The Weight of Living

Brother

“Brother Michael, we have confirmed that Lucifer’s army is advancing towards the Gates of Paradise. “  The archangel Gabriel informed as he kneeled by Michael. Without sparing the angel a glance Michael nodded, “Understood, make certain that all the other angels are prepared for my brother’s intended rebellion. Go now Brother Gabriel. “

Without missing a beat, the other angel left as if Michael’s mistake was nothing. ‘Someone such as him could never understand.‘ He thought. Every angel in Heaven called the other either brother or sister, a word used so often that it has lost its meaning. Yet when Michael refers to Lucifer as his brother, he feels as if he understands the true meaning of the word and the emotion that comes along with it.

Slowly, Michael gazes into the midnight sky filled with thousands of celestial bodies and focuses on a particular star, one that outshines the rest. With a laugh empty of humor he whispers, “Lucifer, bringer of the dawn.“ His hand reaches to his divine sword, and hesitates for a moment before fully unsheathing it. As he ran his eyes over his weapon he recalled his Father’s first request. For the very first time since any of the angels could recall, God had made his presence and will known. Not once had God appeared before any of the angels and given them any specific instructions. Many believed that he had abandoned them all together; maybe that is why Lucifer has gained so many followers. Yet Michael believed that God trusted his children to abide by the rules of Heaven and has never had any need to give any guidance. But along with Lucifer’s rebellion, came God’s first request. He came to Michael, a being filled with such divine grace and power, that Michael was too overwhelmed and fell to his knees immediately.

“My righteous son, it is I who presents thyself to you. I have come to give you a mission that only you may fulfill. As you may already be well informed, Lucifer has betrayed everything that I stand for; he lusts for power, he is blinded by his pride. He believes himself above even you, my son. He has cast out Heaven from within his heart; he has rejected all of his chances of salvation. He is no longer the brother you once knew, no longer the son you once raised as your own; he will destroy and slaughter many of your siblings, it matters not to him. Because of this, I need you Michael. Unlike Lucifer, you understand what is righteous and virtuous within your very heart and soul. You knew who Lucifer once was before and realize that he has changed. You are the only one capable to accomplish my request Michael. You are the only one able to cast him out of Paradise and to nine times the space that measures day and night. You are my most loyal son; I trust that you will make the honorable choice. Do not fail me Michael. “With these spoken words, God left as quickly as he had arrived.

“He chose me, out of all the other angels and archangels, he chose me. I must honor my Father, I must.“ Michael gently positioned his brow to rest against his blade and closed his eyes. As he felt the first rays of the sun begin to rise he finally opened his eyes. As he did, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in his blade. He had been crying. The tears gathered and fell along his blade, tracing the outline of it. “Why must you do this to me Father? I love you, I do. But can you not see that I love Lucifer as well?“

The tears continued for a moment longer before he laid a chaste kiss on his blade. He was not able to mutter the words that every angel did before battle, “Father, give me the strength needed to smite all that which is evil.“

                Michael had finally arrived at the Gates of Paradise and stood among his army. Around Michael, the archangels were gathered awaiting his orders. “Brother Uriel, you are in charge of the left squadron. Brother Raphael, you take control of the right squadron. Brother Gabriel, you are to handle Beelzebub, my Brother’s second in command. You all must leave my Brother to me; no one is to interfere, is that understood?” The aforementioned archangels bowed their heads, “We understand Brother Michael, may God give you the strength needed to smite all that which is evil. “ The angels dispersed to their respected positions.