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The supervisor is giving him the stink eye again. Sandalphon sighs and refocuses on creating the globe of light in his hands.
This activity is part of the sky realm’s tradition called the Festival of Lights. From what Sandalphon’s been told, it’s a midwinter celebration in which mortals reunite with their loved ones and spend the short, cold days in the company of those they treasure. A light is always kept burning as they hold a vigil through the worst of the seasons.
This year’s special, though. Every one hundred years, orbs of lights float down from the higher planes of the sky to the islands. Sky dwellers collect the lights on tree branches and keep them in their abode. These celestial lights are said to bring good luck and grant wishes. They cannot be put out and nor do they burn; they only shine benignly until they expire on their own after a couple of weeks, when the harshest days of the winter will have already passed.
Sandalphon’s coming up on his first century, so this will be his first Festival. It makes him a little sorry to think that some mortals might not even get to experience it in their brief lifetime…
But whatever sympathy he feels for the sky dwellers quickly disappears when he considers the fact that this is, in simple words, pure propaganda. Astral propaganda, to be precise.
Legend (according to mortals) has it that the lights are part of the Omnipotent’s ether. As He prepares for the new century, excess elements are shed. These turns into specks of light that descend from the sky once every one hundred years. Whether this is factual or not remains unconfirmed. Its true origin is shrouded in mystery. But for some reasons, the Astrals still somehow preserve this tradition and take it upon themselves to organize the floating lights. This year, they even go so far as giving away gifts to the mortals.
…A task which has somehow been assigned to Lucifer-sama, who’s left this morning, loaded with a sack full of Astral Artifacts to distribute to select lucky kingdoms of the sky…
As for the lights… they might or might not have come from the Omnipotent in time immemorial. But today, they are simply a product of Primal Beasts’ creation.
Both the gifts and the lights are just a way for the Astrals to meddle with the affairs of the mortals. This way, they can keep up with what’s going on with the people of the Skies, since Primal Beasts retain a certain connection with the lights they create. It’s also a form of mockery and condescendence, the Astrals playing the role of the Omnipotent Himself as they organize this Festival to entertain the sky dwellers.
Sandalphon quickly wipes the sweat beading on his forehead with the back of his arm, trying not to lose concentration. The globe he’s generating is only the size of a young apple. It shines poorly and even flickers a little. Not a good sign.
He looks over to Micheal, who’s nearby. Her orbs are a good size, about as large as his fist. They emit a blinding light, as expected from the lieutenant who commands the Fire element herself. He casts his eyes to Halluel and Malluel. The twin’s globes glitter and twinkle in their own charming way. Sandalphon looks back to his minuscule globe in consternation, wondering if this will do.
It's only three days until the Revelry. Sky dwellers celebrate the new century by throwing a feast, so they use this term to call the phenomenal in which balls of light drift down from the sky. However, here in the laboratories, the Astrals prefer the term ‘Delivery’. In the days leading up to the Festival, Primal Beasts are asked to create the light orbs out of their ether, which are then stored on the branches of the old conifer tree in the research facilities’ yard. When the time comes, the Astrals simply dispatch them from the tree, hence the nickname.
“Hmmm.”
The supervisor, an Astral in a lab coat, inspects Sandalphon’s latest creation and hummed. Sandalphon waited apprehensively.
Producing lights for the Delivery is a very simple task. All Primal Beasts that have an aptitude for Light are recruited, which include each of the primarchs. Even Sandalphon has been conscripted, being deemed capable enough to handle this menial chore. The Astrals don’t usually have any use for him, since he has not been assigned any official role. He’s well aware that he's been labelled ‘of limited capacity’, which is as good as calling him ‘useless’. For this reason, Sandalphon is even more determined to see it through.
“Hey you, Fledgling.” The supervisor annonces after some inspection. “Your light is on the tiny side, but at least they are acceptable.” He pauses. Sandalphon scrutinizes his gently floating orb as the Astral continues. “You’ve been at it for quite some time already. Go take a breather and let your element replenish.”
Sandalphon struggles to hide his disappointment. The shining orbs produced by other Primal Beasts decorate the conifer tree in at the center of the yard. They seem to blink at him mockingly for his incompetence.
“…”
Lucifer-sama has promised to return before the Festival. They agreed to watch the Delivery together. Sandalphon truly looks forward to pointing out the orbs of light that he has brought into existence to his creator. He doesn’t want to embarrass himself with only ‘acceptable’ globes.
He’ll have to try even harder.
* * *
Luficer’s out in the sky realm, carrying out his mission.
The red bag he’s carrying is filled to the brim with Astral Artifacts. They’re presents for the governors of the kingdoms of the Skies. His task is to travel through the sky realm, delivering the gifts before the Festival.
While he can make good speed with his six wings, the sky realm is a lot of area to cover, especially when one’s required to make frequent stops. This task of delivering gifts is technically an easy one and without danger, but it’s indeed very time-consuming.
Lucifer recalls the promise he’s made with Sandalphon. This is going to be Sandalphon’s first Festival of Lights. He’d like to be there and experience it together with his creation.
He wonders if he’ll make it back in time.
* * *
The sun rises on the day of the Festival.
Sandalphon contemplates the globes of light he’s brought into existence. They may not shine as bright or sparkle as beautifully as others’, but he’s quite content with the final product. While their sizes are nothing to boast about, they glow warmly, emitting a steady enough radiance. He hopes those who receive them will not find them too lacking…
Sandalphon is feeling the fatigue. The amount of energy he’s expended to create them is not negligible, but at least he’s quite proud of the results. He can now point them out to Lucifer-sama with a certain degree of confidence.
All that’s left is wait for his arrival. The thought of reuniting with his beloved creator cheers him up, making him forget some of the tiredness.
Lucilius eyes Sandalphon’s globes wordlessly and lets out a huff. Sandalphon hopes it’s a good sign. At least the Astral is not downright criticizing them…
“Your orbs look really pretty, Sandalphon.” Olivia comments as she passes by. He knows she’s just humouring him, but he appreciates the effort all the same.
The conifer tree at the center of the yard is now packed with orbs that glow against the sky. Its branches are heavy under the weight of so many lights produced by Primal Beasts. Sandalphon takes in the sight and lets the light warm his core. He can’t wait to see it at nightfall with Lucifer-sama.
“Not bad. You’re finished, you can run off now.” The supervisor seems to notice his fidgeting and shoos him off.
Lucilius huffs again. Sandalphon ignores him as he turns on his heels and makes straight for the Shaded Garden, where he awaits Lucifer-sama’s return.
Sandalphon has a gift prepared for him after all.
* * *
Lucifer places a gilded staff encrusted with crystals in front of the throne and weighs the sack on his shoulders.
The Supreme Primarch reins in his impatience as he realizes that he’s not quite near completing this task as he initially thought.
Lucifer knows he’s not going to make it in time.
A doubt crosses his mind as he wonders if his friend Lucilius did it on purpose. This job of delivering Festival presents, while important, doesn’t really necessitate the attendence of the Supreme Primarch himself. Michael or Gabriel could have handled the task just as aptly. But for some reason, Lucilius has insisted that Lucifer undertakes it himself.
Whatever the explanation, Lucifer can’t abandon these sky dwellers now. Gift giving is part of the tradition of the Festival of Lights. With each present delivered, the mortals’ faces shine with excitement and gratefulness. The practice of gift-giving is considered a sign of good luck for the century to come.
He imagines Sandalphon’s lovely face flushing with pleasure as he presents him with his own gift…
Lucifer comes to a decision.
While he does not have the ability to reach his thoughts across the Skies to Sandalphon, there is someone he can get in touch with. Suppressing his consternation, Lucifer reaches out in his mind for the only person he can depend upon at this moment.
Belial…
* * *
Halfway through the morning, it started to snow in Canaan. By midday, the snow has piled everywhere in the Shaded Garden.
Sandalphon has now changed out of his armour into a white billowing robe, not unlike the ones donned by Lucilius and the Astrals themselves. He is told it’s the appropriate attire for the Festival. But boy is it cold in this robe. Sandalphon tries to regulate his body temperature as much as he can.
He sits down at the Garden table among the circle of trees but refuses to make himself coffee. He knows it will warm him up, but preparing and savouring it alone feels too lonely without Lucifer-sama’s presence.
Up above among the snow-covered boughs, a bird chirps as if to acknowledge his thoughts. A curious sound, given that most birds should have migrated long before the latest change in season.
As Sandalphon waits for Lucifer-sama in the Garden, his thoughts wander to the orbs on the conifer tree. Has he infused them with enough element? Will they continue to shine in the sky realm? Will they get picked up by the sky dwellers and kept in their abode through the long solstice? Surely Lucifer-sama will be able to provide the answers…
Sandalphon settles into his chair. He always spends time in this spot as he awaits his creator’s return. Yet today seems to stretch on endlessly.
All is quiet in the Garden. Snow drifts down from the clouds, threatening to smother Sandalphon’s small form in their silent falling.
* * *
‘Beilial…’
‘Ah, how curious! If it wasn’t the Supreme Primarch himself. To what do I owe this pleasure?’
‘I have a favour to ask…’
‘Well, I figured you didn’t reach out just to wish me a happy Revelry. What can I do for you?’
‘That too… I assume you are back in Canaan, assisting my friend with the Festival of Lights?’
‘That is correct. There’s nowhere I’d rather be but by Cilius’ side at this stimulating celebration! Where are you, Lucifer?’
‘Oarlyegrande…’
‘They sent you that far? Sandy’s wearing himself out as he waits for you to come back, you know. Your little bird’s so clueless. I bet he’s out in the Garden waiting, already half buried under all this snow!’
‘…’
‘Lucifer, hello?’
‘Ah. That’s precisely why I wanted to reach you. Can you let Sandalphon know that I won’t make it back before the Revelry? Please ask him to stop waiting for me and spend the rest of the Festival with everyone. I’ll find him as soon as I get back.’
‘Really? That’s so unfortunate, Lucifer. You should have seen him. He’s been so excited to spend time with you. He’ll be devastated when I break the news… the poor thing.’
‘Please, Belial, just pass on the message for me. I’ll return as soon as I finish my duty.’
‘Alright, alright. Don’t hold it against me if I end up making him cry, though.’
‘…You have my thanks…’
* * *
Belial slips out from the preparation at the facilities and makes his way to the Shaded Garden. Like other Primal Beasts, he’s also dressed in the Astral robe for the occasion.
By this hour, the Garden has already been completely covered in snow. It lands on everything indiscriminately: trees, grass, the rare sculptures and installations. Ice reflects off of the surface of the small fountain deeper in the wooded area. The last rays of twilight make the snow glow softly. Everything is blanketed and muffled under layers of pure white.
It takes him some time to locate the object of his rare visit.
Belial doesn’t see him at first. Sandy’s form, the size of a mortal young, is clad in similar fashion to his own attire. The blanket of snow has hidden the smaller primarch from view. Belial wouldn’t have picked him out among the landscape if not for the slight shivering that comes from the small pile of snow slumped at the Garden table.
“Sandy, there you are!” Belial approaches and brushes the snow from the other’s hooded figure.
Sandalphon visibly perks up at the sound of footstep. A beginning of a smile forms on his lips. His red eyes brighten as he turns them in Belial’s direction.
Only for this face to fall when he realizes that the person who shows up is not the one he’s been expecting. His eyes dim as the joy vanishes from his expression.
An invisible bird coos overhead, acknowledging the presence of the visitor.
“Ah… Deputy Head.” Sandalphon greets meekly.
“Sorry to disappoint, Sandy. Have you been camping out here all this time? It’s so cold, why don’t you move inside.”
It’s obvious that the silly little thing has been waiting out here since this morning. Now the sun has already set. The young primarch is trembling in the flimsy Festival robe. His nose and cheeks are red from the bite of the snow. The way he sits stiffly in the chair hints that he hasn’t moved from the spot in a while. That can’t be good for him, Primal Beast or not.
“Can I help you, Deputy Head?” Sandy ignores his comment and inquires. He folds his shoulders and slumps further on the table.
“Well, your cute little company has been missed, so I came looking for you.”
Sandy makes no effort to move from the spot.
“You’re waiting for Lucifer, right? You know, he…”
The small form eagerly perks up at the mention of the Supreme Primarch. Belial is about to deliver the message when a malicious thought crosses his mind. Wouldn’t it be more dramatic to not pass on the message and leave him in the dark? Belial grows excited as he imagines poor Sandy’s heart breaking when he finally learns on his own that Lucifer will not be showing up, after all. The twinkle of hope in those ruby eyes solidifies that decision for Belial. This is going to be fun.
The Deputy Head swallows his initial message and opts for a different one.
“He hasn’t been in touch in the last few days. Why don’t you come join us at the tree, hmm? It’s way better than keeping your own company out here in the snow, no?”
Sandy’s trembling lips thin as he tries to hide his disappointment. The little one pushes on stubbornly.
“Lucifer-sama promised he’d be back for the Revelry. I’ll wait for him here, lest he shows up and doesn’t find me…”
Belial almost giggles. Sandy’s too easy. Belial’s so going to enjoy this Festival. He’s having a blast at Sandy’s and Lucifer’s expense already.
“But it’s almost nightfall. The Delivery is about to begin. Don’t you want to see the lights, Sandy? If the mighty Mr. Supreme Primarch really intended to show up, don’t you think he would have returned already?”
The small frame visibly deflates. Dejection clouds those ruby orbs, in which tears begin to brew. Yet Sandy bites his trembling lips and insists.
“Lucifer-sama wouldn’t break his promise. There’s still time. I’ll wait for him here.”
Belial knows he should just come out with the truth at this point. However, Sandy’s sad little face and his droopy shoulders makes bullying him all the more entertaining. Belial really gets a kick out of letting him stew, especially on this special day. The Deputy almost regrets not being there himself to witness the moment the realization sinks in, breaking Sandy’s fragile little heart.
Eventually, it’s time for Belial to go back to Cilius. He allows himself a small chuckle as he leaves Sandy with, “Well, at least cover up or something. You don’t want Lucifer to stumble upon you in a block of ice, do you?”
He can’t wait to relate this stimulating story to Cilius. His boss doesn’t quite hide the fact that he also enjoys tormenting Lucifer’s Fledgling himself.
* * *
Sandalphon can sense it even without seeing it. An incredible amount of Light element is moving. The orbs are leaving the conifer branches and heading towards the horizon. The Revelry has begun.
Sandalphon huddles against the cold but still can’t stop the shivers that wrack through his frame. Lucifer-sama hasn’t shown up.
He tries to tell himself that maybe an accident happened. Lucifer-sama may have fallen into danger. His creator wouldn't have broken a promise intentionally. It’s beyond the realm of possibility.
Yet as the cold continues to seep into his bones, so is the dejection. The Festival has already begun, and they didn’t get to witness the Delivery together. The light orbs that he has worked so hard to create are drifting towards the sky realm, unseen and unknown to Lucifer-sama.
The image of mortals and Astrals alike watching the lights cascading down from the sky comes unbidden to his mind. Everyone has someone at their side, yet he is all alone in this snowy Garden.
What wouldn’t Sandalphon give for this creator to manifest himself right then and there. Not for the first time, he curses the fact that he’s not allowed to leave this place. If only he could step out of this cage… He would spread his wings wide and go in search of Lucifer-sama in a heartbeat, even if he has to travel to the furthest corners of the Skies…
It hurts to be alone. The tears threaten to fall, but he does his best to keep himself from weeping like some pathetic sky dweller wean.
In the snowy darkness, the bird makes a small noise. The creature takes the form of a dove, white and glowing softly in the night. It’s the present he’s prepared for Lucifer-sama, made from the same Light ether as the orbs.
The dove might not be the biggest or fastest, but Sandalphon has created it with the wish that it would follow the Supreme Primarch into the Skies during its brief existence. Similar to the lights that mortals collect and preserve in their homes, he hopes the dove will accompany Lucifer-sama through the harshest days of winter once he has to leave again…
But because the luminous dove has been created in the same manner as the orbs, when the lights take flight, it also flies off to follow after them. Called forth by the Skies below, the bird quits its perch on the branch and glides away through the snow in the direction of the Gates.
“Oh, no. The gift for Lucifer-sama!”
Alarmed at the bird’s departure, Sandalphon jumps to his feet. He hasn’t moved from his spot in several hours, and his frozen body protests as his knees lock. The luminous dove is quickly getting away.
It’s already unfortunate that they don’t get to spend the Revelry together. Sandalphon refuses to lose his little dove too.
He spreads his brown speckled wings and shakes them urgently, trying to get some feeling back. When he judges them steady enough, he takes to the air in pursuit of the bird.
Snow continues to pour down silently, erasing all traces of Sandalphon from the Shaded Garden.
* * *
Lucifer is making his way back to Canaan as fast as his six wings will allow.
Halluel and Malluel have caught up to him in the sky somewhere between Oarlyegrande and Nalhegrande. He couldn’t quite contain his surprise when they suddenly showed up.
“Ah.”
“Lucilius-sama sent us to take over from you, Supreme Primarch”
The twins primarchs of instruction took the sack containing the remaining Astral Artifacts from his hand and offered to complete the task in his place. With their role as messengers, their speed is by no means inferior to that of Lucifer himself.
Still, Lucifer was reluctant to relinquish his duty. Would they not miss the Festival if they were out here in the Skies, completing the mission in his stead?
As if reading his thoughts, Malluel said, “You have nothing to worry about, Lucifer-sama. We’re already spending this moment with someone we love the most.” The twins looked at each other, gaze full of love.
Halluel added cheerfully, “Also, we can make it back to Canaan in no time, if we make full speed.”
Lucifer thanked them as he entrusted them with the task of delivering presents.
He took flight and travelled fast, spurred on by the thought of soon reuniting with Sandalphon. He knew he was already late, but was comforted by the thought that at least he had asked Belial to pass on the message. His creation should be celebrating the Revelry in the company of the others at the facilities…
Lucifer had one last gift to deliver…
* * *
Lucifer made it back to Canaan just in time to see the orbs leave the tree. In spite of himself, he halts in mid-flight to take in the breathtaking spectacle.
The night sky is filled with twinkling orbs of varying brightness and size. They descend from Canaan unhurriedly before spreading in every direction of the Skies as the snow whiffs them away. They shine brighter than embers, radiate warmth that is as healing as candles. A sight he has promised his solace to enjoy in each other’s company…
Lucifer’s eyes immediately pick out Sandalphon’s lights. The tiny orbs are soft and a little fuzzy as they shimmer in the night, but they burn as strong as their peers. They remind Lucifer of the angel’s cradle that used to envelop the young primarch himself when he first came into existence. The sight of Sandalphon’s lights warms Lucifer’s core. He can’t wait to join his creation at the Festival.
Upon his entrance into the banquet hall, Lucifer spots Michael and Gabriel. His lieutenants immediately make their way over to greet him. Their faces glow in the warm light.
“Lucifer-sama, welcome back. We hope your mission hasn’t been too taxing.”
The primarchs smile at him, but he has no time for pleasantries.
“Thank you. Have you seen Sandalphon?”
They seem surprised at his curt inquiry. It’s Gabriel who answers.
“Oh, we haven’t seen him around since this morning at the conifer tree. We thought he was with you since he seemed to have highly anticipated your return.”
This information alarms him. Sandalphon is not among them? How is this possible, since Lucifer has specifically asked him to be at the facilities? Where could his creation be, now that the festivities are already underway?
Lucifer can still feel Sandalphon’s presence nearby, so the young primarch couldn’t have left the confines of Canaan. His thoughts are filled with dread. Sandalphon can’t still be waiting in the Garden, can he?
The Supreme Primarch storms out of the facilities, not paying any heed to the ruckus he’s making.
On his way out, he meets his friend Lucilius’ gaze. The other’s sour expression is set in contempt even on this day of celebration. Belial, who’s besides him, appears uncharacteristically sheepish, as is his wont when scolded by Lucilius.
But Lucifer doesn’t have time to indulge. Finding his creation takes priority.
* * *
Sandalphon weakly flaps his tired wings as he chases after the fleeing dove. He can make out its glowing body among the leaves of the trees up ahead. The creature weaves through the branches, heading straight for the Garden Gates.
“No, wait. Don’t leave!”
Sandalphon cries after it in distress. He can’t afford to let it slip away. He’s already missed spending time at the Festival with Lucifer-sama. He refuses to lose the dove too.
Sandalphon rushes desperately after it as quickly as his wings will carry him. The dove is not even going fast. If only he can reach out and…
The limit of the Garden is quickly coming in to view. He can’t leave the Garden. If the dove escapes, he’ll lose it.
The hours he spent waiting for Lucifer-sama weigh on him. He has grown more and more desperate and overwhelmed by his longing as the sun travelled the Skies. Minutes turned into hours, and the sun got closer and closer to the horizon. Snow came down endlessly and even his primal abilities seemed to be at their limit. Yet there was no sign of his most precious person, whose presence he has missed so dearly.
With a frustrated grunt, Sandalphon reaches out to grab the elusive bird. It annoys him that even his own creation refuses to obey his wish.
“Come back here!”
But the dove has already reached the Gates. Just as Sandalphon extends both hands to grab its tiny body, the bird slips away and rushes into the invisible barrier separating the Garden from the outside world.
Before his eyes, the luminous dove explodes into a burst of light. Specks of ether disperse from where its body has once hovered in the air and disappear entirely, leaving no trace of its existence.
“Ah!”
He should have realized. His creation cannot leave the confines of the Shaded Garden. Just like Sandalphon himself, it is not allowed to enter the outside world. It is subjected to a similar fate, forever prisoner to this gilded cage…
Suddenly, Lucifer-sama appears right where his dove has just vanished.
* * *
As soon as Lucifer sets foot back inside the Garden, he finds Sandalphon at the Gates.
“Sandalphon!” Lucifer hurries over and scrutinizes his creation from head to the tip of his feathers. Sandalphon is in the long Astral robe, the same color as the snow around him. The exposed parts of his skin including his face and hands are red from the cold, but he appears unharmed. Lucifer secretly sighs in relief.
The young primarch seems stunned at Lucifer’s sudden appearance, so he calls his name again.
“Sandalphon?”
This appears to jolt him back to the present. Ruby eyes grow round in wonder. His creation asks in confusion, “Did that dove just turn transformed into Lucifer-sama?”
Lucifer tilts his head uncomprehendingly. “Dove?”
His action seems to confirm something as Sandalphon jumps. His puffy cheeks color even redder as he flails.
“You… You’re the real Lucifer-sama?”
Still puzzled, Lucifer smiles at him softly. Sandalphon’s face lights up, his lips blooming into a smile of joy.
“You came back!”
“Yes… sorry to keep you waiting. I… couldn’t make it back in time.”
Lucifer sincerely apologizes. Sandalphon shakes his head vigorously. His small body exudes genuine delight as he treads over through the snow.
“You’re here… I’m happy.”
Lucifer still insists. “I promised we’d spend time together at the Revelry…”
Again, Sandalphon brushes it off.
“It’s no trouble at all, Lucifer-sama. I’ve been busy with the lights. And the Deputy Head dropped by briefly this afternoon to keep me company…”
Lucifer relaxes. At least he hasn’t kept Sandalphon waiting all alone in this cold. The Supreme Primarch rejoices at this reunion no less than his creation. He apologizes once again.
“I’m really sorry, Sandalphon. I couldn’t keep my promise to you.”
The young primarch manages a tired smile as his face falls a little this time. A glimpse of melancholy that he quickly hides doesn’t escape Lucifer’s observant gaze.
“It’s not that important, really. I admit I was looking forward to showing you the lights that I helped create, but they were not that impressive anyways. You should have seen the orbs that the Four Primarchs made! I wish I could achieve that some day…” Sandalphon turns his gaze away shyly, before confessing in a small voice. “But your presence here is more than enough.”
The sincerity in Sandalphon’s words deeply moves Lucifer. He feels his core responds to his emotions as he looks adoringly at his creation.
“I saw them… I saw your lights on my way here.”
Sandalphon looks equally surprised and embarrassed.
“But… how…?”
“I arrived just in time. I knew right away which ones were yours. Light doesn’t have to shine the brightest or burn the hottest to be perceived, Sandalphon.”
Sandalphon is speechless for a heartbeat, before breaking into a radiant smile that rivals the conifer tree full of primal lights itself.
“I’m so glad, Lucifer-sama!”
Lucifer also smiles. He reaches inside his armour for the present that he has prepared for Sandalphon.
“In keeping with the custom of the sky dwellers’, I have something for you…”
The Supreme Primarch produces the bracelet. The gift is simple in design. The brown leather strap closes with an intricate buckle that has been fashioned after his own accessories. A humble gift made by his own clumsy hands.
Sandalphon simply looks at the bracelet, face blank. His creation seems confused at first, before his lips begin to tremble.
“But…”
Lucifer has expected Sandalphon to react with delight. He has imagined the young primarch’s face to flush in pleasure as is his wont whenever Lucifer brings him something from the outside world…
Instead, Sandalphon takes a wobbly step back away from him. His lovely features crumble as tears well up in those round eyes. Alarmed, Lucifer takes his reaction for displeasure.
“My handiwork must truly be abhorrent…”
Lucifer looks at the bracelet dejectedly, but Sandalphon comes back to himself and interrupts him urgently.
“N…no! I just… I’m truly not worthy of such considerations, Lucifer-sama…”
His creation finally bursts into tears. They stream down his reddened face as he struggles to hold back his sobs. Sandalphon recounts how he produced the luminous dove up until its demise when it exploded into a shower of sparkles at the confines of the Garden. Lucifer listens patiently as he waits for Sandalphon to finish his story.
“I can’t even offer you your gift. So…so I don’t think I deserve one, Lucifer-sama.”
Sandalphon seems to be stuck with an idea. He blubbers as fat drops of tears fall from his eyes.
“I’ll… I’ll make a new one this instant.”
“Wait, Sandalphon.”
Lucifer tries to stop him, but the young primarch has joined his hands together, brow creased in focus. Sandalphon concentrates to call forth another life. A blob of light surges and takes the form that resembles a sparrow, before immediately disappearing into another shower of sparks. Sandalphon wobbles on his feet after his failed attempt. He sobs as his brown wings vanish.
“Such a simple task, and I failed yet again. How pathetic.”
Tears track down his puffy face as his creation openly weeps. Lucifer’s core clenches painfully at Sandalphon’s distress.
“Won’t you come here, Sandalphon?”
Lucifer opens his arms, one hand reaching for Sandalphon’s wrist to slip the bracelet on him. But as soon as he makes contact, Lucifer is startled to find him cold as ice.
His creation allows himself to be pulled into Lucifer’s arms, too worn out to protest. The younger primarch clings to him and cries against his chest, seeking comfort like he used to when he was younger. Lucifer hugs his cold body tight, one hand smoothing down his hair in an attempt to soothe his upset creation.
“L…Lucifer-sama…”
The small frame shivers against him as he snuggles closer.
The Supreme Primarch can’t feel the least bit of warmth in the body under that thin Festival robe. It’s very unusual, considering that even Sandalphon has his innate ability to adjust.
“How did you get this cold, my creation?”
Lost and overwhelmed by his emotions, Sandalphon only hangs onto Lucifer, sobbing freely. The Supreme Primarch gets down on his knees and simply holds him, patiently waiting him out.
Once the young primarch has cried out his distress, he finally quietens down. Exhausted, Sandalphon slumps into the embrace, letting Lucifer hold his weight. Six magnificent wings wrap around him protectively, as if trying to share some of their warmth.
Lucifer loosens his hold a little so he can look Sandalphon in the eyes.
“Have you been out here all this time?”
Sandalphon turns his watery gaze away and nods wordlessly, embarrassed. Lucifer has already concluded as much.
“Didn’t Belial tell you I was not going to make it, and to join everyone inside instead?”
Sandalphon looks genuinely clueless. But he only pouts and says stubbornly.
“No? But even if the Deputy Head had said so, I’d still have waited for Lucifer-sama. I don’t have friends at the banquet anyways.”
“Sandalphon…”
Lucifer inwardly sighs. He doesn’t know what to do with his little creation. The Supreme Primarch wants to scold him for neglecting his own well-being, but it’s Lucifer’s own fault for not being there in the first place. Lucifer calls forth his element, trying to transfer some warmth into Sandalphon’s shivering body. The young primarch relaxes into his embrace and hugs him back drowsily.
“How did you let yourself get this exhausted?”
Lucifer examines Sandalphon’s core and finds that his ether has been dangerously depleted. Nothing a good rest doesn’t repair, but all the same.
His friend Lucilius had insisted that Sandalphon participate in the Revelry. Surely your creation can handle this much. It’s the least we could ask of a Primal Beast… Or are you saying he’s not even capable of this simple task, Lucifer?
Producing light orbs is simple enough, but it requires the Primal Beast to actively expend their own element. It can be taxing to the core when one doesn’t know what one’s doing. This was precisely why Lucifer reluctantly agreed, only on the condition that Sandalphon remained under supervision at all time.
“Lucifer-sama…”
His creation calls for him, already half in slumber at this point. Lucifer picks him up with one arm. His creation puts up a feeble protest, embarrassed to be treated like an angel ‘chick’.
“Yes?”
“Next century…” Sandalphon finally settles against him, defeated. “Next century… I’ll work hard to make you a proper present. So… so… let’s watch the Revelry together next time.”
Doves and sparrows go up into a shower of sparks… That is to be expected of any primal lights. In order for the essence to remain, a primarch plucks out a feather and give it away… But that is a lesson for another day.
A century… This being in his arms has not even lived his first hundred years. What does this young thing know about the lapse of a century, for him to demand that kind of promise?
Lucifer’s core reverberates at the earnest request. This creature possesses a pureness of heart that he has never encountered in any other beings. The Supreme Primarch swears to preserve it for as long as he continues to exist.
Lucifer hikes the small form up in his arm and gives his words.
“We’ll spend the next Revelry together, Sandalphon.”
He seals the promise with a kiss on the lips. Sandalphon tastes sweet and innocent like the snow falling around them.
A hundred years is a long time even for primarchs. But for now, they will spend the rest of the Festival in each other’s company. Every minute belongs to them, until Lucifer eventually has to leave again. But for now, Sandalphon is his to cherish.
* * *
The bracelet is tucked away for safekeeping at the bottom of Sandalphon’s chest. It stays there in his chamber in Canaan until its owner’s eventual return, more than two millennia later.
The Supreme Primarch’s gaze continues to stray after little doves and sparrows. Their presence reminds him of bittersweet memories that never fail to bring both pain and warmth to his core.
On the night of the Festival, sky dwellers collect the lights that descend from the sky. They notice that while most of the globes twinkle and glitter beautifully, it is the smaller lights that continue to shine the longest. Only after the other orbs have burnt out, do they begin to dim and silently blink out of their existence…
Ain Soph Aur. Infinite Light.