The air was filled with an almost ethereal glow as Ere'ana, Kikidori, Yumi, and Kael soared toward Heaven. Ere'ana carried Kael securely in her arms, her wings shimmering with joy as she led the family upward. Kikidori, on the other hand, trailed behind, his expression one of utter disdain as the brilliant light of Heaven grew closer and closer.
"I can't believe you actually made me do this," Kikidori grumbled, adjusting his flight mid-air. "You know I hate that bright, fluffy nonsense."
"Stop complaining," Ere'ana said cheerfully, her angelic voice cutting through his whining like a ray of light. "It's Christmas! A time for family, love, and togetherness."
Yumi, flying just behind them, rolled her eyes. "I don't know why you're so against it, Dad. Heaven's not *that* bad."
Kikidori shot her a glare. "Not *that* bad? It's like flying into a goddamn glowstick rave."
"Language!" Ere'ana snapped, looking back at him with a disapproving frown.
Kikidori threw his hands up. "Oh, *now* you care about language? Where was this energy when Kael was running around yelling 'fuck' for two days straight?"
Ere'ana ignored him, her focus on the shimmering gates of Heaven ahead. As they approached the drop-off point—a familiar location from their last chaotic visit—Kikidori groaned loudly.
They landed gently on the edge of the drop-off, the brilliant stairs to Heaven sprawling upward in front of them. Ere'ana's face lit up with excitement, her joy practically radiating like sunlight. She looked around, taking in the beauty of the heavenly landscape, her wings fluttering slightly in her excitement.
"This is going to be *perfect!*" Ere'ana exclaimed, hugging Kael close to her chest.
Kikidori groaned, running a hand down his face. "I swear to fucking God, if you start singi—"
Too late. Ere'ana spun around dramatically, her voice ringing out in a melodic, angelic song about how much she missed Heaven.
"Oh no," Kikidori muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Yumi stifled a laugh as Ere'ana twirled gracefully, her voice echoing through the celestial air.
*"Oh, the golden skies I've missed so dear,
The light of Heaven so pure and clear.
Oh, how my heart feels whole again,
In the land where love will never end."*
Kikidori groaned louder, throwing his head back. "For fuck's sake, Ere'ana. It's Christmas, not a Broadway musical."
Ere'ana didn't even acknowledge him, too lost in her song as she started up the stairs with Kael giggling in her arms.
"Great," Kikidori muttered, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Two minutes in, and she's already serenading the damn clouds."
Yumi nudged him as they began to follow Ere'ana up the stairs. "You're so dramatic, Dad. Just let her have her moment."
"Let her have her moment?" Kikidori shot back. "Yumi, this whole place is a moment. It's like being trapped in a Hallmark card. I'm allergic to this shit."
Yumi smirked, shaking her head as they continued up the staircase. The steps seemed endless, but Ere'ana didn't seem to mind. She hummed softly to herself, occasionally pointing out landmarks and reminiscing about her angelic past.
By the time they reached the top, Kikidori was thoroughly annoyed, Yumi was amused, and Kael was babbling happily in Ere'ana's arms.
The gates to Heaven stood before them, glowing with a golden light that seemed to pulse with warmth. Two angelic guards stood at either side, their expressions serene.
Ere'ana approached the gates, her smile radiant as she greeted the guards. "Merry Christmas!" she said cheerfully.
The guards nodded politely, stepping aside to let them through. As the family walked into Heaven, the landscape unfolded before them—a breathtaking expanse of golden fields, shimmering rivers, and towering white spires. Angels flew gracefully overhead, their laughter and song filling the air.
Ere'ana sighed contentedly, spinning around to face her family. "Isn't it beautiful?"
Kikidori crossed his arms, squinting against the brightness. "Yeah, beautiful. If you like being blinded every five seconds."
"Don't be such a grump," Ere'ana scolded playfully, adjusting Kael in her arms.
Yumi chuckled, taking in the scenery. "Okay, I'll admit, this is kinda nice."
Kikidori muttered something under his breath but didn't argue further.
As they made their way through the heavenly streets, angels greeted Ere'ana warmly, their smiles wide as they welcomed her back. Kikidori, however, received a few wary glances, and Yumi could hear whispers of "the demon" and "her husband."
Kikidori smirked, clearly enjoying the discomfort he caused. "Still not used to me, huh?" he muttered under his breath.
Ere'ana shot him a warning look. "Don't start."
As the family reached Ere'ana's childhood home—a stunning, pearl-white mansion surrounded by blooming gardens—Kikidori let out a low whistle.
"Fancy," he said, shoving his hands into his pockets.
Ere'ana beamed, stepping inside with Kael. "Make yourselves at home!"
Kikidori glanced around, taking in the pristine, sparkling interior. "Yeah, sure. Let me just kick my feet up on your holy couch."
Yumi rolled her eyes, plopping down on one of the sofas. "This is gonna be a long Christmas."
Kikidori smirked, sitting beside her. "Welcome to Heaven. Try not to choke on the purity."
Ere'ana, ignoring their sarcasm, began decorating the house with golden ornaments and angelic figurines, her excitement infectious despite Kikidori's grumbling.
By the end of the day, even Kikidori couldn't deny that there was something... peaceful about being in Heaven.
Well, at least until Ere'ana started singing again.
The End of Chapter 25