Alice's Secret Obsession

Shimmering Wings & Ashes: Side Story

----Sarathiel---- 

I am Sarathiel. A once elite angel... How did I fall so far? I stumbled because I fell in love. I let myself care too much. I broke the rules... 

----Before the fall---- 

It's a regular day, or I assumed today to be. Some of my fellow angels are whispering a lot, and their faces have expressions I have never seen before. Expressions of animals. A small group compared to how many angels there are, but it is a large crowd. I see Lucifer in the center, and Zagan is standing beside Lucifer, and so is Azazel. This sight makes me feel uncomfortable as if something is wrong with this group. So I quickly leave, seeking out Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. I should warn them of this worrisome activity I just witnessed. Their behavior felt... Blasphemous. 

The very moment I find Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, they can already tell something is wrong. I tell them what I have seen. They are silent momentarily as if processing what I have described before Micheal states, "I thank you, Sarathiel. I shall discuss this with the Mighty and Holy Lord." 

Later I find myself face-to-face with Zagan. Zagan's silver wings and halo shimmer and Zagan has a comforting smile. "Sarathiel, I was looking for you. There is something I have been wanting to discuss with you." 

Feeling worried, I merely reply, "Yes?" 

Zagan continues, "Lucifer, Azazel, Beelzebub, Astraroth, and I have formed a little group - if you will. I believe you should join us. We all share interests in man. As I said, I believe you should join us, Sarathiel." 

"What are these interests you have with man?" I ask, my eyes wide with worry. 

"Azazel has noticed that the daughters of man have great beauty and wishes to father his own children upon observing man do so. Many others share this sentiment, while Lucifer despises man. Lucifer feels that they are not as perfect as the Lord says. Lucifer wants to prove this. The same can be said for Beelzebub and Astraroth. As for me, I want to watch." Zagan says all of this while maintaining the same smile. 

I feel sickened. "No, I have heard enough. What you speak of is blasphemy against the Lord--" I begin, shaking my head, but Zagan clasps my head. 

"It's not blasphemy to watch... Join me, Sarathiel. Are you not interested in the beauty of the daughters or sons of man? I have seen them myself. They are indeed beautiful." 

"I... No. This goes against the will of the Holy Lord. I will not join you, Zagan." 

"You should think about this. We plan to cohabit with man soon," Zagan replies before disappearing from my vision. 

----Zagan---- 

I notice Lucifer is alone at his post again. I can't help but smile at this. As I approach him, he looks upset. "Brother, you seem upset." 

Lucifer turns to me. "Ah, Zagan. Why are you here?" 

My smile broadens as I glance down. "Isn't it magnificent? A true work of art. Perfection." 

Lucifer slowly, as if unsure, replies, "Yes...?" 

Looking back at him, I add, "The planet, that is. Unfortunately, it is inhabited by those pests. They really are a parasitic blight on it." 

Lucifer looks down with a slow nod. The look of confusion on his face as he tries to figure out what I was referring to makes me feel giddy with glee. As I turn to leave, I think to myself, Azazel must be... Lonely. 

Azazel is all alone as well. What a pity. I can tell he is hebetated. "Azazel, have you seen the daughter of Adda-Kalla? She is quite faithful, and she is truly a beauty."