Lucifer didn't often plot to this degree, this deviously, this underhanded, but the needs were drastic, there had to be a resolution. With this in mind, he dispatched Azazael to heaven with a message. Lucifer wished to meet with one of the seraphim. Messenger enroute, he donned the mantle of kingship and his crown, though he left the armor. His plan was one of peacocking and defiance more than war.

Azazael upon returning, on the word of his king, left the gates of Chaos, Hell's front door, wide open. This door was not the one that lead to the Nexus, in fact that door could only be accessed in the far reaches of Chaos. It was out of reach for his creation's heavenly angels unless they vied to wade through the thousands of Fallen. Lucifer was grateful for that every moment of every day. A Fallen slipping through might cause chaos or a bit of a fright, one of the Celestials would be so much worse.

Going forth among his own he declared a boon to the one who brought him the blade of a seraphim. The boon, to meet the angel who had been judged worthy of the King's attention and time. He doubted Balthazar would be put out by meeting another angel and it was sufficient incentive to rile even Moloch to his will. Now, all he must do is wait.

Bearing his crown he had insights, visions, and could see the seraphim approach before it arrived. He could not be sure which it was, that information was shrouded. He allowed the angel to enter Chaos without challenge before going forth to meet him.

Lucifer was delighted to see it was Michael who alighted on the shores of the lake of fire. This would be an unexpected delight, to humiliate Michael and strip him of his weapon. Lucifer landed near the wary angel.

"You insult us." Lucifer spat the words, venomous and haughty. 

"It is you who called one of us to speak." Michael stood with equal confidence. 

"Called, but you were not given leave to enter our kingdom. You do so unbidden." This was the trap Lucifer had set. Michael was now violating the existence of every Fallen angel and Lucifer was here challenging him. It was a gamble but it paid well. Others of the Fallen came at the very moment Michael and Lucifer drew weapons on each other. That call and arrival was the work of Belial, rallying the angels once more, as in Heaven, to aid the King against the seraphim. The Fallen only saw their king repelling an enemy.

Hundreds of archangels fell upon Michael while he tried to fend off Lucifer. The seraphim knew the enmity that existed, felt the hatred and feared death was to come.  The Fallen did not bear weapons, their hands seeking only to take hold of his sword. Michael relinquished the weapon and a multitude of angels fell upon it, attempting to seize the prize.

Lucifer left his Fallen host to chase Michael, intent on repayment on top of the humiliation of being stripped of arms. Lucifer caught him and delivered a single spear blow to the side. Michael tumbled from the sky and Lucifer watched him fall, plummeting into the fire. It was a just punishment. He burned momentarily before emerging in full terror. Wings burning, the king permitted the seraphim to escape. Behind his flight Death slammed shut the gates of Chaos.

Landing, he walked back to where the archangels had been battling for the sword. Lucifer didn't care which had the weapon. He had kept Moloch busy with Belial in Pandemonium. His only enemy would not be in possession of the sword. Angels cheered as he approached. Lucifer had been bloodied by Michael but not by sword which would be easily healed.

"Who bears the sword?" He questioned, with authority, among the rancorous lot. 

The flaming sword was raised and the crowd split to reveal Mulciber had possession. This archangel would be a good fit for Balthazar, one of the calmer Fallen and one that would keep the identity secret if the king wished. He also could imagine his chief architect would have a common interest with his lover, art and beauty. 

Michael humiliated, Fallen rejoined, and the weapon he needed to produce a gift for his lover all without a hitch. He knew the seraphim and God would be angered but, with Hell unified once more none of the host would dare come for him. This was the best outcome of all the possibilities, and perhaps an end to the civil war that seized Hell.