21

The angels in heaven were silent, except for Michael whose low groans could be heard echoing throughout the arena. They were waiting patiently for the large smiling angel to make a move. Lucifer removed the key from his neck and admired it. Finally, he had everything he wanted. All those times of scheming and dealing with the angel's insubordination were over. His eyes went round the arena, eyeing the quivering angels then right before their eyes, he disappeared.

He reappeared right in front of the very door he was banned from. he felt like the door knew he was the winner of the tournament because when he placed the key into the hole, it disappeared and the door opened. The floors that were surrounded by flames were now free and the sword was no longer out of reach. Lucifer's eyes widened, he couldn't believe his plan worked. He couldn't believe that God was so dumb to let all these happen. He walked in majestically with his hand stretched out.

When his fingertips brushed the hilt of the sword, it stopped spinning. In awe, Lucifer grabbed it fully and he took a deep breath. He felt like his hair had been whooshed by fresh air and his insides were filled with this wholeness he could not explain, but that was not all that happened. Lucifer's physical appearance was changing as well. His golden hair became longer and shone as brightly as his now glowing body. His gown was rearranged to look like a tunic with golden intricate designs, the golden hue of his eyes lightened up it almost looked like fire was in his eyes and his wings grew larger. He looked like a living golden statue. The sword in his hands also grew larger in size, it was almost as tall as his height but Lucifer was able to carry it because of the unusual strength he possessed.

"So did is what he was hiding from me?" He asked himself. The sound of his voice stunned him as it was louder and had a deeper bass tone to it. Lucifer then proceeded to go back to the arena.

The angels knew something big was about to happen cause as Lucifer came down, their eyes were fixed in his direction. They marveled at his beauty when they saw him both the angels that supported him and the ones that didn't. It was impossible not to look at him. When Lucifer noticed how large he was compared to the other angels, he spread his wings and hung them in the air creating a large silhouette. Gadreel and Adriel wasted no time to meet him, they fell to the floor in reverence. Kasdaye, Asbeel, and Yeqon as well as ten other angels joined them to bow to Lucifer while the other angels stood at their positions.

Lucifer's eyes darted to the angels that bowed in front of him Even though they had messed up occasionally, he was still happy that they had played their part. It's not like he wanted them to take his glory after all. The cherub stared at the sword in his hand. It was time to reward the angels for their loyalty. Without opening his mouth, he waved the sword over their heads and their transformation began immediately. They all grew larger wings, and their bodies also shone like Lucifer's, the only thing was that Lucifer was more powerful than they.

The changes did not go unnoticed by the on-looking angels. Their eyes were widened in shock and none of them could open their mouth to challenge Lucifer. Lucifer walked away from his servants and closer to the audience then he pointed his slender fingers to his followers again.

"This is what the maker intended to give to one spirit. A power like this would only inflate the ego of the carrier. I wanted this power to be shared among us, we deserve to be rewarded for our services to the highest and now we can have it". He said to them. There was still silence in the heavens.

"Whoever wishes not to hide in the shadows anymore and take their place in heaven should join me now". Lucifer then pointed at God's temple. "All he does is sit there all day and give us orders, he has never once shown his face, never once called us to commune with him then all of a sudden, he sends a sword to one of us. Did you know that he intended to give the sword to Michael?"

This time, the angels started to murmur. Some even began to send glares towards Michael's weak frame on the floor.

"I found out about his plan and I sought to thwart it, not for me but for us. We deserve a God that we can see, we can commune with that we can trust. I can be a better successor. I will never neglect our people and seek praises all day. If you want to be a part of this new revolution, all you need to do is walk towards me and change your life forever". Lucifer's words sank into so many of the angels. While some hesitated, others didn't. Many came down from their seats and walked towards Lucifer and in return, he turned them into better versions of their former selves. In the end, one-third of God's angels had joined Lucifer. The others looked like ants in their eyes.

"There is still room for more". Lucifer urged on. "Don't let this opportunity slip by".

One angel from the audience came forward. But unlike the other angels, who had their faces filled with admiration and respect, his was filled with anger. The angel clenched his fists as he glared at Lucifer and his army.

"You are all foolish!" He started. Lucifer raised a brow at him. "You really think he went through all this trouble for us? This was the angel who freed two rebels who had murdered an innocent opponent, lied about the death of one of the cherubs, and killed another. None of his actions leading up to this moment has any proof of what he is stating today. He only wants the power for himself and now I know, that the rest of you have the same evil trait in you. The maker has been generous to us, gave us everything we ever wanted and all he wants is for us to acknowledge him. I do not know how that is a burden. He will not have his name soiled by his servant, when he comes for you all and he will, you will wish you were never created".

Lucifer did not have the time to reply as a sword flew past him and struck the angel on the chest. A gasp left his lips before he turned into dust. The whole heaven went wild after this. The powers of heaven gathered to attack Lucifer and his subjects. The anointed cherub faced Gadreel who had thrown the sword and he sighed.

"Well, we surely are not having more followers now". He said. At that moment, an arrow shot through the air and landed on Lucifer's arm. He stared at it slightly amused and then at the legion of angels that had gathered at the arena and in the air. Lucifer smiled.

"In that case". He started. "I suppose we do not need these ones anymore". His words needed no explanation as all his angels drew their weapons and went after the angels of heaven.