dribbles from the angelican scriptures mythos

so i'm sitting here, working up the plot of my project, angelican scriptures, when i decide i must have a backstory (which i can refer back to when i need to remember, [re]introduce certain elements of the bad blood between the angels and demons) for it. so, here are some dribbles from two short stories i like to call 10,001 - the story of Raziel's book, why/how the pages were scattered, and the creation of the most important page if Raziel's book; and "The Songs of Haniel" - the story of Sheol and Haniel as the war in heaven is taking place. The Songs of Haniel will include the odd love triangle between Haniel, Sheol, and the archangel Michael.

and as always! enjoy.....

 

so, here's some dribbles from 10,001 first

 As the earth closed in above the generals of the Legion, Haniel looked

upon them and he wept. Azrael put an arm around him, and whispered in his ear.
 "I have only one song left in me," he said, sobbing into Azrael's

shoulder as he lost sight of his beloved. "And I fear if I share it, I shall never sing

again."
--------------------------------------------
 "It must be destroyed," Michael said. "Within those pages lies the

secrets of Heaven. If the traitors were to get their hands on it..."
 "I cannot destroy this book, Michael."
 He drew his sword, the flames shot up along the holy steel. "Then I

shall destroy it for you!"
 "Wait!" Haniel cried. "I... have another solution," he said.
 "We cannot risk-"
 "I know," he said. "But there is another way. Michael, you wish to

destroy the sacred texts. But doing so will condemn mankind to a state of

perpetual decay. With no hope of ascending to Heaven as was Our Father's wish

upon their creation."
 He looked to Raziel and sighed. "Yet, Michael has a point. We cannot

allow such a power to fall into the wrong hands. The knowledge contained

between those covers can and will give the one who reads it the power to

overthrow this paradise, indeed, the entirity of God's Creation."
 "What do you suggest, then, Singer?" Michael muttered under his

breath.
 "We separate the pages from the book, and send the bulk of them to

Earth."
 "Are you mad?!" Michael cried. "That would place them into the hands

of the enemy!"
 Azrael came forward, and his action silenced the other three. "It is the

only option we have. The book itself cannot be destroyed. The pages cannot be

destroyed. However, we can scatter them, as Haniel suggests. Across the Earth.

Hide them from the enemy."
 "No. If Lucifer," he said, spitting on the ground as he said the name.

"finds them all-"
 "Then we hold some back. Keep them with us so that the book may

never again be whole. Each of us will take a page of the book, and we will keep it

safe. That way, if the Fallen collect the pages, they will not be able to use them

against us. The book's power lies in unity. When it is whole, it is most potent."
 Raziel thought on this, his fingers tapping the front cover of his work.

"This, we will do... However, I must think on this more before I make the final

decision."
 Michael reluctantly agreed, knowing he was outnumbered three to one.

Sheathing his sword, he nodded. "Alright. But do not waste time, brother. For

even now, those scum plot their rise, and we must not linger on this too long."
-----------------------------------
 "Brother," Azrael said as Haniel and Michael departed. "Might I have a

word, between the two of us?"
 He nodded, picking up his volume. "Walk with me, brother, and I will

hear what you have to say."
 Wrapping his cloak tighter about him, Azrael nodded. He fell into step

beside his fellow Archangel. "There is one who has read the book other than we

four."
 "Name him. I will seek him out."
 "Seek him out, you must not do."
 "Why?"
 "He has Fallen."
 "Then the enemy knows already the power of this book."
 "Yes. And no matter what you decide to do, they will seek its power."
 "Yet you believe what Haniel has suggested is the best course of

action."
 He nodded. "I do."
 "How long have you kept this secret, brother?"
 "Long enough. I have told no other, save Haniel."
 "Why do you tell me now?"
 "Our little brother has one song left in his heart to sing, and then he can

sing no more. He will clip his wings, and he will descend to Earth. His soul weeps

for the Fallen, and the burden he cannot bear."
 "You propose that we scatter the book, and when he descends, he will

protect it from them? His power is strong, yes. But he is no match-"
 "The one who read the book was Haniel's lover, the Guardian Angel

Sheol."
 Raziel recoiled at the name, stopping in his steps. "Do not speak such a

vile name to me."
 "I caught him, the day he read it. He is unlike the others of the Legion.

Despite what he has done, there is something inside him sleeping, waiting. A

dormant power."
 "And how have you come to this knowledge?"
 "I am unable to see into others of our kind, but I saw into him. He is

unlike any other among both Heaven and Hell. I believe this is because of the

book. Haniel requested that I speak with him before he joined the side of the

enemy. I implored him to think about what he was doing. Do you wish to hear

what he told me?"
 Raziel nodded, beginning his walk once more. He hugged his work

tight against his chest.
 "He said to me in most sincerity that all Our Father's creatures, Angel

and Human, are equal. We are immortal, but it is the humans that are allowed to

experience things we cannot. That despite our strength and power, we are like

them in that we long for what we cannot have. We wish to take part of those

experiences the humans treasure, and they long to be one with the Creator as we

are."
 "Strange," Raziel said, turning to Azrael. "And you believe he came to

this conclusion because of my book?"
 He shook his head. "No. Not entirely. But your book opened his eyes

for the first time to what so many among us have not seen. Lucifer, for all of his

faults, was right that he should not be forced to kneel to man. However, he was

wrong in the assumption that Our Father favors them more than his first children."
 "You're beginning to sound like the Fallen. If Michael-"
 "Michael knows my thoughts. He does not agree, but Michael is rash.

He sees only what he wishes to see and nothing else." He sighed. "But Sheol did

not join the enemy for greed nor power as all the others. He believed that what he

was doing was right and that his purpose was just. These are concepts beyond the

comprehension of our kind other than those of the highest dominions. That a mere

guardian angel should know of them, nay, understand them as we do is simply

remarkable."
 Raziel only nodded, taking in his brother's words as they walked. At

last, they came upon a garden beside a cool stream. Raziel sat down in the soft

grass and opened his book to the last page.
 Azrael joined him, taking off his cloak and spreading it out before

sitting upon it. He lay his scythe beside him and pulled his knees up, resting his

chin on them. "You have often remarked that the book has a will of its own.

Perhaps it is fate that the one who has read it now is in league with the enemy."
 "I do not feel as optimistic as you do. This is a difficult decision."
 "We have read the book, and we understand what is written. But even

you cannot deny that we cannot fully comprehend its power. But the book has

chosen Sheol for a reason. I believe that if we go through with Haniel's

suggestion, we will see that reason play out."
 "And what then? If the pages were used for darkness, all of the wonder

and beauty surrounding us will vanish. Lucifer will rise and-"
 "Only Our Father knows what lies ahead. And he will not divulge his

master plan for all of us to anyone, even Metatron. Give us each a page of the

book, and scatter the remaining as Haniel sings his final song. Hide them in any

manner you see fit. I have seen into Sheol's eyes, and I have seen what lies ahead

of him. It is a long and perilous road. He is not wicked. He is honest and loyal. It

is in him, now, we must have faith. For the sins he has comitted against Heaven,

he must atone. But in order for him to find his way, the book must guide him. It is

what has shaped him into the creature he is now. He has read the book. He

understands it, and he comprehends it. But until now, he has lacked the ability to

use that knowledge he has gained."
 "You tread dangerous ground, Azrael. Sheol is one of the Fallen now.

You speak of his honesty. He has none. You speak of his loyalty, yet he is loyal

only to himself and no other. He is a wicked, vile creature. He has become a

general of the Legion, and Lucifer's favorite. With such power behind him..."
 Raziel sighed, closing his book again and folding his hands on top of it.

"I am afraid you speak of hope when there is none."
 "Then write a new page. One Sheol has not yet read. Use this time, this

situation, as your inspiration. Send it with the others into the world. If what I

speak is truth, then you will have your answer."
 "And what if your words are only a false hope?"
 "Then I will take it upon myself to destroy your work and suffer the

Lord's wrath." He placed a hand on Raziel's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.

"Knowing Lucifer's logic, he will send his minions to Earth at the first opportunity.

It is the hearts and minds of men that have become the battle ground now. Surely,

Sheol's natural curiosity will lead him there. He is bound to the book, and in an

earthly form, he will be drawn to the pages. And in that form, he will be able to do

what we cannot. I have faith that he will do what is right."
 "Then make space in your cloak to carry twice as much, my brother.

For my faith will never fall on such traitorous shoulders."

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and now, the dribbles from The Songs of Haniel

 "Sheol, you can't do this. Lucifer-"
 "I must. If I do not, then who? Why are they better than us, when we

were both created by the same power? They are weak, and we are strong. Yet

they bow to no one, not even the Creator." He held Haniel's face between his

hands, staring deeply into his eyes with all of the sincerity he could muster.
 It was Haniel who looked away, closing his eyes to his lover. "Sheol, to

defy the word of our Father... Lucifer does not want equality. He wants only to

conquor. He wants only more power and control. Why can you not see this?"
 "We have all chosen to fight for our own reasons, love. I care not the

wants of Lucifer and his companions. I know what I do is right. And if I must

forsake the Creator in order to bring about change, then I will do it."
 Haniel pushed him away, covering his face in his hands as he cried.

"You talk of such vile, evil things. You have strayed where I cannot go. What is it

I am to do now, Sheol? Why must you fight at all?"
 "Love," he said. "I don't want anything more from you than you have

already freely given. Your heart you have given when I did not ask. Your grace

you have given, when I have been undeserving. And now, I stand here with you in

the Garden, and I ask nothing from you save that you sing. Through sorrow,

through joy. Sing so loudly and so wonderfully that you make the universe itself

quake with the power of your song."
-------------------------------------------------
 "What are you called?" he asked, lowering himself down to the angel.
 "I am the Guardian Sheol," he replied. "And you are the Beast from the

Deep."
 He nodded. "I was. But in the course of this war, I have shed my slave

name."
 "What then, may I call you now, general?"
 "Leviathan," he replied. "Give me your sword."
 Sheol looked to the broken blade in his hand, staring at it a long

moment before he offered it to him.
 "This was a mighty blade. How many have you cut down with it, may I

ask?"
 "I do not know, sir," he replied. "But I fear it will slay no more."
 "Gather those who still live. If they be Legion, you are to command

them. If they be Host..."
 "Yes sir," he said. "But what of my sword?"
 "You will not be needing it any longer."
----------------------------------------------------
 "Sir, this is the Guardian I told you about."
 "Sheol, come forward."
 He was hessitant, glancing at Leviathan by his side. The creature

nodded to him, encouraging him on.
 Sheol went to the general's throne, but unlike the others, he did not

kneel. Satan glared at him, and Sheol did not flinch. His face was calm, his hand

resting on the pommel of his sword, yet there was no hostility in him.
 "You will kneel before the Morning Star," he snapped angrily.
 "I have never knelt to anyone," he snapped back, his voice even. "And

I will not begin the habit now."
 "You insolent-" Satan began, but Lucifer raised his hand. The angel

was instantly silenced.
 "Sheol, I have heard many things about you. You were the youngest of

your order, were you not?"
 "I was," he said, looking the general in the eye.
 "And I understand that when Leviathan called for a retreat, you

remained behind to ensure a clear escape."
 He nodded. "There was no other logical option. If someone did not

distract the Host, many more Legion soldiers would have been lost on the field

that day."
 Lucifer was silent, beckoning Leviathan to him. When the other

aproached the throne, he knelt beside it as the general whispered in his ear. The

beast nodded before Lucifer leaned to his other side, to speak quietly to Satan. He

shook his head.
 "No."
 "You question my decision?" Lucifer asked coyly."
 "He is young and rash. He survived by luck alone. Guardian Angels are

not fighters. They are watchers. Meddling where they do not belong."
 Sheol was silent, carefully examining each of the men while standing

there before them. As the trio bickered, he gave a slight cough to interrupt. "Sirs, I

know not what matters concern you, but I am needed elsewhere. My men are

hungry and in need of attention. I fear if I do not replenish their numbers soon,

our next battle may be our last."
 "Go," Lucifer said, waving him on despite Satan's protests. "You have

your duty to your soldiers. What we discuss now is mere pebbles beneath the

feet."
 "Thank you, sir," he said, turning on his heel without another thought.
 "Sheol," Lucifer called as the angel began to walk away. He stopped in

his tracks, half turning to look back at them.
 "Yes?"
 "Stop by the smithie after you have seen to your men. You need a new

sword and armor more befitting a lieutenant of your calibar."
 "Thank you," he replied before leaving the trio bickering in the

chamber.
-------------------------------------------
 "What are you doing here?" Haniel hissed. "The others are saying you

have slain many of our brothers."
 Sheol stepped out of the shadows. "Do you believe them?"
 "What have you become? You are not the same as when I knew you."
 "War has changed me," he said. "But I have come for you, as I

promised so long ago."
 Haniel threw himself down upon the bank. "If I am seen with you-"
 "You do believe what they are saying about me, then."
 "I do not know what to believe. You were created to watch, to love.

Yet..."
 Sheol crouched beside him, gently cupping his face with his hand. "It is

true," he said. "I have slain many of our kind. But I have spared so many more. I

do not fight with intent to kill. But those who do not understand as we do, I must

show them the flaws in their logic."
 Haniel wept, turning away from him. "I am afraid for you," he said.

"You must go. You must not return. Michael has been turning over every stone

and delving into every mountain to find traitors of the Host. He will not suffer a

member of the Legion in the Heavens."
 "Are you afraid for me, or of me?" Sheol said, examining his lover's

body closely for any sign or tell. "I would never harm you. Come with me, and let

me show you what we have accomplished."
 "No," he said, choking back his tears. "I cannot. You have become a

stranger to me, Sheol. You are not the tender man I once loved. There is nothing

left in you now but anger and hate."
 "Haniel-"
 "Do not say my name," he snapped bitterly, rising to his feet and

spitting on his face. "You are not worthy to speak of my name, nor are you

welcome here any longer!"
 "You do not mean that," Sheol said, wiping his face with his sleeve as

he stood.
 "Leave now, or I will summon the Host."
--------------------------------------------
 His heart broken, Sheol became wild. He drove his soldiers like a slave

driver, and threw himself into each battle as if it would be his last. His anger

consumed him, but the loss he suffered overshadowed all else.
 He cast aside his former name, and when Lucifer gave him the wings of

a Seraphim, he named himself Belial. For the lust he carried for battle was unlike

any other, and the craving for the song of war was ravenous.