Fallen Angel

Chapter 19.1

He was at his Villa. The night sky glistened with a thousand little diamonds shimmering in the white light of the full moon. Michael stood barefoot on the balcony, wearing only his training pants. Music and laughter rose from the Agora as the celebration continued. He peered down at the merriment, wishing he could join in the fun as easily as the others. 

"You know nothing is stopping you from going down there, right?"

A winged presence appeared in front of Michael. It came closer and stepped onto the ledge of the balcony. Michael looked up. It was his best and most trusted friend - LightBringer. He was dressed in full training gear. Curious... Had they trained together? Michael couldn't remember.

"I wanted to check on you after you left our training session so abruptly," said LightBringer, as if reading Michael's mind. "Why are you here alone? Why not enjoy yourself for a while? All the other Archangels are there." 

"I would never forgive myself if anything were to happen. Better that one of us keeps an eye out." Michael smiled and gestured to the Agora. "You can go if you want, LightBringer. I would not want to deprive you of your own amusement."

"First, do not call me LightBringer," said the Archangel. "Second, others can keep watch. It does not always have to be you."

"The Almighty made me Lord Protector. It does have to be me."

"Good grief... And you dare call me stubborn."

Michael couldn't help but smile again as his friend stepped off the ledge to stand with him.

"You are stubborn," he said. "The most stubborn of us all. But I suppose one amongst us had to be. So why not you, LightBringer?"

"I have asked you not to call me that," reacted LightBringer sternly. "It is my title, but not my true name."

"Forgive me... Lucifer."

Lucifer nodded in approval. A twinkle appeared in his dark eyes. Michael's heart inexplicably skipped a beat when he caught it. Lucifer leaned against the ledge of the balcony and looked down.

"It does look like a nice celebration," he said. "We could go for an hour or so. Just to show our faces."

"You go if you wish it," said Michael. "I must stay here."

"Oh, very well then."

He held out his hands, and two goblets of wine appeared in them. Michael's surprised look as Lucifer handed him one made the raven-haired Archangel laugh.

"What? Just because we are staying up here does not mean we cannot have a drink."

Michael accepted the goblet gratefully and nipped the sweet wine. He wouldn't admit it, but he was glad of Lucifer's company. Other Archangels were close friends, such as the physician, Raphael, or God's Messenger, Gabriël, but it was different with Lucifer. There was a strange connection between them. They could find each other from miles away. One could feel when the other was hurt or upset and would instantly appear to offer support. Sometimes, they even finished each other's sentences.

"Looks like Gabriël has found yet another to amuse himself with tonight."

Lucifer's voice brought Michael back to the moment. He followed his friend's gaze. Gabriël walked along the edge of the Agora, his arm around the shoulders of a petite brunette. 

"He will never change." Michael tsk-ed, disapprovingly.

"Now, now, he may yet surprise you," said Lucifer. "There is more to the Messenger than simply good looks."