My Angel Girl

The family sat around the table, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Kael was happily munching on his food, swinging his legs under the table, while Yumi and Akuma quietly shared side glances, whispering to each other about whatever nonsense married couples discuss. Ere'ana was meticulously cutting her food into perfect, even bites. Kikidori, on the other hand, was unusually quiet, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he observed the serene atmosphere.

Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, Kikidori leaned back in his chair, his lips twitching with suppressed laughter. "Hey, Ere'ana," he said, his tone casual but laced with amusement.

Ere'ana didn't look up, carefully placing a piece of food in her mouth. "What, Kikidori?"

Still struggling to keep a straight face, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I've got a question. Is God a pedophile since he watches over children 24/7?"

The table went silent.

Ere'ana's fork clattered onto her plate as she slowly raised her head to glare at him. Kael froze mid-bite, looking between his parents with wide eyes. Yumi and Akuma both choked on their food, desperately trying to stifle their laughter but failing miserably.

"Kikidori," Ere'ana said in a tone so icy it could've extinguished the flames of hell itself, "that is not funny."

Kikidori shrugged, unable to stop the grin spreading across his face. "Come on, it's just a joke. Lighten up."

"You're mocking the Creator of all existence," Ere'ana snapped, her wings twitching with irritation. "You might think it's funny, but I guarantee He doesn't."

Kikidori snorted. "Oh, please. If He's as omnipotent as you say, He should be able to handle a little humor. Maybe He needs to develop a sense of—"

Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden, inexplicable pressure slammed into him, pinning him to his chair. His smug expression twisted into one of pure confusion and discomfort.

"What the fuck?" he muttered, squirming.

Ere'ana's eyes widened, and she shook her head. "I told you," she said, her voice a mix of exasperation and concern. "You can't just say things like that."

The pressure grew stronger, and Kikidori groaned, clutching the edge of the table. "Alright, alright! I get it! Jeez, overreact much?"

Kael tilted his head, curious. "Dad, are you okay?"

"No, Kael, I am *not* okay," Kikidori grumbled. "Apparently, God doesn't have a sense of humor after all."

For the next two days, Kikidori was forced to endure the consequences of his ill-timed joke. Every time he tried to stand, his legs buckled beneath him, leaving him cursing and muttering about divine overreach.

Yumi couldn't stop teasing him. "So, how's it feel to get smited by the Almighty, Dad?"

Kikidori shot her a glare from his spot on the couch. "Shut up, Yumi."

Even Ere'ana, despite her anger at his disrespect, couldn't hide her small smirk of satisfaction.

By the time the punishment finally lifted, Kikidori could walk again, but his pride had taken a serious hit.

He stretched his legs, letting out a relieved sigh. "Thank fucking hell that's over."

"Maybe now you'll think twice before mocking God," Ere'ana said, crossing her arms.

"Not likely," Kikidori shot back, a defiant smirk on his face.

Ere'ana rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath about incorrigible demons.

As Kikidori walked off, Kael ran up to him, tugging on his sleeve. "Dad, does this mean God doesn't like you?"

Kikidori ruffled his son's hair, smirking. "Nah, kid. He's just got a weird way of showing love. But don't worry, your old man's tougher than some heavenly slap on the wrist."

Kael nodded, still confused but satisfied with the answer.

End of Chapter 17