down the rabbit hole

As he waited, staring out at the space ahead of him, a pair of dainty hands extended out and covered his eyes.

“Guess who?” came the sing-song voice.

“You’re late, Lilith.”

Mammon’s tone was harsher than he intended, but that didn’t seem to deter Lilith.

“Sorry, but Michael was making his rounds.”

It was one thing to cross paths with Lucifer, but Michael was a whole different beast. He knew everyone’s agenda and where they should be at any given moment. Why he made it his personal mission to know everyone’s schedule, including angels not in his charge, was beyond Mammon. Sympathy washed over him as he released a sympathetic sigh.

“Fine, let’s get going while he’s still none-the-wiser.”

Mammon didn’t care to linger longer than necessary. As he walked forward, Mammon quickly whipped around and shot a warning finger at Beelzebub.

“You saw nothing.”

The younger angel silently nodded in the affirmative and proceeded to stand guard over the gate, watching his siblings disappear through a portal.

Stepping foot into the Mortal Realm, Lilith took in her surroundings. This was her first trip to visit the humans. Their world was different. Rich in color without the brilliance of the persistent light that the Celestial Realm boasted. The village they were visiting was situated in a dry, rocky terrain. While trees existed in the surrounding areas and atop the hills, it lacked the lush greenery of Eden’s Garden. Lilith turned to Mammon to ask a question but was stunned to silence when she saw that her brother had shunned his angelic attire in favor of modest human garb.

“Why are you in disguise?”

Mammon turned to find Lilith in her natural form and sighed. “I suppose I should have tutored you on the expectations for this trip.”

Lilith tilted her head curiously. Her confused gaze earned her a chuckle in response.

“We aren’t meant to show our true forms to the humans. They are a simple creature, easily startled. Fearful due to their ignorance. When confronted by what they do not understand, they do not always react well. The only angels who are allowed to expose themselves are the archangels sent to the prophets. I, on the other hand, work Father’s will while blending in with the populace.”

“So, what is your job?” Lilith inquired as she transformed into a more human-like appearance, concealing her wings and dimming her pure aura. Taking cue from Mammon, her outfit transformed into a simple dress though it did little to dull her beauty.

Mammon pointed his finger toward the direction of their destination. “There’s a village down there. They have built their homes into these mountains to escape persecution. The land can be cultivated but the people have yet to learn how to make use of their resources effectively. The people are dying unnecessarily and are living in fear of their future.”

“So, what’s your role in this?”

“I’m here to teach them how to make use of their resources. How to survive.”

As they walked down the dusty path, Mammon continued to explain the plans to Lilith. As she listened, her eyes lit up. Something about helping the humans made her smile as she bubbled with a warmth inside her heart. Watching a small smile form on Lilith’s lips pulled a large grin on Mammon’s. As they entered the village they were warmly greeted by the elders. Mammon demonstrated the use of several tools and techniques to help the humans be self-sufficient. The children who first watched the newcomers from a distance began to warm up to Lilith, especially when she began hiding behind objects and then snuck up behind the children to tickle their sides. They were instantly smitten by the angel. Every now and then, Mammon would steal a glance to see what she was up to. The girls braided her hair while the boys begged to hear stories of adventure. Then they played various games, mostly spontaneously created by the children on the spot so the rules constantly evolved along the way. Lilith complied with their wishes without complaint. At one point, Mammon even quipped that his status as the charitable angel was in jeopardy because of her.

Lilith’s heart grew with adoration for the humans. The more she visited the mortals, the more her love grew for them. Perhaps he was to blame for that. For so long, Lilith kept asking for what purpose was she created. She had yet to discover her station in life. When Mammon learned that she felt lost without a fixed path, Mammon took pity on his sister. He only wanted to help. He understood it took time to grow into their role, to learn their purpose. He only allowed Lilith to tag along to see the multitude of ways angels served their father and his creations. Perhaps ultimately this was all his fault for opening her eyes to new wonders and possibilities. It was his fault she met the humans, for spending so much time with them. He set into motion the domino effect that led to their downfall. Who knew that by teaching her how to give herself for the sake of others that she would continue to give and give until she forfeited her life?

Mammon was the first to accept his fate. While the fall was physically painful, losing Lilith absolutely destroyed him. And for what? Why did father teach them compassion and to love all creation when that love came at a price? Sure, she shouldn’t have stolen from the Celestial Realm, and sure, extending her lover’s life was forbidden. However, was it really worth her life? Was her sin that great? Damned for having a charitable soul? If that was the case, then Mammon gladly shed his white wings in favor of twisted horns and black bat-like wings. He wanted nothing to do with Father or his ideals. To hell with his hypocrisy. What kind of deity creates virtues that can be punished? Why teach love and charity then turn around and condemn the acts like sin? He was done! Mammon spent centuries giving, putting others before himself. Now, he had nothing left to offer. Nothing but ruin. And, oh, was he going to burn every fucking bridge possible. Hell-bent on taking everything he can away from his father. Expose his precious humans’ fallible nature. To show how their own sins can carve their own self-destructive path. Mammon became the demon Father feared the most. The one who could send an entire race spiraling into madness. His sin alone was enough. Humans grasped so easily at greed. He barely needed to whisper their deepest desire and those pathetic mortals ran rampant, chasing over such fleeting material items that they were more than happy to kill for. When coupled with another sin, it only served to intensify their insatiable avarice. How ironic that Father now sent his prophets to warn humans against temptation when he held no love for Lilith’s ailing human. Why he pretended to treasure such fragile creatures, Mammon had no answer. That’s alright. He didn’t need any explanation. They were far beyond that point now. Father made it clear that one fallacy was enough to lose his favor while the humans can sin over and over without repercussion…at least not during their mortal life. That fact was enough to earn Mammon’s ire and motivate him to rack up as many souls for hell as possible.

Which is why Mammon was now heading toward a human military camp. He paid no mind to the soldiers casting curious looks at the foreigner. Finding the most elaborately decorated tent, Mammon stepped inside and was greeted the man who had originally summoned him. The humans bowed every time they crossed this mortal’s path. He wasn’t just the leader of the army; the human was royalty. The man who held all the power of the group. Perfect! Those on top of the social caste prided themselves on maintaining their power and influence over the populace. Mammon made a mental note to thank his older brother for his influence. So, what was Mammon’s role in all of this? Simple – he embedded himself into the army. Served as a spy of sorts. Sent to scout the neighboring lands. Then he reported back about the wealth he learned. In truth, he didn’t give two shits who won the war. At the end of the day, he took whatever reward was due to him. Though he did enjoy sitting back and watching the bloodbath stoked by the conflicts he orchestrated.