Give Hell a Chance

By Zachery Clark

Text copyright © 2014 Zachery H. Clark

All Rights Reserved

To my wife for pushing and pulling me in the right directions in order to show that I can do anything, Thank you.

Deal with the devil

In a small office building off the corner of the end of the universe and the beginning of time, sat six individuals. Known by everybody, believed by some and destroyed by others, these six individuals never bothered with the thoughts of man or the worship and praise that they received, they just went about their way making sure all tasks were done. Tasks that were unknown to man, but were the most important decisions shown to man as small miracles, making sure that faith in a higher power was always instill, that way man could believe but have the free-will to decide.

In this office building was an old wooden table carved out of oak, shaped in the design of a great garden with a foundation in the center bringing life to all, and on that table sat a map, a map older than any other, this map was of the universe and it was always changing, a little here and a little over there just enough for people to notice but not too much for people to care. Above that map, in the dimly lit room, the fluorescent lights flickered down on the creators of Heaven and Hell, they were having a discussion, more of a debate, on the fate of man-kind and preparing to explain to the Divine Council, that sat right in the other room nervously awaiting for the verdict, for it had been centuries since the last meeting and this meeting felt different, felt very unsettling, change was coming, be it for the better or worse, was only up to the creators to decide and for the Council to carry out.

Michael sat in the corner, twirling his broadsword back and forth, as he scanned the room nervously. Lucifer and Elohim had been in the other room for what seemed like hours, making the decision that would send a wave of change through everything in existence. Michael knew this; he knew this better than anyone on the Divine Council, better than Gabriel who was protector of the Garden of Eden, better than Raphael who was just a healer of souls, one to bring the tormented back to peace. Better than the lamb, he was just a sacrifice to man-kind for their sins even if he was the creator’s son.

Michael was well aware that his thoughts were on the verge of prideful and sin however he had always done what was asked of him, he was chosen to lead and train God’s Army, he fought princes and kings, he met the passing of souls and carried them to Heaven and he was the protector of the Church. Michael always did what was asked of him and he did it well, however he was also second-rate to Lucifer, even though Lucifer was no-longer in the kingdom of Heaven he was Elohim’s first Angel and that was how it would always be, second rate to the Prince of Darkness. However change was coming, Michael could feel it, and within the hour he would do what was needed once more for that was the reason he was created.

“Samuel I believe it could be time, the world I have created is corrupted they no longer listen to the teachings I have brought forth. The warning I have given, maybe the only way is thru the purge of fire, to restart again.” Said Elohim as he looked over his creation taking notes of events happening thru-out.

Lucifer sat in the corner, staring at the lights as they cascaded over them, watching the light make its way down his charcoal suit to his wing-tipped black shoes, and onto the dusty wooden floor, it made him smile, wondering how long it had been since they sat in this room as equals while he slowly made he’s way over to the map, “You know it’s been eons since you called me Samuel, I’ve been called many things over the years but Samuel feels like a breath of fresh air.”

Elohim rested his hands down on the edge of the wooden table, “Yes well that is your name, and however we must discuss the matter at hand, which is why I have called you here.”

“The matter at hand, dear Lord is that you’re wondering if you should start the world over cleanse everything in fire,” Lucifer threw his hands up, creating flame as he went over the map, “I think this maybe a horrible idea, I know coming from me, who knew. But you did want us to bow before them in the beginning and now you’re to destroy them?”

Elohim straighten his back, stretching to his full height, as he towered over the room. He remained silence, scanning over the maps, watching it change as death tolls rise in one place and were counter-balanced by births in another, he become to sigh, “What should I do then?”

“Sent your son again, he started to bring the people back on the path, granted there was onesie and twosies but what can you do, that’s why I’m around.”

“I can’t do that, I’ve never heard the end of it, since last time, all he says anymore is ‘You could have sent a thousand angels’, not that I won any Father of the Year award, but it was centuries ago, what happened to forgiveness.”

“I see your point” said Lucifer as he shrugged his shoulders, “How about you take a stab at it, I mean after all then you could tell your son that you never had him do something you wouldn’t do.”

“I too believe this is the only way to get man-kind back on track, I will go there myself and preach, and I will spread the Word once again and bring my creation back from sin, back to the light. I do have just two questions though for you Samael, why are you so worried about me destroying everything and why did you bring Lilith along for the journey?”

“Now, now, Lord, God, Yahweh, first off you made me perfect, wise among many. We co-exist together,” said Lucifer as he threw his arm around God’s shoulder, “If you remember I wanted Heaven ran a different way, not that you have anything wrong with it, just that our views were different. So I to want what’s best for creation, without souls for Heaven or Hell we wouldn’t have a flock to watch over, and as for Lilith,” Lucifer chuckled, “ Just wanted some eye-candy around, we are in a room full of men after all.”

“Samuel, I gave you the hardest job of them all, because I knew you could handle it, but know this your trials are never-ending and though you may rule over hell for your actions, you will never return to the kingdom of Heaven,” answered Elohim as he brushed off Samuel’s arm from his shoulder, “that is your punishment and yours alone to bear. It is why you were created, and even though at these times it feel like we are equals, we will never be. Now let us share the news to the Divine Council and start preparations for the coming days.”

The Divine Council

As Elohim entered the room, the lights began to glow brighter, lumaiting every inch of the room, Michael quickly stood at attention just like any good Soldier would do when his Commander was present. His uniform shined in the dim light gallantly, as the light shimmered off its silver scales. He quickly moved to the Almighty, making sure to nudge Lucifer with his shoulder as he took his side by Elohim.

Lucifer just grinned, as he moved to take his place at the table, "Always trying to be number one still I see."

"I just know my place Morningstar", hissed Michael as he brushed his shoulder off, "Some are better at knowing then others!"

"I would tend to objective with you, watch your words and tread lightly, pride is one of the many reasons I am, where I am today. Do you wish to come and join me?"

Gabriel was sitting in his chair watching as this whole event unfolded, watching Lucifer do what he does best, toying with people, he was always good at toying with people; and now it seems as if he somehow he had turned it into a art form. He was twisting Michael in the palm of his hand, and Michael wanted to be twisted as if to prove himself again, as if he was saying I’ve beaten you once before are you willing to test me again?

Gabriel could see things were beginning to get out of hand, could see that smirk on Lucifer’s face that war-like grin on Michael’s and he saw Elohim just sitting in the corner watching it all play out. Gabriel decided he should speak up on this matter as he lend forward in his chair, "Now, gentleman we have important matters to attend too, I believe our Lord has news he wishes to share with us, let’s keep this bickering for another day."

"Stop our bickering there is no bickering here, just the truth and to add to that truth, you Gabriel have no right to interfere, you had one job the garden of Eden, and that job is well put to pasture!", Michael yelled angry, as his armor began to glow.

"Enough Michael take your seat! Gabriel is right, we do have important matters to discuss and we all have our roles to fulfill and within the coming months, much will need to be done." Elohim said, as he glided from his chair in the corner to the table’s edge, touching the fine oak wood, watching as the world he created shifted from the light more and more, pondering if this choice he was about to make was the right one, knowing that when you make deals with the devil you need to always watch your back and wondering if Michael would be able to with stand the coming trials that were to be set before him. Many had he trusted to work in his grand scheme of things and yet they have all decided they own ideas were better. He had given man free-will to decide among themselves how to live and time and time again, he would have to re-guide them in the direction of things.

He had given Morning Star free-will as a test, only to have that test try and destroy him for a dream of his own. In learning this, he made sure that his angel’s did not posses free will any longer and that all were guided on the courses that he set before them. The only problem was if he needed someone to watch over the kingdom when he was away, then he had to grant that someone free-will as well. Would Michael be able to handle that responsibility? That knowledge? That was the trials that he feared for Michael, but we all have our roles to fulfill and it is his time.

"It has come to my knowledge that once again the ways of man have started to fall off the path, the balance is off and needs to be adjusted once again." Elohim breathed heavier, "It is time for one of us to once again descended down and shift the balance back into place."

"I’m not going again, not this time, nope last time it was go, it will be fun, build stuff be a Carpenter. What happen instead nailed to a cross, that’s what yes quite ironic for a Carpenter don’t you think?" Jesus stammered as he jumped from his chair, knocking it onto the ground and causing everyone to stare with wide-eyes.

"Sounds like someone’s got a case of the PTSD, you can thank me for that one", muttered Lucifer to Michael.

Elohim sighed, "Son no you are not going again, I am sorry for what happen but it was necessary at the time; no the one who will be going is me!" Now all eyes were also wide-eye, and ready to interruption him, "Before anyone speaks allow me to explain. It has been much debate that I should not allow my subjects to do things that I myself haven’t done and I’m always willing to put you all in harm’s way, when the balance needs shifted here and there. However, this time it is almost beyond repair, and if I cannot fix it, then I will need to be the one to destroy it. This is only fair for I am the one who created it."

The room was filled with an eerie silence, as everyone stared at Elohim hoping this was a ruse, some sort of way at making them laugh, of easing the tension. But it wasn’t Elohim had thought long and hard on this decision and enough time had been wasted. “Now everyone while I am away Michael will be the one to look after the flock, he is the leader of my Army and has proven himself a worthy leader many times through- out the ages. With this being said I will adjourn the meeting and prepare for my departure, no more of this will be discussed, and the decision has been had. Michael come with me, we have much to discuss within the coming hours!” Elohim stated as he turned on his heels and headed out the door, waving for Michael to follow.