Kyle POV
Long ago, perhaps near the beginning
Kyle loved the ocean, especially on stormy days. The sky darkened swiftly that afternoon, an ominous curtain of steel-gray clouds swallowing the sun. He smiled as the wind picked up, yet a distressed angel's voice overpowered the subsequent thunder.
"Brother!!" Uriel yelled.
Kyle turned to see Uriel, visibly agitated and disheveled. Uriel touched his brother's shoulder and screamed, "Trouble in Paradise! Come with me!"
The air grew thick and heavy when they arrived, charged with palpable tension. The wind howled, whipping through the trees and carrying leaves and debris in chaotic spirals. The angels evaded the branches swiftly, and Uriel pointed at a woman fleeing the forest.
"She ate fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, fought with her husband, and quit Paradise of her own will," Uriel said.
"What?" Kyle was perplexed, then started laughing. He couldn't hold his wings straight and landed on the ground.
Kyle lashed out at no one, "Dad puts a very nice tree with good-looking fruits and says, 'Do not touch.' Sure, that's going to end well."
Suddenly, the heavens opened, unleashing a torrent of rain that fell in sheets, each drop a needle of icy water pounding the earth. Kyle watched the woman dart through puddles. The ground turned into a quagmire; although covered in mud, she kept sprinting, avoiding the big ponds and falling debris.
Her face paled when lightning split the sky nearby. The intervals between lightning and thunder grew shorter, and the woman was paralyzed in fear, her face contorted by terror. When another lightning bolt was about to strike her, Kyle cursed and flew to her, taking her to the mountains far from the storm while evading the lightning bolts. The storm raged with an almost alive ferocity, yet Kyle was determined to carry the scared woman to safety. They landed in a cave, the wind howling through the gaps in the stone as they bolted through the cave's entrance.
The rain continued to lash with undiminished intensity, but the stone stopped it. The alabaster rocks swallowed the light, leaving only faint, flickering shadows inside. Kyle left the woman on the ground and lit the place with fire magic. He snickered and spat at the soil.
Kyle examined the beautiful woman before him. Her dark skin was the color of fertile valley soil, and her hourglass shape had the perfect combination of strength and agility that made her kind of apex predator. In her dark eyes, the magic and wisdom of the stars twinkled. Although she looked like she had barely reached adulthood, Kyle knew she was younger than that.
Kyle sat on the uneven ground, feeling the moist and small pebbles but not caring. He waited until the girl's breathing leveled and asked, "Is your name Lilith, right?"
The woman nodded. "Why did you save me? Aren't you one of his angels?"
Kyle smiled sadly. "Not anymore. I disobeyed his orders and fell from Heaven."
"He is an ass."
Kyle chuckled. "Oh, yes, he is."
The storm reached a crescendo, the fury of the elements at its peak before gradually, almost imperceptibly, waning. Kyle looked outside and then grinned. "Don't worry, he might be an ass, but he is not evil. He'll throw a tantrum and let you live alone."
As if on cue, the thunder grew more distant, the lightning less frequent, and the wind slowly lost its bite, reducing to a blustery breeze. Kyle and Lilith went outside and observed how the rain softened, turning from a torrential downpour to a steady patter and then to a gentle drizzle.
Lilith smiled softly.
Kyle grinned. "Not bad for a first day out of Paradise. Don't worry; the weather is sometimes like that. Avoid storms and predators, and you will be fine. Tell me, do you have a plan? Perhaps a place to live now?"
Lilith shook her head.
Kyle grinned. "I have the perfect place."
Four Months Later
When the world was young, a fallen angel carrying a heavy backpack flew through a valley covered in a lush blanket of emerald-green grass and wildflowers of every color. The angel crossed a crystal-clear stream meandering through the valley and the dense forest to the east. He arrived at a simple wooden cabin hidden behind towering trees. The cabin's small porch was adorned with a pair of rocking chairs, and its only inhabitant, a young woman with beautiful black eyes and dark skin, was sitting on one of them, knitting baby clothes.
Kyle greeted the woman and went inside, leaving the backpack on a wooden table. He placed the fresh vegetables and fruits he had collected on a rustic shelf. Noticing the little firewood left, he went outside, summoned his flaming sword, and chopped wood next to the entrance.
The sun was about to set, and golden light flickered through the leaves and branches, illuminating the satisfied faces of the two rebels. Birds chirped their evening songs, and the distant calls of deer echoed through the woods. They also heard the rumble of distant thunder, and the wind quickly picked up; a storm was brewing somewhere away.
"They also failed," Kyle complained.
Lilith didn't flinch and replied, still focused on her knitting, "I guess so."
Kyle chopped another branch and commented, "Now that your ex is going to be around, shouldn't you tell him he is going to be a father?"
Lilith shook her head. "If anyone asks, I'll tell them it's yours."
Kyle buckled and then cracked up. "It's fine, too. Your children will be mine."
A few years after the beginning
The dark, cold air of the Underworld seeped into the bones of the fallen angels clutching flickering torches. They shuddered; their resolve was bolstered more by the sounds of construction than by fear of the whispers from shadowy chaos creatures in the pitch-black sands of the Cocytus desert.
A towering figure, Asmodeus, appeared with seven fallen angels carrying weapons. He pointed towards the riverbank. "Teufel, double the patrols on that side. We can't afford to lose any more to those creatures."
A blond fallen, carrying a spear, sprinted forward. "Count on it. We've already lost two crossing the Styx River. These creatures are getting bolder."
Asmodeus nodded. "I know. But we have to trust the boss's plan. Once the Port is up, we'll avoid these attacks."
Teufel's eyebrow shot up. "Above the river?"
Asmodeus grinned. "Yes. It's the only way to stay clear of the water and the creatures. And with boats, we'll be much safer."
Teufel asked, "What about the djinns? They've settled in the Underworld but aren't used to our ways."
Asmodeus nodded. "The djinns refused to bow to humans; they are rebels like us. We've heard from Heaven we'll help manage the souls of the dead after a trial. The boss is thinking ahead, creating conditions that benefit all of us."
"But have the Jinns contacted us?" Teufel asked.
Asmodeus shook his head. "Not yet. I think their leader, Iblis, hasn't arrived. We'll probably have news soon."
Asmodeus continued toward the riverbank, where the fallen angels labored tirelessly. Stones were placed to divert the water flow, creating a makeshift dam. Three fallen angels, including Lucifer (Kyle), were about to lift a massive stone column. The icy water bit at their legs, making the task more challenging.
Kyle braced himself, muscles tensing, feeling the rough stone dig into his palms as he prepared to lift the column. His hands gripped the rough surface tightly. His heart pounded, and his breathing quickened. The weight of the column pressed down on his joints, sending sharp signals of discomfort.
The icy current of the Styx River made the smallest of the three lose feeling in his legs, and he stumbled, making the whole group falter. The angel tried to recover his balance but fell into the water. Kyle had to keep the stone in place and raise it alone.
Kyle's focus narrowed. He grunted as he heaved the column upward. His muscles screamed in protest, but he didn't falter. "Hold steady, I've got this!" he shouted.
Summoning all his strength, Kyle kept the column steady. Sweat and blood mixed with the cold river water as his hands, cut by the sharp stone, gripped tightly. Other fallen angels rushed to stabilize the column with more rocks and mud at the base.
When the column finally settled, relief washed over him. He looked at his raw, bleeding hands but didn't show the pain. Instead, he straightened up and nodded with satisfaction.
His determination inspired the others to work even harder. As the first and second columns of the Port stood tall, the fallen angels gathered to celebrate their progress. Torches flickered, casting a warm glow on their tired but triumphant faces.
Asmodeus clapped Kyle on the shoulder. "You did it, Lucifer. We've made real progress today."
Kyle smiled. "This is just the beginning. We'll build a haven here, not just for us but for all who find refuge in the Underworld."
A fallen angel raised a torch. "To Lucifer and the Phlegethon Port!"
All the fallen angels echoed, "To Lucifer!"
They cheered, their spirits lifted by the successful raising of the columns. Despite the cold and the dangers, the group felt determined to make the Underworld a place where they could hide from Heaven's wrath and live under their own rules.
The celebrations continued, but Kyle sneaked out of the Underworld for more materials. They had rocks from the Cocytus and Styx River escarpments, but they needed wood, and no trees grew in such a harsh place. Kyle was also eager to see some important people.
Kyle flew toward a deep valley, nestled between gently rolling hills and blanketed in lush grass, colorful wildflowers, and a crystal-clear stream. He lunged at the dense forest flanking the valley, gracefully avoiding towering oaks, pines, and maples.
The air was cool, carrying the earthy scent of pine needles and moss. However, Kyle grimaced; someone was watching him. He felt the air tense and his back hair tingle, evading an arrow just in time. Smiling, he saw a teenager with dark skin and stars in his eyes. Kyle charged forward, dancing in the air.
An arrow brushed his torso, grazing his skin. Kyle chuckled. "He's getting good."
The young archer charged again, but Kyle glided left, evading the arrow. The teen cursed and prepared for one last attack. Kyle smiled, then took off, hiding in the canopy. An arrow hit one of his feathers.
Ecstatic, Kyle dashed through the canopy toward the sun, diving toward the boy, who couldn't shoot with the sunlight in his eyes. The boy fell from the tree, but Kyle caught him, carrying him toward a hidden cabin.
"You're getting good, but you need speed. Good practice," said Kyle.
The boy nodded and raced through the door, returning with a beautiful woman with dark skin and stars in her eyes. She had lost her hourglass figure, and her black curly hair had streaks of gray, yet she was still beautiful. A mini version of her peeked out from behind her dress.
"Hey, you came for Lucien and Selene's birthday?" Lilith asked.
"I wouldn't miss it for anything." Kyle bowed and handed two medallions to the children.
The kids embraced Kyle and ran toward the forest. The girl returned to kiss Kyle on the cheek. The boy acknowledged her gesture and knelt. Selene hugged him. "Thank you, Dad."
Selene sprinted after her brother, carrying a bow and arrow while she held a spear.
Lilith yelled, "Bring some fish from the stream. We have one more plate now."
The girl saluted slightly and continued her run, vanishing from sight.
"They grow so fast," Lilith lamented.
"I wish they could stay that age longer, but we can't stop time," Kyle sighed.
"How is Hell's administration going?" Lilith asked.
Kyle looked at his hands; the injuries from a few hours ago hadn't healed completely, but scars had formed. He grinned. "Smoothly. We've almost completed the Port to cross the Styx River. It will be safer now."
Lilith noticed the injuries but didn't comment. She touched his forearm and led him. "Come on, I have something to show you."
They wandered to the clearing behind the cabin. A makeshift crop field with cereals and herbs stood before Kyle. "What is this?"
Lilith touched the plants. "I've been experimenting. The fruits and vegetables had these little hard, wooden beads inside, and if the birds don't eat them, another plant grows."
She signaled the ground. "These are for the kids. I thought they could use something of their own."
Kyle grinned and hugged her. "Well done, Lilith."
"I'm not sure how to make them grow faster. Maybe you could try?"
Kyle nodded, his heart swelling with pride. "We can try to store water and help them grow. I am so relieved."
They hugged. Kyle caressed Lilith's back softly as he reminisced about their first days together, including Lilith finding out she was pregnant and lying to everyone about her children's origins. Adan caused her too much pain, so Kyle supported her lie. He became her accomplice, and she became his confidant.
Their eyes locked as Kyle and Litlih separated; she still had stars in her eyes. Her existence was a miracle, yet Heaven had put her through many hardships. Kyle remembered the feverish whispers and his silent oath while Lilith fought for her life and their children during childbirth. He recalled the panic of receiving the babies and the sacrifice he made to keep them breathing while Lilith was unconscious.
"It wasn't a lie anymore. I became a father that day."
They wandered around the orchard they had created through their years, picking fruits for the party. Each small part of the farm was a labor of love and a testament to their desire to choose their path. Kyle and Lilith created a place where the children could grow happy and healthy, away from the horrors of the Underworld and the wrath of Heaven.
Kyle examined the fresh scars on his hands. Bringing Lilith and the children to the Underworld was out of the question. Though it would shield them from Adan's bitterness and the Angels' scorn, the chaotic magic of the Underworld was too dangerous for mortals.
"Even if I can't stay with them all the time, I can visit them often and return to the next morning. Having them even for a moment is better than not having them at all."
His musings were interrupted by the children's screams. They darted toward the forest and encountered the frightened kids.
"Strangers are coming!" the kids shouted in unison.
Lucian added, "They're close to the stream."
Selene said, "They're tall, with glowing skin like Dad's, and wore nice robes."
Lucien nodded. "Their eyes have flames like Dad's, but their arms and legs are too long."
Selene completed, "Who are they, Dad?"
Kyle shook his head. "I don't know, but I'll find out."
He sprang his wings and glided toward the stream, where 45 jinns set up camp. They wore intricate jewelry and flowing robes woven from the night sky. They looked almost human but with limbs too long, movements too smooth, and eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. Their skin ranged from midnight blue to ghostly white, and their hair floated like tendrils of mist.
Kyle looked for Iblis. A figure with liquid silver hair and star-like eyes approached, smiling.
The creature extended his hand. "Lucifer Morningstar, I suppose."
Kyle hesitated but shook it. "Iblis, I presume. I've heard about your rebellion."
Iblis nodded. "I've heard about yours."
The air was tense. Kyle's movements were agile, but he knew he would struggle to fight the jinns. Iblis noticed Lilith and the children approaching with bows and spears.
He chuckled. "So the rumors are true. You hid Adan's first wife and your children in this valley."
Kyle stepped forward, standing between Lilith and Iblis, but Lilith spoke valiantly. "You refused to bow to Adam. I refused to lie beneath him. We both chose our paths."
Iblis groaned. "We did, and we've been cast out for that."
He looked at the children and smiled. "But there's strength in living by your own choices, right?"
Kyle obliged. "Some of your people have already chosen to hide in the Underworld. You are welcome there, too."
Iblis turned and signaled to the mountains. "And what about this valley? We are at the entrance to the Underworld."
Iblis stepped closer. "My people are not made for darkness; we are pure magic."
Kyle assessed the situation. The jinns, adorned in crowns and colorful clothes, were not warriors. They were just women and children, glittering with starlight. The wild chaos magic of the Underworld would be dangerous for them. Kyle had lost many of the fallen when they were cast there.
Kyle conceded. "Your people can stay here, but be aware that Heaven's officials might come one day."