"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"
Isaiah 5:20
In the beginning, God created the angels to serve Him in the coming time to guide all of His children back home. Among these angels were the elite group commonly known as the Archangel's. Seven total served by the side of God from the beginning. Michael, the right hand of the Lord who served as the strength of the Lord's might. Gabriel, the wisdom giver, bestowing knowledge of the Father and all his workings among the humans. Raphael, the healer who cured those that were broken and weakened. Uriel, the light in the darkness who guided the lost souls into the warming embrace of the Father. Saraqel, the protector of the flock who shielded those from harm. Raguel, the kind hearted angel providing a path at redemption for all who sought it. Lucifer, the future Fallen Angel. An archangel that went against the will of the Father and was cast into the inferno as punishment for his rebellion. Struck down by his own family, Lucifer became King of the Inferno, punishing the souls that were cast aside by Father. Lucifer resented his Father for what He had done and his anger and hatred grew, exploding at the first sign of interference from those who threw him into his kingdom. As the King overlooked his dominion from his tower, standing with his back turned to the furniture thrown around and floor cut up, Lucifer glowered at it all. The words his daughter muttered out stuck with him and all he could do was shatter what little bits of window remained. For so long he had despised what was done to him by his own Father. He tried to become what his Father wasn't, but seemed to have been unsuccessful from the words that were shouted at him. Perhaps forgiveness from his daughter should be sought after, but at that moment, the horns blasted. Louder than they had before. The choirs sang and from the sky, from his former home, a light broke through the barrier and shined down in the distance. It was happening again. Another soul was about to leave his dominion. His Father continued to mock him after all these years by interfering in territory that was not His. The King of Hell stepped through the broken window and fell to the ground, spawning his wings before impact and flying off to confront his former brothers.
Before the Overlord's stood their counterparts. The Archangel's rivaled the Overlord's in power. However, what differences were had between the two were experience. Overlord's came and went at the choice of Lucifer, being replaced by an even more heinous soul than the one before. As for the Archangel's, all had been keepers of their position since the beginning and had experience, control, and stability with their abilities and combat. In powers, the two groups were evenly matched, but outside of that, the Archangel's had the upper hand. Cladded in armor and a holy light beside them, Uriel and Raphael both stared intensely at the Overlord's before them. A feeling of pity and disgust filled the Archangel's, believing themselves to be better than the wicked souls, but both were the most empathetic when it came to helping lost souls ascend to the Silver City. With his brother watching his back, Raphael had turned his attention to the Radio Demon and approached him. The Archangel towered greatly over Alastor. At the presence of such power, Alastor felt a sense of humility overcome him as he laid there on the ground. Angel was the only damned soul courageous enough to kneel beside one of the other souls he cared for in this wretched place.
"From above, we watch all. The souls that cry, the souls that rejoice, the souls that harm, the souls that perish- we watch and care to all who have sought the path of righteousness," Raphael spoke, kneeling down and reaching out to Alastor. "However, what makes Father smile greatly is seeing the selflessness that dwell within His children."
With the pad of his thumb, the Archangel touched the red marking upon Alastor's forehead. The wound began to burn and radiated a light that mirrored the beam before them. Alastor groaned in pain and he held onto the mark. Angel reached out for Alastor, but was held back by the tip of Raphael's staff. A slight burning sensation came from the touch, but it was nothing Angel hadn't handled before. However, this served as a glimpse at the power the Archangel possessed. Had he found reason, Raphael would have easily burnt the damned soul from existence. Yet, none was had at the moment and Raphael had high patience, which couldn't be said for some of his other siblings. Alastor laid on the ground in agony before the light from the marking took hold of his entire form and all that remained was just a blinding figure laying on the ground. Not long after, however, the light dimmered down and the former form of a man laid there. No antlers decorated his head nor was his microphone resting in his hand. The tone of his skin grew lively, returning to the same pigment from when he was alive. It was not long after that Alastor had opened his eyes and once his eyes were open, it became clear that those dark eyeballs and red irises had now become human. Those close to him stared in amazement at what had become of the once feared Radio Demon. A human soul. Not one tarnished or punished, but one purified. All stared and were at a loss of words for what just happened. However, the revelry would have to be postponed as the angry king arrived to face his brothers, standing in the space between his prey and his pawns.
Lucifer was dawned in armor as dark as a starless night sky. His wings pitch black, each as long as he was tall. His cane now changed to the sword that he brought with him into this inferno. His subjects all stepped back and cowered at the might that stood before them. The King of Hell and Archangels of Heaven. Even the most prideful among them realized the hopelessness of even interfering between such powers. No words were spoken. Only stares given between the brothers. Uriel had steadied himself for the inevitable attack while Raphael stood passively besides Uriel. With the opportunity given, Angel Dust rushed back to Alastor, kneeling down at the fallen Overlord and grabbing hold of him.
"Smiles," Angel called out. "A-Are you okay, Al? I-I fucking see your eyes moving, so I know you're not gone, damn it!"
Alastor groaned every so slightly and he raised a hand to grasp his head, feeling his horns had receded. His microphone now but a distant memory and his skin lively, the now former Radio Demon was nothing more than a Forgiven soul among the damned. Powers stripped from him and status now removed, Alastor was no better or worse than the souls that depart the world above.
"A-Angel," Alastor softly spoke.
"H-Holy shit, Al… Y-You're… well, you're different! You look human again!"
Several centuries had passed, but the day remained in the mind of Lucifer. It was almost as if it were just yesterday for him that he had faced off against his brothers. However, there was no time to dwell on the past as history repeated itself before the King of Hell and he stood once more to challenge his brothers and, subsequently, his Father.
"Uriel," Lucifer growled. "Raphael."
"Lucifer," Uriel spoke. "Many centuries have passed, have they not? It would seem within that time your new home has fallen further into ruins than previously expected."
"Still a condescending prick, I see. Is Michael still a pretentious jackass by Father's side?"
"If, in such a manner, you are asking that Michael still upholds Father's judgement, then Michael continues to be the beacon of hope for all souls, Lucifer," Uriel retorted, but Raphael stepped forward to speak.
"Brother," Raphael began. "There need not be a battle like before. No soul must perish or be harmed again. Father wills it-"
"Father sent one of his own into this place as punishment and has never once attempted to make amends," Lucifer snapped back. "You speak of His will, but never question. For questioning is disobeying and you know, Raphael, that disobeying Father will bring forth swift punishment to those that go against Him."
"Lucifer, please," Raphael pleaded. "I know not of what you think. Whether you disregard us as family or see us as enemies, I know not. But I do not want to fight someone that I still consider my brother. Regardless of your thoughts towards Father, I still see you as my brother. Please, Lucifer, we can avoid the meaningless violence. When we came the last time to retrieve a lost soul, I could tell, brother, that you were angered. Angered by Father involving Himself and His will in territory you claim for yourself. But perhaps that broken bond can be mended, brother, and perhaps there could be a chance that we may live together in a balanced world and harmoniously live like the old days, Lucifer."
"Still the same optimist as you were when I was cast down, Raphael," Lucifer scoffed.
Of all his brothers, Lucifer found it easy to be around Raphael the most tolerable to be around. The Archangel was constantly blabbering about hope and caring for all that Father had created and, while Lucifer had begun questioning the motives of Father, the Rebellious Angel still enjoyed the company of Raphael. Even now, what bond that was shared before remained and Lucifer took to consideration the words spoken to him, but… being cast down for being himself. Speaking against Father and being rewarded with an eternity in the inferno. The rage felt inside boiled over and he raised his sword up at his brothers.
"Tear their wings from their bodies," Lucifer commanded his Overlord's to do. "Those who cower before the angels will be given a reason to fear should they leave my kingdom unscathed!"
A feeling of sadness overcame Raphael and all he could do was look to the side as the Overlord's charged at the Archangel's. Uriel raised his flaming sword up and went to do battle with his foes. Each Overlord showed a hint of the power each possessed with the exception of Velvet who remained groaning from the stinging burn endured to her hand. While Uriel fought against those wicked souls, Raphael remained behind to protect the soul the two had come for.
The numbers were four on one: the Archangel Uriel versus four Overlord's. The odds seemed favored towards a side, but the Overlord's were capable of fighting in their own manner. The powers each possessed were used against Uriel, but divine protection allowed the Archangel to deflect any abilities used against him. Regardless, with pride came the fall and Uriel would not allow himself to underestimate his foes, even if the Archangel had an advantage. Yet, with the sword crafted in Heaven, Uriel refused to strike down these damned souls and merely blocked each attack that came to him. At the sight of this, Valentino could not help but mock the Archangel for being passive.
"And what have we here," Valentino mocked. "What, unable to fight against the powers of the inferno?"
"It is more that I will not lower myself to a level reserved for scum such as yourselves," Uriel snidely remarked.
Valentino shouted and released an onslaught of bullets towards the Archangel, but the speed Uriel possessed made it simple to deflect each bullet.
"Listen, choir boy, I'm not here because of you or some order from a bratty king," Valentino growled. "What I want is what is mine and you just happen to be standing in my way!"
"I am well aware of what it is you want, Valentino," Uriel spat. "Your actions are abhorrent and vile, yet Father believes even a damned soul like you could be redeemed and offered salvation should you seek it."
"And live eternity in a place void of any fun? A place where I can't fuck, drink, or do any of the things I love? Hard pass, Christmas ornament," Valentino scoffed before continuing his barrage of bullets.
Using the separation to her advantage, Rosie drew her plants to her side and attacked the Archangel Raphael, but her attacks were interfered by the Queen of Hell who stood in the path of Rosie's attack. Rosie stepped back in shock at the newcomer who defended her target. Lucifer looked in shock as well as he saw his wife side with his former brothers.
"Your treachery knows no bounds, Lilith," Lucifer shakily growled out. "Now you side with those who cast you away from Eden?"
"I may have hatred towards them, Lucifer, and I do love you. But I will not stand by as injustice is brought, even when it is committed by the one that I love dearest," Lilith declared, a tear shedding from her eye.
Betrayal. A level of betrayal Lucifer had not felt ever in so long. Now it came from the one soul in existence the King of Hell loved immensely. The horns sprouted from his head and his form grew slightly to reflect the height of his brothers. A new pain grew within his heart and he sought to share it, but through his angered thoughts, a gentle hand rested against Lucifer's hand. His daughter ignored the fighting going on and only wanted to speak to her father.
"D-Daddy," Charlie softly spoke. "W-We can't change what has been done. I know that… you are hurting. Hurting from being thrown aside by the family you love. Hurting for being yourself. I know, dad, that you are angry and in pain, but daddy, please… please, we can try to make things better. Things may never be the same, but that does not mean things have to worsen."
The Princess of Hell wrapped her arms around the demonic form that her father possessed and refused to let go. Anger stirred within the King of Hell. Anger from a lifetime of betrayal and misery. Never had a feeling overcome him more than that of rage. No. No, that was far from the truth and he knew this. He remembered moments in his life where rage was not had for anyone and it was holding onto him desperately. The birth of his daughter. Lucifer felt such joy and happiness. His first time holding her resulted in the King never setting her down for a moment the entire week to come. Lilith had begun to grow concerned and would try to sneak their child away from her father, but Lucifer was so happy with the baby in his arms. Then the day he had married his beloved. Love was truly felt towards the first human. The similarities between the two were noticeable, but even the differences had made her even more beautiful. Truly, Lucifer felt blessed to have such a wonderful wife by his side. For most of his existence, Lucifer had let his Father's actions plague his mind and fill his soul with nothing but anger and hatred. The few moments he found happiness, Lucifer risked forgetting them had he dwelled on the negatives any further. The love felt towards him grew when his wife approached to embrace his beloved.
"For so long, you must have hurt, dear. Please, let us help you put that pain to rest. Let us stop all of this, my love," Lilith pleaded.
Lucifer shook slightly as his judgement clouded. Would he strike at his family? His real family? The King of Hell looked down at his blade in hand and knew what the answer was. The clattering of his sword on the ground rang through the battlefield and all the Overlord's ceased their actions. Uriel stopped the fighting, not even seeming tired from battling four Overlord's at once.
"Take the soul," Lucifer declared. "Leave my kingdom. You are not allowed to interfere in any other manner aside from… the redemption process. This means, Uriel and Raphael, I do not want to see you or hear from you other than the trumpets sounding to claim another soul, understood?"
Lucifer stepped back from his family and reverted to his casual self. The Overlord's stared in shock at the apparent defeat of their king and one chose to speak out against the decision of Lucifer.
"B-But sire," Frederick spoke up.
"Leave them be. All of you, leave them to depart from my kingdom, is that understood?"
A silence was given.
"Understood," the King of Hell shouted, his voice distorted in a threatening manner.
The point was now clear. Though it was viewed as a defeat, there was nothing the Overlord's could do against the King. The fact remained that Lucifer was still more powerful than them all and nothing would change that. Uriel withdrew from combat and turned around to slowly walk back to the redeemed soul, now ignoring the previous combatants. But defeat was not what one Overlord had come for. Vengeance for humiliation needed to be had and Valentino is already damned, so he was determined to get what he came for. Sure, he came with the attention of having fun with his plaything, but now the goal was to remove the bastard that defeated him before. There were no powers possessed that made it possible for the Overlord to remove the fallen Radio Demon from all of existence, but eyeing the flaming sword of Uriel gave the opportunity to do so and Valentino took that chance.
The Lustful Demon always held himself high above any and all. Lust may be his greatest sin, but pride was a close second. The Overlord believed himself to be undefeatable, unstoppable, and insatiable as he ruled over those who came to him seeking a fixing. Power was what Valentino had and with it, he became even more arrogant in his abilities. Not wanting Alastor to escape, the Overlord shouted in frustration as he charged at Uriel. Nothing could stop the Lustful Demon. Power was what he had. Power greater than these lowlives that surrounded him! To him, this would be simple. It mattered not that it was an Archangel, Valentino believed himself to be above even them! The sound of insubordination was heard by the King of Hell and Lucifer threw his blade towards the Overlord, impaling the Lustful Demon and causing him to tumble to the ground. Lucifer stepped away from his beloved and approached the bleeding Overlord who laid on the ground. With one hand, Lucifer easily raised Valentino up by the collar and carried him over to the pillar of light.
"I had selected you to be my Overlord to enact punishment against the denizens of this kingdom," Lucifer said. "But seeing you just makes me disgusted beyond belief."
With the push of his hand, Lucifer cast Valentino into the pillar and the Overlord was erased from existence. Not a cry given. Not a scream ringing. The damned soul entered the holy light and became nothing. Velvet and Vox watched in terror from what happened.
"Withdraw to your territories or you all will share the same fate, understand? I will not repeat myself again!"
No time to mourn, Velvet and Vox retreated to their own territory as did the other Overlord's. Rosie stayed behind for a moment and looked towards her friend, but said not a word to him. The damage was enough and she hung her head in shame as she retreated to her shop. With the battle done, Angel raised Alastor up and smiled happily at him. The Spider Demon gave a hug to the humanfied Alastor and laughed gently.
"Y-You look better as a brunette, you know," Angel teased.
"Well, I'll take that as a compliment, my dear Angel," Alastor chuckled in response.
The two pulled back, but still embraced each other. Happily, the two smiled as their arms still felt the warmth of one another. The journey began with these two and now it could end with these two. Both had changed from what they once were and grown close to one another. The fact could no longer be denied: Alastor cared for Angel Dust and Angel Dust cared for Alastor. The change that was brought upon them filled their minds with hope and the two had the joyous idea that the two would ascend up to Heaven together. Alastor stepped back with Angel's hands in his. Angel stepped forward with Alastor. The two got closer to the portal, ready for a new life in the Silver City, but before another step could be taken, Raphael slammed his staff between the two. Alastor and Angel Dust stared up at the Archangel in confusion before an answer was given to the question that rang in their heads.
"The soul of one is purified. The selflessness and care shown made his soul forgiven from all of his sins," Raphael answered. "However, the other is still impure and must work more towards redemption should he ever be allowed to pass the Pearly Gates."
The news hit them both hard and each gave a shared reaction to each other. For Angel, he would not be without just a friend, but a love. A soul that gave him a genuine chance. A soul that showed him what true care and compassion meant. For Alastor, he was losing a friend. Someone he saw as an equal and… someone he cared for deeply. Someone he cried with and laughed with. How long had it taken him to realize what these emotions truly were? Before Alastor could say a word to oppose the idea, Angel silenced Alastor by pressing his lips against the Radio- against the Forgiven. Alastor stared at Angel as the Spider Demon pulled away.
"What, you don't got your powers anymore. Of course I'm going to use this last opportunity to tease you more," Angel shakily laughed, but his tears proved the laugh was not of joy.
"A-Angel…"
"L-Listen to me good, Smiles, because I hate repeating myself: w-when you get up there, I want you to be o-on your best behavior, okay? W-Wait for me, alright, a-and I'll be up in a minute. I-I'll be a damn boy scout here from now on i-if that means I get to be closer to you," Angel stated. "Just… promise you won't forget me, alright?"
"A-Angel… Angel, no, I-I can't-"
Uriel and Raphael both grabbed Alastor's arms and began to pull him towards the portal. Alastor struggled in their hold and tried desperately to free himself, but he was not able to. A pained expression was all he could do as he was being taken away from the people- from the person he loved. Just before entering the portal, Angel placed two fingers in the corners of his mouth to raise a broken smile. Tears were falling down from his face and Angel uttered the one saying Alastor would grow to hate.
"S-Smile, my dear! Y-You know you're never truly dressed without one," Angel struggled to keep his composure.
"A-Angel," was all Alastor could shout before being taken away into the light.
Arriving at his destination, Alastor found himself out of the inferno and before the entrance to Paradise. Yet with an eternity of happiness before him, Alastor had never felt such sorrow inside. Given a reward for doing good, yet he was punished here. All that the Forgiven could do at the moment was just collapse on the ground and shake, tears falling from his eyes. Never before had Alastor regretted a choice than deciding to become good.
(A/N: Guys, gals, non-binary pals, I truly do hope you enjoyed the story as much as I had writing it! Rest assured, this is not over yet, I promise you. As I work on the next addition to it, please check out the other stories I have begun working on and, as always, stay safe, be kind, and read on. Once again, I thank you for your support and stay tuned for more to come!)