They had learned a long time ago that the two little ones wouldn't go to sleep without a cuddle and a hold from one of their elder brothers, not that Michael or Lucifer minded, they were thoroughly wrapped around the little boys fingers and they knew it too.

But it was also increasingly hard to look dignified with a ball of little feathers cradled in your arms, as Lucifer was beginning to find out.

God smiled down at his two sons, his eyes fond and gentle as he gazed down at little Raphael. The fledgling had had a hard long day of learning to begin his Healing and had taken refuge in his big brothers arms it had seemed. He watched tenderly as he gently rocked him in his arms, staring straight at his Father as if this was not the first time this had occurred.

"But Father...What if..."

It had been a long tiring battle against the darkness. God and his Archangels, their fiercest warriors battling with everything they had against their Lord and Father's sister. She had fought just as hard, dirty even, and it had gotten to the point where God had ordered for all his youngest children to be locked away in the Garden until they could be sure they were safe, and that included having to lock Gabriel and Raphael inside the Garden with the Gardeners and Guardians.

It had been the hardest thing that his Archangels had had to do in the battle (despite fighting the battle itself) leaving their youngest two brothers, closing the door behind them as they looked down at their red puffy faces and blood shot eyes and Gabriel's grabey hands for one of them to pick him up.

Amara had been vicious, but he had been able to defeat her, weaken her to the point of locking her away. Cuffs locked around her throat and wrists, attached to her waist. Her mouth had been covered to prevent her from speaking whilst the Light took his sons away and went about freeing his children. Raphael and Gabriel had stood frozen in the door way of their big brothers rooms at the sight of them in their beds, covered in bandages and bruises. He had stood behind them, watching carefully as little Gabriel had choked on a small baby sob and squeezed his big brothers hand harder. Michael and Lucifer had woken up after they heard the small sob, their ears like radars when it came to their baby's. They beckoned them over.

Little Gabriel settling in Michael's lap, snuggling into his chest as he muttered about hugging him better, Michael smiled dotingly at the baby archangel, pulling him closer, breathing his scent and grace in as he settled back into his pillows, comfortable now that he had his precious baby brother in his arms.

Lucifer had scooped Raphael up into his arms as soon as the little Healer in training had made it to his bed side. Cuddling the boy close and assuring him that they would be ok. Raphael had sniffled and placed his little hands on his big brothers booboo's and squinted his little eyes, tiny pink tongue sticking from his mouth as his little hands began to emit a pale blue glow. He healed the small bruise on his big brothers arms, peeking out to see if he had actually did it. Lucifer snuggled the boy close congratulating him and whispering words of pride and love into his ear.

Over the heads of their baby brothers they whispered their fears of their Aunt, and how they were scared she would come back and come after Gabriel and Raphael and all the other young ones. How she would corrupt them and they would have to take them down with her.

God had spent the entire night trying to assure his oldest sons that their fears were only that; Fears.

"I know My Morningstar, but you are the only one I can trust to be the lock to her prison, please my child, you know I would never force this upon you, but this may be the only way."

Lucifer frowned slightly, gazing down at his beloved little brother as he slept curled into his chest. He would hate himself if he refused this and she somehow made it out to attack his beloved little brothers, he wouldn't be able to live with himself if that happened.

His little brother made up his mind for him, and the blonde archangel nodded his head as he returned his gaze to his father.

"I'll do it Dad, for them, I'll take the mark for them"

God smiled sadly at his beloved son, hating to have to ask this of him, beckoning for him to hold out his arm towards him. Lucifer slowly adjusted his hold on his baby brother, holding his arm out towards his Father. God took his arm in a gentle grasp, pressing his thumb into the archangels vein, right inside his wrist, slowly but steadily a black ink like substance slithered from his own arm and up his son's pale skin. Lucifer watched it on baited breath as it stood to a still and slowly formed a word in a language he didn't understand.

He felt light headed for a moment, his father's large hand coming up to caress his cheek gently.

"You have done a great help on this day"

He immediately began regretting this decision, they both were.

The effects of the mark started making themselves known almost a week later.

It happened first late at night, Gabriel and Raphael were sleeping soundly in their beds cuddled down around their favored stuffed toys, Michael was soundly sleeping in the bed next to his, his breath calm and easy as he slept on.

Lucifer on the other hand, was tossing and turning all around. Sweat was pouring from his hairline as dark scenes flashed before his eyes. He muttered under his breath, trying to get away from whatever it was in his mind that was chasing him. A moment later he flew up from his pillows, screaming out in terror. Michael shot up a moment later, his eyes wide as he gazed around the room. His eyes landing on his terrified little brother.

"Luci? What's wrong?"

He pushed the blankets aside, his toes curling at the coolness on the marble floors as he crossed the floor to get to his brothers side as quickly as he could. Lucifer flung himself at his brother as soon as he was within range. Michael caught him easily, wrapping him in a warm embrace as sobs wracked his body hard.

"The voices Mikey! I...I don't think I can take this!"

The oldest Archangel frowned lightly, leaning down to press a kiss to his baby brother's temple. There was nothing much else he could do now.

And that killed him inside.

After that, things had started happening. Lucifer's entire person was beginning to change and it was increasingly worrying.

Michael looked up from the book he had been reading at the sound of little feet running across fine stones. It was his favorite reading spot, right at the base of one of the great water falls in the garden, it was quiet, calm, and beautiful. It also helped then whenever he got too warm he could easily strip himself down and get into the cool crystal clear waters.

As the tiny feet drew nearer he was able to make out the sounds of tiny cries. He set his book down at hearing such noises and from one who sounded so young. There were certain few who could get into this part of the garden and that did nothing to help him feel the slightest bit better. Gabriel rounded a corner of the rock fixture and it was a quick second before Michael had a lap full of baby archangel.

Wrapping his arms around the tiny body, he held him close.

"Gabe? Gabby what ever is the matter?"

But Gabriel's cries were too much, taking over his ability to make coherent sentences. He merely choked on another sob and buried his face into his biggest brothers bare chest. Michael frowned slightly, sighing through his nose as he cradled the back of the small child's head with a large hand. Gabriel's tiny fingers digging into the skin of his chest.

He took a moment to calm him before questioning him once more.

"Gabby, Gabby you need to calm down...Shhh shhhh, your going to make yourself sick Sweet Heart...Take a deep breath Gabe, can you do that?," He gently pulled the tiny face from his breast, "Take a breath with me Gabey"

They took a deep breath together, Michael cradling both little cheeks in his hands as he gazed into his brothers bloodshot eyes. Slowly but surely his sobs died into simpers until he was breathing wet breath on his big brothers neck once more. Michael rubbed his fingers through the child's hair, gently scratching at his scalp.

"Now why don't you tell big brother what was the matter"

Gabriel took a moment to gather his voice and thoughts, tiny fingers poking at the lines in the skin of his big brothers chest. But sooner then later he finally told his tale.

"Luci yelled at me Mikey..."

"And why did he yell at you?"

Gabriel sat back, looking up into his big brothers gentle blue eyes.

"I don't know Mikey! All I did was ask for a story an' he yelled at me! Then he gots mad when I started crying cause he was yelling..."

Michael frowned lightly, Lucifer had been changing lately and it was not for the better. This was not the first time their little baby's had come to him crying about being yelled at; not only a day ago Raphael had come to him bawling about being yelled at for simply dropping his sippy cup of juice on the floor. It concerned him, normally Lucifer would calm them, cleaning up the mess with a rag, and lift them up above his head in the next moment torturing their tiny belly's until they begged for mercy.

But something was happening to their brother and it was not something good.

Michael nodded his head, "I will talk to him Gabey, but how about we do something? Would you want me to read you a story instead?"

His book wasn't really for children to hear so he was increasingly happy when the tiny toddler shook his head. He had enough of story's, as it was them that made his beloved big brother yell at him so harshly. He gazed inquisitively up at his big brother, his whiskey eyes becoming almost impossibly big as he tried to appeal to his big brother.

"Mikey can we go swimmins?"

"Well now I don't know"

He loved teasing his baby brothers, Gabriel pouted, trying to make himself look utterly adorable. Michael smiled, kissing him on the nose.

"Please Mikey!"

Nodding his head slightly he chuckled at his baby brothers begging.

"Oh Alright, but we cannot go in with you in these, stand and I'll help you strip down"

Gabriel squealed in excitement, loving to go swimming with his big brothers (well not Luci cause he was a meany!) and giggled as Michael went about helping him unbutton his top, swift fingers poking playfully at the chubby tummy revealed to them when his shirt was removed. Michael swooped him up into his arms as he stood from his sitting position, an arm under his little bottom acting as his seat as his big brother walked them out into the water. Michael only took them out a small ways, before sitting down in the cool water and setting little Gabriel in his crossed legs.

The teeny child giggled in the water, splashing his hands down on it, shrieking when it came back up and splashed him in the face.

That night Michael confronted Lucifer, and the young ones hid in their closet when the yelling bounced off their walls.

And then he crossed a line when he had slapped Raphael across the face.

Michael was in between them in a heart beat. Pulling the shocked child behind him with his little brother and getting into Lucifer's face. They punched, yelled, fought each other until blood was drawn.

"You support the weak Michael! Protect the Weak!"

"They are your baby brothers! What in Father's name has gotten into you! You never strike them! Never!"

"And that is why they are weak! You baby them dear brother when they should not be babied! He had gotten in my way and therefore deserved his punishment!"

"Do you hear yourself speak!"

"You are a simple minded fool Michael! Bowing to the whims of children and to our Father's orders! Only the Strong have the right to survive!"

His glare was harsh as he shot it towards his youngest brothers. Raphael and Gabriel simpered, turning into each other in fear until Michael blocked them from Lucifer's sight.

"Do not make me do this brother"

"Do not threaten me Michael, you'll see! You'll all see!"

None of them had been prepared for when news had spread that Lucifer had snuck into the Garden. He had seduced Eve and gotten both Adam and her kicked out, banished from the Garden Eden. Father had been furious, the thunder and lightning that rocked the Earth and Heavens the only indication that they needed. His voice boomed throughout Heaven as he called for Michael, ordering him to his throne.

But the Archangel was busy doing his own thing to jump this time when his Father had told him to. His greatest fear was becoming his worst reality, Lucifer had attacked Humanity, what was to stop him from attacking everything else he had deemed as being weak, so he hustled into their youngest brothers rooms. Gabriel and Raphael were cuddled together inside their closet sobbing. He knelt on the floor wincing himself at the loud cracks of energy their Father's temper was creating. It broke his heart to see them like this. Holding out his hands to them he beckoned them over, fearing that any moment that passed would be the moment that Lucifer would come for them.

"Come on...Come one Little One's...Come here its ok...Come here!"

They stared at him with red puffy eyes, choking on tiny sobs, before standing and clumsily running out of the closet towards his open arms. Their tiny body's fit perfectly against his as the wrapped them into his sides and lifted them from the floor. He rushed towards both of their beds, bending low to allow them to grab their stuffed animals; Raphael his tiger and Gabriel his platypus.

He had a dark feeling that if he did not get them out of here then they would be next.

Father had been furious at being put on the back burner for Michael, and had been ready to chew him out when he had arrived, but he held his tongue at the sight that greeted him. Michael was panting as he rested his back against the door, Gabriel and Raphael both cradled into his sides, their heads smooshed into his neck. They turned only slightly, recognizing the presence for what it was despite it being angry, their eyes searching out for their Daddy and when they found him squirming to be put down.

God bent low on his Throne, "Come to me My Little Ones"

Michael set them on the ground lightly, watching the tiny feet scurry across the floor and his Father's large hands scoop them up and into his lap. Raphael and Gabriel latched onto him like two little leeches, hands grasping at the fine robe he wore. He hugged them close, trying to provide some semblance of comfort. When he was sure that the two young ones were situated he turned his attention back to his eldest.

"You fear he will come for them next?"

Michael nodded, his hands coming up to run through his hair as he shoved away from the cherry door and paced around the floor. His entire world was crashing around him and it hurt more and more every second it did. He pulled at his long hair, breathing heavily as he turned and turned and turned. What was happening to his brother? What was happening to their brother? Why was he doing this? Sure, he had never been overly fond of Humanity, but he had agreed to merely tolerate them, if not for Raphael and Gabriel, so long as he got to cuddle them and play with them (his version of playing meaning them rolling around on the soft grass while he tickled the living snot out of them, most of the time) then he had said he would turn a blind eye! So what was happening!

God watched his oldest Son with tired sad eyes, "Michael"

His voice was soft, calm, sympathetic as he called out to his son. But it broke through his haze of confusion and panic. Gabriel and Raphael let out small gasps as their biggest brother turned, seeing the tears falling from his eyes. They had never seen their big brothers cry before, it was scary. God opened his arms, mindful of his precious cargo in his lap, and beckoned the elder archangel closer.

"Come Here Son"

He sighed harshly, new tears threatening to fall. God knew what had him this way, he himself mourning for the loss of the Morning Star. They had come together, talking and planning on what should be done should Lucifer actually act out on his threats, Michael had reacted like he was now, then. The Viceroy of Heaven rushed forward, collapsing into his Father's chest himself.

"Father what's happening to him! Why's he doing this! What's happening to my brother!"

God sighed, not answering, petting his sons hair.

"What's wrong with him! It's that mark isn't it! Give it to me Father! Give it to me and I'll carry it! Please! Please!"

God kissed his son's hair lightly, his eyes closed in defeat, "I can't do that My Son, you know this. Lucifer is the only one who can keep it locked. He has been fighting a long hard battle against the Darkness for eons, longer then any of us, and had remained victorious until now, I fear that the thing where your brother stands is no longer your brother. The Darkness did what she does, she had corrupted him and made him a threat to our Home and Family. You must lock him away, he has gone farther then he ever intended, I believe, but there is no redemption for him now."

"You knew this! You knew this would happen! You sent him to his Death!"

"It was his choice."

And he would continue to live by that for eons, knowing that those four words were his greatest lie, his greatest betrayal.

That he had punished his son for his failure.

Gabriel and Raphael were wearing their itchy Archangel robes that they detested, only having worn them previously during the ceremonies Michael and Lucifer lead when the new Trainees were sworn into the fold of Warriors. They didn't really know why they were wearing them now, but when Mikey was changing them he had been crying the entire time.

They were standing in front of a garrison of Angels lead by Anna, she was nice, always hugging them and exclaiming how cute they were whenever she got to see them. She'd take them back to her Garrison House and they'd play until Mikey or Luci came to get them. But this time it was different. Their eyes were attached to the large doors in front of them.

Looking at the long lines of warriors lining the street towards the gates to the Pit.

They were forbidden from being this close unless Mikey or Luci were with them. The one time Raphael had disobeyed this rule he had gotten corner time, an early bedtime, and a trip over Mikey's knee. But here they were.

The doors they had been watching opened slowly, with a loud bang as they opened all the way until they stopped. Gabriel let out a small gasp, reaching for his brothers hand at the same moment Raphael reached for his.

Lucifer was in the door way. His eyes were wide as he looked around the gathered masses, as if he wasn't sure what was going on. His face was bruised and a cut above his eye was steadily dripping droplets of blood. There was a collar around his neck, chains attacked to little links locked to it, containing his wrists in the cuffs at the other end. There was chains clinking around his ankles as the two Head's of their Power's pulled him forward. He looked around like a skittish animal, his face twisting in pain and confusion.

What was going on? Where was he going?

Gabriel and Raphael watched as Michael came out behind the small crowd, his face looked scary. It was cold and passive as if this was nothing but a mere inconvenience for him. He marched with them as Lucifer was pulled through the path of Angels. He was stopped at the Gates, feeling his Big Brother's presence behind him. Hands shoved him to his knee's and he went compliantly as to harm the ones doing such actions.

Michael stood before him, and he looked up with wide horror filled eyes.

Pins.

No.

"Lucifer, you have wrought Sin onto Humanity, damning them for all eternity, you have raged War on our Father. You have been charged with Treason against Heaven and our Lord and Father. You are stripped of your title,"

He reached out and grabbed something from his brothers forehead, his Archangel circlet they all wore, and tore it away, tearing away the infused grace with it too.

"You are stripped of you Position"

He reached further into his grace and tore that out too.

"You are stripped of your bonds"

This time Gabriel and Raphael stumbled as something within them was broken. They only felt Mikey, and emptiness. Tears were pouring from Lucifer's eyes as he begged for mercy.

"And your wings are pinned, a reminder of what you had and what you lost."

Hands held him down as Michael reached forward, his face a stony mask, and grabbed at his first set of wings. Gabriel and Raphael watched in growing horror as their big brother broke their other big brothers wings, three separate places. Watched as their beloved Luci screamed himself hoarse, tears mixing with the blood as it dripped down to the ground, as he begged for mercy and forgiveness. Michael stepped back from his grappling hands, lifting his chin to order him to be bent. Lucifer screamed in agony as his wings were pulled on, but knew that this was not yet the worst.

Michael chanted something as he lifted the first spike, the pin, above his head, before driving it down into his brothers shoulder blades. The screech Lucifer let out at such agony was wrenching. He did it once more to the other side, having to bend forward to lift his brothers chin this time, as he was too weak to do it himself. He was defeated, broken.

"You are now banished from the light of Heaven, the Light of our brothers and sisters, and the Light of our Father, to a cage in the Pit where you will remain for all eternity, your only hope of escape six hundred and sixty six broken seals. You are banished from our Warmth, damned with your demons"

Michael sat back, letting his brother fall to the ground like a dead weight. The Power's gathered around the limp form of their second leader and dragged him towards the gates. They all stood stock still and watched on baited breath as he was shoved over the side, a sonic boom as he broke for Heaven's plane. His screams haunting them as he fell deep, deep, deep.

"Nooo!"

Raphael rushed forward, Gabriel about two paces behind him. He threw himself at Michael, or tried to, but his was thrown backwards as his big brother spun his face that stony mask still, and backhanded him across the face. Raphael was sent reeling backwards at the force of the impact, landing hard on his bottom and his hand coming up to cradle his stinging cheek, tears threatening to fall from his eyes.

Gabriel stopped at the motion, the others watching with varying degrees of shock as Michael struck his most precious baby brother.

"You are an Archangel, and you will act like it!"

Gabriel burst into tears at his big brothers bounding voice, frightened of his big brother. Raphael scooted backwards, struggling to his feet and pushing the youngest Archangel behind him protectively. Michael's eyes widened in surprise and shock as his mind finally caught up with him, moving forward a step, breaking when his youngest brothers stepped back at his movement. He saw the red mark on Raphael's cheek, the bruise that was starting to form.

Of his hand.

He had struck his younger brother.

He had struck his beloved baby brother.

They were terrified, terrified of him.

"Raphy.."

Raphael shook his head, moving away from his brothers outstretched hands and flinching backwards. He grasped at Gabriel's hand, turning, and running.

Michael fell to his knees as he watched them go.

He had banished one of his brothers, and now he had surely lost two more.

God was in his Throne Room that night, pacing the floor and cursing at the air.

He could still hear his son's sobs from within his cage, and his sisters haunting laughter.

"You may have won the battle dear brother, but the war has only just begun"

What had he done?