowing like an unstoppable stream while it seemed to hold great incidents and remarkable phenomena in store, all well-planned by the Maker Himself, rendering life the most breathtaking journey through wisdom and wonder. Not all of the cosmos had acquired its final shape and it lacked total consonance with the Word... Amounts of the ungovernable chaos were not yet carved by the Almighty's creative hand.

Voids were gradually becoming parts of a meaningful unity, grace was being distributed across the universe like a soft froth of waves. A perfect, colourful inlay was being revealed in unfaltering pace and the angels had an active role in the process as assisting technicians; They were the superior creations, entities with such level of instilled intelligence and perception that allowed them to be sharp, respectful observers of the majestic construction as well as the powerful force of the Maker.

The Archangel never felt exhausted. Instead, his enthusiasm was constantly vivid, his interest in everything that could be seen, heard or felt around him was like an inextinguishable spark... He could also sense vaguely that the event which would bring him the greatest happiness, the one that would cause the most profound admiration and warm reverence had not yet come.

The anticipation that this heartfelt suspicion stirred inside him was sweet, strengthening and softening his soul at the same time.

Each day, Michael praised the Lord for the wonderful world He was granting and His gifts; The amazing friends he had beside him, the depth of thinking, beauty of form and freedom of the will... Everything Father had done so far was most pleasant while the knowledge that the angels received through the study of cosmos could elevate their spirit to heights that their wings alone could not. Because flying without insight was more like a blind course of movements.

He carefully arranged the long fabric of his crimson, close-fitting robes as he knelt on the smooth, wooden floor of his ascetic room. There he practised his personal contemplation after the daily completion of his duties; The wide, unhindered view he enjoyed, the vast sky, the series of hills and the sight of clear sea, inspired him towards that activity. Inside that room lied little furniture, exactly as he preferred; A desk for studying, a simple yet comfortable chair close to the balcony door and a bed. The last was not often useful to him. The other areas of the house were composed of a magnificent library filled with scrolls and books, a larger room intended for gatherings which either regarded teaching or discussing subjects of duty and a spacious field for combat training. It was known among the angelic community that Michael was gifted with a particular military talent and bravery. And lastly, the gem of the residence was a broad, colourful garden where the Archangel had grown a multitude of flowers, shrubs and trees, all by himself.

While he was ready to begin a prayer, with eyes that shone as they gazed towards the sky, he sensed the coming of a visitor though the second barely made any noise and appeared to move with noble discretion, consciously trying not to disturb. Then again, the steps were steady and sure as they covered the distance.

" May I pass?"

The sound of the voice seemed to Michael like it could make the solitary atmosphere of his room disperse.

" Yes." He answered without changing his previous position, except of the clasped hands which were currently lying on his lap. His back was still opposite to the entrance.

The fresh scent of thalassic wind mixed with the early morning breeze of summer embraced the angel's senses till the depths of his being. He eventually rose to his feet and turned to look at the visitor...

The light of your existence and the blessing I saw in you, were the firm reminder that the hands of God which created you -the firstborn- possessed an undeniable skill, a love so unthinkable that could only be perceived as endless. " That's why He made you, the way you are" I was thinking; To have an inkling of His glory before our eyes at all times. It was enough to look at you and adore our Maker even more.

" We didn't manage to see each other for a very long time. I am glad you were able to come, Lucifer."

An enigmatic expression shaded his face as he smiled calmly, " Me too." He asserted. Michael was always mindful of the small and obscure communicative aspects conveyed through the light bearer's expressive face which often suggested some unknown depths in his character.

Lucifer, the chief Archangel, was entrusted with the duty of guarding the gates of the organised, created world which was divided from darkness and chaos, two prominent features of the plains of universe that continued to be shapeless and raw like a precious stone buried in sand. Together with his hosts, he protected Heaven from any unpredictable factor that could penetrate and effect the refined work of their Father. Each of the Archangels also undertook the specific task according to systematic shifts, but Lucifer had openly showed a major preference in that post and willingly insisted on working there more than scheduled. His interest concentrated on testing his mettle compared to unknown forces of nature, measuring his strength against the essence of dark and trying to hone and perfect his own abilities and power. Although such challenges did not arise very often, Lucifer was always ready and eager to answer them.

Michael was not that fond of such engagements, despite being an expert in the art of fight. His attention was mainly attracted to creative manifestations rather than the destructive ones. The task on which he loved to dedicate himself was the education of his angels, on military practice and theological study as well.

In the meantime, he noted the face of his guest who chose to sit at the desk... It was difficult to tell whether his look hinted an indication of tiredness or an outer sign of thoughts pressing upon his mind. Mystery was among the dominant traits concerning his personality.

Somehow your moments of silence never felt like a temporary disconnectedness between us... Your quietness never scared me, never troubled or caused me to think that something wasn't going right... And that, later, proved to be a carelessness on my part...

" I have a problem." The light bearer stated eventually. A blond, shining lock of hair nearly hid one part of his face and an eye as he raised his chin. The candlelight was forming interesting shapes of shadows on his complexion while the two companions spoke.

" What is it?"

" I am not pleased with myself." He added in the same blunt style and tone. He lowered his head consideringly and Michael thought that he may had to wait a bit before hearing the rest, but he was wrong.

" My colours are not in accord with who I am. My appearance has to change; I need to have dark-coloured wings like yours or Gabriel's and darker hair."

Presently, his enormous, wonderfully shaped wings were pure white, adorned with many different types of precious stones, all gifts from Father, which created a dazzling, symmetrical pattern as a whole. No other angel had embroidered jewels on their wings. His hair was blond and his skin pale as Michael's, while his eyes had a particular hue of grey, alike to that of a smooth pebble close to a seacoast, melded with an intense blue.

Michael was much surprised at first to hear such an uncommon view. He could support the belief that no one else ever dwelt on the subject, questioning the qualities of their appearance.

" Lucifer, any angel is a supreme creation and it is interesting that nobody is exactly alike with another or deprived of good characteristics or lacking in harmony. The subtle differences between us are there to define the special identity of each one." He explained in his usual, serene tone.

" I don't disagree with that." The downright angel responded more calmly, influenced by his friend's tone. " The matter is personal, not collective." He stood up and headed near the window to look outside. A refined hand drew the curtain aside slowly. " Consider this; Since I was named after a celestial body that shows its splendour during the night and reaches the peak of its brightness a few moments before the break of dawn, shouldn't my dominant colour be darker? I think I will ask Father to alter me."

The prudent Archangel was amused with the last sentence, but not in a derisive way. Lucifer scowled immediately as he detected a tenuous mirth in the companion's light blue eyes, feeling somewhat exposed.

As though he sensed his mood, Michael spoke, " I listened to what you said... And I honestly believe you are beautiful. Your colours are not incongruous with your shine, so I cannot find a reason why you should change."

" Because..." He began to utter, in a low voice, " I see that I am not fully in peace inside... Therefore, the way I look is not truthful."

The light bearer avoided eye contact as the fellow angel came closer and gripped both of his arms gently, " Whatever is on your mind, remember that you are not alone." His voice was clear and whispering, " Do not deprive me of the chance to help you in any problem. I might not be able to resolve the distressing situation right away but I am willing to listen and do all I can to remove your agitation."

" Generous..." The cryptic angel muttered, not sure if he was feeling safe or trapped in Michael's caring grip, proximity and words. He also became nearly discomposed, finding that his heart was both warm and afraid of the words.

Lucifer wanted to tell him that it wasn't easy to reveal more at the moment. Then he thought that he was going to be unprepared for any reaction and especially any further show of strong and true concern. The realisation cast a sudden weariness on his spirit and caused a loss of determination...

A shiny foot stepped back and then the main body followed. His white chiton rustled quietly as he moved away in a smooth and agile manner. The absence of the touch was surprisingly palpable, as though he was wounded and cold... He looked at the door from which he entered and the distance appeared too long to him. Somehow, he did not really want to leave, yet he hesitated to be too close to Michael.

If the owner of the residence finally made the decision to escort him out, he would be free of his dilemma, it would be easier. He didn't; He was just standing there, not staring with annoyance or impatience, or even complaining that his hours of repose were interrupted.

The impression or rather the feeling produced by that notion was... indescribable. Too new. And him, painfully inexperienced to handle it.

Tiredness overcame any last defences.

Seeking to gain at least a minimum of control over his voice, he spoke as steady as possible, pointing at a certain piece of furniture, " Michael, is it alright if I use this bed? I need a little rest."

" Sure." The unexpected request perplexed the warrior greatly, but it did not worry him. He hoped that this would make Lucifer feel better, relieving some of the unknown, inner weight that occupied his mind.

Michael watched the secretive angel affectionately as he lied on one side curving the wings in such a way that they would wrap his form comfortably.

The light bearer had relaxed and paid no attention to the fellow Archangel's movements inside the room. He only raised his head curiously when he felt something light resting upon him... It seemed that Michael had set a cotton blanket over the lower side of his body which mostly remained uncovered by the protection of wings compared to the torso. A brief, pure amusement grazed Lucifer's face but the provider of the blanket did not notice because he was already away from the bed, kneeling on the floor and appeared to be resuming his prayer and meditation.

The scene stirred thoughts and questions and the lying angel considered the present occasion as ideal to probe them... He had to clear out what he was capable of sharing and what not. To understand why his spirit was not in a tranquil state, such as Michael's... Where did this agitation have its source? And those emotions that kindled previously, eliciting both comfort and storms, what they meant exactly and could they help him find peace?

No matter how eager he was to search for answers, an activity that generally appealed to him, his consciousness was turning off the waking awareness...

And the blurry image of a serene Michael being in focus was the last one before he fell asleep.