/lit/ - Literature

>>7313308
The heat from the flaming sword tanned Satan's cheeks as the tip wavered precariously close to his nose.
"You sink to new depths even as you crawl out of them, Morningstar." The angel said. "Why must you continually test the length and breadth of His mercy?"

"Because it's there." The answer left a silence between them. Michael said nothing but held him in place with his foot and sword. The pause lingered until he spoke again.
"Well? Which have you been sent to do? Escort me back to the pit or dispatch me forever?"

Michael didn't answer. He remained as motionless as a statue. Satan watched the look on his face. In the times when they'd spoken before, gods commands were already staring at him from behind the archangels eyes. But this time something was different. What was it? Michael's expression didn't have the same fire as the other times. The glare wasn't present this time.

"Which is it, Michael?" Again the angel didn't answer.
A grin began to creep its way across Satan's lips. "He didn't send you. He doesn't know, does he?"

"You know he knows what you've done."
"But he didn't send you, did he?" Michael straightened to stand at his tallest.
"I sensed you were loose and came on my own."
"Well, if He didn't send you, then get your sword out of my face."
Michael reluctantly withdrew his blade and foot. Brushing away errant flecks of ash from his skin, Satan got to his feet. Face to face, the fallen one stood a full head and a half taller. Michael regarded the difference between them with a glance but didn't back away.
"Well?" He asked
"Well what?"
"Shouldn't you be running along? Certainly that armor doesn’t shine itself." Michael’s hand flipped the burning sword about so that tip rose between them.
"Don't…test my patience, morningstar."
"It's not your patience that interests me, Michael. I’m more curious about the short leash you’re on. The chosen and the righteous are behind the gates in heaven. What possible reason could you have for being here? Who would you protect from my wickedness with that weapon of yours?”
“You are out of the pit and free of your torment.” Michael glared. “That’s reason enough for me to be here.”
“Yes, Michael. But you’re not listening to my words. Why am I out of the pit?”
“You climbed out on your own.”
“How is that possible if His will is for me to be in the pit?” The archangel looked unsure. “Let’s end the suspense. He loves you dearly, ask him yourself. Ask your master why this has come to pass.”

“Very well.” The angel turned away from him and looked to the brightest place in the sky. “What is your bidding?” Michael asked the charred sky. “What would you have me do with him?” But after the echoes of his words died, there came no reply. Satan gave Michael a curious look.
“Well?” he asked. “He seldom talks to me. What did he tell you?”
(Pic is the notes for the story.)

>>7292078
These are the original notes for that book