In the beginning, there was life. Life that had begun shortly after the planets had been created due to the melding of atoms and molecules created during the “Big Bang”.

Angels had been the first to take form, followed shortly by demons in the hellish realm. The angels were His children, and they did good deeds in His name for they loved him as a Father, and He loved them as His children.

One day He decided to create something new on Earth. He created a garden that was set apart from the molten landscape, and populated it with animals. Then, He began to experiment with his most beloved creation, humanity. All His attention focused on giving them form, life, sentience. He wanted them to be as similar to Him as possible, and was satisfied with the results.

As He played with humanity, some of His children felt forgotten. Most of all was Samael, whom in response had played with stray molecules floating around in the universe, never able to leave well enough alone, and had created stars that shone brightly in the night sky. As he played and created constellations, he sought God’s approval. Mother had given him her approval, but God remained silent.

Curious on what had drawn his Father’s attention so completely, Samael went to Earth to meet these humans whom God loved so much.

_________

 He landed gently in the garden and let his wings remain at his side as he took in the beauty of this new world surrounding him, amazed at how magnificent his Father’s creations always were.

A unicorn crossed his path, and he noted the apparent divinity that seemed to trail the animal’s single most defining feature. He watched curiously as it ran away, wondering why something divine had been allowed to walk amongst this feral landscape.

He continued through thick brush, having thought he had seen some semblance of what he perceived humanity to be from his time in the sky. He spotted a creature at last through a thick limb. He watched curiously at its reaction. It was hairy, and seemed intelligent. The creature had opposable thumbs and grabbed a fruit from a nearby tree. It stopped, notincing Samael, and watched him. Then it scratched its hindquarters and wandered off.  Samael laughed, thinking His father was quite funny, a concept that felt new. The thing did not walk civilized, only managing to wander by utilizing its knuckles low to the ground. Was this what Father had loved so much, that had caused Him to neglect His family?

Then he saw her. Long hair trickled down to a waist, as she walked upright. Bare skin caressed her brunette locks. Soft green eyes, gleamed with intelligence, and curiosity as she watched the other creature shuffle off. Her gaze eventually fell to Samael. Glory filled her gaze as she noticed his grand white wings. She approached, caution not a concept she was familiar with, as she reached out a hand to him.

He watched her fascinated, as she stroked his feathers, which had never been touched by another. A new sensation ran through him as he allowed it, watching her with pure fascination.She continued to pet him, enthralled by the softness, and silkiness, that his white downy feathers provided. She was enchanting.

Her hands continued to explore his features, moving from the wings to his clothed form. She curiously played with the layers he was wearing, seemingly confused when a piece of him was able to be peeled away without harm. Samael helped her remove the clothing until he stood with her bare for her inspection to continue. A smile crossed her face as she felt the familiar skin that looked similar to hers.

Sensations new to him swelled up inside him as her hands explored his features, similar, yet different to hers. He noticed a change beginning to take place with his own physical form, and felt drawn to explore her as well.

His hands reached for her long hair, similar to that of some of his sisters, yet he had never touched them, not in this new and interesting way before. He explored her face, caressing her cheek, then.. lips. She puckered then, and explored his fingers with them. Curious, she came closer to him and did the same. Her fingers ran over his lips, and he felt their sensitivity, and curiosity overcome him, as he drew them to her lips.

Lips pressed together softly, and at first the sensation felt unnatural, until she decided to explore further with her tongue. What started as sloppy, swiftly became skilled, as they explored with each other’s mouths. Heat unlike anything he had felt before began to flood through him, as he grew an incessant need to close the remaining distance between the two of them. As he did so, he noticed that a part of his anatomy had fully changed form and become engorged, feeling her press against it, sent a sensation though his entire body, and he craved more.

The kissing became heated as the flames grew more intense. He pulled her down to the ground as he continued to explore her features with his hand. Her breasts were shapely, and nipples perked in excitement. Bumps had formed over her naked skin, and she was now reverberating soft moans, and tremors, that only enhanced the sensations coming from his erect anatomy.

His hands continued to trail down her soft skin until he found something wet, and slippery. Touching her there sent caused similar reactions from her that had from when he had felt her touch his anatomy. He played there, enjoying her delight and was fascinated by what reaction would take place if he continued.

After a time she arched below him, shivering at his hands, pleasure seeping all over her face as she felt the need to draw him in. He obliged, pressing against her, finding the smooth slickness of her  pleasurable against his penis. He pushed into her, and a strong reaction emitted from both of them. This was marvelous. He began to steadily slip in and out, in what became the most intense physical sensation he had yet experienced. His pace quickened, his desire deepened, until all at once everything was released. A wetness escaped from him, into her, and he was overcome with uncontrollable shivers that started there and continued all the way through his neck and down to his toes.  It was surreal. God had done fine work. And although this creature wasn’t divine, she was magnificent.

He removed himself from her, still trying to process this new and fascinating sensation, as he once again fit himself into clothing.

“Eve,” she pressed her hand to her bare chest.

He looked at her and smiled, she could speak! They really were sentient just like his siblings!

“Samael,” he responded, indicating himself.

The brush behind him moved, and Samael watched as another, more similar to himself appeared. Eve smiled and walked to the other human.

“Adam,” she indicated to Samael.

“Samael,” the angel introduced himself.

Adam approached, and started to explore Samael the same way Eve had. Samael allowed it, and happily explored the differences between the two, as Eve joined in again to recreate that ever so pleasant experience. The three continued this activity well into the night, enjoying the pleasure that emitted from the overwhelming physical release. Adam and Eve eventually fell asleep by Samael’s side, not able to keep pace with the angel’s divinity.

Samael clothed himself, then returned home.

_________

He told his siblings of his discovery. They listened intrigued, some were worried of him wanting to explore Father’s creations, thinking that it wasn’t their place, as they had no orders to interfere. Samael did not see the harm of it, and was taken by his experiences there. Mother and Father remained silent, and did not tell him it was not allowed.

Samael chose to return, within a few month’s time. Curious to learn more about this fascinating creation.

__________

When he arrived, he saw Eve collecting berries, while Adam was watching a squirrel.

Eve smiled excitedly. “Samael!” she called, waving her arms.

Samael came to her. She demonstrated her activity, and Samael began to help her. He held up a berry, and wondered if it had been given a name.

Eve looked at him curiously, seeming to understand.

Samael spoke in the language of the heavens, trying to relay the closest word that would reflect the fruit he held in his hand.

Eve tried to replicate his speech, but was unable to make certain sounds with her different anatomy. She shook her head in disappointment.

Adam approached them then. “Blueberry,” he called, giving it a name.

Eve nodded her approval proudly. “Blueberry,” she repeated.

Samael smiled, and they began to name the creatures and animals around them, forming the first language, allowing Adam and Eve to communicate more efficiently.

_________

Samael returned to heaven after a time. He excitedly told his brothers and sisters about his second experience with humanity, and what good he had done for them. He was proud of his accomplishments, helping to advance his Father’s most beloved creations.

Samael sought his Father’s approval, but was again, met with silence.

Perhaps he was simply not doing enough? He chose to return to Earth to see what more he could do for the lovely creatures his Father so adored.

_________

Samael returned, seeing Eve and Adam sitting around a deer that was laying down, not moving. They curiously poked, and prodded the creature but found it did not stir. He walked towards them, curious himself on why there was no response. Adam and Eve looked to him, they smiled, but concern showed through their features.

Samael bent down and touched the creature, finding no steady thump of a living heart. Dead. This was a facet of mortality, that his sister Azrael had been so endlessly fascinated by. He turned the animal’s head and saw a trail of red liquid flowing out the side of the creature. Blood. Another sight he had never before witnessed, only heard of through his sibling’s descriptions. She had explained that certain mortal creatures had to consume one another to survive, needing sustenance and nutrition, and to cut down on the population of those that ate the plants.

He looked to the humans, curious if they could eat meat. Samael had knowledge of the microscopic organisms that resided on the planet, and knew how to rid them so that disease could be avoided. He instructed Adam to fetch wood, and asked Eve to join him.

He found a rock that was sharp, and asked Eve to cut into the dead animal. She was trusting, and did as she was told. After it was cleaned, and the meat was collected, Adam returned with wood.

Samael taught them how to start a fire, using kindling and rubbing two sticks together to create a spark. They replicated his actions, and were quick to learn the process. He instructed them on a fire’s properties, and what to do to ensure it would not burn out of control. Then he skewered the meat, and proceeded to cook it over the flame. Once it was done he offered it to them.

Adam was the first to bite into it. A smile crossed his face as he enjoyed the new flavor that crossed his tongue. Eve followed suit, and they ate the meal happily together.

Afterwards they sat quietly by the fire, enjoying its warmth. The heat, and closeness led to them exploring the fun physical sensations they had partaken in before. Samael had found that they had been practicing this on one another, as they were able to bring about pleasure from him in new and intriguing ways. They continued into the night until they were spent.

In the morning Samael awoke to see the brightest of his creations winking at him from the sky above. It was beautiful. His heart felt full, being bathed in all of the beauty his Father and Mother had been responsible for. What a glory it was to be alive, in this new and untamed world!

He began to sing in spite of himself. An activity his siblings had invented, and his favorite to partake in amongst the silver city.

Eve stirred awake, and watched him curiously, as he sang the ethereal song in his native language. He watched as she stood, and began swaying to his tempo, adding to the energy of the moment.

The swaying turned into flailing. Wild and untamed. She had no inhibitions, no doubt or worry. She moved her body exotically, every inch of her curves sultry and seductive. Her long dark hair radiated in the reds and orange of the rising sun. She looked as if she wanted to be the fire that had been sparked the night before. Her eyes spoke of the thrill that rushed through her movements, becoming more elegant and controlled as she learned of the energy and spirit of the song Samael sung.

As the sun rose, dancing was born.

Adam awoke soon after and watched her radiance, taken by her beautiful form as much as Samael was. He stood up and joined her. The spark and electricity between the two of them was vivacious and uninhibited. Samael watched and sung as the two of them grew closer, drawn to each other, passion sparking a new sensation between the two. Forming a bond that had suddenly begun to grow from something to simple to something more.

Samael saw this connection, but did not understand it completely, but felt the joy that permeated from them until his song was done.

The pair held each other once he had completed his celebratory song, lost in their newly formed feelings for each other.

Soon after Samael returned home, and shared his experiences once more. He spoke of what he did not understand, and found that none of his siblings understood it either. But he could see the joy it had brought them, and he sought his Father’s approval for helping them to find that. He was still met with silence.

________

Samael continued to return between Eden and Heaven, teaching the humans about art, poetry, tools, and building. His siblings worried about their brother’s love for humanity, but approved of everything that he gifted them with. He grew the title of Lightbringer, as he brought light into the sky, fire to Earth, and richness to the human’s souls. The title suited him well, and he never failed to impress them with his stories on how easy it was for humans to learn.

Every time he returned to Heaven, he longed to hear his Father’s praise, and was always met with silence. Now the silence came from Mother as well, and he longed for the days that his family were together, singing about the glory that was their home.

His heart grew steadily sadder as time went on. Many of his siblings sympathized with their beloved brother, as they too felt the sting that came from the silence from those who used to present so much joy towards them. He would greet these siblings every time upon returning, and they would share stories of their own experiences in trying to impress Father and Mother to no avail.

Samael asked why, and never received an answer.

_______

One day on Eden, Samael, Eve, and Adam walked through the forest of the garden. Samael spotted a tree that beared fresh fruit, untouched by any animal.

“Why has no creature eaten from this?” he asked, knowing that nothing poisonous existed within the garden, only on the outside where the dinosaurs were roaming and ever evolving, God’s experiment with life more untamed than this haven.

“We just don’t,” Adam answered. “It never looked quite right to consume,”

“There’s something about it. Something that feels… I don’t know if there is a word for it, but it's wrong somehow.” Eve added.

Samael studied her reaction, and could see her uneasiness towards the tree. Something that resembled fear that he had seen from demons whom he had visited once long ago from his exploration of Hell, a place he had loathed and had chosen never to visit again.

“And what would you wish to call that sensation?” he asked.

They gave it a name in their language - fear. It was a sensation that they claimed to not feel anywhere else, and was something they wished to avoid if at all possible.

“Why do you avoid it?” Samael asked. “Don’t you want to explore all sensation life offers?”

They looked to each other, then to Samael, completely baffled by why anyone would want to choose to do something that would make them uncomfortable, yet intrigued by the possibility of new sensations that would be offered as a result.

“Why would we choose to do something that may harm us?” Adam asked.

“For the thrill of it of course,” Samael said, a smile curling his lips.

“I don’t think that’s something we want to partake in,” Eve said, holding his arm gently in an attempt to turn him away from the temptation.

Samael wasn’t so easy to turn aside. He always had a tendency to lean towards his curiosities. He approached the tree, and picked a fruit from its limb. It appeared to be a type of apple, different from all of the others found in this area. He found it odd that there was only one tree in all of the garden that bore this fruit, and was located directly in the center. Almost as if Father were highlighting it to the humans. Yet why were they afraid of this simple fruit?

He brought it closer to his face and examined it, not finding anything particularly abhorrent in its shape or color. He proceeded to smell it, and found its scent delightful in its richness.

He heard a flap of wings, and soon saw his brother Amenadiel standing before him, large black wings splayed out to their full length.

“Put the apple down brother,” he ordered.

“Why?” Samael asked.

“The humans are not meant to eat it,” he replied.

“Brother, its an apple!” Samael said with a laugh. “What’s wrong with this fruit?”

“Fear, is not an emotion God wants these humans to feel. They shouldn’t even have a name for it! What you are doing is wrong, and will cause them pain and suffering. These are creatures you adore, don’t make them experience that, put the apple down,” Amenadiel stated.

Adam and Eve were not moving. They stared where Samael had been before. Samael walked towards them curiously, in awe of their lack of motion. They were not dead like the deer had been before, but were slowed down. He looked to his brother. They had been learning that each angel hosted an ability, and Samael was now seeing Amenadiel’s in action. He smiled, impressed at how powerful his brother was.

“Amazing brother, did you know you could affect this world like this?” Samael asked, continuing to pace around the humans with curiosity fully in his gaze.

“No… I did not…” Amenadiel said, just as amazed as his brother.

Time passed slowly. Samael threw the apple up and caught it once more, turning the attention away from the humans as he pondered.

“Brother, if Father loves these creatures so much and doesn’t wish them harm, then why would he have created this tree and placed it in their garden in the first place?” Samael questioned.

“Perhaps it is so that they may learn the importance of obedience,” Amenadiel responded, holding out a hand to indicate that his brother should give him the apple.

“Right,” Samael said. He strongly respected his older brother, and knew that he always knew what was best. Samael gave the apple to his brother, who placed it gently next to the tree.

“Father loves you brother, but please be careful, I’m concerned with what some of our siblings are starting to say back home.” Amenadiel warned.

“What is it that they are saying then dear brother?” Samael asked, curious as to what could possibly disturb his righteous brother.

“That Father may have forgotten them. They say it is something you spoke of first,” Amenadiel said. “Father will never abandon you brother, do you not believe in Him?”

Samael shook his head. “I have never said that, only that I can never impress him. All I’m asking for is a thank you, is that really so much to ask? I have helped these creatures, I’ve taught them how to fend for themselves, how to build structures, create art, sing, but Father remains silent. Does he not appreciate what I’ve done? They are his favorite creatures after all,” his shoulders rolled forward, and his gaze became forlorn. “If He still loves us, why doesn’t He ever express it?”

Amenadiel placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder to comfort him. “I don’t know brother, but you should have more faith in His devotion to us. We are His children, beloved and holden unto Him. We share His home, whereas these poor creatures will never see the light of the city, we have that, and we have each other. Come home brother, please, spend time with the family that still cares for you,”

Samael conceded to his brother’s request, and returned home, leaving Adam and Eve to their paradise, and the tree that caused them discomfort.

_____

Heaven itself did not subside Samael’s desire for comfort. He learned from his brothers and sisters about all of their excursions traveling the stars of his design, and the worlds Father and Mother had created. They were all taken by the marvels of these creations, and all sang glory to their Parents’ names.

Samael began to grow colder and more distant from them the more time he’d spent there. His siblings longed for him to concede the foolish notion that Father and Mother did not appreciate their work. They were enjoying the work of their children from afar, could they not simply celebrate as siblings for their accomplishments?

The disquiet from Samael’s coldness began to affect his siblings closest to him. Azrael, and Raguel were the most susceptible to his woes. A new emotion had been created from the trio, sadness was born out of a loss for a time when their family had been close. They discussed it together, and confided in one another. This in turn led to others in the large family of heaven learning of it, and it spread amongst the heavens. It became a negative hole that spread in a place meant to be pure and bright.

Other angels saw this negativity and knew it to not be meant for their divine home. Amenadiel was chief among those who began to worry over this ongoing despair that was beginning to wreck the halls of the pure and devout temple. It had all started with Samael, the one who shone the brightest, now tainting this place with darkness. He longed to appease his brother whom he loved so dearly, but every time he tried it was Samael’s stubbornness that kept him from understanding how Father and Mother’s silence could be a good thing.

There came a day that Samael no longer could stand in Heaven without being overwhelmed by these feelings of abandonment. He chose to return to Earth, this time not to appease his Father or Mother, but to be amongst the creatures who longed for his companionship.

_______

Eve and Adam were in their shelter when he returned. They were intertwined with one another, lost in the moment, and failed to see the angel standing before them. For some reason unbeknownst to him Samael felt he was intruding on something sacred, and private. He chose not to let himself be seen, and decided to wander and let them finish their courtship in private.

As he wandered the forests of Eden, he came across the tree once more. Still bearing its many fruits. He was aware of the seasons that took place outside of the garden, and had seen how the environment had changed throughout the centuries to now be cold, snowy and dark. The dinosaurs that once roamed the rest of the planet were now replaced by mammals similar to creatures of the garden, who held lots of fur and weight to protect themselves from the harsh environments. Yet Eden never changed. It remained pure, and untouched by time or elements. There was a peace here that Samael could no longer even find at home, a place he once revered.

The sadness that had slowly grown in him began to well into his throat, as he started to release it in song. A pained lullaby that was new and different rang from a voice that had only ever sung of praise and joy before then. He did not know how long he sat there, relishing in the release of emotion that had overcome him, but he did see that the sun had begun to set.

A gentle hand touched his soft feathers, and he turned to see Eve, who had wetness in her eyes as she comforted him, not knowing what it was she felt. Samael leaned into the touch, and tried to find peace there near her. He noticed the apple he had picked before still resting next to the tree unspoiled although it had been years since it had been touched. It was as unnatural, as these feelings appeared to be.

They held each other, before giving into the passion still present between them. On release, Samael found the comfort he had so desperately sought, given by this creature whom his Father had come to care for over himself.

______

When morning came he awoke, still holding Eve, until Adam came and found them there. She stood up quickly. Samael looked between the two of them curiously as to why they were reacting the way they were.

“Why are you here?” Adam asked.

“I came to visit, like I’ve always done,” Samael said confused.

“Not you. Eve.” Adam indicated her. “We were with one another, why did you come to be with him?”

Eve looked between the two of them. “It's what we’ve always done,” she said.

“No, it's different isn’t it?” Adam asked. Samael noticed an odd cracking in the man’s voice as he began pleading with Eve. “Do you rather lay with him than I?” he asked.

Eve looked at Samael lost in thought, and did not give an answer.

Samael remained confused as to why Adam was reacting the way that he had. “Would you care to join us?” he asked.

“What?” Adam responded.

“Would you care to lay with us?” He asked again simply.

“I felt things last night Adam. Things I’ve never felt before. I wanted to lay with Samael,” Eve responded finally, looking at Samael, and stroking his feathers playfully.

Adam’s eyes became wet, similar to how Eve’s had been the night before. He shook his head and walked off without another word.

“What’s happening?” Samael asked curiously to Eve.

“I’m not sure,” Eve replied.

She looked at him in the same way he had seen her look at Adam the night the two had danced. Suddenly feeling an unease settling in his stomach he turned back to the tree. The apples still hanging temptingly from the branches. He stood to pick the same apple off the ground, and examined it once more, the sweet smell of it tempting his growing hunger.

“What is it like outside the garden?” Eve asked. “Where do you go when you leave us?”

Samael looked at her, the same feeling locked in his gut as he pondered a response.

“The Silver City. It’s nothing to crow about really, once it was where I felt appreciated and respected. Lately it has felt empty and quiet, even though the angels still sing, and the halls are forever full.” he said.

“What changed?” Eve asked, touching the soft skin of the apple he held.

“Father and Mother remain silent, as they prefer to spend their time watching you.” Samael said.

“I appreciate and respect you Samael,” she took her hand away from the apple, and began to play with Samael’s arms.

He paused for a moment, an idea striking him. “Outside the garden there is a whole planet untouched by humanity. We could go there together, start something new with just each other, away from Father’s prying eyes”

He offered her the apple.

“What do you desire?” Samael asked.

He felt a strange sensation as he waited for a response. Was it her will that he sensed when he asked the question? She gave into his question fascinated by his whole being, “I want to be with you Samael,”

She looked down at the apple he’d offered her, and proceeded to take a sensuous bite. After swallowing she fully wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him closer to her still naked form. They kissed passionately, the apple falling to the ground once more, as the first sin was born from a rush of lust that threatened to destroy the paradise they stood amongst.

_____

They made their way to the gates of the Garden. It was encompassed by plants that reached all the way up to a towering walls of stone, an opening Samael had witnessed the centuries he had flown here was wedged between where two stone walls had met. They came close to the entrance and Samael stopped, seeing the cold harshness of the outside, knowing the creatures out there were prepared for the harsh environment, while Eve, lovely as she was, stood next to him bare skinned.

“Do you still hunt?” Samael asked.

Eve looked at the path before them, then looked back up to him. “Yes, why?”

He grabbed her hand, “We need to find the hairiest beast here and hunt it so that we can have food for our trek, can you do that while I start a fire for the night,”

Eve looked at him curiously, “There are beasts out there,” she said.

“Yes, but it’s cold out there and you need protection from the elements,” Samael explained.

She looked at him blankly, clearly not understanding. That feeling in his stomach returned as he asked her again to find a creature with lots of fur. She obliged him and wandered into the garden to hunt. Samael began to collect fruits and berries that could help them.

As the hours passed and darkness began to creep in, Adam eventually appeared, drawn to the light Samael always seemed to possess even at night time. Samael stopped picking the blueberries and looked at Adam curiously.

“Would you care to join us tonight?” he asked.

“Why her?” Adam asked.

“I’m inviting you as well. Are you well Adam, you have been acting unusual lately,”

“Why do you want her? Why not someone, anyone else?” Adam continued to move towards him.

“Adam, I’m not playing favorites. That’s Dad’s jam, not mine. What is distressing you? What is it you desire?”

Adam paused, mesmerized by Samael’s gaze. Samael felt that odd tingling sensation as he somehow felt Adam concede to his question. “I want her, only her. I want you to go away and leave us alone so that we can be happy, like we always were. But the way she looks at you, the way she holds you, it makes me feel like she will never want me again, and that feels…”

The way he’d felt about his Father, the loss, the… sadness… it was present in Adam’s features as well. While he understood that feeling of sadness, the other sensation that was running through him was entirely new and unexpected. His stomach was tightening as he experienced guilt for the first time since his creation. It felt horrible, and he did not understand why or how it was happening, or how to make it go away.

“She wishes to leave Adam, she wants to see more beyond this garden. I think you should join her. I’ve taught you about hunting, fishing, and other methods you will need to employ to survive, but I’ll need to teach you about clothing before you can both go. Eve is hunting at the moment, why don’t we start a fire and we can talk,” Samael offered, fighting back that tightening sensation that had now moved to his throat whenever he swallowed.

Adam agreed. Soon after he had the fire started. Samael joined him and sat down.

“Why do you want only her? Am I not worthy of you as well?” Samael asked as he began to stroke Adam’s arm, an action he had done numerous times with a pleasant response. This time Adam pulled away, seemingly distraught at the gesture.

“It's not about you Samael. It’s about her wanting to leave me to be with you,” Adam said.

“We never excluded you Adam, you just weren’t there last night that’s all, nothing about this is any different,” He remembered the way Eve had looked at him the previous night, the sharp tightening in his stomach returned. What if he was wrong?

“I don’t believe that Samael. Although I don’t believe you had any bad intentions either, just know what I ask and keep it in mind for the future?” Adam asked.

Samael nodded in understanding, agreeing to do his best.

Eve returned with many numerous animals that sported fine, thick coats. Samael helped them skin the animals, and taught them of clothing and its use. Before the end of the next day both Adam and Eve were wearing fur for the first time. Samael tried to explain the harshness of weather, but the pair remained confused with the concept, it was simply something they would have to bear witness to. They were as prepared as they ever would be. Samael escorted them to the entrance of the garden.

___________

When they left Adam and Eve felt the coldness of the air threatening their bare skin. Beyond the wall there stood a mighty angel holding a long blade lit aflame by Samael many centuries ago in the kingdom of heaven when they were fledglings together. The blade was reputed to be able to cut through anything, including the gates of heaven itself. Gabriel’s eyes met Samael’s as he saw the two humans outside of the paradise that had been created specially for them, the most beloved of Father’s creations. They were shivering, and appeared weak and unprepared for the harshness of this new world.

“Samael, brother, what have you done?” the archangel asked in horror. “No mortal being is ever allowed to enter or leave this place. It was an order given by Father shortly after its creation. Now that they have left, they can never return,”

Adam and Eve looked to Samael with fear in their eyes.

“Out here time and age are existent not eternal. They will wither and die. Is that what you sought for them?” Gabriel asked exacerbated by the ramifications that may come from this choice.

“Gabriel, I am simply helping them achieve their desires.” Samael smiled proudly, clearly feeling no shame from the act “That is my gift from Father Gabriel. This is what they want, I helped them to make that choice. Father will finally see that I am worthy of his love for helping the humans make that leap which they never would have been able to do without me,”

“Brother you are misguided. They will suffer for the choice that they have made today,” Gabriel sadly spoke.

“I’ve done nothing wrong brother,” Samael said, taken aback by the hurtful words coming from his beloved brother.

“I am sorry brother, what is done is done,” He looked to the humans with deep compassion and sorrow. “I am sorry, but you must leave here and never return,”

Adam and Eve clung to each other.

“This won’t be forever,” Samael said to them. “Take care of each other, and I will make sure you get back home one day, I promise,”

Samael stood in shock as they did as Gabriel said and left the only home they had ever known, to a fruitless, cold and cruel world. He watched them on their journey, and turned to his brother.

“Why would you do this to them?!” he asked, wetness streaming from his face. “That was their home, why would you cast them out? They have done nothing wrong!”

“They chose to leave when it was made clear they weren’t allowed to brother. They sealed their own fate, this was Father’s command,” Gabriel explained.

“I don’t believe that brother. If he loved them, he would never have abandoned them!” Samael said, when another new emotion was flowing through him, anger. “I’ll see what my siblings have to say about this!”

His gossamer white wings unfurled as he made the trek to the heavens from where he was created. Gabriel stayed, following the orders of his Father loyally with concern for his brother’s future fate.

____________

In the halls of the Silver City, Samael explained his position. He described the unjust nature that had befallen the humans he closely regarded as friends. Many agreed with his plight, and argued with him that what was done had been unfair. They sided with him, as he argued again and again about how they had been abandoned, and were now making the wrong choices that were harming the creations Father had held so dear.

The arguments continued for years, never fully gaining any ground, and heaven became infested with the anger, hatred, and pain that resulted from these feuds.

One day Samael stood off in an alleyway, far from the throne of his Father where many of his brothers and sisters continued to sing His praise. He had finished speaking to Azrael on the topic when Amenadiel approached him. His brother had continued to be on Father’s side, always claiming that there was a larger purpose to Father’s actions, and his faith never wavered.

“Brother, I am concerned with what I have been hearing,” Amenadiel spoke, pulling Samael into a hug, who did not reciprocate it. “Please stop with these wild accusations, you are tearing apart what makes this city Holy,”

“Do I?” Samael, pushed him away violently. “Do I really brother? Am I that much of a nuisance to our home?!” his glare grew intense towards his brother at this accusation. Dark eyes glared menacingly. “If I’m that much of a bother, perhaps He should cast me aside like he did his precious humans!” he said, his voice rang loudly throughout the halls as angels nearby grew into silence. “I’m done speaking brother, I’ve had it,” he pushed past his brother and left the hallway, beckoning many of his siblings to his side.

Gathering his siblings together as they had been discussing for weeks at this point, they collected weapons that had been assigned to them since near the beginning of time and decided to finally take action. Samael had decided that perhaps this would be the only way to receive his Father’s attention, and make it clear that many of the angels were not happy. He did it for them, and he did it for the humans who were unjustly cast from their paradise, a fate they never deserved. Father would pay for his treachery to the beings he had loved so deeply, to the family He had abandoned when they only sought his love.

It was the day all of Heaven cried. The day war had been invented through rebellion, and the day Samael’s army was defeated by the other archangels of heaven. The beaten angels were placed upon the throne to be judged.

Michael, highest of all of the angels looked over them in sadness. “Fighting has no place in the halls of heaven, and whilst many of you fought I feel as though you were deceived by only one among you who has spread false truths that have harmed our house,”

Samael looked up towards his mighty brother, nothing but scorn emitting from his eyes.

“Samael, you are the only one who is to be judged today. If the fighting begins again, know that the rest of you will be judged!” The silver angel watched as his brothers and sisters were released from their chains and flew away free, saddened by whatever fate fell their brother, the most beloved light in their skies.

“Samael…” Michael began, voice ringing with a beautiful sorrow. “Your pride has been your downfall brother, you did not help the humans, and you have brought turmoil to your home.”

“I did what I had to! What none of you had the guts to do brother! Don’t you see? He’s abandoned us! He stopped loving us long ago!” Samael objected.

“Father loves you Samael, as do we all. You could never admit that you are wrong about any that which you spoke,”

“Why won’t he just say it? Why isn’t he HERE?! Does he care so little about us brother? Why do you always follow whatever choices He makes for you? Let me go! I’ve done nothing wrong brother! Can’t you see that?” Samael pled to his brother, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Am I so horrible that I’m not worthy of your love either?”

Michael shook his head, sorrow feeling his every being. “You are not worthy of this life brother. Father has commanded your sentence,”

Samael watched, scared of what his brother would say next. The chains that bound him could not hide the shrinking of his figure, his pure white wings bound within them puffed and stretched, making appear larger, like a cat frightened of being caught. He wanted to run, to flee, life had been too short to see it end so abruptly when all he wanted was to be accepted. Everything in his body shivered uncontrollably as Michael approached.

“Brother-” Samael began.

“You are never to return Samael,” His brother spoke softly, as he placed one sorrow filled hand on the chains that bound the beloved Lightbringer.

The chains grew heavy, and hot against Samael’s skin. His wrists burned as he felt the weight begin pulling him down. He fell, down into the abyss, through the heavens, past the stars that still shone brightly with his light, past the earth where he had treacherously aided the humans in leaving their own paradise, and into the fires of Hell where the demons resided, and would regard him in trepidation and fear as he created a new home for himself in a fiery damnation he could never fully escape.