The halls of the castle in Hell were alive with excitement, which was unusual. Usually, Hell was the epitome of chaos and torment, but today was different. Today was Kael's second birthday, and Ere'ana had made it her personal mission to ensure everything went perfectly—even if they were celebrating in the depths of the underworld.
Kael was now two years old, and in that time, he had learned to talk, walk, and—thank heavens (and Hell)—become potty trained. This was a big deal for Ere'ana, as she had spent what felt like centuries cleaning up after Kikidori's chaos and Yumi's rebellious streak. Having a toddler who was already this independent was a blessing.
Kikidori, on the other hand, was less enthusiastic about the celebration. He lounged on the couch, sipping a mug of what could only be described as demonic coffee, his wings lazily sprawled out behind him. "Why do we even need a party? He's two. He's not going to remember this shit."
Ere'ana shot him a glare, her angelic patience already wearing thin. "Because, Kikidori, it's important to celebrate milestones. And Kael deserves a special day." She adjusted the decorations she had painstakingly hung around the room—streamers made of molten gold and banners glowing with celestial light.
Yumi walked in, holding a box of cupcakes she had *definitely* not made herself. "Honestly, Dad, for once I agree with Mom. Kael's adorable, and he deserves a nice birthday. Plus, it's the only time Hell's gonna see decorations like this." She smirked, setting the box down on the table.
Kael waddled into the room, his little feet pattering against the stone floor. He was dressed in a tiny black and white outfit that Ere'ana had made for him, matching the duality of his angelic and demonic heritage. His split halo bobbed slightly as he moved, and his mismatched wings fluttered with excitement.
"Mommy! Daddy! Yumi!" he squealed, his voice full of joy. "It's my birthday!"
Kikidori chuckled, ruffling Kael's hair. "Yeah, kid, it's your big day. Don't let your mom's over-the-top decorations scare you."
Ere'ana smacked Kikidori lightly on the shoulder. "Don't listen to your father, Kael. He's just grumpy because he doesn't understand the meaning of *family celebrations.*"
"Grumpy old man," Kael said with a giggle.
Kikidori raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. "Hey, watch it, squirt. I might be old, but I can still ground you."
Kael tilted his head, clearly confused. "What's 'ground' mean?"
Yumi snorted. "Don't worry about it, Kael. Dad's all bark and no bite."
As the family gathered around the table, Ere'ana brought out a small cake she had made herself. It was half black and half white, symbolizing Kael's unique heritage. She set it down in front of him, lighting the two candles on top.
"Alright, Kael," Ere'ana said, her voice soft and loving. "Make a wish and blow out the candles."
Kael's eyes sparkled as he stared at the flickering flames. He closed his eyes tightly, his little face scrunched up in concentration. After a moment, he opened them and blew out the candles with one big puff.
"What'd you wish for?" Yumi asked, leaning down to his level.
Kael giggled, covering his mouth with his tiny hands. "It's a secret!"
Kikidori smirked. "Good answer, kid. Don't let anyone guilt you into spilling it."
The family laughed, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. Even in the depths of Hell, surrounded by fiery pits and demonic landscapes, there was a sense of warmth and love that could rival any heavenly celebration.
As the day went on, the family played games with Kael, opened presents, and even had a few friendly competitions. Kikidori, of course, took every game way too seriously, but Kael seemed to enjoy his dad's antics. Yumi gave Kael a plush dragon that he immediately clung to, and Ere'ana gifted him a small golden medallion engraved with protective runes.
Toward the end of the day, Kael was running around the castle with a sugar high, his little wings flapping as he giggled uncontrollably. Kikidori leaned against the wall, watching his son with a rare softness in his eyes.
"You know," he said quietly to Ere'ana, "he's not a bad kid. You did good with him."
Ere'ana smiled, leaning against Kikidori. "We did good with him."
Kikidori snorted. "Yeah, sure. But if he turns out like Yumi, that's on you."
Ere'ana laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, Kikidori. You'll never change."
As the day wound down, Kael finally crashed on the couch, clutching his plush dragon. Kikidori carried him up to his room, tucking him into his crib with surprising gentleness.
"Goodnight, kid," Kikidori whispered, brushing a strand of hair out of Kael's face. "Happy birthday."
Ere'ana and Yumi stood in the doorway, watching with smiles on their faces.
"See?" Yumi whispered to Ere'ana. "He's not a *total* asshole."
Ere'ana chuckled softly. "No, he's not."
As the family quietly left the room, the castle fell into a peaceful silence. For one day, Hell had been a place of celebration, and Kael's second birthday had been nothing short of magical—even if it was filled with Kikidori's sarcastic remarks and Yumi's snark.
The End of Chapter 27