Due to an unfortunate spelling error, the devil receives a letter meant for Santa.
‘To Satan.’ There was half a snarl in his voice as he read out the words, crudely, barely legible purple crayon on pink paper. It wasn’t at the letter exactly, rather at the laughter already threatening to overflow on his friends faces. But he pushed on. ‘Mummy said I had to write to you because its christmas and you make christmas happen. She also said I had to be good for presents. But I’ve been grounded this year. Does that mean you hate me now? If it doesnt, I would really like a unicorn. Also a new dolls house. Thank you Annie.’
‘I know Dear Old Nick is good, but even a unicorn is a bit far for him.’ The grin on his friends face warned Satan that the comment was only the start of many,- but he knew it would happen. He needed their thoughts on it, and those thoughts would cost the comments. It was a better punishment than anything else.
Lucifer pushed up in his chair, his hands under his chin as he thought. He was the quietest of the three, the deepest thinker and the- strangely, most would think, for the people that ran Hell- the one with the biggest heart, the one that understood humans most.
The World Above often got the three of them mixed off, often acted as if they were one being. But Satan, Lucifer and Beelzebub were only three of the seven that ran Hell- it was madness to think that one being was enough to look after a place as big and endless as this.
Each of the seven had a characteristic that named them as Leader of Hell. Lucifer- a tail of red that was often wrapped around his wrist- he was not the most graceful and would often trip over it. Beelzebub had horns protruding from his forehead. And Satan- he had wings as black as midnight that let him travel from this world to the Above, and then to the Cloud World above that.
Helpful, with a problem like this.
‘What do I do?’ He asked finally, the silence stretching too long. ‘I have, what, four hours until this kid wakes up expecting gifts?’
‘Then you find what she wants.’
‘She wants a unicorn.’ Satan couldn’t keep his tone level. He always had wondered if Lucifer had lost his mind after all these years.
‘Then find her one.’
Beelzebub snorted, taking a gulp from the golden liquid in his glass. ‘I’d wish you luck, Sate, but I’ll be watching and that would spoil the fun.’
‘You’re not even going to help?’
Finally, Lucifer smiled, his lips curving up enough to show his sharp teeth behind them. Yes, he had the biggest heart, but he was still a devil. ‘Wouldnt that break the code of ethics?’
‘I hate you.’ Satan replied, but there was no heat in his voice. They were all friends, and would offer advice and drink together- but they ran hell. A place where help was never help, for there was always a price to pay.
But helping this little girl, one who had spelt a name wrong and given Satan his first letter in all his memory… it didn’t count. Not when she was a child, not when she (despite being grounded) was not one that would end up in their home one day. This was not about help. This was about….Satan didn’t know what word he was looking for, but he knew he would find the girl what she wanted.
His wings unfolded, and he waved a two-fingered salute to his friends before travelling upwards.
Their laughter was still ringing in his ears as he shot into the night sky.
Satan looked up, taking in the sights that he rarely saw before flying over the oceans and the land. There was a forest not far from his entrance that held all kinds of magical beast. A forest that was hidden from human sight- because they no longer believed enough to see it.
He landed in the centre of the trees and folded his wings up, silently walking and watching. But he knew it was pointless- for unicorns only showed themselves to the innocent.
But he had innocent intentions. That had to count for something.
‘There is a girl called Annie.’ He called out, feeling stupid- and like the world was watching him. ‘She believes in you. And its christmas. Please.’
Silence.
Of course. Who would trust a devi-
Twigs breaking. He turned, to see a unicorn of pure gold stood watching him, a look in its eyes he knew a name for, but didn’t understand. Peace. And trust.
He held out a hand and the unicorn walked forward. He touched its mane- and in a flash, the forest around them was gone, and they were stood in a house with a tree by their sides.
And a bow on the unicorns horn.
Satan smiled. ‘Thank you.’ He said, the words unsure on his lips with their lack of use.
The unicorn tilted its head to the side.
And Satan walked to the door, leaving quietly- then turning and knocking loudly.
Despite being far above the house seconds later, he still heard the two screams- one of joy and excitement, and one of shock and terror.
Satan laughed quietly before heading home. Dumping a unicorn in someones house wasnt exactly how Dear Old Nick would have handled it.
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