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Lucifer crested the grassy knoll, glancing over his shoulder. Alone. A rarity in his life in the Devildom, at least in the physical sense. His life a constant cacophony, his senses assaulted on all sides by his existence. The shouts of his brothers squabbling over a triviality, the smells of tea and ink in the confines of his study, the sight of the stack of forms on his desk whose height never seemed to change through the long years.
When it all became too much, he would come here to share his burdens with the one being who would listen and understand. Discovering this secret world had seemed like such a blessing, a haven uniquely his. His heavy heart lightened, his conviction to survive and endure renewed, he would return to the burdens with the ability and will to bear them.
Always, he had come in search of refreshment. Tonight, he came for an entirely different purpose.
The red eyes focused on his goal: a gnarled tree standing alone in the field. When he approached it, Lucifer ran his fingers over the twisted patterns on the bark, listened to the breeze rustling the leaves, quieted his heart for the Moment.
A flicker of light. Then another. And another. The field of grass became as the sea of stars above him, the fireflies of the Devildom emerging in a display that always left him in awe.
He stretched his hand in welcome to the tiny globe of light making its way toward him, its radiance casting an enchanting aura upon his features. Sinking down into the grass, the light followed him as he made himself comfortable. The stern lines of his face began to soften, seeing the intricate dance of light about his fingers.
“Ah, Lilith…you would be quite surprised if you knew why I was here today…”
In this field, he has told his sister’s gentle soul almost everything of his many sorrows, burdens, exasperation…and fears. At first, he had felt foolish, but the firefly, as if it were a messenger sent from the Celestial Realm itself, seemed to understand this deep-seated need within him. It always remained hovering about him until the last dark secret had been uttered, the flickering light seemingly guiding him towards self-reflection, urging him to embrace his flaws and learn from his mistakes.
Now, he had something new to share.
“Dear sister…would you believe that I’m actually happy? Lord Diavolo has initiated an exchange program to bring about cooperation among the three realms. It has been rather difficult seeing the angels daily…it reminds me too much of the home we lost. Although I am sure that you would have enjoyed seeing Simeon again. I remember how much you enjoyed his sweet nature and equally sweet dessert concoctions…”
The firefly softly pulsed as if in answer, briefly alighting on his hand, as if it were listening attentively.
“But the most intriguing part, sister, is the human. You first showed me that there was some good in them, and now I see that it was not just your beloved that possesses such sterling qualities. The human is…”
His words trailed off, his mind groping for the perfect words to convey this tremendous shift in his existence.
“Truly, I do not know how they manage it. But our brothers…you may not even recognize them. Mammon actually working at honest jobs to earn money so that he can buy them something they admired. Beelzebub managing to bring home Devildom snacks for them to try instead of eating everything in the store. Leviathan even emerged from his room to join them in the living room for a game. Astounding.”
His smile is illuminated in the dancing flickers surrounding him. Genuine, beatific. An expression not seen since his days as a seraph, and even then only rarely. Only in her presence.
“Today, every chore was done without a single complaint, they were all so eager to spend time with the human. Satan even stopped by and asked if I needed help with filing. A miracle. I think that they are beginning to appreciate just how much work it takes to keep the house running in proper order…”
He has not been blind to the gradual alterations in the attitude of his brothers towards him. Nor could he deny the changes in his own perception. Through many gentle yet persistent conversations, the exchange student had pointed out a myriad of qualities in his brothers that he had not perceived.
Or rather, that he had known they possessed and did not acknowledge, to himself or to them. It was a pleasant surprise to find that complimenting his brothers on these qualities yielded such excellent results.
Yes…he was grateful for the mortal in their midst. Although his brothers clambered to spend seemingly every waking second with them, he was not jealous. He had seen their stolen glances, watched their cheeks turn such a pretty dusky color when they came by his study to see if he wanted help, brushed his fingers against theirs accepting an offered cup of tea and listened to the slight gasp in their breath.
He knew who held their special interest…and who held his. Soon, soon…he would tell them more plainly how he felt. Take their hands in his and express his gratitude for becoming such a beacon in what he had thought would be a drudging, lonely existence. Explain how light his soul feels in their presence.
“Lilith, I really do think you would like them. They seem to be an excellent representation of the best that humanity has to offer. I care for them a great deal, it is just…I do not wish for them to be burdened with any part of my sufferings.”
The firefly surprised him by ceasing its gradual path around his fingers and approaching the wide ruby eyes. Settling on his lips, it continued its slow pulse of radiance before withdrawing once more, departing and becoming indistinguishable from the other dancing lights about him.
Lucifer stretched and sat up, rubbing his fingers thoughtfully over the tingle left behind on his lips. Perhaps the “soon” should be closer than he had planned. In the magical stillness of his secret field, anything seemed possible. Happiness and acceptance, of who he is and his place in the Devildom.
A chance at true peace and serenity, felt to the depths of his soul.
