Occult Lineage: Blood Heir

Disclaimer: I own nothing except the author created characters and concepts. Thanks to Ranger Red 2.3, Mistycharming, SA June and Sir Perfluous for their OC's used in this fic.

A week after the assassination of King Virin Satan, the news of the Demon King's death had reached the ears of the rangers and the team now sat in Saya's home. The blue ranger sat on the couch with her sister, an arm around her whilst the other rangers sat around the lounge. Matsoudoch stood pouring tea for yet another guest in the household. Lelina Phoenix.

"So tell us why you're here again?" Ellie asked as the rangers looked toward the Phoenix Demon amongst them.

"My dad's making me go to the funeral. Gotta represent him or something because he's too stubborn to go himself. I decided to tag along with Saya." She explained nonchalantly, taking the cup before her on the table and gulping it down like it was nothing. "Needs more sugar." She added, much to the nearby Demon butler's frustration.

"Anyway." Saya piped up. "I wanted you all here to ask if you'd come with me, my invitation said that I could bring as many guests as I wanted. My father should be arriving soon with transportation, but I want to know if you'll all come with me."

"It's short notice don't you think? But you also said your father is going. So I'm guessing you're not going for the same reason Lelina is?" Nyssa asked, the High Demon confirming her assumptions with a nod.

"King Satan and my father were quite close and worked together on matters more often than not. Whenever he visited the Palace, he was always a nice man when he saw me and my sister. We're going to pay our respects to a family friend if anything." She explained her motives and connection to the deceased.

"I get it, you're just looking for some support then." Joe deduced from where he sat opposite Saya.

"Hey everyone. There's something you should know about King Satan's death." Xander said, gaining the attention of all others in the room. "I've kept quiet on it for now since it didn't concern you all. I heard from my bosses in Acumen about it, this was an assassination that took his and all his advisors lives. They've kept it quiet for now while my organisation looks for the culprit. That said, once the funeral is over, they'll be publicising that information, that's when the witch hunt begins."

"He was assassinated… How awful." Sakura gasped as the grim news beared on the rangers' minds.

"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you but it's better everyone hears this beforehand. Like I said, there's gonna be a witch hunt as soon as everyone hears of this and House Satan's people will end up spearheading it. My organisation hasn't turned up much, that's why I want your help guys. Acumen's had a dark past of political assassinations tied to it. Even we won't be exempt from this witch hunt. You guys though, you can fly under the radar and find whoever did this. So are you in?"

"I'm no fan of people who kill others, especially if it's for something like power. I'm in." Max said as he nodded to the grey ranger.

"I owe it to King Satan for all the kindness he's shown me and my sister. If there are no complaints, then please everyone, help to find those who killed him." Saya asked the others.

A quick realisation dawned on them, it was rare Saya asked them for anything. With that the others remained silent and nodded, deciding to go with the blue ranger and hunt down the assassin in question. With that, Matt entered the room, having slipped out moments ago, and cleared his throat loudly. "I beg your pardon everyone, King Leviathan has arrived and is waiting outside, if you'll all follow me, your rides await."

Leading the way, the Demon butler brought the group outside where two navy blue limousines awaited. "Travelling in style this time, nice." Ellie commented as they walked toward the two vehicles.

"These cars are used for special occasions, usually to ferry the most important Underworlders between different realms. Try not to trash yours." Matt explained as he gestured to the front vehicle. "You rangers will use this one, the Phoenix girl and the two Ladies I serve will follow me to the King's car." He added, guiding the Demons away and opening the door for them before getting inside himself.

"Well." Joe started. "I guess it's back to the Underworld. Hopefully they've forgotten about our last trip there by now." He said, remembering the aftermath of their victory against Pasra Phoenix and the popularity it brought him with worry as he and the others entered the limousine and began their journey to the Underworld and their destination, Valeflame Palace.

[Occult Circle]

After crossing the trans-realm barrier and making their way into the front courtyard of Valeflame Palace, the rangers and companions exited the vehicles to look upon the grand vermillion structure that towered before them. As they took the time to marvel at it, the clanging of armour was heard as a group of soldiers came closer to the group and halted opposite them, standing at attention. Shifting their focus to the soldiers, the rangers saw their colours matched that of the Leviathan soldiers, yet two soldiers stood out. They bore the colours and crests of House Phoenix, no doubt there to escort Lelina.

As the Phoenix High Demon left with her detail, waving goodbye to the rangers as she departed. Once she had King Bourus Leviathan stepped forward, met with salutes by his men. As they formed a defensive perimeter around the Monarch and his daughters, Saya spoke up.

"Father, I understand the need for security added security, I've been told about what really happened to King Satan and his advisors. I know you need to be kept safe but you already know I don't need protection. Please let me pay my respects alongside my friends." She asked her father politely who could only smile and chuckle.

"I know that all too well, you're more like your mother every day Sayakriel. Strong and beautiful, just like she was. Go on, join your friends." He said, patting her shoulder.

"Thank you, It means a lot." She said, giving the ageing King a grateful smile before making her way to the other rangers.

Following behind Saya's family and their guard, the rangers entered into the great hall of Valeflame Palace. The main hall extended for some time, while large feast tables flanked the main entrance. As the rangers walked they saw that the guests of the Palace were being directed out past the great structure and into another open space behind it. As they walked Joe felt the eyes of the guests who walked near turn on him and heard whispers he could only assume were directed at him.

"I hoped they'd have forgotten about the whole red ranger beating Pasra thing by now." He grumbled as he walked.

"The price of fame I guess." Ellie commented as they turned out through one of the side doors, having reached the end of the great hall.

"No offense to anyone but I'd rather not be famous in the Underworld."

Outside was a set of steps that lead down to a large green space, several trees flanked a brick road running down the centre that lead to a wide pair of ornate gates. Beyond that lied what appeared to be a City, its architecture appeared rather rustic and appeared like something one might find in the European Countryside despite being quite a large City. The rangers looked on to see the numerous guests of the Palace lined down the sides of the brick road. Waiting at the bottom of the steps appeared to be a traditional funeral carriage while atop the steps were a contingent of House Satan guards alongside an elderly butler with slick white hair, a goatee and a monocle, while the guards stood around a large coffin covered in red heraldry, the butler stood greeting guests in front of it and allowing them to pay their respects.

"Woah, this place is huge." Max commented as he took in the awe of the place.

"Yes, I bet you could run around all day in a garden like this Max." Nyssa quipped as the six teens waited for King Bourus and Sakura to pay their respects at the coffin.

"Could you guys cut it out for a second? We are at a funeral you know." Joe berated the black and amber rangers as they took their turn and walked up to pay their respects.

As the rangers bowed their heads silently. The butler smiled. "Lady Saya, thank you for being here, my Master was always fond of you. He always said he was always envious of your father for being blessed with a family like yours. He would have loved it for you all to be here though, he always thought of you all as a second family even if you were political rivals. But at least three of you could be here to see his spirit off.

"Thank you Jasper, I wish all my family could be here, I wish the King could be too, I thought of him as an uncle after all. But at least I still have some family left."

"The Ceremony will begin soon but there is one more pressing matter. I assume that you are the Occult rangers my Master has spoke of before." Saya nodded. "And the young man in red is the Immortal that defeated Pasra Phoenix, correct?"

Joe gave a deep sigh. "Yeah, that's me." He said, adding a nod.

"Then I can fulfil my final duty to my Master." Jasper said, much to the confusion of Joe and the other rangers as he produced a sealed envelope from the inside of his suit jacket. "On the event of my Master's sudden and unnatural death, I was tasked with seeking the champion who defeated Fiedar's son and delivering him this letter. What's inside is for you alone." He explained, passing the red ranger the letter, sealed shut and imprinted with the horned Demon insignia of House Satan.

"Come, we should find my father down by the parade ground. The funeral Ceremony will begin soon." Saya said as the others walked ahead of her, Joe staring down at the sealed envelope in his hands as he walked. Before she followed the others she looked at coffin with great sorrow in her eyes. With the others not staring, she could finally let her emotions show, if only just a little. "Infernal dreams, Uncle Virin." She whispered as she turned away and walked away to join the others.

[Occult Circle]

Having joined Saya's family, standing amongst the crowd, the Ceremony had begun. Everyone amongst the crowd looked on mournfully as the coffin was loaded upon the Carriage and a parade of soldiers began marching ahead of the carriage as it pulled off. Slightly ahead of them marched House Satan's military band, playing a sorrowful tune as the gates opened up and the group marched out with the carriage to the requiem of the band's instruments.

As the mourning period died down and the carriage went out of view amongst the streets and mourning people of Satan lands gathered at the roadside, talk amongst the guests of Valeflame began to stir once more. Primarily about the succession of a new Monarch and who that would be, with many fingers pointed in the different directions of the candidates. Of course, until King Virin was laid to rest, the truth of his death would not come to light.

As Joe stepped away from the crowd, Xander watched them all like a hawk. "Acumen thinks that it was the work of the Abyssal Cult." He explained to the other rangers still present. "We know they're not exactly fans of how things are run down here but an assassination like this after they've gone to great lengths to stay under the radar doesn't make sense."

"He's right, the Cult isn't stupid enough to go after what could end up being their most powerful opposition like this." Nyssa nodded in agreement with the ghostly spy.

"Then who could've done it? I bet it's a politician. They're always after more power." Max guessed palming his fist with certainty, or at least he was certain in his views.

Xander scratched his chin for a moment. "Usually you'd be right." He started before shaking his head. "But not in this case, whoever did this was good. They managed to take down the King and his power base in an instant. Not many that can do that, even the Cult's MO these days is to play the long game. Explains why they aren't around much on Earth right now."

As Xander thought it over, yelling could be heard closer to the Palace from where they were stood. Saya looked on in disgust at the cause of the commotion. "Oh great… Azzaros." She groaned as they watched a Satan Demon as he got in a spat with the two Phoenix guards at Lelina's side.

"Listen to me peasant, do you know who I am? I am King Satan's nephew, you won't deny me what I want, so get out of my way!"

"Our Lady has already expressed her wishes that you leave her alone immediately!" One of the guards pushed back.

"Just buzz off Azzaros. I told you already I'd rather eat dirt than be with a scumbag like you!" The Phoenix demon in question called out from behind her escorts.

"Mind explaining to us what's going on with those two?" Ellie asked, amused by the drama going on in front of them, which every guest still present had now fixed their eyes on.

"Azzaros is a slimy opportunist that thinks he can get away with whatever he wants because he's King Satan's closest blood relative. He does what he wants with little repercussion… and he's been trying to court Lelina Phoenix for years now… Despite her constantly saying no. To put it in human terms, he's a grade A asshole." The blue ranger explained to her comrades.

"You can't deny me forever Lelina, I will get you to say yes to me one day. One way or another, I will-" Azzaros cut off mid-sentence.

"Woah, calm down already would you?" A voice asked as Joe emerged from a gap in the crowd gathered around the incident as murmurs spread quickly. "Some people are trying to mourn here. Now head off before you ruin today for more people." He attempted to diffuse the situation, but he appeared only to make the Satan Demon even angrier.

"Listen here." Azzaros growled. "Do you have any idea who I am?"

"A spoiled brat who gives a bad name to Demons and keeps harassing someone who doesn't deserve it? Do you know who I am?" Joe provoked the aggressive High Demon further before the latter realised just who he was talking to.

His eyes widened with the realisation as fear crept up his spine. "You're the immortal that broke Pasra Phoenix."

"Yeah and if you don't head off, I'll break you too." The red ranger threatened as the crowd got riled up, hoping to see this come to fruition.

Azzaros simply grunted and made his way past Joe, bashing his shoulder into the Immortal as he passed by. With the situation diffused, the crowd quickly lost interest and began to disperse. As the area opened up with the departure of the guests, Lelina looked back at the other rangers and to Saya in particular and smirked.

Making her way past her escorts, she took Joe's arm and fluttered her eyelids at him. "My hero, if you hadn't have come and stopped Azzaros I don't know what I would've done!" She exclaimed, over dramatising her words before releasing his arm.

"You're just messing with me right now aren't you?" Joe quickly deduced, unphased by the Phoenix Demon's attempts.

"Aw you're no fun Joe. I was trying to mess with a certain someone and make her jealous though. Just for fun." She explained as she gestured behind her to Saya who shook her closed fists at her side as she watched.

"I think you can think of this one as a success then. I'm just glad that I'm immortal if she decides to take this out on me too." Joe sighed as he started toward his teammates, casually waving to Lelina as he walked. "Don't get in too much trouble okay?"

"Like you could stop me!" She laughed and gave a wink as she too departed.

Once the rangers were almost alone, Xander spoke up. "So, that was interesting. I get the feeling Lelina's usually around to make your lives more interesting." He guessed as Ellie shrugged.

"That's one way of putting it, you could say she makes it a living hell too but that only works if it's Saya." She said with a giggle.

The blue ranger wasn't having it. "One more word and I'll show you what hell's really like." She threatened, getting the others to quickly back down.

"That Azzaros guys was a total piece of work though, right?" Max chimed in, the others nodded, sharing his sentiment.

"He's always been like that. A total narcissist and sociopath. He'd do anything for a little more power. He was also the kind of Demon that would get bullied a lot by the other High Demon kids back in the day, but that's his own fault." The blue ranger added.

"That isn't something you know from personal experience is it Saya?" Nyssa asked, though Saya refused to give an answer on whether she was one of Azzaros' bullies. If she was though, the Occult rangers certainly didn't seem opposed to her having done so.

"Hey, everyone." Xander spoke up once again. "I'm gonna head to the closest Acumen safehouse in Embernis, the Capital City just outside the Palace over there." He explained, pointing it out. "I want to dig into a hunch I have on who killed King Satan, with your permission of course."

Joe nodded. "It'd be a big help Xander. But don't go just yet." He halted the grey ranger as he produced the sealed letter from King Satan. "I know it's supposed to be for my eyes but whatever this is, it might be important and I don't want to hide it from you guys and I might need your help." He explained an unsealing the letter, reading it out aloud. "Dear Joseph, the Immortal."

I haven't had the pleasure to meet you in person and if you are reading this, it seems I won't be able to. Nevertheless I have kept a close eye on you and the other rangers. Could you also give my regards to Sayakriel please, since I won't be able to do so myself. I commend your exploits in the battle against the Abyssal Cult, fighting against an imposing foe isn't something everyone can do, especially outnumbered as you are against them. But I silently supported your fight personally. You also did well to save the Leviathans the way you did and prevent House Phoenix from getting the upper hand in our politics. I'm personally relieved that neither of the girls had to marry into that family, so you have my thanks. However, I didn't write this just to thank and commend your actions. I have a final request. My death has happened too soon. You see, I never produced an heir as King of the Satan Throne, that leaves many opportunists seeking it, all with different reasons as to why they are rightful. I might be old but I know how much of a disaster this is. That leads me to why I ask you this. It is a long kept secret privy to only the Satan Kings of how the next heir is chosen. You see, we lie about not producing an heir, we leave them to be raised in secret. It keeps us humble and fair as kings that way. My heir lives somewhere in my lands but I never claimed him, thinking it would be best to thrust him into the role as I began to fade and seeing how he handles it. Seems he'll have to handle it sooner than expected and without guidance. I ask that you go out and find my Son, Joseph. Without him both my domain and the rest of the Underworld will be thrown into discord. Take the ring inside this envelope and use it like a compass, the ring is made of a special stone tied to the blood of the Satan line, it will seek out my Son like he was North on a compass, pulsing with light that grows with intensity until you finally find him. Take it and make sure that my line is continued as it should be and that my ungrateful and power hungry nephew doesn't ascend to the throne. Oh and if you don't mind, could you bring my killers to justice too? Thank you for hearing me out at least.

"Sincerely, Virin Satan." Joe finished reading the message as he fished in the envelope and drew out a simple band ring that looked to be made of a sort of crystal, similar to a Ruby. A faint dot of red light pulsed softly pointing in a direction away from Valeflame Palace and the Capital of Embernis.

"Sounds like quite the task." Xander said. "Should I accompany you instead? Finding Virin's true heir should take precedent, right?"

Joe shook his head. "No, as much as I'd hate to split us up, your hunch might be the key to finding who did this. Go chase it Xander. We'll call you if we need backup."

The grey ranger nodded. "Okay, I'll get to it. I'll call on you all if I need your help too." He said before turning away from the team and walking toward the open gates and the City of Embernis itself.

"Okay rangers, form up." Joe commanded as he brought his remaining teammates to go over the plan with. "Let's follow this ring to wherever Virin's heir is and fulfil his last request. If we don't who knows how this'll affect the Underworld. Maybe the Abyssal Cult will get the jump on 'em. Hell, even the Angels could try wipe out the Demons if the opportunity's there. Let's try to stop that from happening." He said as he lead the team out of the parade ground and toward their destination, wherever it may take them.

Little did they know however, that a shadowy figure had been lurking behind one of the trees in the parade ground and had heard their entire conversation. The figure wore crimson leather armour and a crooked smile spread across their face as they twirled a dagger in their hand. Whoever this figure was, after all their hard work, they wouldn't let a group of meddlers interfere with their work. Besides, now news the heir of King Satan's heir had reached their ears, there was a loose end to be tied up and none of the rangers were exempt from it.

[Occult Circle]

Less than a day out from Embernis, the Vineyard Village of Verdentar was a quiet Village sitting on a prime trade route. While it was commonly a stopover for the last leg of the journey to the Capital, today is was rather empty due to the Funeral being held for the beloved Monarch. That said, the residents went about their day in the rustic Countryside settlement like it was any other day.

One particular Demon however, was feeling particularly lazy that day as he rested atop the horizontal branch of a tree overlooking the Vineyards the people worked. He had his hands lax behind his head and his legs stretched out. While his clothes were simple and not much to look at, his hair was shoulder length and deep red and his eyes were a soft blue. He was young, in his twenties by anyone's guess and appeared rather handsome. His smile soon broke though as he was broke from his rest by an irritated voice.

"Hey get back to work ya lazy bum!"

The young man sighed. "What I wouldn't give to be King" He laughed to himself. "Then I wouldn't have to work at all."

|Occult Circle|

Underworld City - Embernis - Capital of House Satan lands, Embernis is regarded as a jewel among Underworld Cities. Keeping their architecture very rustic in nature, it resembles an old European Town in many ways aside from its vastness. Yet there is very little evidence of a class divide in Embernis, thanks largely to the line of Satan Kings who have kept relations good between both Low and High Demons for centuries. It is also said that Embernis is the producer of the best wine in the Underworld and completely eclipses any wine Humanity has made. Yet while it is bottled and produced in Embernis, the grapes that go into the wine are actually produced from the Vineyards around it. Regardless, this has made the Capital as a popular tourist attraction for both High and Low Demons seeking to experience such wine. It was also rumored that the late King Virin Satan, a well known lover of wine, actually produced his own and sent it out into the mass public, though this is not proven and to this day, collectors seek the fabled wine created by the King, the value of it if it does exist increasing exponentially since his death.

And that's chapter 33 everyone and I'm officially returning to Occult Circle with this one. What an appropriate day to do it on too, with the beginning of October and all. That said, I'm going to announce something with a cheesy name since it is the season for this kind of thing. So for the next month, I'm gonna try and get out at least 2 chapters of Occult Circle per week and I thought why not give this challenge to myself a cheesy name while I'm at it? So this October is Occultober where I'm gonna try do just what I said and get out as many Occult Circle chapters as I can. Wish me luck.

So the first part of this arc didn't have much in the way of action but I hope the customs, focusing on Saya a little and the intrigue along with introducing the new characters for this arc was to your liking. Don't worry though, there's action, danger and more on the way in the next one so get ready for that. Thanks for reading and until then!

Next Chapter: Occult Lineage: Satanael

Synopsis: Out on the road, the rangers search for the secret heir of House Satan, little do they know, King Virin's assassins are now hot on their trail, plotting to kill both them and the heir before he can be named the rightful ruler of the land. Can Xander save them, or will he fall into danger too as he seeks answers to who these deadly assassins are too? Find out next time on Power Rangers: Occult Circle