Chapter Text
Two at once was unexpected. The twins Uriel and Selaphiel, created simultaneously but from different streams, 'Fire of God' and 'Prayer to God,' so inseparable yet so different. Uriel, like Raphael, seemed so colorful, with bright pink eyes and delicate pink wings and hair. The little archangel resembled the dawn, both in appearance and name. But Lucifer never admitted to anyone that it was Selaphiel that evoked a slight trepidation. Perhaps it was just the similar color scheme, but deep down, in his dreams, Lucifer imagined having a child just like himself. The same blond hair, burgundy blush, and wings of a color Lucifer couldn't comprehend, something between red and pink, with red tips.
Like his other brothers, Luci began training Uriel and Selaphiel himself. Selaphiel's training was mostly handled by Father, as the little Archangel followed him around like a little puppy. How sweet it was! Just as Uriel stalked Lucifer. But during their shared training, Lucifer occupied the younger brothers' attention. It would have been better if the twins had remained as focused in his absence...
Lucifer left only briefly, but upon reentering the room, his heart nearly stopped. Uriel was crying, huddled in a corner, his hands burning with their own flames. Meanwhile, Selaphiel was extinguishing his discarded cloak and wing. Lucifer could afford only a moment of panic; his brothers needed him. Using his own magic, he extinguished Selaphiel's fire, immediately beginning to heal the wing. Lucifer didn't have Raphael's power, but he could provide basic assistance. Poppy lay silently, only the wings on his head twitching. Having healed his wings as best he could, the elder turned his attention to Uriel. He stared in horror at his twin's charred wing. His hands burned, as if he knew his own flames couldn't scorch Uriel.
Lucifer stood up, slowly approaching the older boy, afraid to frighten him. He was already stressed; he couldn't make things worse. As soon as they were two feet away, Uriel turned his attention to him, holding out his trembling hands.
"Help..."
Uriel trusted him so much that he believed Lucifer would help him. His dear and unfortunate spark. Having covered the remaining distance, Lucifer knelt before his brother, gently but firmly grasping his elbows.
"The fire comes from you, it's part of your soul. You're restless, and so is he. Let's try to calm down?"
And Uriel tried, Lucifer saw his efforts, but to no avail. The fire only grew stronger as anger and frustration overwhelmed the younger one.
"I need my sword, I need to transfer the flame somewhere!"
Patience, one of Uriel's main problems, always won him over. Twilight lacked the control to become fire. But Poppy had enough patience for both of them.
"You can light my censer."
Selaphiel joined them on the floor, raising the censer filled with fresh incense and coal. Uriel looked at the object warily, then at his brothers in turn. Receiving a nod from the elder, he raised his hands to the censer. The flames immediately shifted to the coals and resin, initially raising a small column of flame, but quickly calming down to a normal level. The room filled with the scent of incense, allowing everyone to at least slightly dull their anxiety.
With a heavy sigh, Lucifer hugged his brothers tightly, closing his eyes. For a moment, he thought he could lose them both. It was irrational, but it was hard to convince his mind otherwise.
"Forgive me, Selaphiel, I would never intentionally hurt you."
"I know we couldn't hate each other."
***
"Uncle Lucifer!" the little girl cried joyfully, jumping into the Archangel's arms.
"Muriel! Good to see you, dear!" Lucifer responded with equal joy, scooping the young angel up into his arms. It had been so long since he'd seen his nieces. "And you two."
Nathaniel and Anahita, Muriel's older sisters, watched the family reunion with smiles until Nathaniel herself joined the hug. The middle sister continued to watch, but despite her detachment, Lucifer knew she missed him too.
"So that's how it is? You didn't miss me?" the girls' father responded, coming closer.
Lucifer couldn't help but laugh; this meeting was just what he needed.
"And I'm missing you too, Twilight."
"Anything's better than a flamingo," Anahita said, shrugging slightly, causing her sisters to laugh.
"Okay, princesses, stop making fun of your father. Better yet," Lucifer smiled slyly, lowering his voice. "Run to my room, there are gifts waiting for you."
With a happy squeal, Muriel jumped out of her uncle's arms, grabbing both sisters and heading off down the hallway with them. Ah, if only Lucifer had the chance to happily have another child with Lilith, maybe Charlie would always have a friend like Twilight had with Poppy. Not letting sadness overwhelm him, the elder Archangel shook his head, pushing away unnecessary thoughts, and turned his attention to his brother.
"Just you arrived?"
"Gazadriel's busy, and you know her feelings about Lilith."
"Exactly," Luci laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head. Their wives had almost fought last time, and he didn't want to repeat that. Only Uriel didn't know that Lilith had been missing for several years, but he didn't need to know that... "Where's Poppy?"
The younger brother merely shrugged: "No idea, she's back in some remote place like a hermit, not talking to anyone. Honestly, I haven't cared for that in a long time."
"What do you mean?" Lucifer could only manage a spluttered slur. That couldn't be true! Uriel and Selaphiel had always been together, always brothers... They wouldn't share his fate with Mikhail...
"Didn't I tell you? After your fall, we had a falling out. You see, your actions were very 'out of sync with Selaphiel's views,' " Uriel snorted, making air quotes on the last part. "That was the beginning of our conflict, and then everything went downhill, and now we hate each other. But that doesn't matter, let's go check on my girls before they trash your room."
Lucifer couldn't say anything. Uriel smiled calmly, as if it was truly a trifle, while a whole hurricane of thoughts began inside the elder Archangel: 'we couldn’t hate each other', 'after your fall we had a fight'... Had he really destroyed his family with his actions?