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Lucifer falls alone. Words: 290; Title: SPN 4x10.

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ten thousand miles

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Michael stands at the very edge of Heaven, the sun in his eyes and the armies of Heaven at his back, sword bare in his hand, armor bloody and heart heavy. He can feel the ardent heat of his Father's anger burning above them, swooping in from above.

Two steps away from him, beyond the precipice, Sammael beats his wings, strong and hard, their brilliant white turned golden in the sunlight, stained red by blood. His sword is gone. He hangs there, alone against a legion, lost.

The war is over.

Michael reaches out with his free hand, begs, "Repent, brother, repent."

But the Morning Star, brightest of all angels, does not kneel before creatures of clay. Not for his Father. Not even for his brother. He shakes his head as the weight of God bears down on them and Michael raises his flaming sword, tears in his eyes.

Ready to do his Father's will and cast his favorite brother from Paradise.

But Sammael only smiles, brilliant and wild and beautiful and then he folds his wings with a snap.

And falls.

Michael lunges forward, letting go of his weapon, a scream ripping from his throat. Sammael plummets toward the world he hates, plummets with his wings folded and his arms spread, laughing.

He jumped so Michael would not have to push him.

Father's rage tapers off, becomes grief. The armies scatter to the winds, their purpose done. The war is over. The Morning Star is gone, his rebellion dead.

Michael stays at the edge a long time after Heaven falls silent once more. He whispers into the coming night, "I should have fallen with you, brother."

But he didn't.

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