Aralyn had been home for just three days, and yet she was already defying expectations. Ere'ana's earlier warnings about angelic development were proving to be true—Aralyn was walking. Not stumbling or toddling, but fully walking around the castle like she'd been doing it for years.
Kael watched from the couch with a mixture of awe and jealousy. "Why couldn't I do that when I was her age?" he mumbled, crossing his arms.
Ere'ana smiled softly and brushed his hair. "Because angels grow differently, sweetheart. When you were her age, you were busy learning how to make everyone fall in love with your giggle."
Kael huffed. "Doesn't seem fair."
Meanwhile, Aralyn took another confident step, her tiny wings fluttering instinctively to balance her. She giggled, her halo glowing faintly as she waddled toward Akuma. The proud father bent down, scooping her up into his arms.
"You're already taking after your mom," Akuma said, kissing her cheek.
Yumi watched with a tired but adoring expression. Motherhood was a whirlwind, and Aralyn was as unpredictable as they came. One minute she was calm and angelic, the next, she was screaming loud enough to rival any banshee.
But as much as they marveled at her abilities, Aralyn was still a baby. And babies—angel or not—were prone to mishaps.
While the family gathered in the living room, Aralyn decided she'd had enough of being held. She squirmed out of Akuma's arms and took off walking again, her tiny wings twitching with determination. Yumi kept a close eye on her as she wandered near the coffee table.
And then it happened.
Her little foot slipped on the edge of the rug, and she faceplanted straight onto the hard floor. The *splat* echoed through the room, and for a moment, everyone froze.
Ere'ana gasped and rushed forward, scooping up the crying baby. "Oh, my poor angel! Are you okay?"
Yumi's concern morphed into frustration when she heard a snicker from the corner of the room. Kikidori, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, was laughing. Not just a quiet chuckle but a full-blown, belly-shaking laugh.
"That sound—*splat*!—it was priceless!" he managed to get out between laughs.
Yumi's head snapped toward him, her eyes narrowing. "Kikidori!"
Akuma was equally unimpressed. "Dude, seriously?"
But Kikidori wasn't fazed. He wiped a tear from his eye and shook his head. "I'm sorry, but come on, it was funny! She's fine—angels are sturdy!"
Yumi didn't even hesitate. She grabbed the nearest object—a fork—and hurled it at him. Kikidori dodged with ease, the utensil embedding itself into the wall behind him. Akuma followed up with a flaming ball of hellfire, but Kikidori sidestepped that too, smirking all the while.
"Oh, come on," Kikidori said, holding up his hands. "You're really going to attack me for laughing? Lighten up."
"Lighten up?" Yumi growled. "She's a baby!"
Kael, sitting quietly on the couch, couldn't help but giggle at the chaos. "He's right, though. It did sound kinda funny."
"Kael!" Ere'ana scolded, though her tone was softer than when she addressed Kikidori.
"Sorry," Kael mumbled, though he didn't look sorry at all.
Ere'ana sighed and rocked Aralyn, who was already calming down in her arms. "You need to think before you act, Kikidori," she said. "Not everything is a joke."
"Not everything," Kikidori agreed, smirking. "But that? That was comedy gold."
Yumi pointed a finger at him. "One more laugh out of you, and I swear—"
"Relax, Yumi," he interrupted, waving her off. "She's fine, and you know it. Angels are built tough."
Yumi glared at him but turned her attention back to Aralyn, gently taking her from Ere'ana's arms. "You're lucky she's okay," she muttered.
Kikidori shrugged, unbothered as always. "Yeah, yeah. Tough crowd."
As the tension settled, Ere'ana kissed Aralyn's forehead, whispering soothing words. Kael slid off the couch and approached, looking at his baby niece with wide eyes.
"Does it hurt?" he asked her softly.
Aralyn, still sniffling, managed a small giggle, reaching out to touch Kael's face. He smiled, relieved that she seemed okay.
Yumi sighed, cradling her daughter. "You're going to be the death of me," she said softly, though her words were filled with love.
Kikidori, now seated on the armrest of the couch, smirked. "Don't worry, Yumi. You'll be fine. Besides, this is only the beginning. Kids are full of surprises."
Yumi shot him a look. "Don't remind me."
The end of Chapter 27