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A cold winter night, with lights from shops and street lamps illuminating the square. From each shop, you can see colourful decorations of shiny or glittery ornaments and green garlands. Jolly voices singing blessed songs about the holidays, blasting from the speakers. Drowned out by the chatter of city folk as their feet hustle along the walkway. Each and every one of them dressed in layers to keep themselves warm. Vapour from their mouths rising and disappearing into the sky. Colliding with gentle fluffy snow that fall ever so lightly. So many movements at this moment which people called Christmas Eve. Amidst all of this, an angel watches over them silently.
Simeon sat on one of the benches. His gloved hands tucked away in the pockets of his long grey coat. A white scarf wrapped around his neck, showing people how warm he felt. Well, winter in the human world wouldn't be that cold for angels. But he had to dress the part. The last thing he wanted was people staring at him for dressing so lightly and he was also well aware that his usual angel garb would definitely defy the fashion standards of the human world. He had to admit, he's doing pretty great to camouflage himself among the humans. Still, he somehow earned a few stares. Their gaze kept darting between him and the ground. Was there something on his face? He took a glimpse of his reflection on one of the windowed stores, nothing seemed to be strange.
The angel tilted his head to the sky and leaned against the bench, waiting for his coworker. Every angel of the Celestial Realm was assigned by Michael to spread Father's blessing to the humans on Earth. Simeon and Luke were assigned to this bustling city. They had started from the church and went around the streets and buildings. For every person they pass will receive the blessing. Simeon rarely worked alongside Luke, but he can already tell that they will get along fine. Luke might be boisterous and opinionated at most times, but that is because he is honest, genuine and has a strict set of values. Simeon can see why Micheal has him under his wing. Hence he looks forward to be Luke's partner in the future. Before Luke, he was always working together with Lucifer.
A deep sigh escaped his lips. Simeon wondered how Lucifer is doing in Devildom. How long has it been since The Great Celestial War. Decades? Centuries? He suppose it has been a few hundred years. He couldn't really be bothered anymore to keep track of the exact time. Despite how the situation has cooled down since then, he knew Father was still a little angry at Lucy. He was after all the Lucifer Morningstar, a magnificent and beautiful angel. To think that he would wage a war against Father and going as far as becoming a demon. However, Simeon was well aware of the reason behind the war. Perhaps Lucy too is still mad at Father until this very moment. Simeon just hoped that he was no longer angry at him.
It was never his intention to have made his brother into his enemy. However, during that time they both had very different opinions. Lucifer would forsake the rules of Celestial Realm for love and Simeon believed that the laws existed for a reason and are to be abided. Yet, as those long years passed he wondered whether it was truly worth it. He did not regret holding on to his belief. It happened, his choice had already been made. And as he closed his eyes he could see the deep wounds from both parties. Arrows fell upon them all like rain and weapons clanging in their ears. He could hear cries of battle and agony. The metallic smell of blood and how smoke choked their lungs.
"Simeon."
The angel opened his eyes. He noticed a blond boy standing in front of him. "Are you done, Luke?" he asked, eyeing the big fancy red paper bag.
Luke lifted the bag towards Simeon. "There were a lot delicious looking sweets in there. So I tried getting a little bit of everything including the one that Michael wanted."
Of course Michael would ask Luke to get human world confectionaries. That darn sweet-toothed angel. But Luke seems to be getting a fair share for himself too. Baking is his hobby after all and sampling sweets from another realm would certainly add to his ever growing list of recipes.
"Is there something wrong, Simeon?" Luke stared at him with his big blue and yellow eyes.
Simeon smiled gently. "Nothing Luke. I'm just feeling a little tired."
"Oh... let's go back then."
They both strolled among the crowd. Simeon would like to hold Luke's hand so he would not get lost, but got scolded by the young angel instead. Grumbling about treating him like a little kid when he was in fact already serving directly under Michael. Simeon could only listen quietly in amusement. He was mesmerized with the twinkling decorative lights draped over the leafless trees dusted with snow. Admiring how the humans managed to find beauty even in the bleakest object. Everything was already aesthetically pleasing in the Celestial Realm. However, at times he found it hard to appreciate the beauty of his environment. Not that he did not appreciate Father's creation. It just felt different after whom he considered his brother, left.
"Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!"
They passed the centre of the city square where an old man sat under a huge decorated pine tree. The man was big. He had a thick white moustache with a long beard that reached his chest. He was donned in a red coat with furry white collar and cuffs. His trousers were also red with white fur cuffs. A red hat with a white furry pompom attached was sitting on his head, it looked like a nightcap to Simeon. The only thing not red and white was the black leather belt and boots he was wearing. This old man was sitting on a lounge chair with a line of children in front of him. Simeon wondered what on earth is going on.
"It's Santa Claus!" Luke exclaimed.
"Santa Claus?"
"Children of the human world believe that this old man called Santa Claus would grant any wish they had for Christmas. He has a factory in the north pole and hundreds of elves work for him. Most of the time children asked for toys but in the movies sometimes people wish for Christmas miracles."
Simeon stared at Santa Claus for a moment before making eye contact with Luke. "Do you want to go meet Santa Claus?"
"Simeon! Don't treat me like one of those human kids. I'm an angel and I'll have you know that I-" Luke began to chastise as he stomped away from the square.
Simeon apologized as he scurried after him. Chuckling softly as his ears endured another one of Luke's grumbling. At the same time, he found it funny how human children put faith in such make believe, though they had always been imaginative beings. He could also see how this was a capitalistic marketing strategy in the human business world. The toys and the movies. A franchise after the infamous Santa Claus. The idea of it all was intriguing. A being that could grant whatever you want for Christmas. It's like Father, but the once in a year fairy tale like holiday version. And the idea of a Christmas miracle that comes with it.
There is a nice ring to it. For thousands of years, humans had always asked for miracles. An event that could change their lives for the better. Or even something that brings assurance to their rocky hearts. And the idea of a miracle that happens with Christmas does give a special feel to it. Miracles don't always happen on the spot, or they could never happen at all. Yet humans still ask for it. They hoped for it. Simeon looked at the stars in the sky and wondered. Father had granted some of the miracles that humans wished. If an angel were to ask for it, would Father grant it too? He didn't know any angels that had asked for a miracle. That was because there was never a need to, everything they needed and wanted was already there in the Celestial Realm. Everyone is happy and content there. Except for Simeon.
There was something in the Celestial Realm that he wanted but does not exist there. Or at least what he wanted was in a different realm. But would Father allowed it? Simeon's heart began to beat faster in both excitement and nervousness. He did not know whether he should ask for it or not. But tonight is Christmas Eve isn't it? The night where Father tells them to spread his blessings to every being on earth. Simeon at this moment is walking on earth. And a Christmas miracle is also a blessing right? Right?! The angel took a deep breath and whispered a little wish to his heart. A feeling of relieved washed over him and his shoulders began to feel lighter than before.
It was only a few minutes later when he thought everything was rather ridiculous. He did not get the sense that something amazing was about to happen. The atmosphere was the same as it had been hours ago. Well, he suppose that all he needed to do was really acknowledge that he was still very much upset over the fact that Lucifer left the Celestial Realm and that his scars had not yet healed. And that he really did regret some of his choices. He should really accept the outcome already and start moving forward. Besides, now he has Luke. And he swears he will try to be a good mentor and brother figure to the young angel.
Simeon and Luke had finally reached the Celestial Realm after a lot of detouring in the human world. Simeon couldn't wait to get home and rest. It certainly has been a long day for all the angels. Luke has invited him to taste the confectionaries he bought earlier. He seemed extra jubilant to return. Hugging the paper bag that was a little too big for his size. Simeon had offered to carry it, but Luke insisted it was his duty to have the sweets delivered to Michael personally and he will see through it. Which reminds Simeon, he would like to have a word with Michael about his habits of having people get him his large amount of souvenirs. Though, he wasn't sure how to approach his superior about. Lucifer would have easily told Michael off... or not.
At a distance, one of the angels called out to Simeon and Luke. She approached them immediately and relayed her message. Apparently Michael was waiting at their humble abode and wishes to see them as soon as possible. Luke cheered and skipped off happily while Simeon internally groaned. Seems that the guardian angel of confectionaries could not wait for his sweets and pastries. He swears one day he will think of a way to tell him off. Luke seems to not mind however. So now he's not sure what exactly he needed to tell Michael. Perhaps if Luke feels alright about it then everything is well?
"Simeon!" Michael greeted him, a Belgium waffle in his hand. "You took your sweet time."
Was that pun intended?
"I'm sorry for the delay Michael. But it seems that Luke has already arrived with your sweet delicacies." Simeon motioned towards the said waffle.
"Yes, I was waiting for this." he popped the remaining waffle into his mouth and chewed quickly. "But that's not the only reason why I wanted to see you both."
Was it not?
Michael handed him a letter. "I received this today and I believe both you and Luke are suited for this."
Simeon took the envelope carefully. On the back of it the name of the sender surprised him, Lord Diavolo of Devildom. Wasn't he the son of the Demon King. If Simeon remember correctly, the last time he saw the Demon King was a thousand years ago during a ceremony. Now, what could the future king of Devildom possibly want from Michael or even the Celestial Realm? Surely this isn't a Christmas greeting card like the ones he had seen in the human world. He turned the envelope over and saw a seal with initials R.A.D..