The gates of Heaven. To most, they were beautiful. A perfect first exposure to what lay beyond them in paradise. But Lucifer, who currently stood within their majesty, saw them as tacky and egotistical.
Why did Heaven need such a large gateway, made of gold, that was always shining? What purpose did it serve? It's not like it kept people from coming in; that's what the angels were for. And if somehow someone managed to sneak in there, they'd be quickly found and tossed out, most likely into Hell.
Although, as the devil looked around, he noticed a surprising lack of angelic creatures of any sort. Normally, there'd be at least one or two present to welcome new arrivals. Or, as was the case now, realize that the ruler of Hell had come for a visit. On that note, one might assume the devil wasn't allowed in Heaven or to go anywhere near it.
But considering Lucifer WAS the king, lord, etc., of Hell. It made sense that he'd need to come here whenever business demanded it. Such as today.
"Hello?" Lucifer called out, lightly tapping the gate with his cane.
With seemingly no one but himself at the gates, Lucifer began walking from one end to the other. Having his cane hit off the gates' bars to entertain himself with the sound that'd create. This would be a horrible mistake, for the sound summoned the one creature in all of Creation Lucifer feared. And his only warning of its presence was an audible gasp from above.
"LUCI?! IS THAT YOU?!" An overly excited voice shouted, belonging to a man.
"...Goddamn it..." Lucifer muttered while he closed his eyes, wishing to be struck down and sent back home.
With a single flap of angelic wings and a gentle landing in front of him, Lucifer knew who had arrived even with his eyes closed.
"It IS you!" The same voice exclaimed before its owner embraced the sovereign of sin.
"AH, AH, AH! NO touching!" Lucifer scolded, immediately pushing this person away from himself with his cane.
"Aw, don't be like that, Luci!" The person whined, undoubtedly with a pout. "Come on! It's been forever since you've come up here! The LEAST you could do is look at me!" He said.
Releasing a sigh, a heavy one at that, Lucifer slowly restored his vision by parting his eyelids. There, kept at bay by his cane, was one of his siblings: Michael.
Michael could be mistaken for Lucifer's twin. They had the same complexion, hair, facial features, and the list goes on. However, apart from the obvious personality differences, another apparent detail made them distinct from each other. Lucifer, of the two, was shorter.
"See? Was that so hard?" Michael asked with a playful smile, increasing the risk of his brother having an anger-induced aneurism.
"...Still wearing robes and free-flowing garments, Michael?" Lucifer asked, his sibling's attire grabbing his attention.
"Well, yeah. Why would I need to wear something different?" Michael answered with a question.
"Don't you ever get tired of the same thing all the time? Perhaps a want for variety now and then?" Lucifer inquired.
"Nope! I'm perfectly fine with how things have always been. Why change what's comfortable, right?" Michael responded.
Lucifer didn't say anything to that. Instead, he let a few seconds of silence pass by before resuming the conversation.
"So, Michael, why is one of God's children greeting me rather than an angel assigned to the gates?" Lucifer asked.
"Oh, yeah, that is weird, isn't it?" Michael realized. "The answer's simple, Luci! All of the angels are preparing for the Extermination! And, before you ask, not all of the angels are Exterminators this year. Those who aren't are getting ready to spectate. Most are...doing so for entertainment, which is...a tad sadistic. But the others are doing so to ensure the Exterminators follow the rules. No Nobles, Overlords, or other Hellspawn of similar significance." He explained.
"And...that means you must attend to the gates?" Lucifer questioned, still unclear on that.
"Nope. My being here was a happy accident. I don't like how glorified this time of year is. It upsets me. So, I went for a fly to clear my head and saw you standing outside the gates." Michael informed.
"Ah. That...makes a lot of sense." Lucifer said, knowing his brother wasn't one for violence unless it was necessary.
"Mhm. But enough about me, Luci. Let's talk about you!" Michael responded, quick to change the subject. "Why've you come up here? I don't think we're due for another meeting for a while." He asked.
"Something unexpected has happened in Hell. I need to talk with Gabriel and share the details with him." Lucifer answered.
"Unexpected? How so?" Michael inquired, intrigued by his sibling's word choice.
"If you escort me to him, I'll tell you on the way." Lucifer offered, receiving a massive smile in return.
Without another word spoken, Michael, with a snap of his fingers, opened the gates with ease. God's children, who still had dominion over the Divine realm, could control it in such a manner. With the way now clear, Lucifer and Michael walked through paradise. The former shared what brought him here while the latter listened intently in silence.
Michael did see Lucifer as one of his favorite kin. And, despite how annoying Michael could be at times, Lucifer would say he felt the same. But he'd never admit that and would adamantly deny it should someone claim that were true.
So, for the two of them to have a nice, normal, no-messy family history time together like this was to be savored. It'd end just as quickly as it began once they reached Gabriel's dwelling, and it was back to business.
"And that's it." Lucifer finished, having reached the end of his story. "What're your thoughts, Michael? If you have any, that is." He inquired.
"I...don't know, Luci," Michael confessed, a bewildered look on his face. "That is a strange scenario indeed. I don't think either Heaven or Hell has experienced something so peculiar. Although, I'd have to check with Pravuil to be sure..." He said with a mutter toward the end.
"Hm, I wonder if Gabriel will say the same? Or will he manage to conceive some theory like my council?" Lucifer asked but expected no answer. He was merely thinking aloud.
For the remainder of their journey, there was no more talking, mainly because Gabriel's dwelling was now in sight. It was a humble abode, nothing eye-catching or braggadocious, which made sense given that Gabriel, surprisingly, was quite possibly the most humble of all of God's children. Despite their differences, Lucifer greatly respected him and appreciated the burdens of his sibling's chosen position in their father's grand scheme. To be the judge of all Creation, to enforce righteousness and punish the wicked wherever they might be, had to take a toll on Gabriel.
And yet, he never showed it. Gabriel carried himself with an aura of authority but was also approachable and kind. Stern and even scary when needed, but soft-spoken and considerate as well. However, to Lucifer's knowledge, Gabriel wasn't considered mister popularity in Heaven, even though one might think that was the case. He was, in short, the hall monitor of paradise, ensuring all Heavenborn carried themselves as any Divine being should.
Maybe this was a reason he rarely left his home. Only doing so for work, such as to oversee a trial or to take a stroll through Heaven and see if everything was happening as it should.
"Allow me," Michael said once the duo reached the door of their brother's dwelling. It was made of stone, well maintained, and could only be opened by its owner.
Placing his hand gently on the door's surface, Michael closed his eyes and began channeling his soul through it. Although this wouldn't grant them entry, it would notify the resident inside that someone was there, and Gabriel would certainly recognize the identity of whom it was. Sure enough, after a few seconds of doing this, the door began to move.
"He needs a better method of knowing someone's here to see him," Lucifer commented as the door slid into the ground. "A doorbell. A regular bell that people can ring. Something more convenient than what he's currently got." He suggested.
"I don't think he'd be up for any of those. Or anything else, for that matter. "Michael replied as they walked through the now open entryway. "This allows Gabriel as much privacy and quiet as possible. I'm sure he'd say any other option would encourage the residents of Heaven to try and see him all the time." He said.
"I highly doubt that would ever happen. No one wants to see the principal, let alone annoy him." Lucifer joked, making his brother smile.
"I suppose so. Still, I can understand his want for peace. He is one of the busiest among us." Michael responded in their sibling's defense.
"Hm, true." Lucifer agreed.
The pair would soon reach a descending staircase leading further into their brother's domain. Gabriel wasn't much for...shall we say, casual comforts. His home, ignoring its size, was little more than an office in which the Archangel happened to live. This was no more evident than what waited for Lucifer and Michael at the bottom of the stairs, the only room in this place. Unlike before, there was no door impeding their progress, only an open entrance into Gabriel's space.
The room was lit by one candle that burned with white fire, which resulted in the atmosphere and the room itself resembling that of a black and white film. An unknown number of books, tomes, scrolls, scripture, parchments, and other similar things were neatly assorted. And at the center of it all laid a desk with several items on its surface, accompanied by a large well-furnished chair made specifically for its owner. Gabriel, the Archangel of Justice.
To say Gabriel was intimidating would be an understatement. He was taller than Lucifer and Michael by a good amount. And the build of his form conveyed to others that he was powerful in either a physical or ethereal sense. However, no one could see what Gabriel looked like, for his attire was a pristine white hooded cloak with silver accents. The only part of himself that he allowed others to see was his face, or rather, what he used in the place of one.
Two bright blue lights, almost akin to small fires, peered out from within the hood. An endless shadow surrounded both, which was meant to be Gabriel. But apart from those blue lights, there were no other features to speak of. Well, not including his voice, of course. Which had the same presence and power as the sound of thunder.
"Lucifer, Michael." Gabriel greeted, yet didn't look at them. His gaze was fixated on whatever work he was currently in the midst of.
"Really? That's the first thing you say?" Lucifer questioned with a raised brow. "I show up out of the blue without any prior announcement or appointment, and you're not surprised?" He asked.
"I know you well enough to be certain whatever's brought you to me is important. I don't need to be shocked because you're here purely for business." Gabriel answered before pointing the quill he wrote with at Michael. "You aren't like this one. Who'll occasionally drop by and refuse to leave less I come with him for some family bonding time." He said.
"And you think that will work...why?" Lucifer inquired with a smirk, now looking at Michael. Needing to change the topic to hear his brother's reasoning.
"Go on. Make fun of me all you like. I won't apologize for wanting to be closer to my brothers and sisters." Michael said with a huff, not allowing himself to be mocked.
"Don't worry. There'll be plenty of time for that later. Right now, as Gabriel said, there are more important things we need to discuss." Lucifer replied, lightly teasing him.
"Indeed. Especially since the annual Extermination is only a few days off, your sudden visit, and whatever warranted it, is all the more urgent." Gabriel stated as he put down his quill, now lifting his head to look at his brothers. "So, please. Tell me what has happened." He requested.
"To start with, I want to be clear that my council and I have next to nothing as of right now. No evidence. No leads. No suspects. So, any questions regarding these details cannot be answered. With that out of the way, onto the situation.
Some time last night, estimated at around one AM, a shooting occurred in one of the many slums of Pentagram City. I felt it was worth your attention because it's not the everyday gang violence or angry dispute. The victims are all dead. TRUE death. They haven't returned to Hell. And considering Azrael hasn't brought this to your attention, either she isn't speaking to you, or the souls haven't gone to her, which is immensely concerning.
As for how the victims were murdered, our current assumption is a firearm. We base this on their wounds, incredibly large holes that go cleanly through the bodies. However, as I mentioned, we have nothing to support this theory further. No spent casings or shells. No gunpowder residue. Not even burns from a muzzle flash. So, the murder weapon could still be anything. Best to keep that in mind.
That brings me to the last thing I need to mention. A detail as important as the first. Whoever is responsible, be they assassin, hitman, or gun for hire. This individual is a master of their craft. In addition to not having any clues as to what the weapon used might be, we have nothing on the culprit. Apart from their skill, that is." Lucifer informed.
During all of that, Gabriel listened intently. With each passing word and piece of information given, both Lucifer and Michael could see his interest grow. But, simultaneously, so did his concern, which they also noticed. And whereas anyone else wouldn't be capable of reading the nonexistent face of the Archangel, of course, his family could.
"...Who else knows about this?" Was the first thing Gabriel said after a few minutes of quiet contemplation. "I only ask because we need to ensure as few people as possible know about it." He clarified.
"Myself. My inner circle. Michael. And now you." Lucifer listed.
"Good. No potential for leaks." Gabriel replied. "Assuming you can fully trust the advisors you keep." He added.
"Of all the usurpers and backstabbers I've had during eternity, none have come from them. I say it with total sincerity that I would put my life in their hands, should the need ever arise." Lucifer assured.
"And I hope I need not stress the importance of you not sharing this information with anyone. Right?" Gabriel asked while looking toward Michael.
"Hey, I admit I'm a talkative person. But I should hope that BOTH of you know you can trust me with something as sensitive as this." Michael answered, a bit offended by that.
"No offense intended, brother. I was only teasing, as you're so prone to do." Gabriel promised, much to his sibling's relief.
"Thank you," Michael said with a smile, glad to know he wasn't considered a liability by his family. Or, at least, where Lucifer and Gabriel were concerned. "So, what's the plan? Or strategy? Whichever one would fit best here?" He inquired, wanting to know what each of them was thinking.
"If Gabriel has no objections, I'd think my role in this is to go back home and pretend like nothing is out of the ordinary. With the Extermination just around the corner, my people and prisoners do not need a panic like this. As far as they know, everything's as horrible in Hell as it always has been." Lucifer stated.
"I concur," Gabriel responded. "As for myself, I will speak with Azrael about the missing souls. I will begin a secret investigation into the Exterminators if she does not have them. As Lucifer and his council are handling things in Hell." He shared.
"But...don't you always do an inspection?" Michael asked, a bit confused by that. "Before and after the cleansing, you always check each of them personally. To ensure everything's by the book." He mentioned.
"You do?" Lucifer inquired, for this was the first he's ever heard of it.
"I don't like to broadcast that I do. Even if the Exterminators expect it, it keeps them on their toes and cautious of thoughts or impulses that would have them break any of Heaven's rules. Their hands may be allowed blood and senseless carnage once a year, but that does not mean they can become monsters. Whether by collecting trophies or treating the Extermination like a sport or game. Such things disgust and offend me." Gabriel answered.
"Hm, well, I can't say I'm surprised by your reasoning or that you do such a thing," Lucifer admitted, still confused. "But why have you never told me this before now?" He asked.
"Because Gabriel doesn't want your people and domain to be treated badly. Sure, the Extermination IS about culling Sinners from Hell, but he wants it to be a merciful execution. Like myself, he hates how so many people in Heaven glorify it and make it seem like a game." Michael answered for his brother, which was not received well.
"Michael!" Gabriel exclaimed in anger and surprise. At the same time, a smile quickly found its way onto the devil's face.
"Oh? Do you mean to tell me that my brother in Heaven, mister punish the wicked and cast their souls unto damnation, is worried about me?" Lucifer inquired. A new opportunity to mess with his sibling has now presented itself.
"This, right here, is precisely why I never wanted you to tell him, MICHAEL." Gabriel scolded, to which he received a shrug.
"Am I the only one in this family who wants to express my feelings? You know it's unhealthy to act stoic all the time." Michael said.
"Ugh, and you wonder why I keep you out..." Gabriel muttered with a sigh and a shake of his head.
"Don't worry; I'll get rid of him." Lucifer offered as he grabbed onto Michael's arm and began pulling him toward the stairs. "I need to get back to Hell anyway. My meetings with my council are long, but even by now, Lilith will wonder what's keeping me. So, until we speak again, Gabriel." He said.
"Wait, she doesn't know you're here?" Michael asked as they started their ascent.
"Would you want to be stuck in a castle during the Extermination with a worried spouse who won't stop asking questions?" Lucifer countered.
By then, the brothers' conversation was beginning to move out of earshot. Leaving Gabriel not only to attend to this new perplexing problem but also to regain his composure after dealing with his kin. And yet, much like Lucifer's feelings regarding Michael, he wouldn't have them any other way.
