Gabriel, Heaven's golden boy, stood tall in the Celestial Council Chamber. His halo glowed brighter than the chandeliers above, casting shimmering rays on the flawless marble floor. Junior angels whispered in awe as he adjusted his pristine robes, radiating divine perfection.
"Another year of unparalleled service," boomed the Archangel Speaker. "Miracles performed: flawless. Prayers answered: without delay. Gabriel, you continue to embody Heaven's highest standards."
Gabriel gave a humble nod that was anything but humble. "All in a day's work, really."
As a choir of angels hummed harmoniously in the background, Gabriel subtly adjusted his robes again, knocking over a decorative pedestal. The delicate sound of shattering porcelain echoed through the chamber. He froze, his face an unconvincing mask of innocence.
"Carry on," he murmured, waving a hand as if divine authority would erase the awkwardness. It didn't.
As the ceremony ended, Gabriel strutted through the glowing hallways of Heaven. Life was perfect, as it should be for someone as flawless as him. "Maybe I'll bath in the heavenly aroma that is the Celestial Gardens," said Gabriel.
He leisurely strolled through the Celestial Gardens, a place where golden fountains sang in harmony and flowers bloomed in mathematically perfect symmetry. He inhaled deeply, marveling at the universe's order, when a voice cut through the air.
"Nice place. A little too shiny for my taste."
Gabriel stopped, his brow furrowing. The voice didn't belong here. He turned to see a young woman sitting on the edge of a fountain. Her disheveled blonde hair framed a smirk that screamed trouble, and her casual posture was as out of place as a shadow in the sun.
"Who are you?" Gabriel demanded, straightening his posture.
"Name's Lily," she said, picking at her nails. "Just passing through. Thought I'd see what all the fuss was about. Heaven's best angel, blah blah blah." She squinted at him. "You're shorter than I expected."
Gabriel frowned. "You don't belong here."
"Relax, golden boy," Lily said, standing. "I just wanted to see what Heaven's 'perfect seraph' looks like up close. Honestly, I'm a little disappointed."
Gabriel straightened his back. "How dare you—"
"Hold that thought, sunshine," she interrupted. "I heard you're good at everything. Is that true?"
Gabriel smirked. "It is."
"Everything?"
"Yes."
Lily tilted her head. "Even games?"
Gabriel frowned. "Games? Heaven doesn't waste time with trivial—"
"Scared, huh?" she teased. "Figures. Big-shot angel can't handle a little competition."
"I fear nothing," he declared, puffing his chest.
"Great!" Lily clapped her hands. "How about a quick game of Heavenly Dice? Just for fun, of course. Unless... you're afraid of losing."
Gabriel's pride was practically a living entity, and it was screaming at him. "Fine," he said. "But don't cry when you lose."
****
Moments later, they sat across from each other in a secluded courtyard. A pair of glowing dice hovered between them, radiating divine energy. Gabriel stared at them with the intensity of someone convinced the universe revolved around his every action.
The game began. Gabriel rolled first, scoring high every time. Lily, to his amusement, fumbled with her rolls, barely scraping by.
"This is hardly a challenge," Gabriel said, inspecting his nails.
"Oh, is that right?" Lily asked, her grin unnervingly wide. "Let's make it interesting then. I'll bet my freedom against... your halo."
Gabriel frowned, clearly unaware of what she meant by freedom.
"Oh, did I forget to mention," she started, "I'm... a demon."
Gabriel blinked, caught by genuine surprise, though he had suspicions, just not quite like this.
"That's right. If I lose, I'll surrender without question. But if I win...," her tongue traced her lips as though she'd thirst for eons, "you'll surrender your halo... to me."
Gabriel's eyebrows shot up. "My halo?"
"What's the matter?" Lily taunted. "Not confident?"
Gabriel's pride flared. It would've been natural for him to resist against it.
"I accept."
Lily's grin widened as she rolled the dice one last time. They spun faster and faster, glowing brighter, until they stopped. Two sixes.
Gabriel blinked. "What? Impossible!"
"Oops," Lily said, shrugging with mocked innocence.
"You cheated!"
"I don't see how that possible, Golden Boy. The dice are enchanted, remember." She held up her hands. "Maybe you're just bad at games."
Before Gabriel could argue further, a booming voice filled the courtyard. "Gabriel, you have failed."
Golden light surrounded Gabriel, and he screamed as his halo was yanked from his head. His brilliant robes dimmed, his wings dissolved into mist, and he stumbled back, now clad in a plain tunic.
"This is a mistake!" Gabriel shouted. "She's a liar, a demon!"
"The terms were clear," the voice continued. "You are unworthy. You will be cast from Heaven as of immediately."
"No! Wait—"
Before he could finish, a swirling vortex opened beneath his feet, and in seconds, he was sucked into the abyss.
Meanwhile, Lily stared at the glowing halo now hovering over her head. "Wait... does this mean I'm an angel now?" she muttered, poking at the flickering ring of pure light.
Before she could process, a blinding light engulfed her. She yelped as she was yanked upward, disappearing into the heavens.
****
Gabriel's descent ended with a loud thud. He groaned, brushing ash off his now-singed tunic, and looked around. Lava rivers bubbled nearby, demons cackled in the distance, and a large, neon sign read: "Welcome to Hell – Now Hiring!"
A small, impish figure appeared, holding a scroll. "Gabriel, fallen angel. You'll be assigned your first task shortly. Please sign here."
Gabriel blinked. "What?"
"Welcome to Hell, buddy."
The imp vanished, leaving Gabriel standing there in stunned silence.
"I belong in Heaven," Gabriel muttered. He looked up at the fiery sky, shaking his fist. "I WILL get my halo back!"
His declaration was met with laughter from a passing demon. A sad sight to bare, it was.