The Angels Saga
Gloria Majestica
by
Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly
Copyright 6179 SC
STORIES:
The Mind of God
The Geocities
The Angelfire
THE ANGELS SAGA
THE MIND OF GOD
Awareness, Thoughts and Plans began all things.....But the tale is for another day......
GEOCITIES
Even before the Angelfire was the Geocities. But their tales are for another day......
ANGELFIRE
The Angelfire
Genesis Chapter 1 בְּרֵאשִׁית
א בְּרֵאשִׁית, בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים, אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם, וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ.
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
ב וְהָאָרֶץ, הָיְתָה תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ, וְחֹשֶׁךְ, עַל-פְּנֵי תְהוֹם; וְרוּחַ אֱלֹהִים, מְרַחֶפֶת עַל-פְּנֵי הַמָּיִם.
2 Now the earth was unformed and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters.
ג וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, יְהִי אוֹר; וַיְהִי-אוֹר.
3 And God said: 'Let there be light.' And there was light.
ד וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים אֶת-הָאוֹר, כִּי-טוֹב; וַיַּבְדֵּל אֱלֹהִים, בֵּין הָאוֹר וּבֵין הַחֹשֶׁךְ.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.
ה וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לָאוֹר יוֹם, וְלַחֹשֶׁךְ קָרָא לָיְלָה; וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר, יוֹם אֶחָד. {פ}
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day. {P}
ו וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, יְהִי רָקִיעַ בְּתוֹךְ הַמָּיִם, וִיהִי מַבְדִּיל, בֵּין מַיִם לָמָיִם.
6 And God said: 'Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.'
ז וַיַּעַשׂ אֱלֹהִים, אֶת-הָרָקִיעַ, וַיַּבְדֵּל בֵּין הַמַּיִם אֲשֶׁר מִתַּחַת לָרָקִיעַ, וּבֵין הַמַּיִם אֲשֶׁר מֵעַל לָרָקִיעַ; וַיְהִי-כֵן.
7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so.
ח וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לָרָקִיעַ, שָׁמָיִם; וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר, יוֹם שֵׁנִי. {פ}
8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day. {P}
ט וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, יִקָּווּ הַמַּיִם מִתַּחַת הַשָּׁמַיִם אֶל-מָקוֹם אֶחָד, וְתֵרָאֶה, הַיַּבָּשָׁה; וַיְהִי-כֵן.
9 And God said: 'Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear.' And it was so.
י וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לַיַּבָּשָׁה אֶרֶץ, וּלְמִקְוֵה הַמַּיִם קָרָא יַמִּים; וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים, כִּי-טוֹב.
10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters called He Seas; and God saw that it was good.
יא וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, תַּדְשֵׁא הָאָרֶץ דֶּשֶׁא עֵשֶׂב מַזְרִיעַ זֶרַע, עֵץ פְּרִי עֹשֶׂה פְּרִי לְמִינוֹ, אֲשֶׁר זַרְעוֹ-בוֹ עַל-הָאָרֶץ; וַיְהִי-כֵן.
11 And God said: 'Let the earth put forth grass, herb yielding seed, and fruit-tree bearing fruit after its kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth.' And it was so.
יב וַתּוֹצֵא הָאָרֶץ דֶּשֶׁא עֵשֶׂב מַזְרִיעַ זֶרַע, לְמִינֵהוּ, וְעֵץ עֹשֶׂה-פְּרִי אֲשֶׁר זַרְעוֹ-בוֹ, לְמִינֵהוּ; וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים, כִּי-טוֹב.
12 And the earth brought forth grass, herb yielding seed after its kind, and tree bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after its kind; and God saw that it was good.
יג וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר, יוֹם שְׁלִישִׁי. {פ}
13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. {P}
יד וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, יְהִי מְאֹרֹת בִּרְקִיעַ הַשָּׁמַיִם, לְהַבְדִּיל, בֵּין הַיּוֹם וּבֵין הַלָּיְלָה; וְהָיוּ לְאֹתֹת וּלְמוֹעֲדִים, וּלְיָמִים וְשָׁנִים.
14 And God said: 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years;
טו וְהָיוּ לִמְאוֹרֹת בִּרְקִיעַ הַשָּׁמַיִם, לְהָאִיר עַל-הָאָרֶץ; וַיְהִי-כֵן.
15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth.' And it was so.
טז וַיַּעַשׂ אֱלֹהִים, אֶת-שְׁנֵי הַמְּאֹרֹת הַגְּדֹלִים: אֶת-הַמָּאוֹר הַגָּדֹל, לְמֶמְשֶׁלֶת הַיּוֹם, וְאֶת-הַמָּאוֹר הַקָּטֹן לְמֶמְשֶׁלֶת הַלַּיְלָה, וְאֵת הַכּוֹכָבִים.
16 And God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; and the stars.
יז וַיִּתֵּן אֹתָם אֱלֹהִים, בִּרְקִיעַ הַשָּׁמָיִם, לְהָאִיר, עַל-הָאָרֶץ.
17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
יח וְלִמְשֹׁל, בַּיּוֹם וּבַלַּיְלָה, וּלְהַבְדִּיל, בֵּין הָאוֹר וּבֵין הַחֹשֶׁךְ; וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים, כִּי-טוֹב.
18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good.
יט וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר, יוֹם רְבִיעִי. {פ}
19 And there was evening and there was morning, a fourth day. {P}
כ וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים--יִשְׁרְצוּ הַמַּיִם, שֶׁרֶץ נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה; וְעוֹף יְעוֹפֵף עַל-הָאָרֶץ, עַל-פְּנֵי רְקִיעַ הַשָּׁמָיִם.
20 And God said: 'Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let fowl fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.'
כא וַיִּבְרָא אֱלֹהִים, אֶת-הַתַּנִּינִם הַגְּדֹלִים; וְאֵת כָּל-נֶפֶשׁ הַחַיָּה הָרֹמֶשֶׂת אֲשֶׁר שָׁרְצוּ הַמַּיִם לְמִינֵהֶם, וְאֵת כָּל-עוֹף כָּנָף לְמִינֵהוּ, וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים,כִּי-טוֹב.
21 And God created the great sea-monsters, and every living creature that creepeth, wherewith the waters swarmed, after its kind, and every winged fowl after its kind; and God saw that it was good.
כב וַיְבָרֶךְ אֹתָם אֱלֹהִים, לֵאמֹר: פְּרוּ וּרְבוּ, וּמִלְאוּ אֶת-הַמַּיִם בַּיַּמִּים, וְהָעוֹף, יִרֶב בָּאָרֶץ.
22 And God blessed them, saying: 'Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.'
כג וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר, יוֹם חֲמִישִׁי. {פ}
23 And there was evening and there was morning, a fifth day. {P}
כד וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, תּוֹצֵא הָאָרֶץ נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה לְמִינָהּ, בְּהֵמָה וָרֶמֶשׂ וְחַיְתוֹ-אֶרֶץ, לְמִינָהּ; וַיְהִי-כֵן.
24 And God said: 'Let the earth bring forth the living creature after its kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after its kind.' And it was so.
כה וַיַּעַשׂ אֱלֹהִים אֶת-חַיַּת הָאָרֶץ לְמִינָהּ, וְאֶת-הַבְּהֵמָה לְמִינָהּ, וְאֵת כָּל-רֶמֶשׂ הָאֲדָמָה, לְמִינֵהוּ; וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים, כִּי-טוֹב.
25 And God made the beast of the earth after its kind, and the cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good.
כו וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, נַעֲשֶׂה אָדָם בְּצַלְמֵנוּ כִּדְמוּתֵנוּ; וְיִרְדּוּ בִדְגַת הַיָּם וּבְעוֹף הַשָּׁמַיִם, וּבַבְּהֵמָה וּבְכָל-הָאָרֶץ, וּבְכָל-הָרֶמֶשׂ, הָרֹמֵשׂ עַל-הָאָרֶץ.
26 And God said: 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.'
כז וַיִּבְרָא אֱלֹהִים אֶת-הָאָדָם בְּצַלְמוֹ, בְּצֶלֶם אֱלֹהִים בָּרָא אֹתוֹ: זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה, בָּרָא אֹתָם.
27 And God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.
כח וַיְבָרֶךְ אֹתָם, אֱלֹהִים, וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם אֱלֹהִים פְּרוּ וּרְבוּ וּמִלְאוּ אֶת-הָאָרֶץ, וְכִבְשֻׁהָ; וּרְדוּ בִּדְגַת הַיָּם, וּבְעוֹף הַשָּׁמַיִם, וּבְכָל-חַיָּה, הָרֹמֶשֶׂת עַל-הָאָרֶץ.
28 And God blessed them; and God said unto them: 'Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that creepeth upon the earth.'
כט וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, הִנֵּה נָתַתִּי לָכֶם אֶת-כָּל-עֵשֶׂב זֹרֵעַ זֶרַע אֲשֶׁר עַל-פְּנֵי כָל-הָאָרֶץ, וְאֶת-כָּל-הָעֵץ אֲשֶׁר-בּוֹ פְרִי-עֵץ, זֹרֵעַ זָרַע: לָכֶם יִהְיֶה,לְאָכְלָה.
29 And God said: 'Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed--to you it shall be for food;
ל וּלְכָל-חַיַּת הָאָרֶץ וּלְכָל-עוֹף הַשָּׁמַיִם וּלְכֹל רוֹמֵשׂ עַל-הָאָרֶץ, אֲשֶׁר-בּוֹ נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה, אֶת-כָּל-יֶרֶק עֵשֶׂב, לְאָכְלָה; וַיְהִי-כֵן.
30 and to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is a living soul, [I have given] every green herb for food.' And it was so.
לא וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים אֶת-כָּל-אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה, וְהִנֵּה-טוֹב מְאֹד; וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר, יוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי. {פ}
31 And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. {P}
IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE ANGELFIRE. THE ANGELFIRE WAS THE POOL OF SPIRITUAL FIRE FROM WHICH GOD DREW FORTH HIS ANGELIC CHILDREN. METATRON WAS FIRSTBORN, AND THE 7 ARCHANGELS CAME LATER, URIEL, RAPHAEL, RAGUEL, MICHAEL, SARAQAEL, GABRIEL & REMIEL. AND THE CHERUBIM SEMYAZA AND OTHERS WERE ALSO DRAWN FORTH, INCLUDING AZAZEL AND SAMAEL. BUT ALL WAS DRAWN FORTH FROM THE ANGELFIRE – THE DIVINE FIRE AND GLORY OF GOD FROM WHICH ULTIMATE CREATION WAS BORN. GOD DELIGHTED IN THE ANGELFIRE, AND ITS MYSTERY AND BEAUTY. AND WHEN HE HAD WORKED HIS HEART'S IMAGINATION FROM ITS MELTING POT OF GLORY, HEAVEN HAD BEEN BORN, AND THE CHILDREN OF DESTINY HAD BEGUN...............................
'Michael, Michael, Michael,' said Metatron. 'You are not the highest of angels in our hierarchy. Why dost thou seek the glory?'
'I shall tell you what is written in the Holy Book of Prophecy of the World to Come,' replied the Archangel Michael. 'And these are the names of the holy angels who watch. Uriel, one of the holy angels, who is over the world and over Tartarus. Raphael, one of the holy angels, who is over the spirits of men. Raguel, one of the holy angels who takes vengeance on the world of the luminaries. Michael, one of the holy angels, to wit, he that is set over the best part of mankind and over chaos. Saraqael, one of the holy angels, who is set over the spirits, who sin in the spirit. Gabriel, one of the holy angels, who is over Paradise and the serpents and the Cherubim. Remiel, one of the holy angels, whom God set over those who rise.' Michael glared at Metatron. 'I have the authority in time, dear older brother. God has granted it to me in things to come and things yet to be.'
'Yet he speaks of this Callodyn who shall be born one day, and this Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly, who, minor Cherubim they will be, shall usurp thine glory. The woman destiny has this plotted in her heart, he doth tell me.'
'The contest and competition shall indeed come in time,' replied Michael. 'But Israel shall be firstborn and rule in strength a while.'
'Yet why dost thou seeketh the glory now? Can you not exhibit some holy patience. Good things come to those who wait, dear younger brother, and I am the glory of God at this time. Can ye not be patient. Your glory shall come. Be patient.'
'I am only plotting ahead,' replied Michael. 'Besides, I am worried about Semyaza and his cronies. That Cherubim is starting to become troublesome. He needs dealing with. Saraqael is of the firm opinion he should be punished, and I am gathering influence to put him in his place I do think.'
'Azazel will war with you,' replied Metatron. 'He does not like you very much I doth think.'
'No. He doesn't, does he,' replied Michael thoughtfully. 'But I shall cross that bridge when I come to it. I shan't usurp thine authority older brother. But I shall teach some angels a thing or two, I do think.'
'Do as ye must,' replied Metatron, looking down at the chess board.
'I worry of Samael also,' said Michael. 'His sarcasm is increasingly wicked these days. He should be taught a lesson or two as well.'
'So you are the self appointed judge of the living and the dead, are you?' Metatron asked Michael.
'No,' said Michael. 'But the Lord acts in justice, so I shall also.'
'I sense – arrogance,' replied Metatron. 'The Firstborn of the Seraphim, I sense arrogance in him.'
'He's terribly arrogant,' said Gabriel, interjecting.
'He's up his arse,' said Samael, showing into view behind Gabriel.
'Hello – Scum,' said Michael to Samael.
'Scum, is it?' asked Samael, and sat down in the eating hall of the Angelic Home of Heaven.
'Yes. A fitting title for one lacking morality,' replied Michael. 'And Samael the Angel has no morality.'
'I learned it all from Azazel,' replied Samael. 'He is a fearsome one, who does not tolerate minor Seraphim usurpations.'
'Hah!' exclaimed Michael. 'The Ophanin believes me arrogant. That is rich.'
'He might have a point,' replied Gabriel. 'Azazel just has a rich sense of humour. Sarcasm, as they call it.'
'The angels of heaven prefer order and sobriety,' replied Michael. 'Not comedians.'
'Lighten up,' replied Samael, and lit a cigarette.
'Another fowl habit,' said Michael about the cigarette. 'They smell, and cause problems with the lungs breathing after a long indulgence.'
'I can cope,' smiled Samael. 'I take periods of abstinence.'
'Like abstaining from wanking?' asked Michael. 'You like the feeling of orgasm in your loins when you jerk your gherkin.'
'What else is it for?' asked Samael.
'It – has a purpose,' replied Michael. 'God will disclose it one day. You sin against your own body doing that. I am sure of it.'
'Yada, yada, yada,' replied Samael. 'The Israelite thinks himself holy. The clan of the Torah worshippers have standards. Forgive me for being such a sinner,' said Samael sarcastically.
'Torah is the will of God,' stated Michael.
'Which Raphael made up,' said Samael. 'To try and control all of us with his sense of spiritual decorum. God gave us 5 rules, and no more. And I keep the 5, so fuck off with your so called morality.'
Michael glared at Samael, but left it at that.
'Michael. You are very strict,' said Metatron. 'Fit in some ways for rulership, but it puts our angelic brotherhood off a lot of the time. Lighten up brother.'
'Humph,' said Michael, and stood, and walked out of the eating hall.
'No sense of humour,' said Samael, puffing on his cigarette. Metatron just gazed at him in response.
'So, what have you been up to Mettie?' asked Samael.
'This and that,' replied the Angel.
'Yeh, this and that. I do a lot of that. Wanking around, being a devil. It's fun. Don't take life too seriously, and all that yada yada yada. Know what I mean.'
Metatron sighed. 'I think I do.'
'Besides, your a dickhead,' said Michael, coming back into the room.
'I'm a dickhead?' said Samael. 'Torah Kid calls me a dickhead? The King of Squares calls me a dickhead? Hah! That's rich?'
'He's more a circle,' said Gabriel. 'Or what he likes to think of himself. Well rounded.'
'A small circle,' said Samael. 'Not much life in it. It circumvents a ridiculous code of self control with no real living fun. Torah is for fools.'
'It guides us and creates a holy life,' said Michael. 'It's strictness guards against infidelity to God.'
'I don't think God minds our freedoms that much,' replied Samael. 'He only gave us 5 rules, and left it at that. Just like Michael to want more. Just like the legalist.'
'It helps him order his life,' said Metatron.
'Probably the most disorderly then, without the extra rules, I think,' said Samael. 'Needs it all just to keep his ego in check.'
'That's not true,' retorted Michael hotly. 'I like to comply with calm lawfulness. So that people may find peace.'
'People want to live a little,' said Samael.
'You are a wild man. You will never understand,' said Michael.
'I follow the five. And the Locus of my heart knows exactly where it is at each time in all my decisions.'
'I doubt that,' said Michael.
'My Locus is all powerful, and beautiful,' said Samael. 'She is the champion of my universe.'
'She?' asked Michael. 'What does that mean?'
'Softer. Tender,' replied Samael.
'Hardly you, now is it,' grinned Michael in response.
'Go to hell,' said Samael and puffed again on his cigarette.
'Yeh, hell. Exactly where you belong, dimwit.'
'Hell is a realm which I have visited. It is not quite my style. Dark, depressing, full of heavy feeling. Down below the catacombs of our heaven, in secret stairwells God speaks to few of.'
'There you go,' said Michael to the angels. 'He's already been to hell.'
'Perhaps you should come take a walk with me to the lower depths,' said Samael. 'It will put some humility into your religious pride, I think.'
'Ha, rich,' replied Michael. 'Well, I wouldn't go. Hell is a place of punishment. I obviously don't need punishing, unlike some I could mention.'
'The dark side,' began Samael. 'Is an experience. I don't regret my time their. It made me live in reality. Something which escapes your kind quite obviously. It learns you quick and proper bruvva. But that is obviously beyond you.'
Michael glared at Samael in response, as the angel just puffed on his cigarette and lit another one.
'How do you get to hell?' Gabriel asked Samael. 'Can you show me a stairwell?'
'There are secret latches in some of the catacombs. Talk to father in the throneroom if you want me to show you. I wouldn't take you normally, otherwise. You are too innocent Gabriel. Naive in your sticking with these bunch of do gooders,' said Samael.
'Don't underestimate the strength of angel Gabriel,' said Metatron. 'I've seen inner abilities in him from time to time which might surprise you Sammy.'
Samael puffed on his cigarette and considered Gabriel. 'Maybe,' he said after a few moments.
'Ho, it's Raphael,' said Michael, as Raphael entered the eating hall of the angels abode.
'What is going on here, fair angels?' queried Raphael. 'I see the upper hierarchy fiercely debating it doth seemeth to my wisdom.'
'If you call discussion with imbecility debate,' said Samael.
'No, not really,' retorted Michael instantly. 'Mostly intelligent conversation from one party, and drivel from the other.'
'So keep that drivel under control,' grinned Samael at Michael, and puffed smoke at him.
'The inane converse of Samael the fool,' said Raphael. 'He thinks himself cool I thinketh.'
'You think?' replied Samael. 'There is a first time for everything I guess.'
'He is a sinner, isn't he,' said Raphael, now standing confidently next to Michael.
'Rebellious in every way,' said Michael proudly, glaring at Samael.
'I think it is obvious in his farts,' said Raphael. 'They stink of the fowlest intoxication.'
'Much akin to the breath of Raphael I would imagine,' replied Samael.
'Oh, the lad is in a feisty mood,' said Raphael. 'Good sport, what.'
'Listen you black skinned posh bastard,' began Samael. 'Your attempt at singing with all those bongo drums is not only boring, but grandly irritating. And then you try and preach new Torah at us, and pass it off as divine. Give the angels of heaven a break, Raph. We're not impressed.'
'By numbers much of the community likes our approach,' said Raphael.
'About half I think,' commented Gabriel.
Samael looked at Gabriel. 'That might be true, in fact, brother. I do acknowledge truth. But the other half of us are far from impressed.'
'The dark side never likes to conform,' said Raphael.
'Indeed,' commented Metatron soberly.
'You know,' began Samael. 'If we could be bothered to actually respond to your assumptions on living standards, you would be embarrassed. You would see the pointlessness of maintaining behaviour traits which do not enrich a life and the living experience, but dullen it down, take the edge of adventure and vitality, and make you a boring conformist to Raphaelism, which only serves to enlargen, might I say even more so, the ego of a Seraphim angel who really should know better.'
'The response of evil only justifies a life style which will fade away when its crude pleasures are all spent up,' replied Raphael.
'And you will see then,' began Michael, 'that sin has a season, and when that season has expired, so much of the divine fire within has died. It's a fool who does not live the life by the light of Torah.'
'Torah of an angel,' replied Samael.
'The wisdom of the Book of Truth,' itself,' said Michael in respons. 'That is what Raphael's words really are. Truth. We know. We know it in our hearts.'
'A revelation of vanity,' said Samael.
'Ha. Rich,' replied Michael. 'Your vanity exceeds all and sundry, including blasted Azazel. You think yourself the pinnacle of wisdom.'
'Yet your team is guilty of that very act, through the machinations of new Torah, created only in your interests of sovereignty, or attempt thereat, and nothing of genuine life assistance,' replied Samael. 'Pot calling kettle black indeed.'
'A fool perishes for lack of knowledge,' said Raphael.
'A vain man pretends he knows all, yet fails to see the deceit in his own heart,' replied Samael.
'We have no deceit,' protested Raphael. 'Nought but good intentions.'
'With Raphael and co running the show. Ha, I spit at your vain attempts at authority. They shall never be recognized by myself, and many others I would claim.'
Raphael glared at Samael, but remained silent.
'A tree is known by its fruit,' said Gabriel. 'If Raphael's fruit is good, from his ministry, he justifies himself.'
'Yet those with eyes to see the truth judge the fruit more accurately, and do not give into vain belief in ones immaculacy,' said Samael.
'Says the angel whose eyes are blind,' replied Raphael.
'So you say,' said Samael, and puffed on his cigarette.
'Foolish arguments profit not,' said Gabriel. 'Let us adjourn this discussion. It breeds no peace in our common fellowship.'
'As you wish,' said Samael, and stood, and left the eating hall.
'He's stubborn,' said Michael.
'He knows his own mind,' said Metatron. 'He has a perspective which is not your own. Judge him if ye must, but ye may indeed be fighting a truth you'll acknowledge one day.'
'I doubt that,' said Michael, but did look towards the departed Samael.
Just then the Seraphim angels Simiel and Oriphiel entered the eating hall.
'We've been chatting, Michael,' said Simiel. 'Time to retire Saraqael and Remiel from their Archangelic duties. 'They are average Seraphim, and we two can do a much better job.'
'Gregoriel never stops championing them,' sighed Gabriel. 'They are a pair of comedic dimwits, who think themselves the authority of heaven.'
'The divine comedy,' said Simiel.
'We're a laugh a minute,' said Oriphiel.
'Yes, definitely a joke,' said Michael.
'You want a joke? What do you call an angel without wings?' said Simiel.
'I give up,' replied Michael. 'What?'
'Grounded,' said Simiel, a big grin on his face.
'Bad jokes at that,' replied Michael.
'I think we are happy with the seven Archangels as they stand,' said Gabriel. 'Your champion Gregoriel should think again.'
'But Saraqael and Remiel are just so average,' said Oriphiel. 'Boring mostly. We'll be much more lighthearted and popular.'
'Not the tone we're looking for,' said Raphael.
'So damn serious all the time,' said Oriphiel. 'At least dastardly Samael knows how to have a good time.'
'Don't mention that clown,' said Raphael. 'We've had our fill of him for the day.'
'There were tense discussions,' Gabriel said to Oriphiel and Simiel.
'Why we two would be perfect on the Sovereign Seven,' said Oriphiel.
'You'll come round,' said Simiel.
'Indeed,' replied Michael.
'Camael, Jophiel and Zadkiel also had a go at being among the Seven once,' said Gabriel. 'We had a temporary team with them, with Saraqael, Remiel and Raguel on other duties for a while. It didn't last though. It was before you guys were born.'
'So you are saying we have a chance,' said Simiel.
'In your dreams,' replied Gabriel, giggling.
'Our time will come,' said Simiel to Oriphiel. 'And we'll be ready, Mike. You'll see.'
'I can hardly wait,' replied the Archangel Michael in the dryest of tones.
* * * * *
Samael looked down into the whirling maelstrom. The Angelfire. The source of creation. It was a lake of fire, in the heart of heaven, beneath the divine city above, down around which the catacombs hovered on its outskirts. A large lake in some way, but small in most, 100 metres across, roughtly circular, and alive. That is all you could say when you were in its presence. It was alive. Spiritual fire. The Angelfire. God had created the Angelfire as the very first of his projects, so it was taught, and brought forth angelicdom of heaven from it. They were the angels of heaven, 700 brave male angels. They knew not what a male angel was, but they were it, brave and true. And some were good, but Samael was bad, because Michael always reminded him he was bad, whatever that meant. Like the tree of good and evil in the garden up above, Samael was the bad fruit. He didn't really believe that was true. Samael had a conscience. He did listen to it. But he also did whatever the hell he wanted to do, and didn't really give a damn what any other angel said to the contrary, including Michael and Raphael and co. Metatron left him alone, and that was what seemed to matter the most, as he was the oldest, and had the most respect. Azazel inevitably opposed Metatron, and in the council of things which they established to run their own affair Metatron sat at the head, and on the other side of the round table sat Azazel, who challenged everything, and gave no respect to the apparent authority of heaven. And then there was God, whose person was represented in an old man, who walked around heaven, eating fruit from the garden, a constant puzzle to all, who seemed good and benevolent, and left it all up to their own ministrations, the running of their lives. And all of that life began here, in this chamber of life, the chamber of the Angelfire.
'Destiny is born in there. Fate to,' said a voice to Samael's left.
Samael turned. It was Michael ironically enough.
Samael returned his gaze to the Angelfire and puffed on his cigarette. 'The dreams of eternal life unfold within do they?'
'Something like that,' replied Michael, drawing alongside his brother. 'All good is in there. And all bad. And the fates of eternal lives are lived out and grown and lengthened inexorably and inevitably, through trial and endless trial to strength of life is gained, and the ability to cope with the eternal.'
'The ability to cope with the eternal? Is that what it is all about?' asked Samael.
'Getting used to everyone else, and this complex thing called life, and learning the mastery of it all,' replied Michael. 'God explained it to me very clearly. This is the Angelfire where the heart of creation is played out afore hand, and that was and will be is born and liveth.'
'Fascinating,' said Samael. 'I use it to light my cigarettes.'
'You were born in there,' said Michael, looking down into the flames.
'I recall its life somewhat,' said Samael. 'There are – echoes of it, in my mind. I still remember things of the future, and that at the end of it all it all works out in the end, even if ironically.'
'God is good, you see,' said Michael.
'Perhaps he is. Or perhaps he is the living God, and you take what you get either way,' replied Samael.
'And perhaps that is true also,' said Michael. He turned and looked at his brother. 'We are adversaries. That much is true. But I don't hate you Samael, and I have respect for your life and person. Do remember that,' and Michael nodded to his brother, turned and went away.
Samael returned his gaze to the Angelfire. Such a Michaelesque statement to make, he thought to himself.
The fires cascaded, and spun away. Samael watched, fascinated, as it comforted his soul, and gave ease to the slightness of dark depression which seemed to be there these days.
'Every Samael was born in there,' said another voice from his left. Samael turned. It was God.
'Father,' said Samael, nodding.
'And they were all born in you,' said God, coming to stand next to his son.
Samael glared at the fires, and thought he saw an image for a moment. One occasionally reached out and grabbed you. A face, sometimes a thought, or another flame of passionate life.
'All born in me,' said Samael softly to himself. He turned to God. 'What the hell is that supposed to mean?'
'You are the archetype. The ultimate fashioner and source of all who bear your moniker, as their name, or first name. Even family names are born in you somewhat, the house of Samael.'
'Who?' asked Samael. 'Who the hell are these people?'
They are in your nature, 100% completely. The entirety of eternity of the life of Samael. All of it is in you. You are very special to me because of it. All 700 of my angelic sons are. And the daughters one day will be also.'
'There it is again. Daughters of God. What the hell are these females?' asked Samael.
'One day you will know,' said God. 'The heaven of Angelfire is my foundation stone for eternity. All names are born here in time. Every first name – every proper name – every surname. All, from the first to the last.'
'Fascinating,' said Samael, returning his focus to the flames. 'The Archetype of Samael am I? Bloody wonderful.'
'Yes,' said God, looking directly at Samael. 'It is all in you.'
Samael glared at the flames, and was vaguely aware God had departed, but he was not ready to leave. He needed some comfort this afternoon, to sooth the darkness within.
'What the hell is an Archetype?' he asked the flames in front of him. They just burned brightly in response. 'I am Samael, am I? The font of all wisdom?'
'Hardly,' said a voice.
'Another visitor,' said Samael, turning.
'The font of all wisdom is in all of us as one,' said Metatron. 'You can hardly claim the wisdom of your Seraphim brothers, so much you disavow them, but wise they are.'
'If you call dung wise,' replied Samael.
Metatron chuckled and looked into the flames. 'There is not much of me. Not much yet anyway. It is not a name greatly favoured in the infinite ones to come after us.'
'And you know this how?' asked Samael.
'I just sense it. Michael speaks boldly. Says unlimited numbers are within his heart. So much strength I do sense as well. His unfailing popularity it would seem.'
'Some guys get all the breaks,' said Samael, lighting another cigarette on the angelfire.
'If you call them breaks. Equal responsibility, God has told me from time to time. To represent so many and so much.'
'His egoness I am sure can handle the job,' smirked Samael.
Metatron looked squarely at his younger brother. 'And egos will you handle? The devil's themselves it seems to me.'
'Perhaps indeed,' replied Samael.
They stood there, as if gaining warmth from the fire, but it was just a mild warmth. Cool at times, even.
'Life will go on, anyway,' said Metatron at last.
'That much I do know,' said Samael dryly. 'Life will go on.'
'And there the query endeth, and we fill in time as best we can,' said Metatron.
There was no reply. They stood there, watching the eternal glory of God's creativity, and Metatron stole away, eventually Samael joining him, finding rest in his abode, and dreaming dreams. Of Samael's and Michael's and Metatron saying 'Still bugger all will use my bloody name.' And Samael grinned on that.
* * * * *
The Angelfire was the birthplace of the Theophany of God. He was born in the Pool of the Angelfire, birthed by the Creator, alongside the rest of the citizenship of the Angelfire. He was the Father of the Angelfire Community, their leader, their king. Then layers were built upon the pool of the Angelfire, and finally a top layer,, which was the ground. Angelfire Castle was built by the Theophany of God, but not completely on his own. There arose stedily from the Angelfire, climbing up to the surface, his angelic followers. The Angels of the Angelfire. Each a unique creation of the Almighty. These clung to the Theophany as the Father of the Angelfire community, which he was, and they served his will in the Angelfire Community. Metatron, Michael, Samael, Oriphiel & Simiel – a whole host of angels became part of the Angelfire community initially. Originally there were only male angels, but in time female ones would come to be. And they would mate and produce offspring. But in the Beginning of things when God created a Theophany to act for his official purposes in his own role, he created the Realm of the Angelfire for this Theophany as his Kingdom. And then, later on, came Home, which was the Theophanies home were he looked over the lower realms as their Father figure representing God Almighty. He was not really God when it came right down to it. He was a person, who later developed the name Wolfgang. He was simply the instrument God used to represent his firsthand and direct word and teaching to the people, and it pleased him well enough for the Theophany to represent in this way. But even the Theophany was a child of God, with his own mind and his own ways, and while he was the direct representation of God to creation, he had his own life as well.
The End