REPENTANCE

The beautiful giant strode back and forth across the floor of his lavish apartment. He stopped on occasion to wander out onto the massive balcony. Even from this height the cloying stench from the wretched valley below assaulted his preternatural senses. As always, he surveyed the smoking, seething valley below. Gifted with unparalleled vision, his intense, grayish-blue eyes missed nothing. From the highest room inside the morose, ash colored tower he ruminated. During these moments his thoughts would settle upon his overwhelming despair and repentance. His visage provided feelings of both hope and dread, his face splendid, yet terrible to behold. His smooth, shiny, head gleamed with a healthy radiance. His fierce countenance, shined with brightness mere mortals could not gaze upon. Those that made the attempt withered beneath his transcendent fire.

Yet standing there, he felt only remorse and sorrow. He contemplated the same questions over and over, never getting the answer he desired. After thinking his usual questions, how long must I wait father? The ages fly by and yet here I remain, locked away from the light, charged with this unenviable task. HOW long, Father? Haven’t I repented enough? I have toiled away in this misbegotten land, playing the Dark Prince since time immemorial. I have prayed for your forgiveness, begged for my release, yet here I remain. HOW LONG FATHER?

His thoughts would then return as they always did to the events that led up to his fall from grace. I had been so headstrong and prideful back then. Eons before the mud monkeys had started their climb towards so-called civilization. Yes, even before this ill-conceived piece of real estate had been born. I had been full of fire and light in those days. The Host had praised me, calling me “The Light-Bearer.” With my brother Michael we’d flown across the heavens. We had spread the light and glory of our father to new-born worlds, living in peace and harmony with the inhabitants of the sacred Silver City.

It had all been so long ago. Why must I still dwell on it so? I resumed pacing, scanning the room as I walked. On the left stood the voluminous, crystal table, Crimson streaks ran through it like rivulets of dark blood. To my left hung a large, oval mirror, I had often stood in front of it and preened in my overconfident youth. So full of arrogance I had been, so petulant. As always I stopped in front of the mirror, considering my visage, I appeared so broken and defeated now. The mirror’s intricate pearl and inlaid silver border caught my eye once again. I marveled at its beauty and the artist’s great skill. But if you looked closer at the detail, you could see tiny faces interwoven throughout the silver. Wretched faces, frozen in permanent terror, with such a look of intense panic, that it felt almost palatable. Pounding my chest, I howled with despair. It was howl of torment and repentance, my high pitched shriek echoed across the valley.

It was a wail so lurid, so distraught, that it caused the denizens far below to cringe. Their ears began to bleed and their heads ached with such severity, blinding them all for a few brief moments. On and on I howled. When at last I subsided, I continued to stare into the mirror. What I saw there appeared so dreadful, so broken, I would have cried at what I had become…If, I were capable of tears. I turned away from my torment and resumed my pacing.

My enormous canopied bed stood as a testament to the futility of my situation, unmatched in luxury, yet a prison as well. If you viewed the bed at first glance it seemed to be the picture of opulence and comfort. But, give it a sideways glance though and you might feel uneasy in its presence. The fringe hanging from the canopy resembled entrails, drying in the stifling hot breeze. Slit the fluffy mattress open and you might find it filled with moisturized skin, flayed from the bodies of a hundred thousand lost souls. At the each corner of the bed stood a post, topped with gleaming gold and laden with pieces of Jade. The exquisite emeralds almost matched the color of the ever present murky, sunless, sky outside

Yes, my apartment had all the comfort and luxury befitting a being of my stature. After all I AM a Prince; I rule this entire valley, albeit much to my own chagrin. In the last corner sat a large wooden chair, suitably fitted to hold my massive frame. The chair has silken burgundy colored cushions with multi-colored jewels adorning the wooden frame. The wood is of such quality, that no it longer exists anywhere in the known universe. As with the other furniture though, a closer look at the chair might give you an uneasy feeling deep down in the pit of your stomach. The chair stands fifteen feet tall and ten feet wide. The burnished wood has been shined with a polish made from the pulled finger and toenails of a million tortured mortals.

I pay little attention to my furniture though; (except for my magnificent mirror.) I considered my surroundings nothing more than a gilded cage. A cage keeping me bereft of the majestic Silver City. I was imprisoned here eons ago; my pride and self-entitlement had caused a civil war between the Angels of the Silver City. The plains of Armageddon had run red with the blood of the host. I stopped pacing and reclined with the natural grace ingrained in all creatures of my ilk. Sitting in the chair I once more fell into deep contemplation. My thoughts returned to my time spent above traveling across the Firmament.

Michael and I had soared across the stars, reveling in our higher purpose. We had been our father’s right and left hand. I had brought my light to untold worlds; Michael had provided the discipline and guardianship as needed. Far and wide we ranged, only to return when our Brother Gabriel’s horn beckoned us home. We had returned home without question, eager to regale our father with tales of our service for the Word and the Way. They called me "the Morningstar" now. Their praise filled me with new feelings of self- importance. I soon began to revel in their admiration although it had never been as strong for me, as for Michael. My feelings of jealousy and discontent increased. Michael, sensing some basic change in my demeanor, cautioned me from heading down the wrong path.

“It does not become you brother, this new attitude of yours. It taints your glorious light; remember we serve our father's will, not our own desires.”

My reply had been quick and devious. “I do not know what you mean brother; my plans remain as always to serve the Word and further our father's glorious plan.”

After a moment’s hesitation and scrutiny, Michael replied in earnest. “Of course brother, I should not have questioned your intentions. After all you have been just as steadfast and true as have I throughout the ages. Now come, our brother’s horn calls to us. Let us make a game of who arrives home first?”

“Indeed brother I have served our father well, in his eye though never as well as my older brother. But yes, let us race back to the city. I'm eager to bask in our Father's light and the comfort of the hosts company."

I could feel Michael's unease as we took flight; he now regarded me with confusion and a certain amount of wariness. It had been one brief moment in time but it would forever change our relationship. Never would we be as comfortable with each as we were before that conversation.

Rousing myself from my reverie, I jumped up and wandered out onto the magnificent balcony once more. Out of reflex I ran my massive hand across my hairless pate. I gathered myself and leapt into the air, spreading my enormous black wings and drifted upward. I began to circle the tower. The many storied tower reached towards the sky almost as if it was trying, like me, to reach the firmament above. I sped upward with visions of escape on my mind. As always though I reached a certain point and was cruelly cast down towards the valley below. I righted myself and began to spiral with dejection towards the tower below.

“Haven’t I suffered father? Haven’t I lost everything dear, in my haughtiness and folly?” No answer had come from above; no reply had ever come to his ears. Emitting a groan of despair I alighted on my balcony.

One of the towers Guardians greeted me, “Hail Lord Morningstar, how goes things with our beloved Prince?”

My unbridled fury was as hot as the white-hot flame that spewed from my open mouth. A flame so potent it reduced the creature to nothing but black ashes in a matter of seconds.

“LISTEN TO ME WELL SERVANTS!” I screamed. “NEVER, must you use that title in my presence, or for that matter, anywhere else in this deplorable land. If you do so, I will find new and excruciating punishments for any that disobeys my edict.”

The guardians quaked with fear. After they had spent the appropriate amount of time groveling in subservience, I soon became somewhat mollified and dismissed them with a curt little wave. I settled myself once more upon my imposing, yet comfortable chair. I began to stroke my large square jaw in thought; once again my memory drifted back across the ages.

The humans had appeared without warning. After six days of toil my father had proclaimed his love for his new pets and granted them the ultimate gift. Without a thought to the outrage he might cause, he had bestowed upon the mewling, pathetic sheep the gift of FREE WILL.

A feeling of self-righteous indignation filled my entire being. Speechless I stormed off. Michael followed of course, showering me with words of placation.

I of course responded in anger. “ENOUGH BROTHER, have you become so reticent? So dutiful, that you put aside any thoughts of self-worth? Must you now follow our father’s lead without any questions of his betrayal? This is nothing but a slap in the face to those of us that have served him with such devotion. I screamed my white fire at the nearest silver pillar…reducing it to nothing but a pile of charred rubble.

Aghast at this demonstration, Michael had paused to choose his words with care. After a moment spent in turmoil, he raised his massive hand with his palm facing outward. He spoke to me then with his one true voice. His grim demeanor had shown the fierceness and authority that caused new worlds to quake in fear. His countenance bore the look of the Archangel that had caused entire Cosmos to shiver with dread.

“HOW DARE YOU DAMAGE THE SACRED SILVER CITY? BROTHER, YOU ARE MOVING ALONG A DEADLY PATH, ONE FROM WHICH YOU MAY NOT RETURN.” Michael sucked in a mighty gulp of air and tried to regain his composure. “Listen, Light-Bearer, this is below your stature to appear so jealous of a primitive ball of mud and its inhabitants. You must put aside your thoughts of rebellion and beg the WORD’S forgiveness. I think he will put aside his anger at the destruction you have caused. But never must you assume your rebellion will be so easily dismissed.”

I had been so full of indignation and pride then. So self-righteous in my belief, I still regret the folly of my next words.

“Michael, brother, think of what our Father has done. HE HAS BESTOWED UPON THEM FREE-WILL, THEY CAN CHOOSE THEIR OWN PATH! We who have served him with such faith, such loyalty, must now stand aside and watch as he dotes on his new playthings?”

“You are seeing things in the wrong light Morningstar; this is not about our wants, as much as it is about his grand and glorious plan. We are still beloved, rewarded by our presence beneath his benevolent light and splendor.”

Once again I responded with words and actions I would soon come to regret. “When did you become so blind and deluded Michael? Are you so desiring of his love and attention, that you are willing to play his lap dog for eternity?”

I pounded my fist in frustration and once again opened my mouth; with bitter resentment I spewed more flame. This time my target was an ornate, white marble bench, sitting in a lush garden nearby. The intensity of the fire reduced the bench to pale ashes in an instant. The white-hot flame burned with such ferocity that it leapt upon the foliage surrounding it, decimating the beautiful garden, in a matter of minutes.

Incensed, Michael drew his infamous flaming sword. He calmly brandished the weapon that throughout the epochs had brought multitudes of blasphemers to heel. It arced through the air with such grace, a blur so quick the mortal eye could not hope to comprehend its speed. He stopped just short of my head and bellowed with dismay.

“You have gone too far Morningstar, any further and I must bring you to task for your destruction. You will force me to bring you before awesome fury of our Lord's judgment. Now STOP this madness, I have no wish to humble you beneath the light of the Silver City.”

I decided now was not the time, backing away, I turned and fled out into the void. Screaming with frustration, I raced across the dark nothingness. I did not stop until the Angel Azazel, racing to catch up called out to me.

“Hold up Light-Bearer.” Fatigued by his effort to catch me he paused to regain his composure. At last with treachery in his smoky grey eyes he spoke, “perhaps I could have a word with you brother?”

My thoughts returned to the present. My old wound ached as if Michael’s great sword had inflicted it moments ago. My side burned with an intense pain, it felt as fresh now as when it had happened, many millenniums ago. Out of habit I ran my fingers across the ragged scar, the only blemish upon my otherwise perfect torso. My wound had never quite healed; his blade’s searing silver flame had blackened my scars edges, leaving a stain I could not wash away.

Azazel had said all the correct things to spur my thoughts toward rebellion. Grabbing my arm and pulling me close, he whispered words of blasphemy.

“Samael and I also feel our father has forsaken us for the mortals. We have convinced a third of the host that our needs for our rebellion rest in the hands of your strong, true leadership, Morningstar.”

I Listened to all Azazel had to say and concurred. Maybe it was time for new face upon the Throne Eternal? Together we flew far across the Sea of glass to a barren land without a name. It was there we met up with Samael and the rest of those that would soon garner the name "The Grigori." They commenced with their traitorous plotting. Azazel told me of their long strategized insurgence. Years past, he and a select group of Angels had descended to the Earth below and seduced their mortal women. The product of these couplings had been born soon after.

They called these mixed blood abominations "the Nephilim." The Nephilim stood ten feet tall. With powerful bodies, grim faces, gnarled teeth and close set, narrow eyes they were terrible to behold. Their feral nature and powerful brutality would soon enable them to dominate the Antediluvian populace. Their ability to perform great feats of strength instilled dread in all who crossed their path.

Azazel and Samael’s congregation now schemed to bring the giants up be a phalanx of foot soldiers. They would aid the Grigori in the upcoming civil war. Samael had also flown across the void to the land of Lilith and her monstrous offspring. He had used his smooth tongue to recruit the First-wife to their cause as well.

“Take my children with you Samael,” Lilith had said. “When your army prevails, tell the Morningstar to remember the first-wife and her children. Lest he overlook us when he ascends the Throne Eternal.”

With a natural persuasiveness, Samael replied. “Rest assured Mother of Monsters, your reward will be appropriate for all the aid you have contributed to our cause. The Light-Bearer will be most pleased with your contributions.”

Lilith and Samael sealed their bargain with a kiss.

He then returned in haste to the nameless land. Samael, eager to relate his success with Lilith to the Morningstar, repeated every word spoken including their sealing the agreement with a sacred kiss

After hearing of the alliance, I spoke to the gathered rebels. “The time has come to put our careful plotting aside brothers.” I paused for effect and to measure their mood. Gathering my thoughts, I shouted for all to hear. LONG HAVE WE SERVED OUR FATHER WITH FAITH AND HUMILITY, NEVER HAVE WE QUESTIONED HIS MOTIVES OR DESIRES." ALWAYS WE HAVE TOLD OURSELVES TO FOLLOW HIS GRAND PLAN; HE IS THE WORD AND THE WAY. NOW THOUGH HE HAS GONE TOO FAR. HE DOTES ON THESE MUD-MONKEYS AS IF THEY WERE THE ONES THAT SERVE HIM WITH TRUE FAITH. THESE MANY EONS PAST, WE HAVE TRAVELED THE FIRMAMENT. WE HAVE SPREAD HIS WORD AND HIS WAY, NEVER QUESTIONING HIS MOTIVES

HE REPAYS US BY GRANTING THESE SAVAGES FREE WILL. HE HAS EVEN GONE SO FAR AS TO SUGGEST THAT SOON WE MUST SERVE ADAM THE FIRST –MAN, AS WE HAVE SERVED HIM. AND NOW HE TELLS US HIS OWN SON WILL SOON ARRIVE AND WE MUST TREAT HIM AS HIS EQUAL. HE WILL SIT UPON THE THRONE ETERNAL AND DEMAND OUR SUBSERVIENCE TO THE CHRIST CHILD AND THE FIRST-MAN. HOW LONG MUST WE STAND ASIDE WHILE OTHERS CURRY HIS FAVOR? WHY MUST OTHERS RECEIVE HIS LOVE AND LIGHT, WHILE WE CONTINUE TO DWELL IN THE SHADOWS AND RUN ERRANDS FOR THEM? FURTHER AND FURTHER THEY WILL PUSH US FROM OUR FATHER'S BENEVOLENT LIGHT."

Azazael had spoken then. “This must not come to pass. We have enlisted the aid of our bastard sons the Nephilim. Samael has traveled across the Void, forging an unbreakable alliance with Lilith, the first-wife. She has sent the abominations she calls children to aid our cause. With the Morningstar leading us we will prevail. And when he ascends the Silver Throne, he will deal with that miserable ball of mud and the monkeys that dwell upon it. HAIL THE MORNINGSTAR, MAY HIS LIGHT AND GLORY PREVAIL.”

Then they all shouted in unison then “HAIL THE MORNINGSTAR, MAY HIS LIGHT AND GLORY PREVAIL!

I reveled in their shouting with such pride and hauteur. After letting them cheer for a while, I motioned for silence. When at last they quieted, I spoke once more. “WE ARE ALL PREPARED THEN, TWO MORNINGS HENCE SHALL WE GATHER. WE WILL CROSS THE SEA OF ICE AND ONTO THE PLAINS OF ARMAGEDDON. WE SHALL BRING SIEGE TO THE SACRED SILVER CITY, SOMETHING NEVER BEFORE ATTEMPTED. OUR NEPHILIM WILL BE OUR VANGUARD, FLANKED BY LILITH’S OFFSPRING. ONCE WE ARE THROUGH THE GATES, I AND MY PERSONAL GUARD WILL APPROACH THE THRONE ROOM. THERE WE ARE SURE TO ENCOUNTER MICHAEL AND OUR FATHER'S STAUNCHEST SUPPORTERS."

With a certain amount of hesitation, Samael asked the question everyone wanted an answer to. “What of Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael? Who will engage them when the time comes?”

I ran my hand through my long curly blond locks. “I will confront Michael, Azazal will subdue Gabriel, and Samael, will take down Rafael. The rest of you Grigori will concentrate on the host in front of the gates. Now, are there any more questions? No? Then let us meet two mornings hence and take what is ours by right and then we will deal with the misbegotten mortals.”

His musings were once again disturbed. A guardian had been asking him a question, he lashed out in irritation, snarling his response, "what is it NOW minion?"

“Excuse this humble guardian my Prince, there is a disagreement down by the PIT. Two of the Arch-Dukes are arguing over a new arrival’s soul and the exchange is becoming quite heated.”

“So worm, do you consider this important enough to disturb my rest and thoughts of ages gone by?”

“Sire, they are close to engaging in battle, I do not have the authority on my own to give them reason to disperse.”

Expelling a soft sigh, I thought for a moment. “Well since I am otherwise occupied, tell my second in command Samael to handle the problem. Now trouble me no more today, I have much to ponder. I will make my rounds and mete out the punishments later…until then, BEGONE.”

“It will be as you wish my lord.” Feeling a certain modicum of relief, the bright red, pot-bellied, pointy tailed cherub turned and flew out the window.

He sat back in the chair one more. It was time to relive that last battle one more time. After all, how could one repent? If he didn't spend the appropriate amount of time dwelling in remorse on the events that led to his fall from grace?

The two armies had faced each other across the plains of Armageddon. The piercing sound of Gabriel’s horn gathered the loyal Angels in front of the city’s immense silver gates.

Rafael stood at the forefront of this vast assembly. Marching forward he gazed in the Morningstar's direction and spoke.

“Light-Bearer, it is not too late to repent your moment of weakness. You must stop this madness now before you bring ruin to yourself and all that follow you. You cannot hope to match the power and the glory of the forces gathered against you.”

“Ah Rafael, as always Michael’s errand-boy, are you now his lapdog as well? Let us stop this futile dialogue, and get this over with.”

I then passed the point of no return. I ordered the Nephilim to attack and flanked on either side by Lilith’s monstrous children, they crashed into city's first line of defense. The host scattered in disarray, from the brutality of the attack, causing a moment of indecision. This tactic, forced Gabriel to blow his golden horn calling for the next wave of reinforcements.

The battle now raged full force. Things appeared to be going our way. The Nephilim were juggernauts of destruction, striking down everything in their path. The First-Wife’s children had filled the loyal rank and file with dread. I approached their first line of defense, decimating their ranks. With my white-hot flame and my Dark Crystal Sword I caused havoc with my continuous advance.

Azazel and Samael were everywhere urging on our insurgents. Even though Rafael and Gabriel had managed to rally their forces, things were not going well for the partisans.

Then, just when things started to look bleak, Gabriel used a pre-arraigned signal. Blowing his horn twice, brought Michael and his elite guard into the fray. Descending from on high, Michael brandished his terrible flaming sword. He shouted at me from across the battlefield. I could see his look of fury and determination in his glorious golden eyes as he advanced towards me.

“MORNINGSTAR, THIS HAS GONE ON LONG ENOUGH. IT IS TIME TO SUFFER YOUR FATE. THE WORD HAS JUDGED YOU A TRAITOR OF THE WORST KIND, YOUR PUNISHMENT SHALL BE ETERNAL. FACE ME NOW AND SURRENDER, BEFORE ANYMORE DAMAGE CAN BE WROUGHT”

Michael scattered the Nephilim like leaves swirling amidst a raucous winter wind. Azazel moved to intercept him but Rafael dealt him a fierce blow to the side of his head, rendering him unconscious. The Archangel then lifted him up like he was a small child and flew out into the Void. With great speed he flew downward through the nothingness.

He held Azazel in his iron grip until at last he reached his destination. Landing upon the jagged rocks of the Dudael, Rafael threw Azazel into a deep pit and chained him there for all eternity. Once he was chained in the deep pit, Rafael cloaked him in eternal darkness. It was upon these rocks; Rafael spoke the last words Azazel would ever hear.

“Because of your betrayal, the Word has judged for you to lie here in eternal darkness, never will you gaze upon City or its lights again. Farewell Azazel, may your torment be great and your regret unending.” With a last look of disdain, Rafael flew upward through the Void to rejoin the battle above.

Although the battle still raged on, the tide had turned in the loyalists favor. Michael was unrelenting; his furious assault brought him ever closer towards me. After dispatching a final two Giants we now stood face to face. Partners we had been, soaring across the Firmament, enforcing the glory of our father’s will.

Breaking the silence Michael spoke, “Brother, I never wished for it to come to this, of the entire Host, you were my most beloved. It fills me with no joy to smite you…only dismay.”

As always I replied with arrogance and pride. “I have had enough of your shameful mewling Michael. If we are going to fight, then cease your infernal squawking and let us commence. I HAVE GROWN WEARY OF YOUR PITY AND YOUR SCORN, DEFEND THYSELF!"

Screaming my flame at Michael I blackened the left side of his face, burning away his glorious blond curls. I drew my dark Crystal Sword and lunged at him. Michael brought his sword up in defense, parrying my attack with ease. As the battle began in earnest, I soon realized that I stood little chance of besting the first born Archangel in single combat.

Michael advanced with unrelenting ferocity; reigning blow after unmatchable blow. I tried to parry them all but several got through raising burning welts upon my arms and shoulders. Again I tried my flame, but Michael’s unrestrained fury kept him surging ever forward. The flame burned his tunic and darkened his skin but could not stop his advance. At last his ever present sword forced me backwards and then brought me to my knees. Still I tried to fight him off. Then he thrust his sword at my right shoulder, I lifted my sword in defense, then he deftly changed direction. He dealt me a grievous wound to my left side just below my ribcage.

I fell to the ground gasping in pain. My brother stood over me with a look of pity. With a scorched yet still imposing countenance he counseled me to submit.

“Oh Morningstar, if only you had heeded my counsel. Look at what you have wrought. Angel against Angel, feral bastards and monstrous abominations stand upon this holiest of soil. Your sacrilege will be infamous, your torment never ending. Never again shall you bask in the Word’s benevolent light and wisdom. What say you now in your own defense?”

I raised my head and gave him my best smirk. I spent a moment surveying the destruction I had brought upon my city, a city I had loved with such fervor. Then I spoke to my brother for the final time.

“Spare me your diatribe Michael; I am still convinced our cause was just. If it is up to you to dole out my punishment, THEN GET ON WITH IT. Ever our father’s puppet you have been, your misguided mimicry grows tedious. Proceed with task the Word has given you. I have only one wish, that one day you cast off your shackles and see things in their true light. GO ON NOW, DO WHAT YOU MUST.”

With a profound reluctance, Michael grabbed my blade and smashed it into a multitude of jagged pieces. He then grasped me by my wrist and took flight, heading towards the edge of the void. Down we flew through the ether, carrying me towards an unknown destination. At last we burst from the nothingness and out into an expansive, murky green sky.

Huge craters belching sulfurous columns of hell-fire littered the ethereal landscape below. As we flew by a large one, Michael tossed me into it. My agony was over-whelming; the hell-fire scoured every single hair from my body, disintegrating my tunic and sandals as well. When at last he pulled me out, my extremities were leaking putrid, foul smelling pus, and my majestic wings had turned permanently black. My fresh wound now burned like the heart of a new born sun; Michael cast me upon the jagged rocks below and spoke his final words to me.

“It is here you shall garner the respect you so desired, at last achieving the rule you have always desired. From this point forward you shall be known as Lucifer. They will call you “Prince of Hell” and your name will be synonymous with dread and despair. Parents will warn their children of you and curse your name for all eternity. You will soon be joined by Samael and the rest of the Grigori. With their assistance you be shut away from the light, meting out punishments to the misbegotten souls that have lost their way and forsaken the WORD. For infinity they shall suffer under your malevolent yoke. Never will they glimpse the majestic Silver City or bask in the light of our father. I shall not envy you your plight; you have earned your kingdom and reaped what you have sown. Farewell Lucifer, may your rule be miserable and unending.”

With those final words Michael had turned and flown back through the void. I sat in silence for a moment, pondering his words and their meaning. At last I stood and stretched my massive frame. DAMN, Michael was a wordy son of a bitch, he was full of shit then and I’m sure he is just as full of shit now. Hahaha….HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

I spent a moment regaining my composure. After all, I AM the Prince of Hell; it wouldn’t do for the lost souls or my acolytes to misinterpret my demeanor. I strode out onto my balcony and took flight. I had punishments to dole out. Even though my repentance is all-consuming, Hell doesn’t run on its own you know! I put on my best look of grim determination and spiraled towards the wretched masses below. I am Lucifer Morningstar, my despair is great, my duties unending, and my Repentance; eternal.