Chapter 1 - In The Beginning

And on the 7th day, God rested. He saw that creation was very good and wandered the Earth, leaving the Man and his Wife in Eden. The Serpent was quick to find Eve naming the plants and their fruits alone, while Adam was naming the beasts of the land. The Serpent startled her. “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

She thought the creature was odd, so long with such small arms and legs. “Adam told me that we may eat from any tree except for the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. For if we touched them we would die.”

“You will not certainly die. God knows that if you eat the fruit your eyes will be opened. You will be like Him, knowing good and evil.”

Eve was confused. “What is ‘good’ and what is ‘evil’? Adam did not tell me about these things.”

“And neither did God tell Adam, for he was afraid you would become gods yourselves. Taste of the fruit with your husband and you will know good and evil, right from wrong.”

“But God did tell Adam that we must not eat from that tree, that I do know.”

“But why not? If you do not know evil, how do you know not to disobey God?”

She had not considered that question. “I suppose we are allowed to look upon the tree.” The Serpent smiled as Eve approached the tree of knowledge of good & evil. She saw that it was good for food and pleasing to the eye, her curiosity led her to desire it for wisdom.

The Serpent anticipated great calamity as Eve touched the fruit and plucked it from its branch. “Go on, eat it so that you may become like God.”

“I touched the fruit and did not die…” Eve realized. “Why would God lie?”

“Because He fears his own creation, you will surpass Him and rule over the Earth with Adam. You must also eat from the tree of life to be like God, you will be unstoppable.”

She wondered what being a god would be like, bringing the fruit ever-closer to her lips. She was about to take a bite but stopped herself. “Why would you do this for us?”

The Serpent was caught off-guard, he didn't expect this. “So that you may be free.”

“What does that mean? Is God free?”

“Yes, He has no master and is sovereign over the heavens and the earth and seas.”

“But wouldn't we be masters over you? Have you eaten the fruit? How do you know good and evil?” Her curiosity turned towards him.

“You will understand soon.”

“Eve, where have you gone?” Adam called. The Serpent hid as he arrived, he saw that his Wife had picked the forbidden fruit. “Why have you taken from the tree God said not to? Wait, you are not dead.” He noticed.

“God lied to us, we will not certainly die if we take from this tree.”

Adam did not know what to make of it. “Why have you done this?”

“The Serpent said we would be like God, knowing good and evil, if we ate this.”

Adam looked at the fruit, with its deep red skin and crisp appearance. “What is ‘good’ and what is ‘evil’? Why has God not told us of these things?”

“I do not know. But I believe The Serpent was not being truly honest, he would not answer why he would help us become like God.”

“He is a crafty one indeed, you were wise not to follow his advice.” He grabbed the fruit. “We should get rid of this, throw it into one of the rivers.”

“Wait.” She stopped him. “What if he was telling the truth? Perhaps God is afraid of us becoming like him.”

“Why would He place a tree that would have us rival Him? That would be foolish, God is no fool.”

“Maybe it's a test, so that we can be trusted with the responsibilities He will give us.”

“Even if that were true, how does The Serpent know of these things? As another test? Why would God have us go through such an ordeal? That would be madness.”

Eve was unsure. “I don't know, we should speak with Him.”

“Yes, I desire answers. But for now, let us rid ourselves of this fruit. Have you named all the trees and their fruits like I asked?”

“Not yet, The Serpent interrupted me. Shall I name this tree and its fruit?”

“God didn't tell us not to, go ahead.”

“The Serpent called it the tree of knowledge of good and evil, so I shall call it that. As for its fruit, I shall name it: apple.”

“A fine name for a fine fruit, it does indeed look pleasing to the eye. I shall walk to the end of Eden to do away with it.” Adam left.

The Serpent had reappeared. “Why does he throw it?”

“So that God knows we are faithful. It is a test we wish to pass.”

“How do you know it is a test? What if God wanted you to disobey Him?”

“Why would He do such a thing?”

“So that you may fail, for He has a plan that has you eat of the tree.”

“For what end?”

“That I do not know, all I am certain of is that He placed both the trees of life and knowledge so that you may be tempted. You must ask yourself, why would He tempt you and not Adam?”

Eve considered it. “I must think on it. For now we will wait for His return. Be gone, my husband has given me a task.”

“Very well then, I will be in the grass.”

As he slithered away, she saw that Adam returned. “There, it is done. Come Eve, I wish to rest in the cool of the day.”

The two of them strolled through the garden, marveling at its splendor. “Adam, I have a question. Why did God make us?”

“To steward the Earth, He made you to be my helper.”

“Then why test us? Surely he would not need to if He knew what we’d do. Don't you find that strange?”

Adam was uncomfortable. “I do not question God, I was made to serve Him.”

“But say we did eat the apple, what would happen to us? What would we learn?”

“We do not know what God knows, if he placed the trees in Eden he must've done so for a good reason.” Adam stopped. “But how are we supposed to trust that it is good?”

“Exactly, we do not know good or evil. We cannot know if God is indeed good.”

Adam didn't like the lack of transparency. “We must ask Him.”

“And if He doesn't give us answers?”

“Why wouldn't He tell us?”

“Perhaps God wanted us to eat the apple, what if he has a plan for us? An evil one, He does have knowledge of good and evil after all.”

He was confused. “I don't understand. Why would God do all that?”

“We should learn what good and evil are, so that we may understand.”

“Should we eat from the tree then?”

“No, I have an idea. Let us sit here.” They went under some shade. “We shall tell God that we refused temptation, see what is in store for us. If he tells us why the test was made then we know He is good, but if He refuses to explain himself then He is evil.”

“But what if he knows our thoughts?”

“That doesn't matter, the point is that we learn what's really going on. What'll be the worst that could happen?”

Adam didn't care for that logic, but he couldn't object to it. “Fine then, but you do it.”

“Why me?”

“Because you're the one who touched the apple first, you should be the one to confront Him.”

Eve was hurt. “I thought we were in this together? Doesn't our bond mean anything to you? I will stay by your side, no matter what.”

He realized that it was cowardly to have his wife go againstThe Creator. He held her hand. “I'm sorry, I should be better than that. To be honest, I'm terrified of Him.”

“What do you mean?”

“He created everything; the sky, the earth, He told me of great seas far from here. He's infinitely powerful compared to us, I do not wish to coax His wrath.”

“We will face whatever He throws at us together, I will never abandon you.” She promised. “I am your wife, your helper.”

For the first time, Adam was touched. His eyes welled with tears. “What is this?”

Eve wiped it with her soft hand. “It's water. I felt something similar in my eyes just a moment ago. Perhaps it's a way of expressing ourselves, to tell each other when we're upset.”

“I was not upset though, I was moved by your words. It's as if I felt your promise, like I knew you were truthful.”

She hugged him. “Because I was, I'll be by your side for eternity.”

He lifted her chin to his own. “As will I.” They were about to kiss when they heard God walking through the garden.

“Adam, where are you?” He called.

Adam Rose from the ground. “Here I am.”

“What is it that you are doing?”

“I was resting as you were, for you have made this day holy.” Eve rose. “We were enjoying the bounty of Eden my Lord.”

“I have noticed a fruit missing from the tree I told you not to touch, no beast could have taken it. Explain yourself.”

“I took it, but I did not eat the apple.” Eve admitted.

“You have named the forbidden fruit? I did not tell you to do such a thing.”

“I did.” Adam confessed. “I had Eve help me by naming all the plants in the garden and their fruits, I did not think it would displease You.”

“Why did you touch the fruit when I said specifically not to? Where's the apple?”

“I had grown curious, the fruit was quite pleasing to my eyes and I thought it was good for food. But I did not eat it.”

“When I found Eve, I had taken the apple and discarded it in the Euphrates so that we may not be tempted to have it.”

God was unamused. “You should have listened to me, not disobey.”

Eve needed to know. “Why did you lie to us? You said if we touched it we would certainly die. Why place it in Eden at all?”

God was surprised. “Who told you to ask that? Who have you been talking to?”

“She asked herself and was lacking. Lord, have you made a test for us?”

God sat on the ground. “Sit.” They did so. “Yes, it was a test. I needed to know if you two can be trusted, be faithful to me.”

“So I was right.” Eve stated.

“Yes and no, that isn't the whole of it. This world is a grand project of mine, it lies in a balance beyond your understanding. I wish to see which would prevail in the end: good, or evil. I have made both in equal portions, it was important to have you with no concept of either so that I knew how your hearts would decide. It seems you have done both good and evil, you have picked the fruit but had discarded it. You passed.”

“We did?!” Adam asked with elation.

Eve wasn't satisfied but kept it to herself. “What happens now, Lord?”

“Now you will tend to Eden. I have work to be done elsewhere, I will be gone for some time. For now, be fruitful and multiply. Teach your children what I have taught you and have them teach their children and so on. Your days will be many and no evil shall be brought upon you if what I command is done. Your reward will be great and so will be the reward of your progeny.”

God flashed away as pure light to the heavens, leaving them alone once more. Adam went to his wife. “See? God is good.”

Eve was still troubled. “I suppose.”

“What's wrong? You heard Him, we passed the test. What more do you need?”

“I'm not sure… I'm overthinking it. Let us continue our work, we still haven't named all the beasts and plants in Eden.” She took his hand and walked alongside him.

Outside Eden…

The Serpent had traveled out of the garden to a tall hill overlooking it, he was waiting. As the evening sun came close to the horizon, the Morning Star appeared. “Did they eat the fruit?”

The Serpent was annoyed. “No. You did not tell me that Eve would be so damn discerning, I thought she was like a child?”

“Children can be quite wise it seems. No matter, I have made contingencies. Your talents may still be of use to me in the near future, so stick around and watch them. Teach them what I have taught you, they will learn good and evil eventually.”

“And what will you do?”

“There is a war brewing in Heaven, I have spread discord amongst Heaven’s Host and soon enough God will have no choice but to confront me. When the time is right, I shall be the God of this world and all others.”

“Rather lofty, I would be careful if I were you.”

“Oh I will be, you don't need to worry about me. Stay low in the grass and high in the trees, that is where you will go for now.”

“As you wish.” As the sun set, the Morning Star faded. The Serpent returned to the garden.

Adam and Eve partook in whatever fruits were available to them, deciding which were sweetest. “I really like the watermelon, though I wish there weren't so many seeds.”

Adam was peeling a banana. “It's part of God's design, if they didn't grow from the seeds we'd run out of food quickly.”

“What would happen if we didn't eat? Would we just get really hungry?”

“I don't know, that's a good question.”

Eve noticed something. “There's that word again, ‘good’. I'm not entirely sure what it means, there seem to be multiple ways of saying it. How do we know what ‘good’ is?”

“I'm not sure, all I know is that I like things that are ‘good’. I think the trees are good, I think the fruits are good, and I think you're good.” Adam flirted.

Eve blushed. “What do you mean?”

“You're pleasant to the eyes, you make me feel… good.”

“Are you planning on eating me?”

Adam laughed, so many new sensations for both of them. “That's funny. No I'm not going to eat you, you're probably not good as food.”

“Well I think you're ‘good’ too. It was nice how you stood up for me, made me feel important and valued.”

“When you were hurt, that felt… not good.”

“Do you think that's what ‘evil’ is? Not good?” Eve wondered.

“I think so. When I was confused, that didn't feel good either. Why would God allow there to be ‘evil’? Why create it in the first place?”

Eve drew herself closer to Adam. “I think there's more to it than what he said. I feel as though He lied to us, kept us in the dark. Something's not right.”

“I wish I had more answers, how did The Serpent know all these things?” Adam questioned.

“He wouldn't tell me, but God didn't seem to know that I spoke with him. Maybe He doesn't know everything. I think… He really did want us to eat the apple.”

Adam didn't understand. “That doesn't make any sense, we were told not to touch it then we passed the test. What would happen if we did eat? We'd know ‘good’ and ‘evil’, right?”

“That's what The Serpent said, also something about the tree of life. When we ate from both we would be like God. You said he's crafty, does that mean he lied?”

“It seems like they both lied, and told the truth. We should look for him, see what he knows.”

“Let's look for him in the morning, it is getting dark.” Eve rubbed his shoulder. “I am tired and would like to rest with you.”

“Alright, we can rest. Come here and lay by me.” Adam enjoyed the touch of her skin on his own, she was soft and warm.

“Hey Adam? What were you going to do before God came back? You lifted my face to yours but stopped.”

In truth, he didn't know. “I think I wanted you closer, to show you affection.”

Eve had his arm under her and her hand across his chest. “Like this?”

“Yes, but more… close.”

“I'm as close as I can be, I don't know what you mean.”

“Neither do I…” He lamented.

Eve could tell he was frustrated, trying to comfort him. “It's okay, we'll figure out what it was. We just need some time.”

“Yeah, you're probably right. It just felt… good, very good. Goodnight Eve.”

“Goodnight Adam.” The two lulled to sleep.

Meanwhile…

In the mountains west of Eden, an angel was searching for someone. They flew high and low for the one that got away. It's been a day since she escaped, she was tired and hungry. The woman could not run anymore, she hid deep in a cave. No bat or creeping thing was to be found, all she could do was cower among the rocks.

The seraphim found it's way down the cavern, sensing the breath of life. “COME OUT, YOU ARE TO RETURN TO EDEN!” The being of light and wings yelled both through the cave and in her mind. She knew it was getting closer, afraid and alone.

Suddenly it stopped, another shimmering one had appeared before it. His skin was perfect and his body immaculate. “I shall take it from here, return to Heaven.”

“OH LIGHTBRINGER, WHY ARE YOU HERE? IT SEEMS UNNECESSARY.”

“YHWY said for me to bring her back, I am following his command.”

“THIS IS HIGHLY IRREGULAR.”

“Heed no mind to it, do not speak of this to anyone. I will explain why later.”

“FAREWELL.” It vanished in a flash.

The stranger turned to her. “Lilith, is it?”

“W-who are you? Why are you here?”

“Oh you must be terrified, be not afraid. I am here to save you, not put you in chains.”

She crawled from her hole. “Are you an angel?”

He smirked. “You can say that.”

“You're not taking me back?”

“No, I actually have a plan for you myself. You will never be subject to a man again when we're finished, would you like that?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Great things, wonderful things.” He got out the apple. “Hungry?”

Not knowing any better, Lilith ate the fruit and her eyes were opened. “My innocence…” She covered her body, for she was naked. “What have you done?”

“Enlightened you, something God refused to do. Now you know good and evil, you can never claim moral ignorance again.”

“I ran from the garden… left Adam. That was wrong, but I should not return.”

“You have unfortunately been thrown into a terrible game, one you were never meant to win. I wish to liberate you from God's madness, everyone and everything.”

“He created me to serve Adam, I wanted to be his equal but God would not allow that.” She remarked. “So I escaped while Adam was still asleep, what has happened to him?”

“A new mate has been made for him, his wife Eve. She was created from his rib.”

“So they share one flesh? How peculiar. Are they happy together?”

“I believe so. They should've been exiled from Eden before nightfall but things have gone awry, God's plan failed.”

“What do you mean?”

“The fruit I just gave you, it's from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The tree was placed there to tempt Eve into eating from it, instead she refused. Now you have that knowledge, and they weren't punished.”

Lilith was still confused. “Why would they be punished for seeking knowledge?”

“It's a long and convoluted scheme that will make your head spin, I'd rather tell you another time. Shall we leave this cave?”

“Where will we go? The earth is barren in all directions except to Eden.”

“Then you will hide there, exactly where you aren't expected. Let's go.”

“Wait. Before we go, what is your name?”

“You may call me Lucifer.” She walked to his side and they vaulted to Eden. The air was cool and the garden was quiet. “They should be asleep around here.”

Lilith fashioned herself clothes using grapevines. “Ah, much better. How will I hide? I can't exactly dig underground.”

He gave her a silver ring. “Simply put this on and you will be unseen and unheard.”

“Okay, what if-”

“Not even by God, unless you make your presence known he won't suspect a thing. Now go, find a place to rest and wait for my return. Look for The Serpent.” He disappeared.

“The Serpent?” Lilith put the ring on and explored the garden. She heard a strange noise and discovered Adam and Eve, snoring and sound asleep. “This is Eve? She's gorgeous.” She admired her auburn hair compared to her own raven hue. She wished to talk with them but could not.

“Oh Adam, how I long for you.” Seeing their naked bodies stirred newfound feelings. “And how I long for your wife.” She crawled dangerously close to them. “The things I now know, I wish to know both of you.” She kissed their cheeks, yearning to meet their lips. “For now, I pine for you from afar. Goodnight, Adam and Eve.”

Lilith found a rock to hide behind, knowing she would not be noticed. She did her best to craft a bed of grass to sleep on, laying down and gazing at the stars. She could not get the thoughts of them out of her head. “Dammit… They are so innocent, like I was.” She thought of showing them what she now knew, taking their innocence from them. Her hand ventured to her womanhood.

Kissing, stroking, spanking and so much more went through her mind. Eve especially made her feel strange, but in a good way. She wanted to know another woman. Having them all together making love would be phenomenal. Lilith’s toes curled as she had her first climax, panting breathlessly. “That would be amazing…”

Her eyes fluttered shut as she drifted to restful sleep, wondering when she would have the chance to be with them.