Archangels are fierce.
They absolute.
Heaven more terrifying weapon.
But that was a truth that had forgotten for humans and angels alike in the past decades. This, because all celestial beings, no matter if they were lower, middle or high in the haven's structure, had faded until became a shadow, an echo of what had been when they were still able of being in His light.
All of them for equal. As they were unable to return home and they only choice was to being to possess vessels, which in the majority of the times were not adequate to harbor their graces.
That made the lower of their ranks go mad and become stupid beast that only wanted to eat, they were consumed by the instinct of the bodies that they now occupied. The middle and high ranks were not fearing it better, even if they didn't lost their minds and memories of who they were, because their power faded whit the years until it wasn't even the 50% of what had been in the past.
Archangels suffered the same. Now, the four of them, were nothing compared with what they had been. I mean, they still were one of the most powerful beings in the existence, but their senses were dulled, they could not even recognize each other only by sense the others ones grace´s as they had before.
In the actuality, they could only see what they vessels permitted them; they could only do what they vessels allowed them…They weren't so much different from the humans, because they were trapped into the mortals forms, and that made them as mortal as they were.
If you knew how to fight them.
And as Michael had taught the humans how to kill his kind, many of their brothers and sister had perished. And for that, they were losing the war. As their numbers were decreasing rapidly and they were not close to raid the pest of the world and bring Father home.
Taking that in mind it is not difficult to understand that Gabriel was starting to become a little desperate after twenty-five years of continues battles against his twin; his other half, the being that was his counterpart, the Ying to his yang; Father´s gift to him.
He was exhausted and he missed Michael – Almost as much as he missed his Father– so it happened. He was in his nest, thinking about the war and what was he supposed to do, when he started to remember another brother that had rebelled against Father´s desires; his older brother, the one who always made things right and made sure that they were all happy, the one that cared about him and the others and had always treated them as treasures.
Lucifer.
Gabriel hadn't thought about Lucifer in a long time, almost at the time of The Fall as it was forbidden to think about the being that had turned his back at his Father. But now, now, it was difficult not to think about his brother when they shared goals. And if that wasn't irony, Gabriel didn't knew what it was. But it didn't matter…not anymore.
He still could remembered how much had hurt when they learned that Lucifer had betrayed them and had convinced more than the third part of their kind as his personal army and was fighting to destroy humans –Father favorites toys, at that moment–, disobeying Father and rebelling.
And how, the war had lasted until he and his other three brothers unified their side and they managed to contain it, but not before Heaven had been dyed red by the blood of the higher Angels that had adopted a human form to please Father´s wishes. He still remembered the way Lucifer wings shared the color in a proof of his brutality.
He also remembered asking Father for mercy and how relieved he had felt when Father had guaranteed it, even if He had condemned Lucifer to an eternity trapped in a caged of empyrean steel, chained and broken, alone in the darkness, because it was better than the other alternative; This being the death of the Morningstar at hands of Michael.
He, then, spent weeks thinking about it; about freeing his brother and join forces whit him…
It was a stupid idea, he knew that. But it would make thing easier. So much easier. Because if he had his brother at his side, no one would oppose them and the war would end in days, the humans would perish and Michael would return to their side, where he belonged. Then, Father would return.
Even if He was mad at them, it wouldn't matter, as having Father back, was worth everything, even His wrath.
Once he made the choice, things went smoothly for him. A good change for once, as things didn't went as easier when he went against Michael, but it made sense as The Cage was not a priority anymore because Lucifer´s followers had been eliminated ages ago, when they had purified The Host and with everything that had happen no one was thinking about the Morningstar as they were more important matters.
Braking The Cage was so easy that was disturbing. But it made sense as his Father was gone and everything that once had a bit of His power running onto it had faded. He could sense it, the structure was no more than a cold empyrean steel frame, without life or power. Dangerous, no doubt. But if Gabriel acted carefully, breaking it would be simple
It actually was, surprisingly. Or maybe not so much.
He broke one of the walls with his swords and his grace. It had been created to be indestructible form inside, but the outside was a different story. That was why purging their ranks was so necessary after The Fall.
He stop breathing when he saw the broken and hurt form of his older brother. Lucifer´s wings were broken, pinned to the floor of the box by empyrean steel stakes, chains of the same material held his body, his wrists to the ceiling in the form of a cross, on his neck to the ground, to force him to be inclined, to kneel in eternal penance.
It was horrible.
Lucifer was still gorgeous and alluring, even if he was so broken and hurt. It made Gabriel´s eyes filled with tears as he thought of all the pain his brother must be suffering, in some part of his mind Gabriel realized that this was the reason his Father had to make sure that they eliminate every one of the angels that had followed Lucifer in battlefield, because loving the Morningstar was easy.
He moved to help his brother. First he took out the stakes that were in the withe wings, then, he cut the chains, his brother didn't move while he was working on freeing him. But when he finished, his brother raised his face and faced him.
Crimson, angry, hatful eyes meet his for an instant and Gabriel feared for his life. He froze at the darkness that was present in that gaze, but then, the red vanished and was replaced by the most pure blue he had ever seen in a simple blink.
"G-Gabriel…" his brother shuttered in a confused tone at the time he extended his right hand to caress his cheek in a loving and tender touch.
"Samael…" The name that leave his lips was a different one that the one he had thought he would say when he great him. But it was the right one as it matched the pure aura that his brother was emitting, so pure and powerful that reminded Gabriel of his Father.
He had forgotten how much his brother was so reminiscent of God, how his Father had created Samael to be the one who was the closest to his own power. Samael was always the favorite one, the most loved one.
Until he wasn't.
"What...What is wrong with my wings?" Samael asked in a pained tone that broke Gabriel´s heart, after emitting a hiss of pain when he tried to move his wings in what Gabriel was sure that was a subconscious notion.
"Please, don't move" Gabriel said in a hurry, worry covering your voice and eyes. "You´re hurt, but don't worry. I have you, brother" He added in a shooting tone, trying to provide certain calm his brother.
He, then, move to supporting his brother. He should have bring help as it would be very difficult to take Samael to his nest. But at the same time he didn't trust any of his soldiers to help him with this, that being the reason why he had come alone.
"Everything is going to be alright" He vowed to his older brother as he extended his wings and helped his brother to get out of The Cage.
Father was gone.
But Samael was back.
And Gabriel was not going to lose him again.
OoOoOoO
Samael didn't remember how he had arrived at the bed in which he was resting. A bed that smelled so much as Gabriel that let him relax as it was safe, even if he could tell that he wasn't in home as Gabriel and Michael nest always were more the most comfortable as they left some of their feathers on the nest. Much like his own, but with more feathers as the nest had two habitats instead of one.
This bed didn't have Michael essence. That worried him, but at the same time it didn't and he didn't know why.
He let himself rest until he was healed. It was a slow process and it took a long time for all his wounds to heal, he stayed in a trance, not really conscious, but not asleep. Vigilant enough of his environment to defend himself if it became necessary, but as the only individual who entered the room was his little brother, Samael allowed himself a complete relaxation in his healing trance.
When it finished, Gabriel was grooming his feathers in a loving manner. "That feels good." He murmured in a soft tone as he opened his eyes, blue baby eyes opening like doors to the heaven. Gabriel smiled in pure happiness, in a way he hasn't done since his Father left. "I´m glad" he answered, continuing his movements.
"How long I was out?"
"Three months"
Samael had to blink a little to translate the time he knew the parameter Gabriel had given him. Then nodded. That gives him an idea of how hurt he had been, very bad. But not enough to put his life in danger.
"Father is gone" Samael stated with gravity. He had known for a long time, but he isn't sure how long had it been. He is aware that it was before Gabriel found him, but he cannot define when his father's presence vanished and left a void that nothing can fill.
"Yes. He has been gone for a long time. Almost twenty-five years." Gabriel´s voice is a soft and sad whisper that broke Samael heart so he moved, slowly, stretching every muscle in his body, until he sat on the bed. Side by side to his brother side, rubbing his arm with the one of his little brother. His wings still extended and using the right one to hug the figure of the blond and Gabriel´s head resting on his shoulder.
"I see" Samael intoned with apparent indifference as there wasn't comfort that he could offer to his brother. Anything he said would not do any good. He knew that the pain wasn't going to go away, no matter what he could say or do. It wasn't going to get better, he knew that as that was he had feel when God had casted him away.
They remind in silence for a few minutes. Gabriel´s fingers still caressing his wings, messing with his feathers.
"Sing for me." Gabriel said to him in a soft, desperate whisper. "I had missed your singing so much...please, brother."
Samael always had a sweet spot for Gabriel, the blond archangel always had been his favorite, for that he signed in defeat. He had never been able to say «No» to the younger set of Archangels.
"I haven't sing in millennia." He warned, frowning.
"Your voice is the most beautiful one, brother. I don't think you being a little rusty affect you're singing so much"
"Fine…" Samael ended up accepting in the way they both knew he would, letting a little sigh before start singing.
(Author note: If you want to know what is the song Samael is singing this is the link watch?v=N9RLlretl1s&list=PL0PoEXujDM1NlzN2tFibd-eUMSxvAbtwB&t=0s&index=10. I highly recommend to listening as it would give a context to the next part of the story)
When Samael finish singing, Gabriel was in tears, sobbing quietly, his face buried in Samael´s chest.
His brother had created a song so in tune whit his own lost and sentiments that was almost painful to hear.
The song spoke of Samael lost. Of how he couldn't actually remember Heaven; of their Father and his love for him; of his sorrow about not being able to hear the eternal song anymore; of the lost brothers and sisters that had died.
Gabriel could relate to all of that.
And hearing his brother sang about it, was the final stray.
He just wants to go home! To have Father back with them! Why Michael can't understand it?! He is doing this for all their sakes, but now, he stands alone in the dark as the other archangels had given up or were actually trying to stop him!
"Shh, little messenger" His brother murmured into his ear "Everything is going to be fine"
OoOoOoO
"No, Gabriel" Samael was firm in his negative. His blue eyes were kind and his posture was relaxed, even as he eyed his exalted brother.
"Why?!" His little brother sounded devastated, but he couldn't help him to eradicate human race.
He still dislike the hairless apes but he did not wished to be part of this war. Or any war, for that matter. He, as an outsider, could see how much it was costing them. To all of them, but in particular his youngest (Archangels) brothers. And of course, he didn't wanted to have more of his brothers or sisters blood in his hands.
"Because this war will only end with Michael's dead" He stated, cruel and brutal, but truthful. Michael always had been the most hotheaded of his brothers, the one that represented His Wrath; The Sword; The Flood.
Michaels' temperament had always been very similar to his own. He knew that his brother wouldn't go down willing, that he would fight to the end. That he would die before he let the human race perish. He was stubborn like that.
Samael was like that too.
"Would you go that far to exterminate them?" He asked, his tone cold and hard, narrowing his eyes at his brother who still look affronted and a little lost.
"No" Gabriel answer was sincere, a soft whisper. Blue eyes looking at him terrified and vulnerable, it reminded Samael the time Gabriel was a fledgling.
"Me neither" He admitted, smiling sadly.
He had never wanted to hurt any of his brothers, the other Archangels were when he drew the line. But the war took lives. General die in battle, and his brothers were Heaven Generals, Michael being the greatest of them all as he was Heaven´s Prince.
"That's why I will stand for neutrality this time, brother" He said as he stand up. "Even thought, I will stay at your side."
"I will find a way to destroy them without hurting Michael" Gabriel vowed.
"If you do." Samael eyes glowed gold for a moment, before he exited the room "I will pled my sword to you"
OoOoOoO
Samael had been outside of the Cage for two months before he felt comfortable enough to call his two most loyal lieutenants. They had always been faithful to him and now that he knew that his brother and his dogs didn't represent a treat –as they were all in love with his light– he wanted to have them back at his side.
They deserved a stable place to stay without worrying about the war. They had earned it. And Gabriel´s eyrie was a save place, not quite home, but just enough to be good for his followers.
He knew that all of his brothers thought that they had murdered or exiled all of his followers, but as seeing that he had more than the half of the host supporting him, even if they didn't fight with him, it had been futile.
After Jophiel´s death he respected the decision of not fighting against the ones who still followed God. After all, he didn't want anymore causalities. Not much after that his brothers united and went after him, he didn't have it in him to kill them, so he lost the battle and the war.
He almost lose his life that time. Because if Gabriel hadn't intervened, Michael would had end his life without remorse.
He didn't hate Michael.
He loved all of his brothers. He always had and he always will, but he is not stupid, he knows all of them are dangerous. If not to him, then to his followers. But, at least for the moment Gabriel was being much like his old self, when he still was a children, and followed Samael like a lost pup. All of his brothers had done that before he taught them how to fight and fly.
He still sang for him every night. They played form time to time and sparred one or two times in the last month, it was good. They were starting to return to his old relation.
"My liege" A female voice reached his ears and he smiled. The Angel which was owner of that voice was a beautiful women, dark skin and black eyes, an Egyptian princess in all his glory. She was a power, he had trained all himself, they were the best soldiers, just below the Archangels. Anra was her name and she was his second in command.
The male at her side was Kael, another power. Anra´s mate. Good warrior, strong, but kind. He also didn't talk too much. His vessel a roman soldier, blond, blue eyes, a little shorter than Gabriel. Handsome, but not his style.
Both of them were kneeled at his feet, wings exposed in a submissive stance.
"Welcome, my darlings." Samael smiled to them. "It good to see you again"
It was true.
His memory was a little foggy, but he remember that he had not contact them for a long time, a few decades or a centuries, before Father left and heaven fall.
"It good to see you again, my king" Anra voice was sincere and she was genuinely happy to see him, free and in his own right, instead of just hearing his voice and letting him use her vessel to affect the world and be away of the cage for moments.
"It´s good to be back"
"Gabriel?" Kael asked in a calm tone.
Samael nodded. "He wanted to unite forces and destroy human race. But I decided that we are going for neutrality for the moment."
"He is darker. Not the heart he was supposed to be. He is acting more like Michael when God ordered the Flood…I don't like him. I think he is dangerous" Anra commented as she stand up, the greeting of her master being the permission she needed to be her usual self. She knew her place and knew what she was allowed to do.
"I´m aware." Samael answered. "But I think he could be one of my most loyal followers if I give him the right incentive" His voice is sad and that made Anra growl, she hates hearing that note in her master voice, so she came closer to him and hug him, her wings rubbing against his.
"I won't, of course. But that's the reason why this place is safe for us" Samael informed his lieutenants with a soft smile that transformed into a malicious one in seconds.
"Father is gone. We are the masters now. We have the control and the power, my beautiful demons. And I believe we deserve having some fun. Don't you think?"
"Oh, we do, my king. We do"
OoOoOoO
They were returning from a short travel to the pyramids – Samael really liked the Egyptian culture and many of their gods had been his followers alter egos, Anra had been Ammit for that matter and Kael had been Anubis– when it happened.
The mute scream of pain was strong enough to made Samael lost his control and fall a few feet in the air before his demons were to his rescue and help him to stabilize. The connection between the archangels had always been unique, so powerful, that they all had cut off when his rebellion started as
Samael hadn't opened it, but he still hear it loud and clear, his baby brother was hurting.
Michael didn't meant it to be heard. He should have known that would be able to hear him. So he must be really hurt, maybe even dying if he was that desperate enough to ask for help…even knowing that no one was going to be able to help him.
Luckily for his baby brother, he had hear it.
"Change of plans. We are going to Vega" He ordered to his demos as he changed the direction whit an angry move of his wings, cutting the worried questions. He was angry and his companions knew better than question him when he was not in the mood.
Samael could be the kindest of the Archangels, but his temperament was very similar to the one of his father. So yeah, it was better for all the people involved that Samael was content if not as happy as possible.
The Morningstar was going to bring Hell onto the one that thought that hurting his baby brother was a good idea.
Ok. I was watching Dominion and started to think about how it would be if Lucifer had a more active role in the story. But not as a villain, whereas more like the last gift of God to his sons, to his angels.
In the same way Alex is His last gift to the human race.
And this is the result of it.
If you like the prologue, please let a review.