BELPHEGOR’S SLOTH

In the Celestial Realm, he always had to work the hardest. It was not because he was the youngest, nor was it because he wanted to impress, but it was rather due to him having such lovable brothers that were so perfect. He admired them so much that he wanted to be like them, especially the eldest.

With her by his side, all the labor he put in didn't lead to any form of fatigue. Everything was worth it once he saw her smile. He even got along well with the one with who he was created with thanks to her. He was showered in the light of love and thus he shone bright with his calming smile that brought serenity like the moon.

Initially, there was a distance between him and their fifth brother, but the angel whose breath spoke of innocence and purity brought them together. He had been the rain to his drought, the wings to take him into flight as he could not on his own.

He did not want any part of the war, yet, since it was because of her love for humans, he went into the fray. The higher he flew, the further down he fell. Regardless of all his hard work and efforts to be as strong, as impressive, and as steadfast as his brothers, he was never good enough. He couldn’t save her, he was so powerless that he couldn’t save himself and even became the cause for his brother to make the most difficult decision of all. His heart felt heavy as his mind raced while being pulled away from the heavens. His tearful eyes could only look at the scared yet happy look at her face, one that has just come into acceptance of his brother’s decision. 

As the second of those closest to him held onto him, he did his best to cling to dear life. He already knew he was already so broken so he could only hold his breath as the coldness of the wind that didn't cradle their fall seemed to freeze not only his body but also his heart. His ice that was not sufficient to douse the flames of the Archangel became his only solace in the world of despair that await him.

They had already arrived in the land of the devils, yet he continued to feel like he was continuously being dropped to even farther depths away from rays of light. Each day was another day to live a life without her, another day to remember how his shortcomings became root to their greatest grief. The warmth of his smiles from then could never be viewed again as only the chilling frost that burned passionately with his hatred for humans. 

Footsteps he took in attempts to move forward became heavier and overbearingly so. He couldn't bear to continue treading a path filled with sorrows and it was better not to exert effort, it was better to stay in the land of dreams where he could see her again, where he and his family can be happy with one another. Horns and a tail emerged in the shadows of his heart and despite meaning strength and salvation, it was rather the sign of how weak he's become and that he will never be saved. He never deserved happiness and salvation, he was but a fallen angel who could only taste happiness in the fleeting dreams between the harsh endless nightmares.

That was what he beilieved, until you came into his life and melted the thorns of ice that engulfed him. His smile and laughter returned once more.