The transformation of Flame Island into part of Hell was complete. The once-isolated realm of the outer-demons had been reintegrated into the larger infernal dominion. Kikidori, though still adorned with his individuality, was now officially a citizen of Hell again, and the throne he once ruled from was now recognized as an extension of Hell's vast network of power.
Kikidori sat on his obsidian throne, the faint glow of molten rivers outside casting flickering shadows on the jagged walls of his chamber. Ere'ana, his wife, sat beside him on a smaller, intricately carved stone chair. Her angelic light juxtaposed against the dark, fiery surroundings created a peculiar but mesmerizing contrast. Cerberus, the ever-loyal Chihuahua, lay curled up at their feet, content and surprisingly unfazed by the dramatic environment.
"So," Ere'ana began, breaking the silence as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, "how does it feel to be officially back in Hell?"
Kikidori shrugged, his wings twitching slightly. "Honestly? Not much different. Flame Island or Hell—it's all the same fiery pit, just with different branding." He smirked, looking at her. "You're the only reason it's tolerable."
Ere'ana smiled softly, her golden eyes glimmering. "Well, I suppose being stuck here isn't so bad, as long as we're together."
Kikidori leaned back, crossing his arms. "You know, you're probably the first Archangel in history to willingly move into Hell. If anyone in Heaven knew you were here right now, they'd lose their feathers."
Ere'ana laughed, a melodic sound that filled the room like a soft breeze amidst the chaos. "Oh, they already know. The whispers have been relentless. But I don't care what they think. I chose you, Kikidori, and I'd make that choice again."
Kikidori raised an eyebrow. "Even if it means sharing a home with demons, sulfur, and..." He gestured vaguely at the room. "This delightful ambiance?"
Ere'ana gave him a playful shove. "Don't act like you're not proud of your throne room. I've seen the way you smirk every time someone bows to you."
Kikidori chuckled, leaning toward her. "Maybe. But it's only worth it if you're here to roll your eyes at me."
Cerberus barked once, as if agreeing with the sentiment. Ere'ana reached down to scratch behind his ears, and the tiny dog wagged his tail enthusiastically. "At least Cerberus is happy," she said. "Though, I still can't believe he's the guardian of Hell's gates now."
Kikidori smirked. "What can I say? He's got a bite worse than his bark. Don't let the size fool you."
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the crackling of the lava rivers outside the only sound. Finally, Ere'ana turned to Kikidori, her expression more serious. "Do you ever think about... the future? What's next for us?"
Kikidori's smirk faded slightly, and he looked away, his eyes focusing on the flickering flames in the distance. "I'm not really the planning type, Ere. You know that. I've spent most of my existence just trying to survive, and now that we're here... I guess I haven't thought much about what comes next."
Ere'ana reached over, placing a hand on his arm. "You don't have to figure it all out right now. I just... I want us to build something here. Together. Something that's ours."
Kikidori turned to her, his gaze softening. "You mean, like a house with a picket fence and a garden in Hell? Because that sounds... horrifying."
Ere'ana laughed again, the sound like music to his ears. "Not quite. But maybe a space that's just for us. Away from the politics of Heaven and Hell."
Kikidori nodded slowly. "I like the sound of that. Just don't ask me to decorate—I don't think my style matches yours."
"Deal," Ere'ana said, leaning her head on his shoulder. They sat there for a while, the chaos of Hell feeling strangely peaceful in that moment.
After a while, Kikidori broke the silence. "You know," he said, "if someone told me six years ago that I'd be sitting here, married to an Archangel, with a Chihuahua as my second-in-command, I'd have called them insane."
Ere'ana smiled. "Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn't it?"
Kikidori looked down at her, his expression softening further. "Yeah. It does."
Cerberus barked again, seemingly tired of being ignored, and the couple laughed. Hell might not have been the most conventional home, but for Kikidori and Ere'ana, it was their home. And for now, that was enough.
The End of Chapter 50