The Fall

In the beginning, there was naught but the heavens and the earth, and He that had created them. A vast and dismal plane ebbed of all color and life. The universe, an ocean of dreary, motionless tenebrosity spread thin across the expanse, like a pitch veil over a mirror, stands still as time has yet to awaken. All that exists is the spirit of Him. A ghastly ripple of brilliant light that glides across the ashen plane of existence, unimpeded and faster than time can account for. It hovers above the cold and soulless world like an artist deciding where his first stroke would fall upon an empty canvas. The darkness of the universe pulsates as this one ember of light sparks from the spirit. Another sparks off of the specter's being this time falling into the waters of the void. Like a stone in a pond, the ember ripples across all of existence in brilliant splendor. It spreads like flurries of snow alight with energy and color. The particles bounced infinitely from one edge of the cosmos to the other revealing what hid in the darkness. What was once grey and insipid, now glows with luminance and spirit. First was light, to see the things that are hidden. The spirit takes the form of a lustrous orb of light and surveys the empty world before it. There it stayed, light emanating from its being and pushing the void into the recesses of the cosmos.

Time passes as though it were only a day. From the desiccated barrens of the world, springs of water spew forth, rapidly covering the world in its cerulean dress. Above the oceans, mists of white crown the world as if it were a queen. The atmosphere breathes deeply. Winds drive the clouds like ship sails around the surface of the world. And still, the spirit gazes upon the canvas of the planet.

The river of time continues onward and still, the spirit lies overhead. The stout bastion of the universe. The seas began to rumble and quake. Dim shadows grow beneath the waves only growing darker. Like a spear, mountains pierce through the blue cloak of the ocean. Shadows reach across the deep like fingers. From the surface of these colossal monuments, the earth splits open and vines wrap around every inch of the land. The rustling of leaves and the creaking of bark echo under the wailing mountains as life begins to take its first form. The spirit looks on, unwavering and unmoved.

From beyond the world, fire erupts. Spheres of smoldering embers appear from the emptiness of space beckoning all to look upon them with wonder. One was greater than the rest as it resides closets to the world. Gravity began to pull. Worlds far away and near spin and revolve around these burning lights. Lesser celestials formed from the dust of their parent worlds rise and birl in the same nature. The spirit gazes onward.

From the waters, life gestates and grows. The oceans bubble over as fish of many sizes, shapes and colors toss and turn from their primordial slumber. Creatures tread upon the land, even more diverse and different than the ones in the deep. And even still some take to the sky leaving those to trudge through the dirt and reach the heavens. The spirit dives onto the world walking among the complexities of creation. Everything was almost perfect.

In the heavens, the angels gather watching their creator work his wonders. They stand at the edge of a city of gleaming ivory towers so bright they blind even the stars. A never-ending field of gilded houses bathed in rays of golden sunshine. The pathways weaving between the buildings are paved in auriferous metals, polished to a fine glass-like sheen. A towering wall surrounded the eternal city like armor made of smooth, opaque jasper. Littering the foundations of the city is every precious stone known and unknown. Diamonds glitter as though cut by hand and rubies sparkle like frozen blood drops. The emeralds, as green as fresh grass, lie with the ocean of sapphires while pearls dot the tops of the gates where the battlements stand, manned by angels in silver armor, and bleached robes. Beyond the city lies, eternity. A plane of primordial glass where all of time and creation can be seen from the heavenly towers. Here the angels gather and bear witness to the beginning of all things. Each of them with eyes glowing alight like the stars.

One angel stood taller than the rest, his presence more radiant than his brethren. His skin shimmered with an ethereal brilliance, and his aura resonated with harmonies, like a thousand souls singing in perfect unity. His armor was unique, forged with instruments embedded within his breastplate, each one emanating joyous melodies. They called him Lucifer. At the forefront of the sea of angels, Lucifer stood, his voice echoing through eternity as he called out to his Creator.

"Holy! Holy is the Lord of all! Creator of heaven and earth!"

Beside Lucifer stood the Archangel Michael, the warrior of heaven. Stout and poised, his hand rested on the hilt of his gilded sword. His armor gleamed just as brightly as Lucifer’s, and his face remained steadfast and resolute, long hair cascading down his back. With a powerful motion, Michael raised his sword to the sky and joined his brother in proclamation.

"Holy art Thou! King of all!" Michael’s sword ignited with a white flame, crackling with sparks of lightning. He turned to Lucifer, a shared smile crossing their faces. "Only 'I Am' could create such wonders."

"And to witness it by the Father’s side," Lucifer chuckled with glee. "To be second to the Almighty—what a great blessing, brother."

"Indeed. An honor to protect such beauty."

"There are no wars to wage, Michael. No strife. All is as it should be."

"'I Am' does not make mistakes, and He does not create without purpose. Surely something will arise to challenge this peace. And I will be there as His sword."

Lucifer laughed, a sound full of mirth. "The Almighty? Perfect in every way? Nothing can withstand His wrath if He wills it. For now, we rejoice and praise in His glory. That is why I exist—to lead us all in worship and admiration of the One."

Michael smirked before sheathing his sword and looking out over the cosmic expanse. "You fulfill your purpose, brother. Mine will come, and I will be ready."

The angels continued their praise from atop the heavens as the spirit of 'I Am' moved across creation. On the earth below, the dirt shifted and spiraled, taking the shape of a man. Dust turned to bone, and muscles wrapped around the skeletal frame like vines clinging to a great tree. Limbs formed, fingers and toes emerging in their proper places. The head took shape, shifting through various forms until, at last, man was born.

The angels watched in awe as the delicate creature took his first breath. Before the man, the spirit of 'I Am' morphed and contorted, taking the same form. They walked together, conversing as if they were family.

From afar in the heavens, the angelic choir continued their praise. Michael gazed at the human, his eyes filled with intrigue as he observed the flesh of man—how his skin reacted to the wind, how his hair mimicked the waves of the plains, and how his eyes reflected the earth from which he was formed. The sound of the man’s beating heart, a signal of life, resonated in Michael’s ears, and the blood coursing through his veins brought life to every inch of his being.

"A blessed thing to be made in the image of the Father," Michael mused, still staring at the human. "Like a son."

Lucifer was uncharacteristically quiet, an unspeakable stillness from the angel of worship. A sarcastic smile remained plastered on his face, but Michael noticed the silence.

"Brother," Michael asked, "you are quiet."

Lucifer quickly adjusted his demeanor. "I am simply in awe of our Creator’s work. This… man. He is nothing like our Creator," Lucifer chuckled. "He is mortal, frail. He could never comprehend the true essence of 'I Am.'"

"Yet he walks beside the Father. They talk and laugh," Michael countered.

"Surely, He is just giving instructions for his purpose," Lucifer replied, crossing his arms. "Surely to tend to that small rock in the cosmos while we dwell in eternity."

"He rules over it all," Michael realized. "Creation belongs to this man."

Lucifer’s expression tightened, his eyes narrowing as he watched the man converse with the Father. "There can only be one ruler, Michael. There is only one head of a body. My purpose far exceeds whatever this mortal’s may be."

Michael laughed. "Are you competing, Lucifer? You have your purpose, and he has his."

"None is more important than worshipping the Father. I stand by His side in the Holy of Holies. I have walked the steps of the throne and have been the closest to His glory. No purpose could serve 'I Am' more."

"It is best not to question such things, Lucifer. He has not replaced you."

"He couldn’t. The power and responsibility would be too great for him."

Michael placed a sincere hand on Lucifer’s shoulder. "You have your place, brother. He has his. I have mine. Do not dwell on this more than you already have."

A bolt of light descended before Lucifer, Michael, and the angels. The light shifted and weaved into the shape of another angel. His hair was white and silky, flowing in the air as if defying gravity. His skin shimmered like a pond where words drifted like lily pads on a gentle current. His robes were elegant and pure white, with only a helm by his side and silver vambraces upon his wrists.

"Gabriel," Michael called out, "what news do you bring?"

Gabriel rose to his feet, smiling at his brothers. "I am sure you have all witnessed the power and glory that 'I Am' has wrought upon the emptiness of the cosmos!" he declared. "From the stars to the creatures of the world! And you have seen the man whom He has named Adam! He intends to create another—a woman to be called Eve! Together, the Father has declared that the earth is theirs and the fullness thereof!"

Lucifer recoiled, chuckling. "They would rule? In place of the One who made them?"

"’Tis the decree," Gabriel responded firmly. "You would be wise to remember it is not our place to question."

Lucifer crossed his arms, taking a deep breath before pausing. “If it is the will of the Father, then it shall be.”

He turned away from the cosmic vista, his wings unfurling like the pages of a great book. Incorporeal and flowing like wisps of smoke, they extended from the center of his spine, rising up like a tidal wave of fingers ready to dig into the ground. In a flash of light, Lucifer soared over the golden city and into the cloud-covered keep. Before him stood a towering door made of pearl-covered ivory, streaked with gold that crackled like shattered glass across its surface. The doors slowly swung open with a bellowing sound, revealing a light brighter than any star. The heat radiating from the light was immeasurable, yet it had no effect on the celestial beings. Lucifer entered, head held high, his wings tucked away from sight.

Before him lay a tower of steps gilded in gold, reflecting the light into beams of rainbows that circled the room. On either side, two cherubim stood guard. Each resembled a glowing, molten bronze figure hovering between two massive rings that pirouetted around each other. Four splendid ivory wings protruded from their backs, weaving together in a graceful dance. Scattered across their bodies, rings, and wings were fiery eyes that never blinked, seeing all. Upon their heads was a four-faced mask, each side depicting a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle.

Lucifer began his ascent, passing by the humming cherubs. Their bodies remained still, but their eyes followed him as he drew closer to the source of the great light. The steps ended, overlooking a vast field of pure energy, a blinding light so thick it appeared as mist, circling an ethereal throne that dwarfed even the city of heaven in size and scale. Around the throne, fiery seraphim circled. Each had six wings made of pure flame—two swirling around their faces, two covering their feet, and two guiding them around the massive structure. Voices emanated from their beings, speaking in an incoherent, almost gibberish-like language.

Lucifer fell to all fours, his head bowed low. His wings sprouted once more, this time to shield him from the throne's radiant light.

"My King, Lord of all that is and was, accept your most trusted servant's audience," Lucifer pleaded.

The throne emitted a deep, blaring boom—too low to be heard but powerful enough to be felt—echoing through the chamber. Beneath his wings, Lucifer smiled and rose to his feet, gazing at the throne.

"I come to you now to worship, to give praise for your mighty works," Lucifer began. "As your greatest servant, I come with but one question, Lord—"

The throne boomed again, cutting off Lucifer's words.

"—I am your worship. That is the purpose you have bestowed upon me."

The throne was silent.

"I only question your purpose for these... mortals you have named Adam and Eve."

The throne vibrated.

"Gabriel says they are to rule. But there can only be one who rules over all. Never can two kings rule the same kingdom."

Silence.

"Children?" Lucifer questioned. "Am I not that already? Am I not your greatest vessel?"

Silence.

"If ever there was one who would second you, surely it could not be them. They who cannot even stand before you as I do now. Who cannot praise you as loud as I. Shine as bright as I."

Silence.

"An instrument?" Lucifer shook his head, raising his hand to the throne. "I am the one chosen to be closest to you! That is what you said!"

The throne rumbled and roared, shaking the foundations of the city. A gust of wind, glowing with light, enveloped Lucifer, dropping him to his knees. Another loud boom echoed from the throne.

Lucifer shed a single tear, glowing like a flickering ember. "Forgive me, my King!" he begged. "I submit to your will."

The winds calmed, and the rumbling ceased. Lucifer stood to his feet, surrounded by the four cherubim. One turned its mask to the human face.

"'I Am' has spoken, Lucifer," it began. "Return now to your place at His side and lead the host in worship."

Lucifer glared at the cherub before quickly changing to a jubilant expression. "Of course. He deserves it all, and only I can give Him the proper praise."

Lucifer’s wings lifted him high into the air, soaring over all of heaven. He spread his arms wide and belted out a long, drawn harmony that resonated throughout all of creation.

Michael paced along the edge of the city, his gaze fixed on the earth below. From his vantage point, he watched as two children lived in a paradise untouched by time. With a flash of divine light, he descended, landing with celestial grace. His feet dug into the solid earth, and the air swirled around him, carrying the scent of the ocean as it danced across his being. He paused, admiring the craftsmanship of I Am, the Creator. The leaves of the dense trees parted before him, forming a natural gate that shielded the world from the sanctuary of Adam and Eve.

As Michael pushed through the brush, a few more angels descended behind him, their eyes filled with eagerness to witness the man and woman. He moved the last branch aside and beheld a sight that could only be described as Eden. A garden teeming with life and sustenance, where two rivers flowed to nourish all that flourished. The trees bore fruit, abundant and inviting, meant for all to partake.

Among the foliage, Adam sat by the stream, Eve standing beside him. Their faces were adorned with perpetual smiles as they marveled at the life teeming around them. Eve, with the curiosity of a child, turned to Adam.

"And this?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement. "What have you named this creature?"

The small creature perched on a thin vine stretched between two trees. Its body, laterally compressed, seemed almost flattened, with a prehensile tail curled tightly upon itself. Its skin, covered in tiny granular scales, shifted colors as it moved slowly along the vine.

Adam smirked at the sparkle in Eve's eyes. "That one is called a chameleon."

Eve’s face wrinkled as she tried to pronounce the word. "A curious name for such a peculiar creature," she chuckled. "And this?" She plucked a delicate plant with vibrant crimson petals.

"A flower," Adam replied simply.

"Flower," Eve echoed, bringing it to her nose and inhaling deeply. "It has a pleasant fragrance."

They continued their stroll through fields and forests, unaware of the invisible host of angels that followed them closely. Eve suddenly broke into a run, with Adam chasing after her. Michael observed the two, his expression stoic, while Gabriel stepped beside him, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Truly a masterpiece," Gabriel remarked.

"Would it be otherwise, if not by His will?" Michael responded.

"And yet, they are different from all the rest." Gabriel knelt, running his hand across the grass. "I cannot feel this, nor can I smell the flora that surrounds us, yet I know it to be so." He looked up at a large bird soaring high above. "That creature is what it is because that man called it so. Much like 'I Am.'"

"To create, to command, to rule," Michael stated. "In the image of the Father." He sighed, looking down. "Lucifer questions their purpose."

"As do I," Gabriel admitted with a smile.

"Not out of curiosity, brother, but out of envy."

Gabriel’s smile faded. "I never imagined the greatest of us all would be envious of anything."

"I Am's wisdom will correct it," Michael reassured. "It always does."

High above, shining like a brilliant inferno, Lucifer continued his song, a melody both deafening and beautiful. He watched as the angels turned their attention to the mortal beings, observing how 'I Am' walked among them in their form.

In a dazzling spectacle of light and sound, Lucifer’s voice rang out, louder than the universe could bear. "HOLY ARE YOU, OH LORD! YAHWEH! ADONAI! HERE YOUR SERVANTS OFFER PRAISE!"

The sky exploded in a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, yet all of creation turned its gaze to the three in Eden—Adam, Eve, and 'I Am'—standing together as if they had known each other for all eternity.