thisducks | The Choices Made [for Daily / admonish]

Entry tags:

The Choices Made [for Daily / admonish]

[ He didn't understand.

He didn't understand why they were all so mad at him. Everyone was so mad. Being shoved into a silent, dark room and told to stay there in a tone that brook no argument... it felt like hours ago. Deep inside, he was afraid for Lilith. He had no idea where she was, how mad they were at her. All of it felt so incredibly confusing and seeing the people he loved look that angry, that... scared? It left him shook to his core.

So Lucifer sat in silence, his wings wrapped around him like a tight cocoon, with his knees drawn up and his arms wrapped around his knees. He thought of Sera scolding him for saying he loved the humans with all his heart when she finally caught him sneaking down to the Garden. He thought of Lilith crying, telling him the words Adam had spoken to her that made her angry until she cried in his arms, and how he eased her tears and found ways to make her smile again. How he'd wanted her to be free when she said she felt like she was in a cage.

It'd all made sense in his head, before. What difference would her knowing more make to the other angels? Then he'd feared Eve would be trapped in the same way, what if Adam would do the same..?

He'd just wanted them to be happy.

So why was everyone so angry at him? ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

[ Why didn’t he understand?

He finds himself pacing, trying to wrap his mind around the important question of the hour. Lucifer would never do anything out of malice, he likely thinks he is genuinely doing something beneficial for them by offering his gift. They know that, they have to, but even they were not immune to the consequences of disobeying God. The gift he bestowed upon Lilith and Eve was never his to give.

Now, here they stand. Lucifer in the darkness and Michael in the light on the opposite side of the door. A part of him can already feel his fear seeping through it, having been judged so harshly by the eyes of those who loved him so unconditionally not even an hour prior to the discovery. He must be so very terrified so, with that in mind, the door to the room opens to reveal a familiar silhouette to him, wings drooping a fraction when he sees how dark it is.

As a kindness, maybe, he lets the door stay ajar to allow some light to trickle in. But behind him, there are several other angels poised to guard the space, to intervene should something happen—he knows that will not be necessary. Before Lucifer’s wings can fully unfurl, he rests a gentle hand against his shoulder.

His face may be free of disdain, even offering a small smile, but he looks grim. ]

You look like a lost duckling. Has anyone spoken to you yet, Lucifer? Do you know why you are here?

[ Michael! His heart knows in an instant when his twin opens the door, making him look up as his wings parted. Unless he was stopped, he would hug Michael at the waist, but either way, the tears started when Michael asked his questions. ]

No! Michael, what's going on?? Everyone's so mad and there was so much yelling and they made me sit in here and it's dark...! [ The tears shine on his face, make the golden glow of his halo brighten and dim to normal with his heart beat as his emotions get the better of him. Until this business with Eden started, it was hard to say if Lucifer had ever known true tears. The brilliance of a dreamer's heart keeps him naive, some would even say foolish, but it has always let him shine in ways other angels cannot.

But now, reality is starting to teach him what Heaven's gates had defended him from. ]

Is- Is everything alright? Is Lilith okay?

[ This could be the final sliver of kindness he receives for a time, so he allows him to hug him and even returns it, letting a hand rub at his back soothingly. It was cruel to keep the truth from him for this long, of course they would send him to deliver the news to his brother.

In a way it’s a comfort knowing he will be able to answer him without trying to withhold facts, but it also means he will be forced to see his fear firsthand. Perhaps it’s his punishment for encouraging his hopes and dreams until they could no longer be contained in a vessel. ]

The gift you gave was forbidden. That’s why they were angry.

[ He reaches up, attempting to wipe away as many of the tears as he can, knowing there will be mor to come. Could God not be merciful? He doesn’t know the ramifications of what he has done, there has to be something that can be done. But he is unable to lie. ]

You need to worried about yourself right now, there is going to be a trial. Soon. You disobeyed Him and, because of that, it’s necessary. [ Before he even asks, he shakes his head. ] I can attend and be there for you, but I can’t change the outcome.

[ His wings arch forward around Lucifer, the ends of his feathers brushing against his back. An added layer of comfort, maybe, before he’s sent down a road he knows is unknown. But first, with a sigh, he decides to put at least one worry to bed for him. ]

Lilith is safe. [ for now, though it remains unsaid. ]

...a trial? [ The layering confusion is so clear in his eyes as he looks to his twin. Of course, he's seen trials before, but they're always about small things. Decisions to be made about this or that. Sometimes, someone gets angry, or comes angry, but a decision is always made and things are set to right. ]

Why... Michael, why should I be worried? [ As Michael's wings come around him, he can't help but tighten his arms around his brother. He's gotten in trouble before, even made people mad sometimes, but never like this. ] I- I just wanted them to be happy and free, like we are. I don't understand; why would we keep Lilith in the Garden if she's not happy there? Why wouldn't Adam stop ordering her around? I tried to talk to him, too, but we talked in circles and he got more upset... I don't- I don't get any of it!

[ He buries his face against Michael's shoulder as the tears come again in hot, angry trails down his cheeks. Tears of confusion and the creeping bloom of fear, the combination quick to grow like choking ivy in its fertile new land its been given seed. He loved the humans, all three of them, with all of his heart, just as much as he is loved by their Father, at least in his eyes. Why would making them be free be so bad?! ]

It’s different this time, this has never happened before. They are as unaware as you are right now, there’s never been a need for something like this before. [ He keeps his tone even, rubbing at the space between Lucifer’s wings gingerly. While trying to keep from using terms that might heighten his fear, he knows it’s inevitable. ]

I know that, I don’t think you’re capable of ill-will. Even so, you gave them something they weren’t prepared for. You didn’t just give them free will, you also gave them something darker. Free will can be a blessing but, in inexperienced hands, it can be otherwise.

[ Tilting his face up, he goes about wiping the tears again before cupping his face. It’s Michael who looks anxious now, his smile more somber than anything else now. He needs him to understand. ]

Heaven is good but now, with your gift, evil also exists for them. They were too new a creation to be handed something so powerful. Do you understand? As it stands, it was not meant for them. Giving someone free will who is unable to comprehend it is dangerous. I know that you love them but this, Father won’t excuse it.

I know it isn’t what you want to hear, but Father created them so they would be able to continue their own legacy. Love them as we may, they will never thrive if we continue to intervene. Lilith was Adam’s first wife until she was convinced she could be more and became willful, but she isn’t being kept there as punishment.

[ he leans over, pressing a kiss to his crown. ]

As for Adam.. If you knew someone was created for you and they turned their back to you rather than obey, wouldn’t that hurt? It builds resentment and that fuels his anger.

[ Though he sniffles through Michael's explanation, Lucifer listens otherwise silently through it. All he had done was listen to Lilith, giving her a place to cry like Michael does for him even now. When he talked about the great many things outside of Eden, she'd listened and wondered, dreamed about those places, just like he does. Yet unlike him, she couldn't leave to go see those and explore and do what she wanted to do.

But Michael makes sense, too. That Father does want them to thrive and that means they need to be together and do like the other animals and make more of themselves. It irks him, though, the idea of needing to obey rather than wanting to. ]

But... But the humans were made as they are! If Lilith wasn't happy as Adam's wife, isn't that how she was created to be? Isn't that... free will, too? She could make choices, and so could Adam. [ A hand comes up and scrubs over his cheek, then returns back to hugging his brother close. ]

...Father hasn't spoken to me at all. He must be really mad at me. [ An idea that hurts to his core; he loves their Father dearly, as they all do. ] I- I tried to speak to Him, but all I heard was silence. ...He's never not spoken to me-

[ Lucifer's voice cuts off as the pain of his words gets to be too much, his fingers gripping tightly to the back of Michael's robes. He's scared, and this is a kind of scared he's never known before. ]

What do I do? What's- what's going to happen? I want to apologize to Father, but how can I if He won't talk to me..?

They were made, yes, but if you consider how long we have been here versus how long they have, it will make sense to you. They’ve existed for the blink of an eye while we have had eons to prepare. Someone has to understand free will before they are given it, or else they will act impulsively instead of thinking about it.

If they don’t, something like anger may bubble up until it becomes rage, and rage becomes hatred. You helped her to dream of more, it’s in their nature to be curious, but we were supposed to let them thrive without outside help.

To make their own choices without being influenced by us. Lilith did make a choice, that is why Father created Eve for Adam.

[ he sighs, tilting his head to nudge it against his. ]

Why couldn’t you tell me about this before you did it? You know better than anyone that I would’ve listened to you, we could have talked to Father together to try and reach a compromise. Instead—

[ the desperation in the way he grabs him is heartbreaking, especially knowing there was a way he could have changed this outcome, but he chose them over him. it stings. ]

He is hurt, not angry, just give him time. Since He found out what happened, His voice has been silent for all of us. I’ll try to talk to Him for you, but I can’t give you any promises, Lucifer. Whatever happens now, it’s out of my hands.

Be honest and tell him what you have told me, it’s your best chance. As for what happens after the trial, it will depend on judgment. No matter what, I will be in the room with you.

[ It wasn't some kind of conscious choice! It wasn't, isn't about choosing anyone over anyone else! He knows, in the depths of his heart, that Michael wouldn't abandon him. Michael loves him, and he loves his brother. Things as certain as their Father or the sun in the sky above, but just as Father had gone silent and there could be rain clouds could block the sun, he'd thought if he went to Michael with all of this...

Lucifer's voice hiccuped as he speaks again, shaking his head back and forth as he tries to get out all of the increasingly loud, clashing thoughts in his head. ]

After you agreed I shouldn't go down, after we fought, I knew you'd get mad at me that I had gone down and I didn't want to make you angry at me... [ His voice drops to a whisper, thick with his tears. ] I'm so sorry, Michael, I'm sorry...

[ And then drops off entirely, unable to find more words and not sure if there are even more words worth saying. He hadn't understood. No one had told him, either. Just word that Lucifer shouldn't be involved in the new Creation, and so all he could do was listen and hurt in his heart. No one had cared that it hurt, and the hurt kept building until he finally snuck down there and witnessed the miracle for himself. Saw the animals, played with them, and then met the two grandest creations of them all.

The wonder had helped the hurt. So had their joy and their laughter.

Now it's all gone.

Because of him. ]

Lucifer..

[ he stares at him, eyes wide in surprise before he tightens his hold on him, burying his face into his shoulder this time. feeling the telltale sting of tears he wills not to fall, he shakes his head. ]

I would have been disappointed but anger fades, we still could have talked about it. Don’t ever think you can’t come to me with your troubles, that’s what I’m here for, as your brother. Nothing can ever come between us in that regard, I will always be here for you.

[ at the apology, he presses a kiss to his crown and strokes his hair, his own mind racing through various possibilities that may help him now. nothing comes to mind, nothing that will help without Father speaking to Lucifer himself. ]

Shh, dry your eyes, you have nothing to apologize for to me. Look at me.

[ gently, he tips his chin up so he can look upon his tear-stained face. his own tears still haven’t fallen but it’s obvious they are trying to. letting out a shaky breath, he tries to wipe his tears away again. ]

I need you to be brave. I don’t know what is going to happen after or during the trial but you won’t stand alone. If you feel afraid, then take my strength.

[ he takes one of Lucifer’s hands, resting it against his chest as if fully believing he could transfer that courage to him that way. ]

[ He tries to remember if he's ever seen Michael cry before, but nothing comes up from his memories, so to see his brother with tears in his eyes twists something in his heart. Lucifer looks to where his hand rests against his brother, fingers gently curving in to hold there. ]

I promise I'll be brave... or I'll try to be, but I know you'll be there, so I think I can be.

[ With his other hand, he grips the cuff of his robe and brings it up, using it to wipe across his face with a sniffle. Yes, he's scared, his heart trembling inside, but with Michael there with him, he knows nothing bad will happen. His brother will never let anything happen to him, and that is something he can trust in with all of his heart. ]

Should- Should I keep trying, to talk to Father? I'll make sure to tell Him everything I told you, too!

[ The entire idea of the trial upcoming makes his stomach hurt when all he wants to do is find a patch of sun on some soft grass and lay there until the warmth drives away the cold in his chest. His wings shiver, as if the cold is physical, but his hand on Michael is warm. ]

...do you know how much longer it will be?

That’s all I ask, I know you can be. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.

[ there is no proclamation greater than that right now, he will stay with him until he is dragged away and will leave no sooner than that. if Father will not speak for him right now, then he will. ]

There’s always hope, Lucifer, don’t stop trying to talk to Him. Giving up now would be out of character for you, wouldn’t it? Be truthful and, if He hears you, the message will be crystal clear. For now, that’s all we can do.

[ noticing his discomfort, he moves to blanket him with his own wings again, letting the feathers settle over him like a blanket. between that and the way he is holding him, perhaps he can help him feel a bit more comfortable. ]

Soon, they are gathering now. Until then, I’ll stay with you so you don’t feel lonely. If you don’t mind my company, that is.

[ The hand on Michael turns into a grip instantly on those final words, hanging on as if he is terrified of the idea of Michael leaving. In truth, he is. He's so scared but he has to trust in Michael, even if he messed up by not coming to him sooner. ]

Please stay. [ The smallest of voices, one like Michael has never heard from his brother before. Lucifer gently pulls down, silently asking to sit down, and when they do he practically tucks himself into Michael's lap. It's almost as if in his fear, it's made his presence smaller, but he's doing everything he can to live up to his promise. Trying to be brave, but- ]

...Can I be brave starting when they come for me? [ He whispers, closing his eyes. At least, he thinks, he's managed to stop the tears falling. ] I'll be quiet, while I talk to Father. I love Him, and I know He loves me. He'll listen, even if He doesn't answer.

If that’s what you want, of course I’ll stay with you. You needn’t even ask. I came to see you, didn’t I?

[ he doesn’t need an incredible amount of urging to follow him and, once they are seated, he begins running a hand through his hair, the other arm draped over him to keep them snug to one another. it reminds him of the way the way the young of other animals cling to their mothers for warm and support, the way he is clinging to him.

does he even have enough warmth for the both of them right now? deciding that he must, he directs a smile down at him and nods. ]

I will tell them you were brave from the moment I walked in. If you need to cry, then cry, I won’t let them see. Bottling emotions will only cause them to build, until the bottle can no longer contain them and shatters.

Father loves you more than anything, you are the heart that guides us. Even if He doesn’t answer right away, He will when He is ready.

Of that? [ he prods at his cheek to get his attention. ] I am sure.

Thank you.

[ His words are deeply meant as Michael prods at him to look up, looking into his brother's eyes and trying for a smile. It's heartrendingly small on a face normally lit up in joy or mischief, but he is trying.

He tuck his head back down again and finally goes silent and still. Not asleep, no, but the hands tucked together in his lap speak that he is doing exactly as he said - praying. Speaking to their Father, going through everything he'd told Michael... and more. Everyone knows that He has had a special love for Lucifer, so surely that would come into play in this upcoming trial.

When it was time, there was a pair of sharp raps on the door. A voice cleared its throat and spoke up. ]

Sir, it is time. It is requested that you escort the defendant to the Great Hall.

[ when he closes his eyes, the emotion he feels within begins to show. the fear, the hopelessness, he can’t even tell him what to expect because this has never happened before.

upon hearing the knock, he lowers his wings to give them his attention but draws a finger to his lips to hush them. he even lowers his own voice, it being just loud enough for their newly acquired guest to hear. ]

Give us a moment, he is speaking to Father. When he has finished, I will escort him. Surely they can wait another thirty seconds.

[ his voice is as soft as ever but he finds himself almost attempting to shield Lucifer from the voice, knowing it will likely startle him further. of course they would come to collect him right after he finally started to calm down.

the smile that he offers the voice is pleasant but his eyes are sharp—he isn’t asking for his permission. once that is settled, he gives his twin roughly a minute more before gently resting a hand against his back to rouse him from his prayer. ]

Lucifer? It’s time to go, remember what I said. Be brave. Would you like to hold my hand along the way?

[ without waiting for an answer, he offers it to him. ]

[ At the touch to his back, Lucifer's head lifts and he blinks several times coming back to himself from the depths of his own one-sided discussion with their Father. Michael's visage and words draw him back to the now, and the remembered fear tries to bubble up in his chest. However, the offered hand puts a cap upon it, stopping it from climbing any higher, set firmly into place when he immediately takes that hand and curls his fingers together with his brother.

He nods despite the fact he can't be any less ready to meet those who would judge him, but trusts in Michael. At least he won't be alone. ]

Let's go. [ Just a whisper, but there's no tears as he stands up along with his twin, his free hand straightening his robes. His wings are tucked in close to him, almost trying to come around him in an angel's comfort, but he manages to hold them somewhat steadily back as they should be.

The one who came to get them leads the way. Guide or guard, hard to say, but either way they are led to the Great Hall. The seriousness of the trial is immediately clear once they're inside. The only ones in attendance are the highest ranks of angels and no others, with Sera waiting in her normal place and the empty places that normally are reserved for the twins.

When Lucifer sees them all from this perspective, looking down on him, he starts to tremble though he isn't sure why. They are all his family, his friends, those he loves. They mean him no harm. So why does it feel so cold all of a sudden? ]

...Michael... [ Just a breath of his brother's name, fingers gripping tighter. ]

I will be here no matter what, remember that.

[ the final audible reassurance he gives him before leading him by the hand out of the dark room. even the light spilling down on him from the hallway must be a blessing, his brother was never meant for the darkness. if he can help it, he will never find himself in that room again.

for the duration of their walk, he keeps himself between the one leading them and Lucifer. there is trust there, he knows no one would be foolish enough to try anything right now, but he can’t shake the knot if uneasiness gathering in his belly that tightens with every step.

while unsure of what he was initially expecting, the eyes looking through him and pinning his twin in place with their mistrust has him squeezing his hand, knowing the reassurance is necessary before he even looks at him. when he does there is no judgment on his face, it softens in fact, and he holds his hand even while addressing all of them. ]

If my judgment is to be cast here today, mine will be given from his side. Just as I would stand beside any of you were the roles reversed. I ask that you withhold your judgment until he has said his peace. He is our brother, remember that.

[ there is no thinly veiled threat in his tone, it’s as soft and regal as ever, he even smiles as he regards each and every one of them with a polite incline of his head. he could hold no ill will against them even if he wanted to, they orchestrated none of this and had no part to play save for now.

upon hearing the tremble in his voice, he turns and rests both hands on his shoulders, his back to the angelic jury. ]

Be brave, remember? Take my strength if you must and hold my hand. Be honest with them and they will understand that what you have done, you did with good intent.

I'll try. [ Just a whisper, and his lips part to say more, but from up above, Sera speaks down to Michael. ]

Archangel Michael, it has been decreed from above that Lucifer must stand alone, for any presence but his own may muddle our ability to clearly judge him for his actions. [ Her voice is firm, but her eyes show how little she wishes to be giving this statement.

Beside Michael, Lucifer tenses hard, his fingers in a painfully tight grip at the idea of losing his brother from his side. ]

No! Please- please let him stay with me! [ His voice cracks in his fear, looking up to Sera and pleading with his voice and his eyes. ]

I am sorry, but this comes from an authority greater than this court. Do not make this harder than it already is.

[ Lucifer looks to his twin, knowing that Michael must listen or be in as much trouble as himself, but that doesn't mean his eyes beg for him not to go, even if it isn't a fair thing to ask. ]

[ the second Sera calls upon him, he knows what she will say before the words can even fall from her lips. meeting her gaze, he opens his mouth as if to protest then simply closes his eyes. there are no words that will convince them or Him to allow him to remain at his side, even knowing his presence is the only comfort he could be given during this trial. ]

I understand.

[ without turning to look at his brother, he quietly plucks a feather from his wings and carefully deposits it into the palm of his free hand, closing his fingers around it. if he is unable to stand with him here, he can at least give him a piece of himself to hold onto.

the look on his face is another rarity, though it is difficult to decipher. everything he feels on the inside for him: pain, fear, and pity, they have all culminated together one. he reaches out and carefully untangles their hands, but not before giving his another reassuring squeeze. ]

You are braver than you realize. Have faith, Lucifer. Though I cannot stand beside you, I am here. If you feel afraid, squeeze that feather in your hand and you will find your strength. Forgive me.

[ he reaches out and give his cheek the barest of touches before he takes a step back and angles his wings to allow them to flap downward sharply and carry him to his seat. once he has it, he is forced to look upon the trembling form of his brother and it guts him further. he is about to take his seat when a surprised look crosses his face, followed by his eyes closing. any angel who witnesses this can understand what is happening—Father is speaking to him.

when they open again, he makes no attempt to hide his distress. he even turns to look at Sera for a moment before straightening up to regard Lucifer again. ]

You have been called upon today to face Judgement for your actions. [ it is Michael’s voice, yes, but there is more behind it. his voice carries further than usual and has more weight to it. he might be speaking the words but they are not his own. ] Before it is passed, have you anything to say for yourself?

Once you have stated your peace, your fate will be decided by those in attendance. Despite knowing it was forbidden why, then, did you share the fruit of knowledge with the humans?

[ Lucifer has already told him why but, as he is not the one on trial, the information is not his to share. It must be freely given by the accused. ]

[ Don't leave me. Everything in Lucifer's body and soul begs silently for Michael not to, to keep his promise, even as Michael creates the piece of himself and places it within Lucifer's hands. He's already terrified, a churning in his stomach that he can't explain, because by all rights he believes he will be okay. This is his family, and while he did something wrong, they still love him.

Yet their eyes down on him do not feel like love. What the expressions mean, he doesn't know, but the weight of their judgment is heavy on him - and then, he's alone. His eyes follow Michael upward, fighting back the urge to say something more, to scream, anything, but he knows it won't make a difference.

They all understand it is Father speaking when Michael's lips part. Lucifer holds the feather in his palm, cradling it up to his chest with both hands atop one another. When Father speaks, it sinks his heart into a cold pit. He had told Father everything, spilled every last fear and thought in his heart.

...Had he truly not been listened to?

No, no. It just has to be repeated for everyone, that's all. Just believe. Have faith. Michael's words ring in his mind and he fights down the shake in his voice before he speaks. ]

When Lilith told me she was unhappy, that day in the Garden, I didn't understand why. After all, hadn't she been created to be Adam's perfect mate, like all the other animals? When I asked her to explain, she told me about what Adam had done - that he had demanded she submit to him, tried to control her... it isn't right! They're supposed to be equal! She made her choice, and Eve... Eve was created for him, but Lilith was still there, trapped and unhappy. I... [ His voice fell, fighting himself to keep the tears from his voice and his eyes. ]

I just wanted Lilith to be happy again. She heard me talk about... the world outside of Eden, and about Heaven... [ He looks to everyone there, meeting gazes across the room before gesturing out with his free hand. ] Wouldn't any of you do something if you knew you could make someone you cared about happy, if they were hurting?? Then- I thought about what happened to Lilith and I was scared it would happen to Eve, too. I... I didn't know... she would offer it to Adam, too. I never thought I would feel... that I could... that I'd care so much about them - all three of them!

...I didn't understand... what it would do to them. [ Finally, his gaze drops, his wings sagging with it. ] I had no idea. I might have, if anyone talked to me, but every time I tried to ask about the new world... I got turned away. I just wanted to be a part of it! I'm sorry. ...I'm sorry I messed things up. I didn't mean to! B-But it happened anyway, and I'm so... so sorry. Please, don't be mad at them.

[ His mind scrambles, trying to think of anything else, but fails to find the words. Instead, he takes a breath in an attempt to steady himself, and tries to show courage by looking up again. ]

That's... that's why.

A husband should function as the worship leader for his marriage, as intended. To submit to him did not mean she was stripped of her ability to think for herself, she was free to make her own decisions and would not have been faulted for them. Given time and without undue influence, they could have found that out for themselves. When that became unachievable, Eve was created to take her place and they were thriving.

[ there is a delicate emphasis on were, not enough to be harsh but enough to remind Lucifer that things had changed and not did the better. he was not put before the court for good deeds. but there is pain in the way the next line is delivered. ]

They did not make the choice, you made it for them. As his wife, it should have been known that Eve would share a harvest with Adam. Do equals not also share with one another? Not understanding the gravity of the situation is why this trial has been convened. There was no ill-intent behind your gift, all present are aware of that.

But malice has taken root nonetheless and nothing can be done to stop it now. The Garden of Eden was their protection, Lucifer, not their cage.

Despite not meaning to do so, you tempted them away from their paths and made their decisions for them. Those in attendance were to guide them and only that, so that they may learn to live for themselves by means of their own two hands. The newest creation was not prepared for what they were given but, given time, they could have been.

[ gently: ] They will not stand trial, they were unaware of the consequences but you were not. The Laws are upheld for a reason—not to punish but to protect.

[ he casts a meaningful glance around the room to get the attention of those present then looks down at Lucifer again. ]

If you have nothing to add, we will deliberate now.

[ Lucifer listens in silence to the Voice that speaks through his brother, his hands clasped in front of him. A part of him is grateful to think, at least, the humans he loved so dearly would not suffer his punishment. His thumb rubs slowly against the feather held in his palm, trying to take strength from it, but even though he racks his mind for something more, there is nothing he can find to say against the truth being spoken. And yet- ]

I wish that, when I had asked questions, I had not been just turned away. That the greater reasons behind the choices made would have been explained, realizing it would have changed the outcome of all of this. ...but I can't deny that I did something wrong. All I can do is apologize, and- and accept your decision.

[ When his head drops down, unable to look up at them - at his brother - any longer, the first tear hits the back of his clasped hands. ]

Thank you, for... for not punishing them, too.

[ And with that, he goes silent. No sniffling from his tears, hiding them as best he can with the dip of his head and the brim of the hat upon his brow. His wings press tight to his back, their quivering seen in the faint tremble of the longest primaries.

I'm sorry, Michael... I don't think I'm as brave as you need me to be. ]

Understood. We shall begin now.

[ his statement gets little more than a nod before those in attendance stand, close their eyes and leave Lucifer faced with an uncomfortable and likely unbearable silence. The Voice speaks to them and no single face gives him even a glimmer of what they might be discussing. his fate, of course, but the crime has never been one of this magnitude.

even Michael’s face remains expressionless, though his wings do tremble near the end of the deliberation. when the gathering does lift their heads, the eyes that once held contempt now hold echoes of regret. a decision has been reached but he is the very last one to open his eyes. it is his face that spoils the result of their deliberation. try as he may, though he is able to hold them back, his eyes are misty.

even so, it does not seep into the Voice that follows. no one takes a seat, they all clasp their hands and look on wordlessly, with Sera’s expression matching Michael’s own. this isn’t bad news, it is worse than that—and he must be the one to deliver it. ]

A decision has been reached. Raise your head and it will be delivered unto you. [ true to form, once he looks up, Michael clasps his hands in front of him and continues. ] Lucifer, son of the morning, for the crime of disobedience against God and Heaven, you will henceforth be taken to the Gates and cast out, you are no longer permitted to remain here.

Furthermore, you will govern all those who give into temptation by way of your gift, to bear witness with your own eyes and see why it was forbidden. To see the darkness in humanity that was locked away until now. The light of Heaven will never again touch your cheek.

That is my decree.

[ and that it is, no further fanfare or gimmicks, He is simply gone. in his place, Michael sinks backwards into his chair as his wings droop limply beside him, staring down at his twin with wide eyes.

this could not be happening, Father is never so cruel. it must be a mistake, it has to be, but when he tries to speak with Him again he is greeted by an eerie silence. the power in his voice is gone now, reduced to a panicked whisper. ]

Lucifer..

[ Silence.

Lucifer stares up towards his twin with confusion, unable to comprehend what was spoken to him. It feels like the breath has been taken from his lungs; they could not take in air. That his heart has stopped from the moment he heard those two damning words cast out; it could not find the strength to beat. His ears have gone deaf.

He can't look away from Michael even as several of Heaven's protectors stand, their orders certain from Above. Each takes a step forward, creating a half-circle in the Hall before Lucifer, then in turn they pull the spears from their backs and level the tips at Lucifer. He can't hear that there is whispering, with a few voices speaking louder than others.

His mouth forms Michael's name as terror restarts his heart, but he can't produce the sound. His gaze finally breaks away as the protectors step forward again, closing in the circle like a barrier between him and the people he knows as his family. At his back, the Hall's existence shifts. The wall disappears and what should be well aways from this place is now here - the very edges of Heaven, where far below only lies darkness. Not just darkness - nothingness.

Lucifer is forced a step back, staring at the weapons leveled at him, and finally it all shatters in him. ]

FATHER! FATHER, NO! PLEASE! [ His voice breaks as he shrieks, absolute terror threading through his voice and showing blown wide in his eyes. ] FATHER- PLEASE! DON'T MAKE ME LEAVE! I BEG OF YOU- PLEASE!

[ the absolute silence is nearly deafening, there has never been a time since his creation that Father ignored him, not one. he finds himself looking skyward in the odd hope that he will see Him watching the proceedings, that he will hear the desperation in his cries and appear to soothe him—but no, nothing, it never comes.

he is rooted to the spot despite his eyes being locked on his brother, the words of reassurance given to him before all but destroyed in the moment the decree was upheld. he promised him that everything would work out, this his voice would be heard, but instead he is being ousted from the only home he has ever been.

alone. all alone. even those who speak up in his behalf, rising from their chairs to do so, are thoroughly ignored. there is one voice in all of Heaven that cannot be ignored and this was His. no amount of pleading will change His mind now, not even from the favored son who is trembling so violently that the protectors may not even have to touch him, as he will lose his footing eventually.

but no, no, it will not end like this.

on the very first Father, Michael has risen from his seat and given a look to Sera. there are no words exchanged before he jumps, catching himself with his wings, to gracefully glide down and land beside Lucifer. in the midst of his dive, he called upon his sword and, after blocking his twin with his body, he points the sword at the protectors. when one tries to take a step toward, he brings down the sword and knocks the spear from his hands.

the shock felt from the room is palpable, along with the gasps. instead of anger from him, he puts in his usual smile and looks up at the faces he has grown to love and care for. ]

I have taken up arms against Heaven and, for that, I must also be judged accordingly. Father has chosen silence but I have not. I will spare you another trial—I choose to fall with him.

[ the sword disappears just as quickly as it was summoned and he gathers Lucifer into his arms to soothe his tears. for his part there are none, just a resigned smile as he reaches over and strokes at his hair. ]

We were created together. If you are meant to fall, then I will join you. You will not be alone in your fate, Lucifer.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Just made so many new icons in honor of this thread. XD

Now you have me eyeballing art..

I keep adding more and more icons. XD

Excellent! I have more art saved but yesterday was a lazy day

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject