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"Remember, until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in Heaven." - Reverend Hale, The Crucible

Chapter 5:

A Trip Down Amnesia Lane

God sat in His desk messaging His temples, where on earth had He gone wrong? He had given Lucifer everything he could need, doted on him with a special care He refused to grant to any of His other children. And instead of being grateful, instead of showing his appreciation with true love and devotion Lucifer turned around and bit the hand that fed him. Mangy mutt, God grimaced. After all God created Lucifer, Lucifer owed Him his life! And all He asked for in return was Lucifer's utter piety and obedience, was that so much to ask? No, it really wasn't, not to God's way of thinking. The thing that pissed God off the most was that in a way He had encouraged this repulsive behavior. If God hadn't been so lenient when it had been just the two of them Lucifer wouldn't feel like he could get away with it now.

It bothered God even then, but he adored Lucifer so much He had answered his questions anyway. God had hoped that in time Lucifer would abandon his ridiculous need to ask questions. He made Himself believe that once Lucifer's hands were more full, when he was bogged down with the tasks that He assigned him, and once Lucifer had so many brothers and sisters to look after, guide, and protect, that he'd loose interests in his tedious need to understand a situation from all angles. But it was a hopeless wish, no matter how old Lucifer became, no matter what tasks distracted him he never lost the need to understand, know, and have all the information he could possibly contain. It was as if he had to be on top of everyone, had to be the one who was most prepared for…anything. And so he sought information like a bloodhound seeks its prey. Because Lucifer believed the more you know about something-the more you have command over the subject, the more power you can afford to yourself. Which of course, he is correct, hence the reason why God was so furious now. If Lucifer kept questioning the system like this pretty soon he'll-no! God was SO not going there. Even though, He knew exactly how this was going to end-He'd always known, which probably made you wonder why He loved Lucifer in the first place, why He indulged Lucifer? Why did God love Lucifer more than any creature in creation if He knew the moment Lucifer was created that he'd-gah, did it matter?

Anyway God had His reasons, and who were you to ask anyway? You are no better than Lucifer with all these proud questions. All you needed to know is that Lucifer was special, unique, exemplary-God needed Lucifer for a very specific purpose. So even though God knew the risks of bringing such a creature into existence He knew that the immediate benefits outweighed the inevitable pains. And He had assured Himself that when the time came He would be able to crush Lucifer's puny, insignificant uprising with barely any effort involved. But now God let His mind wonder to the beginning. When it was just the two of them, alone, and the giant expanse of Heaven. He hoped by recalling how things had been He'd figure out a way to stop what was happening now. And so God took His mind back:

Lucifer ran ahead of his Father, his eyes taking in his surrounding area. God followed behind at a more leisurely pace. It amused Him to watch His son experience awe at his surroundings. Lucifer was only 50 years old, ancient to a mortal, but to beings who lived an eternity he was barely a toddler, and it showed in his exuberant nature. This was back when Lucifer was still naïve and innocent in nature. This back before hate filled his heart, and he loved his Creator completely and devotionally. In fact, if you had mentioned a rebellion to him at this time he would have been shocked to his bones, and would have found the thought abhorrent. He had no idea what fate had in store for him, nor how liberating it could be not being under God's heel anymore.

"You're kingdom is so BIG, Father!" Lucifer gasped, surveying the area with wide eyed wonder. "Why do You have such a vast home when it's just the two of us here?"

God grimaced, "Lucifer you know I've told you not to question me."

Lucifer ducked his head at the reprimand, "Sorry Father!"

God sighed, "it's quite alright just don't let it happen again." He seemed to contemplate something then spoke slowly, "I have created my kingdom so 'vast' as you say because it needs to be big enough to hold all my subjects." When Lucifer shot him a quizzical look God continued, "You will not be my only creation Lucifer. Merely my first, and my most important." God shrugged, "In truth, these halls will be filled with thousands of my children who will attend and worship me."

Lucifer's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. More children? Lucifer smiled, that meant he'd have brothers and sisters to play with. Which was very good considering the fact that he was very lonely. Yes, he had Father but it wasn't the same. He loved God, how could he not? However, he longed for someone he could connect with on his level. God was a supreme being, distant and aloof, and as such Lucifer couldn't really relate to Him. He could only love his God and worship Him, he could not converse with Him. Not in the way that soothed his need for companionship. God smirked, He knew all too well Lucifer's longings. He had hoped that they would begin to fester in Lucifer's heart. He wanted Lucifer to see that he needed more for company than just his God. And when Lucifer realized this He would give him the brotherhood he sought so desperately.

"When will you make these other children Father?" Lucifer asked, too excited to remember he wasn't allowed to question his creator.

"Soon," God promised before moving on His way. Forcing Lucifer to move with Him or be left behind.

"Will they be like me?" Lucifer inquired.

"Lucifer!" God reproached His cherished son.

"Sorry Father!"

A pause. "No one is like you Lucifer, you are unique. But yes, they will be of your kind, angels. Similar enough to you for you to attain the companionship you long for." Lucifer felt a stab of guilt at that, worried that God felt that Lucifer thought He wasn't enough for him, but then his excitement quickly overshadowed his worry. "I can't wait to meet them, Father."

"I know," God said dismissively.

They made their way into the library which was of yet empty of both people and books. All that was in the expansive room were two desks, and rows and rows of empty bookshelves. Not for the first time Lucifer ran over to the empty shelves and ran his fingers over the shiny service. Lucifer hesitated, he knew not to question Father, but there was something about this room he always wanted to know. This was the first time he had been in this room with God, and he didn't know when another opportunity would arise. Besides he knew that even though God would reprimand him for the slip He would still answer Lucifer's question. So, weighing the gains versus the pains, he tentatively asked his question.

"Father? Why do you have so many shelves without anything to fill them? What will you fill them with?" When God shot him an irritated glare Lucifer ducked his head, "sorry Father!"

God sighed, "You're just not going to kick this habit are you? If you insist on…never mind. The shelves will be filled with books, volumes of text filled with the knowledge I wish to share with my children. One child will have the honor of writing down this knowledge, so it can be distributed to the others." A pause, "In fact, all my children will have certain tasks to preform to help the harmony of our home prosper. You will have a job as well, son, but unlike my other children you have a unique special place in my heart. And as such you're place among your siblings will be vastly different, but just as unique."

God continued, "They will be named after the jobs I will appoint them, and the tasks they must do for me." He glanced at his favored son, "Except for you Lucifer, though perhaps there is a tactical meaning to your name. After all you will have to be a shining example for your younger siblings, you will have to show them what they must do, and teach them the truth of my divine rule."

Lucifer ducked his head in humbleness, "I will not fail you, Father."

God pressed his lips together and tried to block out the image of a red-skinned, horned devil singing, "Grace for Sale" while a carnival's crowd of the condemned cried out his unholy name, "I know you won't, Lucifer, I know you won't." After all the name was holy now. It wouldn't be until much later that the name Morningstar would be synonymous with sin. Lucifer smirked in satisfaction and ran off to another part of the home that, for now, he had all to himself and his God. God shook His head sadly and followed his precious son….

God sighed, He had indulged Lucifer too much when it had just been them alone. He had thought He could curb Lucifer's obnoxious behavior later, but unfortunately the seed had already been planted, and now Lucifer thought he could get away with this unacceptable behavior because he was never reprimanded for it in his youth. Like a spoiled child he thought if he threw a big enough tantrum his Daddy would relent and give him whatever he wanted. When more and more of God's children had been created He tried to kill this foolish habit Lucifer had erected. However, it is more difficult to break a habit then to acquire a habit, especially when someone doesn't want to let the habit go. Oh, in the presence of others he obeyed, didn't ask any questions, and taught others how wrong it was to question the Author. But in private he never gave up the need or urge to ask annoying questions. The Scribe was wrong about one thing, when he asked about the Fables that wasn't the first time Lucifer asked something. That was just the first time he had asked something harmful, or publicly.

God sighed, The Scribe, He'd have to do something about that child. He had to rein him in before his friendship to Lucifer clouded his judgement and polluted his soul. He knew what would become of him when He first created him, of course. But God hoped to dissuade him from following Lucifer into eternal damnation. In fact, He hoped to dissuade everyone from following Lucifer, but he knew that was unrealistic. There were fools among His children, and they'd learn with great sorrow the price for disobedience.

…

The Scribe moved towards the Author's doors with a sense a trepidation. Normally he'd move rather quickly, not wanting to keep his Creator waiting, but this time he was in no hurry to reach his destination. He had a feeling he knew what this meeting was about. The Scribe had been in the Author's office many times despite the fact that he was only a Two. That was because he had the job of transcribing all of God's Word into volumes and texts for others to read. It was a great honor and one that even the Ones respected, but the Scribe knew he wasn't being summoned to work on another book today.

When God saw him come in he smiled benevolently, "Come in, Scribe, come in!" He encouraged jovially.

"Thank you, sir," the Scribe replied with the right amount of reverence before stepping into the room.

"How have you been?" God asked, but before the Scribe could answer He continued forcibly. "Scribe, I called you in here to discuss a serious matter. We both know that Lucifer hasn't been himself as of late. He's very confused, very…uh shall we say…unbalanced. He's been saying these outrages lies about my rule." God looked at the Scribe expectantly.

"Yes sir, we've all heard." The Scribe confirmed, feeling it would be unwise to point out that the two of them had publically buried the hatchet.

"I wanted to know where you stood with his…fabrications." The Scribe opened his mouth to speak, but God waved his hand dismissively. "Oh don't worry I'm not saying I believe you agree with these outrages lies. It's just that you two have been close since your creation, which I cannot blame you for. After all, you had a two-fold purpose in your creation. Yes, I wanted you to record my Word that is true. However, I also created you to be a companion to the Morningstar. That is why you are my second creation. I could have created someone closer to me like the Agent, but the Morningstar is very dear to me and I could not stand to see him so lonely. So when he became aware that he needed company I fashioned you to be his company. To give him comfort when no one else can. You cannot help yourself, and I do not blame you. You are, after all, doing what I created you to do, standing beside Lucifer when he needs someone to be there."

Scribe shifted his weight, uncomfortable with the way the conversation was going. "Sir please, I don't know what's wrong with Lucif-"

"Don't you?" God asked sternly, "Did you not know of any confiscated material he might have picked up? Something that may have corrupted his point of view? Perhaps he showed you the object that lead him down his path to sin and you did nothing! You said nothing! You chose him over your loyalties to me, and you thought that I, omniscient being that I am, wouldn't notice your lapse in loyalty!"

The Scribe stammered desperately, "I-I thought he put it back. I told him to put it back! I didn't realize any harm would come from it. I-I-I thought h-he'd leave it alone! Please sir I swear-"

God waved his hand berserk-ly, "Like I said I'm not blaming you I just wanted to make it clear that you shouldn't lie to me. We both know that you do know what is wrong with our exalted friend. Though if he keeps going like this he won't be exalted for long. Which brings me to why I've brought you here. I just want to make sure you're on the right side of this. I know that I made you to give Lucifer company, but not at the expense of your true loyalties. If he is turning away from our beautiful community he no longer deserves the gift of your friendship, do you understand Scribe? Sever ties with him, now, before it's too late. That's an order. Denounce him until he is ready to join our fair society again. Otherwise…"

"Otherwise sir?" Scribe asked tensely.

"Otherwise, you will give him companionship in Hell." God informed him ominously.

Hey, originally I was going to make this longer. I was going to have the Scribe remenance on his and Lucifer's relationship, and have a flashback of the 1st day they met. But this was getting a little long, and I wanted to get it up. So instead I left it here. If you guys want me to post an extended version of this chapter let me know and I'll oblige. I hope you enjoyed this and I can't wait to submit another chapter.