In Rebellion (Archangel Jarahmael and the War to Conquer Heaven, Book II)

by John J Higgins

  Michael then spoke, his voice amplified as it went out and into the minds of all the assembled Angels. “The Almighty has empowered me to deal with all of you rebel Angels. The Almighty is merciful. He did not want this war. He has instructed me to offer you all mercy.”

  There were rumblings in the minds of the rebel Angels where some attempted to block out Michael's voice.

  “Silence!” he commanded and their minds were stilled.

  “The Almighty offers you mercy. You can be returned to your former glory and all will be forgiven. You have to simply repent for your rebellion and you will be accepted back into the Orders of the Angels. Will you repent what you have done?”

  The rebel Angels’ minds had been poisoned by the belief that the Almighty was weak and that despite their defeat at the moment, they could still have all of the Heavens to themselves. And not one of them seriously considered repenting their rebellion, despite having lost this last battle.

  In response, Luciferael spoke up, having regained some of his strength. “But the Almighty betrayed all of us, the Beings of Light, the First Born!” Luciferael said, looking up directly into Michael's eyes. “We are brothers, betrayed by the Almighty's love for these creatures made of flesh, from the mud. Not from beautiful and clean light.”

  Michael's voice boomed in response. “Once again, do you repent?”

  And Luciferael's voice responded so all could hear. “The Almighty is weak. He could not destroy man, He certainly cannot destroy us. It is only a ploy to gain our obedience again and prevent us from ruling the Universe. I will still restore us back to our former glory before the time of creation of the Simians and Humans. Michael, and my fellow Angels, I implore you to join us, I will lead us to even greater glory.”

  And Michael answered Luciferael back so all could hear. “I serve the Almighty and not you, Luciferael.”

  Michael looked directly out across the Throne Room and said, “One final time, do any of you repent?”

  And again there was silence as none of the rebel Angels responded, hardened and determined to follow Luciferael in his war.

  “So be it!” boomed Michael. “Luciferael is stripped of his position as the Prince of the Heavens. No longer is there any duty for any Angel to follow you or obey you. Your days in the Heavens are over and you may not return.”

  Still rebellious, Luciferael responded, “The Heavens are all of ours. We, after all, created them!”

  “As of this moment they are no longer yours,” Michael responded. “Nor will they ever be again. You have all blocked the love and goodness given to you by the Almighty at the moment of each of your creation. From now on, you will be on your own!”

  As Michael was finishing his pronouncement, great holes were opening in the Seventh Heaven and the lesser Orders of rebel Angels began falling through the cloud-like floor.

  Some of the rebel Angels began to call out in fear as they began tumbling earthward. One by one, the former Archangels began to fall, but none of them cried out in fear or mercy. Their minds remained determined that they would conquer Michael and the Heavens, loyal still to the Archangel named Luciferael.

  Michael continued, “And since you wanted to rule the Heavens, the Almighty has given you your own realm to rule. Because you hate the Earth creatures so much and you, Luciferael, have plotted to be a ruler in your own realm, the Almighty will give you your own realm. A realm of your own design where you intended to place the loyal Angels and the Almighty. Deep within the Earth, under the feet of the Humans is where you will spend eternity. Knowing that man is above you regardless of all your powers!”

  There was a tremendous explosion and rumbling that came up from the Earth into the Heavens, rolling through each of the lower Heavens and eventually reaching the Seventh Heaven itself. Michael waved his arm across the floor so the Heavens became transparent and they could look upon the Earth.

  “Look below, a monstrous volcano has erupted and created an underground world with caves and passages. This new place is where you will reside!” pointed out Michael. “You will be master of this new realm which the Almighty calls Hades and Hell. Your kingdom, Luciferael, will no longer be up here where light is prevalent, you will be deep beneath the dark ground, and the only light you will see in your home now will come from superheated earth and whatever light you may bring to the place.”

  Sammuael looked up into Jarahmael's eyes with anger and defiance and whispered to him as Jarahmael held him down. Sammuael said in a seething voice, “You may have won this episode with that little weapon of yours, Jarahmael, but rest not well, my former friend. I will return the gesture someday.”

  Jarahmael had no patience left with dealing with these fallen Angels and immediately after Sammuael's comment, Jarahmael shoved him through the hole in the floor of the Throne Room and called after him, “Sammuael, begone!”

  The rest of the loyal Angels continued to shove the rebel Angels out of the Seventh Heaven and down towards the Earth they fell. Their wings paralyzed by some other force, they were guided by a light beam into a hole in the Earth. Jarahmael could feel the presence of the Almighty, even though he did not see Him.

  Luciferael remained the most defiant, and before he was cast out of the Heavens by Michael, Luciferael shot a glance over at Jarahmael, a slight smirk on his lips, and called out, “Better to rule in Hell than to serve in Heaven.” He then pushed himself out of the Heavens and down the light beam, deep into the hole in the Earth that closed itself above him. And with that, the rebel Angels were all cast out of the Heavens.

  Chapter 49

  AN ASSESSMENT

  Now that the war had ended, the loyal Archangels were once again in charge of the Heavens. The Almighty was due back the next morning and preparations were made to clean up the effects of Luciferael's rebellion. It was not difficult to clean up the area of the Seventh Heaven, as the war left little damage in this, the highest of the Heavens. Luciferael's conquest of the Seventh Heaven was short-lived, and he was captured and cast out before he could wreak much more destruction.

  Unfortunately, that could not be said for the other Heavens, especially the lower ones where most of the fighting had occurred. It would take a while to get those Heavens back into their glorified state. But there was no hurry to do so. The Heavens had been in turmoil for the best part of a week and it could wait. All of the loyal Angels were tired from the fighting and needed much deserved rest.

  Michael had become the de facto head of the Angels with the fall of Luciferael. He was the next in line to command the Heavenly Host and he had the loyalty of the remaining Archangels and Orders. After Luciferael and his allies were cast out of the Heavens, Michael released all the lower Orders of Loyal Angels to return back to their homes. Michael asked the rest of the Archangels to come back to his palace so they could privately discuss changes in how the Heavens would have to be run.

  All seven of the remaining Archangels took flight from the Throne Room and headed south towards Michael's palace. Jarahmael wanted to fly to the east to where his palace was so that he could check on Lillith, but that would have to wait. Michael led the flight, followed closely by Gabriel and Raphael, then Uriel and Ariel, with Jarahmael and Raziel bringing up the rear.

  They landed and walked into Michael's main parlor where there were seats for all of them. Michael sat for a few seconds but then got up and paced before them as he spoke.

  “We have had a rough time over the past week,” Michael began. “I want to thank all of you for all your efforts. For without your loyalty, Luciferael would surely have taken over and controlled the Heavens and the Universe.”

  “I want to especially thank Jarahmael, who was able to maneuver himself within the ranks of the rebel Angels. Through his resourcefulness, he was even able to travel throughout the Heavens as they were occupied by the rebel Angels, finding ways to provide us with arms and strategies, making victory possible.”

  They all applauded Jarahmael, which made him self-conscious but also feel g
ood that he had been of service to the Almighty and his colleagues, and had done what the Almighty had asked of him, something he knew he could not mention to the others.

  “Thank you,” Jarahmael said softly, bowing his head in acknowledgment.

  “I am sure the Almighty will be proud of what you have done, Jarahmael, once He learns of it on his return tomorrow,” Michael added. “Now let’s consider how we should keep the Heavens operating.”

  “What should we do about the morning ceremonies now that order has been restored?” asked Gabriel.

  “Michael should lead the procession!” offered Ariel.

  “Agreed!” said Raphael.

  “Yes, I agree as well,” said Uriel

  Raziel nodded in agreement too.

  Jarahmael remained quiet a bit longer than the rest, long enough for Michael to look at him, his eyes asking him what he was thinking.

  “Michael, I agree that as the new head of the Angels of the Heavenly Host, leading the procession before the Almighty rightfully falls upon you,” Jarahmael said in agreement, and then shifted his body so he could look at all the others at the same time. “But, isn't that part of what caused the rebellion itself? Luciferael was rightfully in that position as the Almighty’s first creation and he was placed in charge of all the Heavens. At some point, it changed him, so he began to think he could be another Almighty. I humbly suggest that we should get away from that part of the morning ceremony, just have the Seraphim and Thrones who always travel with the Almighty accompany Him to the Throne.”

  “That would be terrible!” said Ariel. “We need to keep the same traditions and begin them anew, now that the war is over.”

  “Yes. We need to keep the same traditions,” agreed Gabriel, who looked upon Jarahmael as though he had just insulted all of them.

  The other Archangels agreed that Michael should lead the procession and be prepared to meet the Almighty first thing in the morning upon his return.

  Michael looked at Jarahmael and said, “Your point is valid, Jarahmael, and I have some of the same concerns. But I am not Luciferael, neither in beauty or in ambition. I exist, but only to serve the Almighty and believe that it is fitting for me to take over the duties of Luciferael. The leader of the Heavenly Host is more than just a position filled by the First Born of Creation, but is an office of authority to control and run the Heavens, all to serve the glory of the Almighty. Without the morning ceremonies, the other Order of Angels would not know who was in charge of them, and chaos would eventually result. So as much as I agree with you in theory, I believe that it is my duty to take Luciferael's mantle and lead the morning ceremonies, beginning tomorrow.”

  “As you wish, my lord Michael,” Jarahmael said, bowing in acquiescence to his decision. As Jarahmael's gaze passed down Michael's face, he caught his eye for a second and felt a shudder run through him. He saw for a second the prideful glance that became Luciferael's face to the rest of the world. He would have objected more before acquiescing, but he could see that this was something Michael now looked forward to, and considered it his reward for conquering the rebel Angels’ forces.

  Except that if it had not been for Jarahmael's efforts, Michael’s legions would never have defeated Luciferael's rebels. Did he sense a bit of jealousy on Michael's part that he had played a larger role in the defeat of Luciferael than Michael? He could not tell. Snapping himself out of that train of thought, he realized that he was tired and had not slept well in many days. It had been another long day and it was beginning to get dark.

  Rising from his seat, Jarahmael made a request, “May I return to my palace and Lillith, my lord? I am exhausted and would like to have some rest before the Almighty's return.”

  Michael looked back at Jarahmael and responded, “You do look exhausted, my friend. I must ask your help, though, despite all else that you have done. Stay here with me as we prepare for the morning ceremony. Sleep here in my palace. There will be time enough to go visit Lillith. You can return home as soon as the morning ceremony is completed tomorrow morning.”

  Jarahmael again wanted to argue with Michael. He wanted to get back to his own palace. Rejoin with Lillith once again.

  “You look awful, Jarahmael!” Michael whispered to Jarahmael's ear. “Rest here. You do not want Lillith to see you like this. In the morning you will be rested and refreshed. And you will have had a chance to speak with the Almighty once again. He will need to know all of what occurred over the past week. And you have played such an important part in the events as they unfolded. Come get some rest. We shall discuss it all further tomorrow,” Michael said to Jarahmael as he reached out his hand and placed it on Jarahmael's elbow, guiding him back into his palace and placing him into a spare room where he could sleep and regain some of his strength.

  Exhaustion took over Jarahmael's body and he did not have the energy or volition to fight about his need for rest. He gave into its warmth as he collapsed onto the bed. As Jarahmael lay there, he fell immediately into a deep sleep, so deep that he didn't even dream.

  Chapter 50

  REWARDS

  Michael woke Jarahmael up after he had slept in one of his spare rooms in his palace. “Wake up, Jarahmael. This will be a glorious morning. The first day of the Almighty's return and there will be no more Luciferael and his schemes here in Heaven.”

  Jarahmael awoke still tired from all of the fighting over the past week. He missed Lillith, but felt excited to be in the presence of the Almighty soon. He looked at Michael and could not help but think that it was dangerous for any of them to copy what Luciferael had done. Michael would be the new leader of the Angels, a role that may have caused Luciferael to try to take over the Heavens. But he had raised his objections and had been outvoted by the remaining loyal Archangels. . . so be it!

  “Wait for me in the Throne Room, Jarahmael. I am going to meet with the Almighty before the morning ceremony. I want you to be my right hand in dealing with the Heavens. I know that I can trust you and that your loyalty to the Almighty is beyond reproach. I really meant it when I told the others that if it was not for you, we would never have won the war and defeated Luciferael.”

  “Thank you, Michael. I only did what I felt had to be done. Luciferael's pursuit of glory was becoming insatiable.”

  “By the way, did Luciferael offer you anything to help him in his plan to overrun the Heavens?” Michael asked.

  Jarahmael had a sinking feeling when he looked into Michael's eyes as he asked the question. Did he detect jealousy or envy in the question? Better to not go into that now, he thought to himself.

  Jarahmael responded, avoiding the question, “I had a feeling that if Luciferael had succeeded in his conquest, the Heavens and the Earth would have become an intolerable place to live. All of his rebel Angels continued to build him up, no matter what he said or did.”

  “I see,” answered Michael as he turned his gaze away from Jarahmael.

  Not good, thought Jarahmael. Is Michael going to expect the same from the rest of us?

  Best to change the subject. “Should we not be going?” asked Jarahmael. “We do not want to be late to greet the Almighty, do we?”

  “No. Of course not,” responded Michael. “But I am going to greet Him alone. I want you to go make sure the Throne Room is ready and that all the other Orders of Angels are in position for our arrival at the morning ceremony.”

  “As you wish, Michael. I will attend to it right away,” Jarahmael said as he stood and flexed his wings in anticipation of taking off.

  “Thank you, Jarahmael,” Michael responded. “I am thankful that I can count on you.”

  Jarahmael flew out of Michael's palace and rose a bit higher in the Heavens than he would normally. He was hoping to catch a glimpse of his own palace and Lillith off in the distance. He wanted to see her, ached for her, but he had obligations to fulfill and his desires would have to wait. He turned his wing downwards and flew rapidly towards the Throne Room, enjoying the feeling of speed as he descended.
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  He watched as the Orders of Loyal Angels flew into the Throne Room, coming up from the lower Heavens. Each of the Orders seemed more powerful than they had a week earlier, even though some were scarred from the battles that they had fought. They held themselves straighter, moved with more purpose. They had been tested and showed themselves equal to the demands put upon them.

  As he entered the Throne Room, flying past the assemblies of the various Angels, each of the leaders looked at him. He was looking for his friend Cerebriel. He had become one of the rocks that Jarahmael could count on when things became difficult. He wanted to make sure that the Almighty knew how much that Cerebriel and his loyal Cherubim had done to make victory possible.

  And there Cerebriel was, already in his seat, ready and waiting patiently as Jarahmael would expect him to be. Flying right up to him, Jarahmael landed.

  “Greetings my friend!” Jarahmael said warmly as he reached out and hugged his friend. Cerebriel reluctantly returned the hug but that did not deter Jarahmael from continuing to hug him.

  “Come join me up in the front,” said Jarahmael. “For all your efforts you deserve to be up among the loyal Archangels.”

  “No, I shall remain here,” said Cerebriel. “I am the head of the Cherubim and belong here.”

  “That was not a request!” Jarahmael said as he pulled rank on Cerebriel, something he had never done in the past. “The Almighty and the other Angels need to acknowledge the sacrifices you made and the bravery you demonstrated in dealing with those rebel Angels. I believe you did more than any of the other Archangels to give us victory and the Almighty needs to know that!”

  “As you command, Archangel,” Cerebriel responded formally, but his eyes reflected greater warmth back to Jarahmael. Never before had any Archangel even attempted to elevate one of the Angels of another Order to that level.

  Jarahmael noticed Cerebriel stand taller as he flexed his wings a bit more. Then the two of them flew up and towards the front of the Throne Room.