Latibule: A hiding place; a place of safety and comfort.
The next few days were exceptionally difficult.
Michael and Lucifer snapped at one another every chance they got, both eager to start an argument and have an excuse to rattle Heaven with their shouting. Most of the time, Lucifer came out victorious, having stooped to personal insults and jabs that ensured Michael wouldn't be seen for a couple hours.
Other times, when Michael won the argument, Lucifer would storm off, looking both infuriated and near tears. Raphael didn't comment or try to stop the arguing, knowing nothing he said would affect it anyway.
Gabriel spent his days alone, hiding out in his room or wandering the forests outside. Michael hadn't yet left the building, and Lucifer refused to go anywhere his brothers would be.
It was a dysfunctional mess.
At the end of the week, Lucifer slipped out the back door, muttering curses under his breath. He felt cooped up in this fake-heaven, with no escape from the endless torment that was Michael. If he was being truthful, he started most of the arguments; it was more interesting than the constant boredom he was subject to.
He set off walking, not really knowing nor caring where he was going. Only when he stumbled upon a large, earthy dome with gnarled tree limbs curving into a ceiling did he realize he had discovered the Garden of Eden, A.K.A the center of Heaven.
Chuckling at the coincidence, he strode up to the front door and peered through a bush. There were no guards like there used to be, and it seemed to be empty. He pushed at a tangle of roots, then jumped in surprise as it swung open to admit him. That was weird.
The Garden was as beautiful as always. A large clearing with vibrant green grass filled up the space, crowded with a variety of flowers and animals. It should've been dark, but blue bell-shaped flowers had warm lights inside their petals, casting a gentle glow over the place. Birds chattered in the trees, while squirrels and other small creatures nestled in the undergrowth. The ceiling was a huge tapestry of leafy trees winding together and stretching into the sky. In the center of the clearing was a tall, singular tree, filled with ripe red apples. The Tree of Knowledge.
On accident, his wings unsheathed and spread out behind him, excited by the sight of the Garden he once loved so much. He rubbed a hand down one black limb.
He walked carefully across the clearing, making sure to not step on any plants or animals. A raven flapped around his head and landed on his shoulder. He patted its head. When he reached the Tree of Knowledge, he extended his wings and drifted up a few feet, then took a seat in the crook of a branch. From here, he could see the whole clearing. Its soft ambiance allowed him to relax for the first time in a while.
"I knew I would be seeing you here."
Lucifer jumped. Below him, hands clasped and an amused expression on his face, was an angel. He recognized him; it was Joshua.
"What are you doing here?" Lucifer asked, hopping down from the Tree. Joshua smiled at him. "I thought this dimension was only for us."
"God wanted me to keep an eye on all you," Joshua replied. "I don't mind the task. I mostly stay here, trimming the hedges and such. I am the Keeper of the Garden, after all."
"Keeper?" Lucifer frowned, confused. "Like a guard?"
"Not quite. There are no guards here, not for a very long time. I tend to the throne of God, which appears as something different for everyone. For you, it must be the Garden of Eden."
"Huh." Lucifer reached up and plucked a single apple from the Tree. He rubbed his thumb over the shiny red surface. Remembering who he was talking to, he sheepishly went to put the apple away. "I probably shouldn't eat this—"
"No, no, it's okay," Joshua assured him, taking the apple. "The Tree grows more than enough. Whatever is taken will regrow." He handed the apple to Lucifer again. "Enjoy. It may reveal things to you."
Lucifer arched an eyebrow. He took a bite from the apple, the interior cold and refreshing. When he finished chewing, he said, "I have to ask, though, how did I get in? I thought I wasn't allowed in anymore."
"I don't control to whom the Garden permits access." Joshua shrugged, then smiled. "You must have the right potential."
"The Garden has mistaken me for someone else," Lucifer scoffed.
Joshua only gave him a knowing look. "Do not underestimate the ways of nature. She is older and wiser than us."
"Wiser, maybe, but I'm definitely older." Lucifer cracked a grin. "My birthday is void, remember? Calculation error and all that." He bit out of the apple again.
Joshua chuckled. "Yes. And all that." There was a pause; Joshua's earth-toned wings stretched out lazily, swaying in the faint breeze that swept through the Garden. Lucifer marveled over the shifting colors and deep bronze undertone of feathers that glinted in the light. All angels were uniquely pretty things, and Joshua was no exception.
Their comfortable silence was broken by a shout in the distance. Lucifer and Joshua glanced back towards the entrance, which the Garden had sealed over with roots. Another shout—it was Michael.
Lucifer groaned.
"You should probably go," Joshua advised. He held out a hand, and a spade appeared in his palm. His fingers curled around the handle. "Next time you come by, I would appreciate some help with the night lilies; they've been very uncooperative lately."
"Uh, okay."
"Wonderful." Joshua made a shooing motion. "Don't keep your brothers waiting."
Lucifer hurried back to the entrance. The Garden unfurled before him, the roots retracting into the soil to clear a path for him. He quietly thanked them. After all, Joshua was right; nature was wiser than them.
Sure enough—there was Michael, eyes narrowed and a scowl in place. Behind him, Gabriel and Raphael watched Lucifer approach.
"Where were you?" Michael demanded.
Lucifer lifted his chin. "Why do you care?"
"I am still the ruler of Heaven, and as such, I need to know what is going on at all times," Michael told him matter-of-factly. "Now, where have you been? I've been searching for an hour."
"Don't exaggerate," Lucifer replied coolly. "I was gone for less than thirty minutes."
Michael fumed. Gabriel snickered.
"If you must know, I was visiting the Garden," Lucifer continued.
Gabriel raised an eyebrow. Raphael looked up from where he was inspecting the floor. Michael turned red.
"You are not allowed there," Michael hissed through gritted teeth. "You know that."
"Then why was I allowed in, hm?" Lucifer smiled. "Guess I am allowed after all."
"I forbid you to go back there."
"You forbid me?" Lucifer scoffed and crossed his arms. "You can't stop me from doing anything."
"I will bar the gates to prevent you," Michael growled. "As your elder and superior I can stop you from doing anything. I will know immediately if you are at the Garden and do not presume to think I will not punish you accordingly."
Lucifer had to resist the very strong urge to pin Michael to the wall and strangle him. Instead, he met his older brother's eyes unashamedly, then twisted his lips into a grin. He knew he looked crazed and defiant, but he didn't care.
"Watch your back, Mikey," Lucifer murmured, leaning close. Michael, to his credit, didn't flinch away. "Better not find yourself alone. Gabriel and Raphael won't be here to back you up next time." With that, he spun on his heel and marched away, towards the forest.
"Your petty threats mean nothing!" Michael shouted after him. "And you better not be going back to the Garden!"
"Oh, believe me," Lucifer tossed over his shoulder, "I'm not."
