MORNINGSTAR.

"He looked at me—no, through me—and for the first time in my life, I felt... small. Not weak, mind you, but like a single thread in a tapestry too vast to comprehend.

'Mazikeen,' he said, his voice steady, like it carried the weight of all creation. 'Do you understand what you are?'

I didn't answer. Couldn't. The Chaoplasm doesn't just strip you bare; it holds up a mirror to what lies underneath. And Samuel? He saw everything. Every flaw, every strength, every choice I hadn't even made yet.

Meeting him wasn't just an encounter—it was a reckoning. And I? I hated him for it. But I think, in that moment, I knew I would follow him anywhere."

____

Mazikeen on the first time she met Samael...

Following the meeting with my Father, I spent a bit more time in my abode, shut off from the outside world, an angelic retreat if you will, immersing myself in ancient tomes and angelic scrolls, trying my very best to educate myself properly on the realm known as the Chaoplasm, before beginning my mission.

A realm outside of creation whose existence alone was enough to draw the Almighty's ire and dread was not a realm I could just waltz into like I owned. I knew I was powerful, I was prideful as well, but I wasn't stupid. My Father said as those wishy washy stuff about why he chose me for this mission, but deep down I knew the reason. It was because He knew I wasn't stupid.

Had it been Michael or the others, they would've just barged into the place with little to no information demanding complete subservience and might've fallen out with whatever being or beings were cast into that place, but I was far more intelligent than that and this is precisely why he chose me.

But despite my tireless and non stop research, the information I had gleaned about the realm was little to none. None of the information was detailed enough to satisfy my curiosity, yet, I had no choice, but to continue this fruitless endeavour even if it meant wasting an eternity locked up in my abode.

But my retreat was cut short in a moment, as Michael, Uriel and a group of curious Cherubs came waltzing into my abode without permission.

They stepped into the dimly-lit chamber, and the cherubs couldn't help but be amazed at the interior design. Stars floated above, nebuale swirled gracefully and my walls at this point, were aligned with countless ancient scrolls, glowing softly with celestial light.

I didn't bother to raise my head to acknowledge their presence so I there I sat, with my wings folded and my countenance stern yet weary, as I remained seated on a throne-like chair. My focus entirely fixed on a collection of scrolls and stone tablets scattered around me. Upon noticing me, the Cherubs instantly slumped to their knees not willingly, but out of fear, as they shivered.

Uriel stepped forward, while shaking his head, concern evident on his face.

"Samael... what are you doing? You've isolated yourself for days. We feared something had befallen you."

Michael on the other hand stood with his arms folded, stern yet a flint of worry occasionally flashed within his gaze.

"Brother, the heavens stir with unease, and your absence is felt. This silence of yours... it troubles us all."

"Why, hello to you too, Uriel. Lovely of you to burst in uninvited. I didn't realize my schedule needed divine intervention."

Michael stepped forward with a scowl, clearly he didn't find my sass funny in the least.

"Don't play games, Samael. You've been brooding ever since your encounter with Father. The heavens are stirring, and you're buried in your books. What's going on?"

I snapped the scroll in my hand shut and tossed it aside dramatically before sighing deeply.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Michael. I didn't realize the heavens would crumble because I took a little me time. Shall I grovel for your forgiveness or just get back to smiting things?"

Uriel sighed as well, trying to stay calm.

"Samael, we're serious. This isn't like you. We're worried.

I sat up with a sharp smirk and looked towards the audience.

"Worried? About me? That's adorable, truly. But unless worrying now includes deciphering divine riddles, and researching oracles, I'm afraid you're wasting your time."

Michael pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation, as he looked towards me.

"Samael, stop deflecting. What are you trying to figure out, and why won't you tell us?"

I leaned back in my throne, gesturing grandly as I explained, raising my voice for a moment there.

"What I'm trying to figure out - this! This is my thrilling descent into madness—also known as 'preparing for the Almighty's latest brilliant assignment.'"

"Samael, enough with the theatrics. Just tell us: what did the Almighty ask of you?"

Michael stood there frowning, his arms still crossed.

"Tell us brother. We deserve to know this much."

Uriel chipped in, and the Cherubs behind looked on in confusion wondering how the most regarded beings in all of creation could bicker amongst each other like a group of mortals.

I raised a brow at Uriel, my tone sardonic as I spoke.

"Oh, deserve, do you? How very righteous of you, Uriel. Fine. I'll enlighten you both. The Almighty, Father, in His infinite wisdom, has tasked me with venturing into the Chaoplasm. You know, the swirling abyss of raw, chaotic creation where even light goes to die. No big deal."

"The Chaoplasm? That realm is pure instability. Why would the Almighty send you there?"

Michael's expression darkened and his folded arms dropped to the sides. Clearly he was no stranger to the Chaoplasm as well.

I grinned wryly and laid it down on them.

"Because, apparently, I'm the lucky chosen one. Or maybe He just enjoys watching me squirm. Either way, I've been handed the delightful job of investigating some... anomalies stirring in the depths. It's all very ominous and vague, as usual."

Uriel's concern deepened. Whilst he had no idea of the Chaoplasm from the change in Michael's stern expression it sounded like a dangerous adventure to that place.

"But why the research? Why not just go and see for yourself?

I picked up a scroll and looked into it, but upon hearing Uriel's words, I lifted up my gaze, giving him a withering look.

"Oh, of course, Uriel. Let me just waltz into the realm of untamed chaos with no preparation whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong? Maybe I'll get lucky and only unravel the fabric of my existence halfway through."

Michael pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated.

"Samael, enough with the sarcasm. We're serious. Why do you think this mission requires such extensive preparation?

My tone sharpened, though his smirk remained and I threw him an impassive look.

"Because the Chaoplasm isn't just another battlefield, Michael. The laws we live by don't apply there. The Almighty's will barely holds sway. Do you have any idea what that means?"

Uriel nodded slowly, while Michael took in a deep breath.

"It means you could be... unmade. Or worse."

I snapped my fingers, as I mocked cheerfully.

"Exactly! And as much as I adore throwing myself into mortal peril, I'd prefer to do so with at least a hint of a plan. Hence, the research. These scrolls contain fragments of knowledge about the Chaoplasm—what little we've managed to scrape together over eternity."

"And you're doing this alone? Samael, you should have called on us. We could've helped."

Michael's tone softened, yet still firm as he gazed at me.

But, I rolled my eyes, smirking faintly.

"Oh, yes, because nothing says 'prepared' like dragging two overprotective siblings into the most volatile realm imaginable. No offense, but I'd rather not spend my mission dodging your well-meaning interventions."

"Samael, we're not here to stop you. We're here to support you. Let us at least help with the research. You shouldn't bear this alone."

Uriel stepped closer, his tone pleading even.

I paused and looked at them, as well as the entourage behind as my smirk faded a bit.

"...Support, you say? Hmph. Fine, if you're so desperate to sift through centuries of cryptic nonsense, be my guest. But don't blame me when your halos start spinning."

"If it helps you face what's ahead, then we'll endure it. Together."

Michael nodded resolutely.

I grinned slightly as his words and rolled my eyes.

"Together. How heartwarming. Just try not to break anything while you're here, will you? The Chaoplasm is dangerous enough without adding celestial incompetence to the mix."

Michael and Uriel quickly took seats and began shifting through scrolls, tomes and celestial books, but the entourage still stood behind like guards not knowing what to do. Looking towards them, I couldn't help but roll my eyes in annoyance.

"Well don't just stand there like statues!"

My words drew them out of their reverie and they took seats as well.

"Nothing! Worthless!!"

After few moments, I was getting fed up with the lack of information in these tomes, that I nearly destroyed one in a fit of rage.

"Calm down, Samael. Certainly this isn't all the angelic libraries have to offer on the existence of the Chaoplasm?"

Michael tried to calm me down, but I shook my head, summoning a glass of angelic wine, that I gulped down intensely.

Without even wasting time, I walked to one of the cherubs and grabbed him by the robe.

"You. Tell me your name!!"

I ordered and the cherub fearfully replied to me.

"It- It's Gadreel, your Eminence."

"Good. Go to Gabriel, and proclaim to the messengers and Keepers under his tutelage that I desire every single time, scroll or book regarding the Chaoplasm to be brought to me this instant!

Go!"

He disappeared in a flash, and I took in a deep breath trying to calm myself.

One of the cherubs, an incredibly beautiful female, with impossibly white wings like mine, looked towards me respectfully and bowed.

"Lord Samael... if I may?"

Having walked back to my seat, I leaned back and smirked.

"Ah, the cherub speaks! This should be interesting. Go on, little one, enlighten us with your wisdom."

She nodded respectfully, ignoring my tone, speaking earnestly.

"There is... someone. A being not of Heaven or a mortal. They call him Destiny of the Endless—the Keeper of Eternity and the Oracles. If anyone might possess knowledge of the Chaoplasm, it would be him."

Michael, Uriel and I paused instantly and looked towards each others faces.

"Destiny of the Endless? I've heard whispers, having not met Him personally, I thought them mere myths." Uriel retorted.

I sat up slightly, my interest piqued yet masked by sarcasm and contempt.

"Destiny of the Endless, you say? The so-called Keeper of Eternity? Oh, how utterly reassuring. Why, pray tell, should I seek guidance from someone who isn't even as old as time itself? It's like asking a sapling for advice on surviving a forest fire."

Michael crossed his arms in deep thought, before replying to me.

"Samael, don't dismiss this outright. If he holds the Book of Destiny—"

I quickly cut him off, smirking.

"Yes, yes, the Book of Destiny, the grand tome that apparently contains everything. Past, present, future... possibly even Raphael's overly long prayers. How thrilling. But here's the thing, Michael: I've been around long enough to know that everything rarely means anything useful."

Uriel sighed, hinting calmly, but with a sign of reproach.

"Samael, the cherub is only trying to help. Destiny may not be as ancient as the Almighty, but his knowledge is unparalleled."

I rolled my eyes, my tone biting but playful.

"Oh, unparalleled, is it? Fascinating. Tell me, do we have a glowing Yelp review from another celestial who consulted him? Or are we simply betting my fate on hearsay?"

The female cherub gathered up courage and spoke firmly.

"Lord Samael, he may not be as old as time, but he has walked the paths of eternity. That must count for something."

I leaned forward slightly towards her, smirking.

"Ah, the bold cherub speaks again. How endearing. Fine, let's entertain this idea for a moment. Suppose I knock on Destiny's proverbial door. Do you think he'll hand me a neatly annotated guide to the Chaoplasm? Or will I get another cryptic riddle about shadows and balance?"

"It's worth trying, Samael. If the Almighty thought this mission required only your wit and sarcasm, He wouldn't have burdened you with it. Perhaps Destiny's insight will fill in the gaps."

Michael's voice was steady but firm.

I leant back, sighing dramatically..

"Fine, fine. Let's chase down this eternal bookworm and see what he knows. I'll entertain this little detour to meet Destiny. But let me make one thing clear—if he turns out to be half as cryptic as the Almighty and nowhere near as respectable as Death, I'll personally teach him a lesson in humility."

"Samael, you can't go threatening one of the Endless. This isn't a battlefield."

Uriel sighed, shaking his head as Michael pinched his temples.

But, I snapped my fingers, feigning disappointment.

"Pity. I had such lovely plans for a dramatic confrontation. A few scathing remarks, a subtle show of power—just enough to remind him who he's dealing with."

"Michael and I will stay here, trying to glean whatever we can from the ancient tomes."

Uriel gave me a knowing look and I smirked, before replacing my apparel with a beautiful golden black chiton, that fit my frame perfectly, a pair of massive pure white wings unfurling behind me, under the obsessed gaze of the female cherub.

But, I couldn't go alone. I needed an entourage, someone or people to keep me company.

"State your name.."

I walked to the female cherub and inched my face close to hers, and I watched her turn speechless and breathless for a moment.

"Perdissa, my Lord"

She collected herself after a moment and stated to which I smiled.

"And you?"

I pointed to a rather buff looking dark skinned cherub built like a warrior.

"Amenadiel, my Lord."

His voice was deep like the waters below, but I examined him for a moment and nodded.

"The both of you are coming with me."

I ordered and they arose immediately and unfurled their wings and with a swooshing sound, I took the lead, soaring into the skies in the twinkle of an eye, as my entourage followed.