Raum's Garden...
A breath of gentle, crisp wind pushed through the flowery sprouts of the cherry blossom tree, the branches gently rustling from the fresh breeze. The tree stood tall and strong, firmly rooted into the soil amongst the grassy hilltop. After a long rest from the icy grasps of winter, spring had finally come to free the cherry blossoms from dormancy.
Resting against the trunk, Raum had always enjoyed this time of year and now was more than a wonderful time to meditate and clear his mind, a rest was most certainly needed after many days of laborious work that a demon in his position was forced to endure. His priorities for today had already been attended to meaning he had all the time in the world to decompress and temporarily relieve himself of his troubles. Raum was in a state of unbreakable focus, becoming one with the garden around him.
"Father, father!" A young voice called out, though Raum didn't seem to pay any mind to the sudden invasion of his peace. His eyes remained close and he had not lifted even a feather. Making the rigorous climb up the hill, a young raven-like demon dressed in periwinkle garbs approached Raum with something held in his clutches. The tyke eagerly scrambled up the hill, sprinting towards Raum when reaching the top. However, the raven chick didn't seem to notice a rock that was shrouded in the grass as his foot struck the stone causing him to tumble forward.
Just when it seemed the child was about to hit the ground, through sharp instincts, Raum quickly shot out his arm and caught the boy with one hand right before he could make his spill. Raum opened his eyes and smiled, happily chuckling as he pulled the child in.
"Malphas, be careful where you run. You won't know what hidden obstacles nature has up its sleeve until the last second!" The Goetia joyfully laughed, situating his son on his lap.
"A-Apologies, father... I-I didn't mean to interrupt your meditation." Malphas chirped, his eyes flicking down in embarrassment.
"It's quite alright, my dear boy. Though, may inquire whatever it is that brings you to me?" Raum asked, his son perking his head up while his eyes lit up with sparkling enthusiasm. The raven quickly tuck whatever it is he had behind his back so as to not give away the surprise.
"Oh, I wanted to show you something, father! It took me two days to make but now I think it's time for me to show you!" Malphas exclaimed.
"Really now? Do enlighten me!" Raum said, curious to see what his son had to offer. Malphas's smile grew slightly wider as he then showed off a toy replica of a bird-like creature. Raum was quite surprised by the craftsmanship of the model, the head and body were comprised of wood while the wings and tail were made from feathers that Malphas had likely plucked from himself.
"Impressive, my boy..." Raum commented, analyzing the model with amazement. "Though, might I ask what this is?"
"It's an invention I plan on making when I grow up! I call it the Mega Roc!" Malphas said, handing the model to his father so that he may have a better look at his work. "It'll be Hell's newest sentinel. He can fly around, shoot lasers, and brings ends to turf wars! It'll be so amazing, King Lucifer will surely give it his blessing!"
"You're quite passionate about this, Malphas. There's no denying that you have a drive for creativity and ingenuity." Raum replied, putting a hand on his son's shoulder. "I'm sure that you might leave a footnote in Hell's history with enough hard work and planning."
"I cannot wait for that moment, father! Though..." Malphas was about to continue his sentence, however, his excitement turned to hesitation. "I-I hope to make you proud of me is all."
"Oh, son... You must know that I have always been proud of you." Raum said to Malphas before giving him a warm hug, looking down upon him with a compassionate smile.
"Y-You are?" Malphas replied, craning his neck up to look his father in the eye.
"Why of course, Malphas. You've already displayed your gift with this here model, I see big things coming your way in the future and you know for a fact that I will always be proud of you..." Raum said to his son, a look of unwavering pride worn on his visage. Malphas, wracked with joy, hugged his father tightly.
"Oh thank you, father! I wish to bring greatness to our family's name!" The young raven declared before letting go of his father.
"Haha! That's the spirit my boy, now go on and enjoy the rest of your day." Raum said, though right before Malphas could run off to his own devices, the grand earl leaned over to his son and whispered into his ear.
"Perhaps if you've been a good enough boy today, some mochi balls could be seen in near the future!" The crow demon teased, his son's heart raced with unadulterated excitement.
"MOCHI BALLS!?" Malphas said, his eyes widening to the thought of such a tasty treat being granted to him.
"That's right!~" His father replied, hoping the stoke the fires of exuberance within his son's heart. Unable to control himself, Malphas rocketed himself into the air as high as his legs could allow.
"ALRIGHT!" He cheered, flapping his wings about before promptly landing on the grass. The young crow started cartwheeling down the hill while repeatedly shouting 'Yes!' like a broken record while his father watched him roll to the bottom. Raum gave out a soft exhale before glancing at the model that Malphas had crafted.
"I look forward to what the future has to offer for you, my dear son..." Raum said with auspiciousness, eagerly studying the replica. However, before he could drift back into his meditation, Raum felt the air turn cold as though a looming danger was rearing its ugly head. Gazing skyward, dark clouds emerged over the once serene garden, and with it came a dreadful gale that plucked the cherry blossoms from their branches. The vicious winds sent them scattering wildly while the tree's bark started to visibly blacken, gradually shriveling into a decayed husk.
Raum barely had the time to process as a piercing metallic screech nearly deafened the crow demon as he peered down to see the Mega Roc's replica begin to twist its head. Looking at Raum with a pair of soulless crimson eyes before its beak swung open to emit another sky-splitting scream. Raum hurled the model several yards away from him, scrambling back against the withering tree trunk to catch his breath.
Beneath him, the ground itself was beginning to darken. Raum's hand felt a tight sensation as though something was pulling at his arm. Raum realized that ground itself was attempting to reel him into the abyss but through his strength and will, he snapped free from his binds before standing on his feet. He looked on to what was once a field of lush green grass devolved into a void of writhing shadows that writhed and pulsated.
"How DARE you father..." A screechy voice called out to Raum, who turned his head to see his own son glaring at him, grown-up into a hateful creature whose ugliness was hidden beneath a mask.
"You side with the very class that anchors us from greatness!? Who are to say those vermin deserve rights like us?!" Malphas snarled to which Raum furrowed his brow and stood up to his full height.
"We are not to abuse our powers on those weaker than us. You averted everything that I've taught you just so you could use your power for your own personal gain!" The Earl retorted, his son sneering at his rebuttal.
"To think that I actually looked up to you and your senseless drivel. I have wasted enough time hearing your 'wise' prattle..." The raven demon hissed before turning his back on his father. The cacophony of a thousand raspy voices cursed the air, all of them whispering out Malphas's name as humanoid figures slowly emerged from the ebony sea, beckoning for the raven to join them. Their skin matched the color of the darkened field with white, gleaming eyes that cast an alluring false glow.
"Malphas, stop! Can't you see you'll destroy yourself if you go down this path!?" Raum demanded but his son merely ignored his cries, the encroaching shadows from beneath were starting to tug him into the ebony ocean. The beings pulled themselves from the sable pasture, shuffling towards Malphas with unnatural animation.
"MALPHAS!" Raum shouted once more, hoping that his son would come to his sense. But as Malphas further strayed away from his father, the humanoids all lurched towards the raven and enveloped him in a sentient, jet black blanket that morphed and shifted into a singular tendril. Horrified by this ungodly sight, Raum withdrew his blade and prepared himself for battle. The tendril changed shape yet again, forming into a bird-like head while inky wings. Blinding white eyes illuminated from the head as the 'beak' opened to reveal an ivory void on the other side.
"No..." Raum said, the clutch on his hilt tightening. "I WON'T LET YOU TAKE ME!"
In response, the avian-like creature let out a haunting cry as it pushed itself forward with its gaping maw wide open. Raum leaped forward, raising his katana up in the air before bringing it down. A savage roar escaped Raum's mouth as he brought down the sword, in turn, a flicker of light consumed him when his blade made contact with the beast.
Gasping for air, Raum pulled himself from the covers of his bed having woken up in cold sweat. The crow was hyperventilating, putting his hands on his head to collect himself. As his breathing calmed down, Raum surveyed his surroundings, finding himself in the comfort of his bedroom. His sheets were dampened by sweat and feathers were strewn about on the mattress. Realizing that everything that had happened was little more than a nightmare, Raum sighed with partial relief.
"Third time this week..." Raum said to himself before crawling out of bed, popping his neck to help relax his muscles. Reaching the nightstand drawer on his left-hand side, Raum pulled it open and rummaged through the contents.
"Still..." Raum said to himself before pulling out that same photo of him and his son resting by the cherry blossom tree. "...It was good to remember better times."
Pentagram City...
Raum was in desperate need of a moment to clear his mindscape, one that could serve as a temporary distraction at the very least. Despite the vastness of his palace, there was a painful reminder lurking in every room, corridor, and courtyard he turned. There was always something there to jog the painful memories on loop. Raum figured that his best solution was for a stroll in the city, far beneath his temple in the sky. The palace was under the watchful eyes of his guards while servants made sure that the establishment was in perfect shape by the time their master returned.
Despite having been weeks since the incident, Raum made it imperative that he couldn't be seen roaming the city streets in fear of being bombarded with microphones and flashing cameras. To evade any prying eyes from the public, the crow demon threw on a black robe, hat, and a tengu mask. Utilizing his magic, Raum altered his height to appear as though he was a hunched-back, elderly demon so that he may blend in with the crowd.
As he made his way through the city streets, the earl heard loud 'DING' from his phone, prompting him to reach into his pockets to check the notification. He had received a text message from Stolas that read the following:
"Hello Raum! Just wanted to check and see how everything is going. Remember, you can talk to me whenever you want to! My doors are always open for you, brother dear. Speaking of doors, I plan a surprise for you and I hope you like it. I won't say what it is but you're in for a treat once you get home!"
Truth be told, despite his brother's good intentions, Raum was in no mood for pleasantries. The earl read the message with an emotionless gaze before responding with a mere two-sentence reply:
"Thank you but I can't talk. I'm taking a walk right now."
And with that, he tucked his phone back into his pockets and continued on with his way. His first stop was a cafe, one that he had frequented often so getting there was a breeze for the goetic earl. During his trip, however, Raum came across something that was taped to the window of a shop he was passing by.
It was a colorful flyer advertising the supposed 'Happy Hotel' run by who else but Princess Charlie Morningstar herself. The flyer was bedecked with pink hearts and smiley faces with Charlie standing in front of a gleaming rainbow. The slogan depicted on the center read 'The Happy Hotel: Why be a sinner? When you could be a WINNER!' along with the address placed at the bottom. Raum stared at the advertisement, his mind racing back to when the terrible news was broken to him. He felt as though he could barely breathe or keep just one stable thought in his head.
"...No. Not now." Raum thought to himself aloud, though right before he could walk away, the swordsman reached for the flyer and peeled it off the window. Stowing the paper inside of his robes.
Without any further delays, Raum had finally made it to the cafe. He had placed his order of jasmine tea and paid for the beverage when it was served to him. The tea here was surprisingly good for the most part, while Raum did prefer to make it himself, he certainly wouldn't say no to this. Pulling himself a seat, Raum softly blew on his hot tea to help cool the liquid down. Upon reaching a desirable temperature, Raum took a sip from the glass. Letting the tea's delectable flavor dance amongst his tastebuds before swallowing it whole. The warm, bracing sensation that soon followed shortly thereafter left Raum feeling quite content, the crow demon took a second drink from his glass.
Whilst Raum was enjoying the serenity, an imp and an incubus pulled themselves a seat on the table right behind. The crow demon paid no mind to them at first, it was better for him to place focus on himself and nothing more.
"Hey, thanks for paying for the food, man. I really appreciate it." The imp thanked his partner before taking a drink of his coffee.
"Don't sweat it! I'm willing to help you out with any favors. Especially with last night, if you know what I mean~" Replied the incubus, chuckling slightly while the imp nearly spat out his drink with jets of coffee shooting out from his nostrils.
"Could you fucking not, we're in public..." The imp groaned with annoyance before wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"What? It's just a joke, dude. No need to get cold with me." The taller demon replied, raising his hands defensively. The imp managed out a sigh before resting a hand on his head, leaning against the table.
"Sorry about that... I-It's just that the job search hasn't been going so well." The imp shamefully admitted, his friend dropping his promiscuous demeanor when the truth came out.
"Oh... Right. Sorry about that, I didn't mean to open up that wound..." The incubus replied with genuine sympathy in his voice. Raum, despite his efforts, couldn't help but quietly eavesdrop on this conversation for curiosity had gotten the better of him.
"It's fine, it's fine. But ever since the office got bombed by those bird robots, looking for work has been a nightmare." The imp lamented, looking down at his own coffee. Overhearing the imp's plight, Raum's eyes widened beneath his mask from the mention of the attack, and his body went stiff as aboard. He knew the reason for his stroll and he should've done the sensible thing and left the place altogether but something prevented him from turning away.
"H-Hey, man. I'm sure something will come around soon." The incubus replied in an attempt to lift his friend's spirits although it didn't seem to do much as the imp slouched over the table, burying his face in his arms.
"I hope... I barely paid off rent and I don't know what I'm going to do when next month rolls around..." The imp said with a worried sigh. Raum debated whether or not to involve himself in the demon's struggles. To a demon of his status, he was but a meager commoner whom he had no intention of helping. However, the knowledge that his son, and to an extent Raum himself, was the leading cause of this imp's misery. He was but one of many others who suffered from his child's hubris. The least he could do was lend a helping hand.
"...Seems that I have some minor atoning to get out of the way." Raum quietly sighed to himself before clearing his throat, turning around in order to face the two demons.
"Excuse me, good sir..." The disguised goetic said in a now-raspy voice, catching the attention of both the imp and the incubus. Both of whom were unaware that there were speaking to demon royalty. "I apologize for the intrusion but I couldn't help but overhear that one of you is struggling to find a job. Correct?"
"Yeah, so what if he is? It's none of your business anyway, so buzz off!" The incubus replied with a slight bit of hostility.
"Actually, I was hoping to assist your friend in your endeavors." Raum said, the imp perking his head up from the Goetia's statement. He was quite bewildered that a stranger that he never laid eyes on was offering him help, at first, he was about to decline but considering the position he was in, any form of help would have to do.
"Y-You'd be willing to help me? But how?" The imp questioned, raising a brow.
"For starters, I've heard that there are many job openings in this city that are more than willing to accept you. Check your phone, there might even be one that's right across the street." Raum explained.
"True but I barely got the job I wanted by the skin of my teeth and it got ripped away from me." The graphic designer replied. "I don't want to end up flipping burgers while some bitchy customer nags me to death."
"That may be, however, there could be a way for you to bypass these narrow gaps," Raum responded, the imp now listening intently to what the crow demon had to say. "Tell me, what was your previous job?"
"Oh, I'm a graphic designer. Imp City didn't provide much for that career so I moved to Pentagram City since that had greater opportunities..." The imp said, falling silent for a brief moment before sighing with defeat. "Of course, given how hard it is for a guy like me to get work, nobody wanted to hire me."
"I see..." Raum said with a nod, cupping his chin. "Please, continue."
"Right, well I managed to land a job doing graphic design for a small office company. It wasn't the biggest step but it was certainly a start." The imp continued on with his story, though his eyes flicked back to the coffee as a melancholy mien presented itself on his visage.
"Of course, right when I finally got the job, not even a few days later, that upper-class fuck came in with his fucking robots and ruined everything…" He growled with clenched teeth, his expression shifting into a hateful scowl. Raum felt the heat of disdain emanating from the imp's words, a horrid sting surging within his stomach.
"I swear, that motherfucker got what was coming to him. He coasted through life by sucking off Hell's higher-ups and allowances from his daddy. If I was in the same room as that bitch, I WOULD-"
"Babe, please. You're getting off-topic here..." The incubus chimed in, setting a hand on his friend's wrist. Taking in a deep breath, the imp cut his tangent short and regained his bearings.
"S-sorry about that..." The imp sheepishly apologized, leaving Raum in a moment of temporary silence.
"It's quite alright, just…" Raum paused, unable to find a proper way to finish his sentence. "Let's focus on the subject at hand. You want to live your passion but are unsure if you'll land the position. Between you and me, there are some certain loopholes you can exploit."
"Really?... Like what?" The small demon questioned, his eyes briefly darting back and forth to make sure that nobody else was tuning in on their conversation. The Demonic Earl leaned over to the imp, his beak right up to the graphic designer's ear with a feathery hand up against his own mouth. It was here that Raum started to whisper his knowledge of corporate exploitation into the imp's ear, listening intently to every word spoken.
"Mhm... Okay... Oh, you serious? Hmm... Never thought about that..." The unemployed demon muttered, nodding his head before abruptly gasping. "WHAT!? Well... I'm certainly no stranger to tax evasion."
"If everyone's doing it, why can't you?" Raum said with a slight chuckle. "We're in hell after all."
"Can totally vouch for that, there's even a tax-burning dumpster just across the street. I'm sure you could already tell by the long line!" The incubus laughed.
"I have seen myself at that alleyway every now and again. Personally, I prefer my tax burning in the morning. Better to get it out of the way first thing!" Raum added on, all three demons sharing a laugh together with the crow and the incubus cackling the heaviest.
"Hehe... Yeah... I guess so." The imp said with a slight chuckle. "Anyways, I can't thank you enough for your help. I'm just glad to know there are some people willing to stick up for me."
"While it is imperative that one must learn to fight on their own, it's always a comfort to know that there are those who will offer a hand in your hardships. After all, one person who cares can make all the difference." Raum said before taking a sip of his tea, emptying the cup of its contents. A spring of hopefulness started to invigorate in the imp upon hearing the Goetic's words, it would be a harrowing task but knowing that it was possible was all he needed to keep pushing forward.
"Now then, I believe I'll be going now. Farwell and I wish the best for you in the following days." The Goetic said his goodbyes, respectfully nodding as he promptly removed himself from his seat. Right before Raum could leave, the imp called out to him one last time.
"Wait! Hold on, I haven't gotten your name! Can you tell me what it is?" The imp asked, the cloaked demon smiled beneath his mask and chuckled.
"Oh, I'm nobody special. Though, perhaps our interaction was in the wind for us. We just didn't know it yet." Raum merely replied before approaching the cafe's exit. A smile began to form on the imp's features as he turned to his friend, his dread and uncertainty replaced with hope and ambition.
"So, you think you can really pull this off?" The incubus asked, leaning back against his chair slightly.
"I'm not a hundred percent sure but... Fuck it, it's worth a try." The imp replied before excitedly grabbing his cup and drinking down his beverage.
Raum set his hand onto the door handle, quietly sighing to himself before pushing it open. He left the cafe with a stagnant shuffle and his head hung low, shuffling amongst the wandering city civilians. Raum made it a priority to keep his mind off the incident, focusing on whatever it could be to temporarily distract him. He didn't care if it was good or bad, just as long as it didn't involve his son.
Though it seemed that fate had other plans in store for the demonic lord, for at the end of the city block and around the street corner awaited an unwelcoming sight. The second he turned into that corner, what laid out to him was a desecrated city block that was barricaded off from the public with a wall of signs informing pedestrians that the battered street was going under repairs and that the best solution was to merely ignore it and continue on their way as if they never saw a thing.
Beyond the many barricades and strands of yellow tape, construction workers moved about in the desecrated remains of the streets. What was once a lively city block where demons could happily saunter and get mugged had now become a robot graveyard with nearly hundreds of robot corpses besmirched along the streets and ruined buildings. Heavy bulldozers slowly rode along the pavement to scrape off any excess rubble or scrap metal, vulture bot remains were lifted into the air by cranes that gently set into dump trucks so that they could be hauled off into the local scrapyard.
Raum stopped to look upon the vast building site, watching the many workers grind away at the shattered street. Doing the best they can to clean up the mess and repair the tremendous damages in hopes that it could be deemed inhabitable once more. Despite everything that his mind told him, Raum just didn't have the strength nor courage to turn in the other direction.
"Damn, could you believe it's only been only a few months since this shit happened?" Raum's ears picked up on a female voice, one that belonged to a young sinner who was strolling along the streets with two other friends.
"Can you still believe this happened because he couldn't get a girlfriend?" One demon commented.
"The things people will do for the box." Another one added, unaware that they had unknowingly passed by the culprit's father. As crass and unripe as their comments were, they did hold some truth to them. Raum forced himself to avert his gaze, straying far from the site at a brisk pace.
"It's none of your concern anymore, keep walking. It's none of your concern anymore, just keep walking..." Raum repeated to himself, gradually picking up speed with each step. It only took a few rapid paces later for Raum to stop yet again, resulting in an ongoer or two bumping into him.
"Hey, watch where you going, you old prick!" One hellish civilian rudely shouted.
"M-my apologies, sir..." Raum replied in his fake, hoarse-sounding voice. The demonic pedestrian merely ignored his apology and carried on with his day, shrugging off the encounter. The Goetia's eyes darted back to the desolate broken city block, against everything that his mind and body told him, Raum couldn't bare to hide from the horrors that were his son's doing. The swordsman demon looked around briefly, assuring that there was nobody around. Luckily, the coast was clear for Raum as his whole body began to darken. Transmogrifying into an undulating ebony blob that sank to the floor, proceeding to run across the pavement as though it were a liquid.
The shadowy trail slithered beneath the soles of pedestrians and brushed past the barricades undetected, creeping its way past the near hundreds of workers that toiled endlessly under the blood-red sky. Raum trailed along the fissure-ridden streets before sliding beneath a cement mixing truck, blending in with the shadow cast by the construction vehicle. He viewed the demons at work from the blackness, hauling heavy equipment over their shoulders with a few slackers lounging about in vehicles, feet rested on the control panel and hands behind their head while their eyes were glued to lewd magazines that they shamelessly brought to work.
Raum made not a caw to give away his position, watching the reconstruction unfold from the shadows. The truck that he was positioned under suddenly grumbled to life right over the shadowy mass while the tires began to steadily roll forward. The shadowy demon snuck to the nearest wheel, crawling across the hubcap before phasing through the spokes as if he were an octopus squeezing its way through a tight space. He reached the other side of the tire, still fastened to the hubcap. The shadowy mass morphed into a bird-like silhouette that craned its neck up to obtain a wider view of the damaged city block.
The truck rolled by hills of rubble that were once buildings that stood proudly in Pentagram City, scattered amongst the streets were street lights ripped from their hinges, cars that were turned into unrecognizable scrap heaps or flattened into metallic sheets. Enormous, circular cavities were imprinted amongst the asphalt, ones that appeared to be the footprints of a hulking behemoth. The cement truck pulled up to one of the many craters, where two workers were seen waiting for the heavy vehicle to reach the indentation. Upon reaching the ideal proximity, the truck's chute was facing the basin before cement came rushing out from the drum and into the hollow.
"Alright, Lenny, how's the big one comin' along?" A gruff voice said, one that Raum overheard in spite of all the noise blaring throughout the construction site.
"We managed to get the leftwing outta the crater but the rest of the robot is stuck in there." Another voice chirped out, this one sounding nasal in comparison. Curious, Raum slid down from the hubcap and quickly scurried off in the direction where he heard the conversation. The tenebrous stream slipped underneath an I-beam in order to hide from plain sight where two demons were passing by the support structure. A burly red, ant-like demon who dawned a hard hat that concealed his eyes and a safety vest that was flung onto his bulky shoulders. Plodding right beside him with a clipboard in his hands was a scrawny demon resembling a termite with a slightly hunched-over back and a hard hat covering his horned dome.
"The rest of the body will be a bitch to get out. We had to use six canes just to get one of the wings out." The termite said, his eyes mainly fixated on the clipboard while his brawny boss strutted alongside. The two bug-like demons walked by the I-beam before Raum's shadowy form quietly sept underneath the support structure and proceeded to follow the duo.
"Damn... Guess we're gonna need to triple the workers for this then." The larger insectoid grumbled, removing his construction cap to wipe away any sweat dribbling from his brow. "We've barely got half of these metal bastards off to the scrapyard."
"I couldn't agree with you more. We're lucky this is all union protected otherwise we'd all be going on strike." Lenny commented, unaware that he and his boss were being stalked by a Goetia.
"If this shit were in the human world, then this would be a WAY different story..." The boss chuckled, placing his hard hat back onto his head. Raum had blended in with the larger demon's shadow, slithering right behind the two unnoticed.
"Yeah... Though, what should we do about the crater? I know for a fact that we'll run out of concrete by the time it reaches a quarter full." Lenny said while his boss curiously scratched his chin.
"I was wonderin' about that too. Well, who knows? A memorial, a sightseeing attraction? Hell, maybe throw a gift shop in there or somethin', I dunno." The ant-like demon shrugged before coming to a complete stop. Raum couldn't see what the demon was looking at though he didn't want to blow his cover by straying away. He heard the stocky insectoid let out a soft exhale before he turned to his angular acquaintance.
"...You know something, I wonder what in the hell made him this way?" He questioned. "I know them Ars Goetia folks are whack-a-doos, but this guy makes the lot of them look like a stable, suburban household!"
"Eh, leave it to rich folk to do all the eccentric bullshit. Willing to bet he got all bitchy because his daddy never hugged him or some dumb excuse." Lenny replied with a scoff. The shadowy mass from beneath felt a twinge of anger beginning to drill itself into his rationality. Raum battled the urge to arise from behind that demon to tell him that he had given his son nothing but his utmost love and respect, how his own offspring manipulated and twisted his father's trust so that he could climb the hierarchy. Nevertheless, the Goetia maintained himself from ambushing out of the shadows.
"Yeah, guess that's true. Well, can't do anything about that now I guess." The boss shrugged before walking off, the termite quickly scurrying behind. Raum was planning to follow after them, that was until he realized just what the two construction workers were looking at. Spreading near the length of an Olympic-sized swimming pool and the depth of a quarry laid a Levithan-sized crater that stretched across the battered streets. In the center of it all, buried beneath heaps of dirt and rock, were the crushed scraps that used to be the Mega Roc.
A technological beast that proudly stood tall over Pentagram City itself was but a shattered husk, reduced to little more than mere pieces of scrap metal lying in the dust. The dreams of days long gone rolled back to the earl, seeing the joy in his son's face when he presented that model. A face that Raum had long since forgotten for it had corroded to the time itself. The goetic demon, without the need for a word, dragged himself into the depths. Trailing along the craggy walls, reaching the center of the robot's grave. Raum circled the mechanical monolith, viewing the robot in all of its tattered glory.
The Mega Roc was missing a wing and a talon along with several other parts that had been excavated from its desecrated shell. Raum crept up to its only wing, skating along the wide pinon. The shadowy blob crawled onto the robot's back, growing in size before coalescing back into its original, avian-like form. Raum moved his head up to see just how deep his descent into the crater was, the hellish red sky farther away than he would have wanted it to be. Beneath his talons, the crow felt his claws scratch against something that felt like it was embedded in the metal.
Looking down and moving his talon aside, Raum spotted something hidden beneath a coat of dust. Lowering himself, Raum swiped off the debris where he was met with a troubling sight. Malphas's sigil, etched and marked on the robot's back. Raum felt several nerves being struck all at once at the sight of the sigil, remembering the day from which it was bestowed onto his son. He could remember the very exchange they shared on that joyous occasion as though it were yesterday.
"I did it, father! I got my own sigil, I'm truly a Goetia! T-This is... THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE!"
"Haha! Words fail to describe how much I am proud of you, my son. You will grow to be one of the greatest noblemen amongst of family bloodline!"
"Oh father, I cannot thank you enough for this. I love you so much!"
"I love you too, son..."
Raum buckled down to his knees, his thin legs unable to properly support his own weight. The air itself turned cold with the only warmth being the crow's own breath as he moved his hand onto the sigil. His arms grew shaky and his vision grew blurred and watery, he tried desperately to fight the urge but it was all for naught. Sorrow prevailed and conquered his mindscape, tears flowed from his eyes and dripped onto the metal floor. The Goetia silently wept to himself, he never wanted to see his son go down such a dark path nor let innocents suffer by his hand.
"Oh, my son..." Raum whimpered with a harrowed breath, quivering before what was quite possibly the closest thing he had to his son. "I was too late to save you from corruption. I never wished to see you bounded by shackles and throttled by beasts, but no matter what I taught you, this was the destiny that you had chosen for yourself..."
During his lamentation, Raum felt something fall from his robes as it daintily landed on his lap. Wiping away any remaining tears, the earl looked down to see the flyer resting before him. He reached down and picked the paper up, giving it a thorough reading. An epiphany was beginning to unveil itself to the Goetia in the form of this flyer, if it was true that he couldn't change what had already been done, he still had time to right the wrongs of his son.
"Perhaps..." He said, rising to full height before looking up at the scarlet heavens. "...Perhaps, there is a way for me to fix this."
Raum's body changed shape yet again, taking the form of a crow as it spread its jet black wings out and took the sky. Flying out from the crater and leaving the construction site behind him.
"I won't let despair anchor me down forever. Nor shall I hide away from my blunders..." The crow thought to himself, his sights set on a certain hotel off in the distance. "I have much to atone for but I must try..."
The Hazbin Hotel Lobby...
"Get up, Husk."
"Mruaauugh... Gruagh..."
"Husk, I said get up. You were supposed to be up by now. I'm not gonna ask you again."
"Urrgmph... Go away... I already told you, I don't need that liver transplant..."
"For the love of-HUSK, WAKE THE FUCK UP!"
Vaggie's piercing voice drilled into Husk's ear canals as the winged demon's arms flailed about for a brief second, his hat flew right off of his head before the cat-like demon fell flat on the floor with a loud 'THUD'. The alcoholic doorman hastily shot right back up and grabbed onto a nearby, empty booze bottle before smashing it against the table, glass shards scattering everywhere.
"DON'T TOUCH MY GIN AND TONIC ICE CREAM, I'LL FUCKIN' SHANK YOU!" Husk shouted, holding the broken beer bottle by its neck as a makeshift weapon. Coming to his senses, Husk realized he was in no peril but was met with Vaggie, glaring at him with her arms folded.
"Uuhh... Sorry." Husk embarrassingly apologized, tossing the shattered glass bottle aside. "Uh... Cat instincts, y'know?"
"Yeah, okay. Well, it's one-thirty and you overslept yet again. Charlie and I have already warned you enough as it is, Husk." Vaggie stated while the winged demon reached down to retrieve his hat.
"Well, I don't know the two of you are giving me shit for napping a lot when I dunno..." Husk placed his top hat right back onto his head before showing off the barren hotel lobby that was collecting dust and cobwebs. "...THERE'S BARELY ANYBODY HERE!"
"Still doesn't give you an excuse to sleep on the job! Charlie expects all of us to cooperate and work diligently, including you." Vaggie retorted, narrowing her singular eye.
"I dunno what the hell you expect me to do now that the last of our refugees fucked off and went back home." Husk grumbled before cracking his back and spreading his wings out. "Like, tell me what am I supposed to do? Sit on my ass for hours while sober!? That's just fuckin' depraved if you ask me."
"Husk, you are aware that you aren't allowed to drink during open hours. Charlie has made that painstakingly clear." The hotel manager firmly warned.
"Listen, this is the only way I can actually make it through the day. So either you let me get shitfaced in peace or die trying." The sour bartender replied before pulling a brand new bottle of liquor to drown his woes away.
"Hmph. Well, then I guess I'll have Alastor lock away the scratching post. I know how much you're obsessed with that..." Vaggie threatened, that very ultimatum making the fur on the nape of Husk's neck stand up while his blood ran cold.
"...You listen up here, bitch. You're playing with fire if you're gonna go down THAT route." Husk hissed, his grip around the bottle tightening to a point where he could've easily cracked it at any given moment.
"Then I suggest you curb your behavior and do your job correctly..." Vaggie admonished, unmoved by Husk's threat.
"If you're REALLY gonna test me, I'll have your right eye matching your other eye…" Husk snarled, the cat and moth-like demon glaring daggers at one another. It was likely that a brutal fight was about to break out between the ill-tempered manager and the drunken doorman.
"Really now? If that's the case then maybe I can have you neutered considering the balls on you right now…" The Hispanic demoness growled, tension rising by the minute. Though just as it seemed the demons were about to lunge at one another in a heated scuffle, the door to the front entrance clicked open with a slight breeze slowly seeping into the hotel lobby.
"Excuse me." A firm baritone voice called out, one that brought Vaggie and Husk's argument to a grinding halt. Annoyed that someone decided to barge into the place in the middle of his heated quarrel, Husk looked over Vaggie's shoulder to yell at the unwanted guest.
"WHAT THE... f-fuck...d-do you...gulp...want." Husk's anger-fueled cry turned into a fearful whimper, his eyes widening and his wings fearfully curled back. Confused, Vaggie turned around and her stomach was tied into knots upon seeing none other than Raum, standing by the entrance. The crow-like demon knew that his unforeseen appearance left the hotel staff indifferent but he still maintained a respectful demeanor.
"...I'm sorry to intrude on such short notice but, is there any chance that Princess Charlie is here?" Raum asked, shutting the door behind him. Husk and Vaggie glanced at one another, fully aware of who they were dealing with.
"...Vaggie, you take care of this." Husk whispered to Vaggie before haphazardly leaving his station, stumbling over empty bottles and shot glasses.
"What!? No! Get your ass back here right now!" The Hotel Manager angrily demanded as the winged demon moseyed on over to the nearest hallway, likely to find another space to get hammered.
"Look, I'm sorry for this, okay?" Husk said with a slither of remorse in his tone though his apology did come off rather half-hearted. "Dealing with Alastor is one thing and I've honestly gotten used to it. But a Goetia? No siree, so good luck to ya."
"Don't you walk on me you, di-" It was too late for Vaggie for Husk had already bolted off, leaving her to deal with Raum. Clenching her hands tightly with rage, Vaggie grabbed onto her hair and prepared to rip locks of it from her scalp.
"HUSK, YOU LAZY, INCONSIDERATE, MOTHERFU-"
"Erm..."
Vaggie's singular eye flicked back to Raum, who was patiently awaiting a response. He had witnessed this altercation from beginning to end though, he knew better not to comment on it as unpleasant as it is.
"...If she's not available, I'll simply be on my way." The Goetic demon commented, turning his back slightly. Planning to exit the hotel and return another day, however, right when he was about to see himself out, Charlie's voice called out from the adjacent hallway.
"Hey, Vaggie? I heard you and Husk arguing. Is everything-" The second that the demonic princess stepped into the lobby and turned to see Raum, her heart skipped a beat. "...okay..."
"...Greetings to you, Princess Charlie. I'm more than honored to be in your presence." The Demonic Earl greeted with a bow. "I hope this is a good time..."
"L-Lord Raum, I certainly wasn't expecting you to come by. If may ask, what exactly brought you here anyway?" Charlie inquired, an uneasy cold sweat running down the nape of the princess's neck.
"I was hoping that you and I could have a simple talk with one another. I do hope that is fine with you, of course." Raum offered, giving Hell's Princess a moment to think. Charlie and Vaggie quickly turned to one another for a brief moment, the two unsure if they were willing to go through with this. Charlie knew full well of the atrocities that his son had committed, however, if Raum was willing to discuss matters with civility then surely he was anything like Malphas.
"...We'd be happy to talk," Charlie said with a stiff nod. "Vaggie, do you think you'd like to join us?"
"I'd be delighted to..." Vaggie replied with a false smile, speaking through clenched teeth. Raum could already tell that his presence was unwelcomed at this establishment and rightfully so. Though, he knew that within his heart, this needed to happen.
"Very well, I'd personally be more comfortable if we had this discussion in a private setting. Wouldn't you agree?" The demonic earl purposed.
"O-Oh! Of course, of course!" Charlie said with a quick nod before gesturing Raum over to a nearby corridor. "Right this way, please."
"Thank you." The crow-like demon said before promptly following Charlie to a private room, Vaggie reluctantly tagging along with the two. As they moved to a private lounge room, Vaggie and Raum exchanged a quick glance with a sensation of distrust and reluctantly drifting in the air. The crow and the spearwoman turned away as quickly as they made eye contact while Charlie approached a set of double doors leading into a luxurious lounge room.
Charlie held the door open for Raum and Vaggie, closing it behind her once they set foot into the room. Raum seated himself on a comfy armchair, resting both hands on the armrests while the hotel organizers sat on a chaise longue
"Lord Raum, I certainly wasn't expecting you to come by," Charlie commented, starting off this conversation. "I figured you'd have somewhere else to be."
"Correct. At first, I didn't necessarily plan on coming to this place. But, after some thinking, I believed it was paramount that I'd talk with the both of you." Raum replied with solemnity. Charlie and Vaggie already knew just why Raum brought himself to the hotel.
"...This is about Malphas, isn't it?..." Charlie asked bluntly. Raum went silent, closing his eyes and taking a short breath to maintain himself.
"...Correct." Raum confirmed with a begrudging nod. "After receiving word of my son's filthy actions and having him plucked from the Ars Goetia name, the following days were... difficult, so to speak."
"Then, why are you even here to begin with?" Vaggie inquired.
"Atonement. I figured that if I'm unable to change the past, I might as well make things right in the present for a better future." The earl explained, Charlie's eyes widening slightly in surprise.
"A-Are you implying that you want to help with the hotel?..." Charlie pressed on.
"If that's how it must be then perhaps I could lend a helping hand in your ventures." Raum admitted, both hotel organizers darted their eyes at one another before Charlie reached out and placed a hand on Vaggie's shoulder.
"Uh... Give s a moment, please." Charlie politely requested before turning she, along with Vaggie, turned their heads away from Raum so that they could consult with one another.
"I don't know about this. For all we know, he's probably doing this just to clear his son's name." Vaggie whispered into her girlfriend's ear, her eye briefly shifting over to Raum to see if he was listening in on their conversation.
"Vaggie, I know it's hard to believe but I think he's true to his word, didn't you see it at the courthouse?" Charlie defended. "He's genuinely remorseful for what happened and I think he might actually want to help us."
"Fair enough, I guess. But don't you think we're jumping the gun if we immediately let him on board? Again, he could possibly make a one-eighty on us." Vaggie responded, her girlfriend cupped her chin and took in her words.
"True... Thankfully, however, I have a plan. Just stick with me." Charlie assured her before her attention shifted back to Raum. "Forgive me for asking this, Lord Raum. But, I feel as though it's important that I ask you this... Why?"
"...Why what exactly?" Raum asked with confusion.
"Well, after seeing what your son was like first-hand and how different he is compared to you, then I just need to know. What made him like this? Why did he do the things he did?" Charlie responded, causing Raum to pause. His shoulders tensed up and his head moved down, it was evident that the question was difficult for him to answer.
"That's... a long story in itself, Princess Morningstar. One that would be taxing for myself if I were to disclose in full detail, however, the explanation is a simple one that can be described in no less than two words." The goetic demon explained to the best of his ability.
"And those are?..." Vaggie asked, waiting for Raum to elaborate on his statement.
"Desire and spite." The crow-like demon replied, craning his neck up to make eye contact with both demonesses.
"...Well, that doesn't fully answer my question. You don't have to if it's too much for you." Charlie said, Raum once again entering a state of concentration. He debated whether to recount his son's downfall though it would have for the best had the truth come out now than never.
"...Malphas was a young, curious lad. He always yearned to bring greatness to the Ars Goetia name, one of his greatest attributes was his need to create." Raum confessed, Charlie and Vaggie listening intently to his story.
"Malphas always had the drive to make whatever it was that he had in his mind, his need to invent was strong. He had always been fascinated by technology and the advancements that humans made throughout their existence, believing that the same could possibly be said for demonkind." The earl continued on with his story. "So much so, that he even abandoned magic for the spoils of science."
"If that's the case then why does hold so much resentment towards sinners and other forms of the lower class?" Vaggie questioned. "He could have done something to benefit all of Hell instead of making fucking... spy drones!"
"Indeed, he would've. But as he grew older and continued with his studies, Malphas blamed sinners and the crippling overpopulation crisis for hindering the higher class from reaching perfection." Raum replied before Charlie interjected.
"I can vouch for that. At every party that I've attended, Malphas was always raving on about how 'sinners are parasites' and that 'we could do much better without them'. And there were times he tried to flirt with me but he could barely manage a coherent sentence. He was, by all accounts, a nuisance." Charlie sighed, remembering all those uncomfortable holiday parties.
"What I'm surprised at is that your dad didn't throw him out when he had the chance." Vaggie commented, folding her arms.
"Though, my dad kept him around because he was a valuable asset. It didn't matter how unpleasant he was, just as long as he got the job done." Hell's Princess continued. "I just wish both we could've realized how bad things truly were..."
"Hindsight is a cruel mistress, Princess Morningstar," Raum said with a defeated sigh. "Why else do you think I'm here?"
"...Can't exactly blame you there. Although, what happened next?" Charlie said, cueing Raum to continue with his story.
"As he grew older and his hubris spoke louder than anything else in his mind, we bickered endlessly until Malphas decided to leave my palace before saying that I was 'slowing him down'..." The demonic earl shamefully confessed. "I... still haven't forgotten about that."
"Wow, Lord Raum... I... I'm sorry to hear that." Charlie apologized.
"There's nothing for you to be sorry for, Princess. Evidently, I didn't have the strength to stop him..." Raum admitted, tightly clasping his hands together.
"After he left, Malphas impressed many of Hell's higher-ups with his advanced knowledge in robotics and architecture. So much so that even Lucifer and the seven princes caught wind of his skills." He continued, his grip around his own wrist loosening. "Mammon and Asmodeus especially, though no other coattails were better ride on than the king of Hell himself..."
"Certainly sounds like him." Vaggie snarled slightly. "I've known people who are just as slimy as him, they act like they're on your side but their kindness is nothing but a facade while they leech off on you..."
"...Yes. That's the unfortunate truth with Malphas, if there's one thing that fuels his ego, it's adoration." Raum said with a despondent sigh. "Anyways, I believe that's all there is for you to know. If there are any other questions on your mind, feel free to ask."
"...Well, it explains a lot of things, Lord Raum. However, I still can't find it in my heart to forgive him for the wicked things he's done and I doubt I'll ever will." Charlie admitted, the memories of her terrifying discoveries resurfacing.
"I know, Princess Morningstar. That was the answer I was anticipating." The goetic earl answered with defeat. "However, that doesn't mean I won't stand down and do nothing."
Upon saying this, Raum stood up from his seat, easily towering over Charlie and Vaggie. The latter of whom sprang up onto her feet with her hand hovering over her spear's shaft in case the swordsman was to try anything. What Vaggie wasn't expecting was for Raum to drop down to his knees and sprawled his upper body onto the floor, bowing down to both demonesses. Charlie picked herself up from her seat, standing before Raum, surprised by this sudden turn of events.
"Lord Raum, I-"
"I am well aware you do not trust me, I doubt anyone will with the knowledge of my son's actions. But my word is true and I yearn to keep it strong. You have my full loyalty, Princess Morningstar." Raum expressed with gratefulness, now at the princess's mercy.
"If every word you spoke is true and from the heart, then let me ask you a question..." Charlie demanded with fiery resolute. "Do you believe in my cause?"
"...I... don't." Raum said, Charlie merely responding with silence.
"...However... I do believe that I have been gravely mistaken in the past. I believe that I must change and improve. If I am able to do so... then perhaps I will believe that others may do the same." The Goetia softly spoke. Charlie could detect a faint shakiness in his voice.
"...Then perhaps there is hope that my son may still be in there... somewhere..." Raum said, struggling to finish his sentence.
"...I have a proposition for you." The Hotel Owner propounded, the crow listening intently to her demands. "If you truly want to atone for your son's actions and help this establishment, I am more than willing to open my doors to you. But be warned, if you go against my wishes then the deal is off and you have to leave."
"If that's your terms, I will accept them wholeheartedly." The goetic demon said before being approached by Hell's princess. Charlie looked down at Raum, who tensed up for whatever her next move would be, and reached out with a welcoming hand. Raum moved his head up to see a compassionate smile worn proudly on her features. One that wasn't a hollow disguise, but a genuine one that resonated with hope.
"Then let me be the first to say, welcome aboard!" Charlie said with a warm, inviting tone. Raum extended his hand out and grabbed onto Charlie's, rising back to his feet while firmly shaking her hand.
"Words fail to express my gratitude for your acceptance, Princess Morningstar." Raum thanked with sincerity.
"Please, call me Charlie." The Hotel Owner replied, still keeping her smile. "I look forward to working with you in the future, Raum. It takes a lot of courage to admit one's faults, but just know that you shouldn't let them define who you really are."
"...Thank you, Charlie..." Raum said, moved by the demonic princess's words. "There would be no greater honor in the world than to assist you in your struggles."
"I very much appreciate it." She returned with a grateful nod before letting go of Raum's hand.
"Now then, I best be leaving now. I wish you well on your journey and I hope to see you soon." The goetic demon bid farewell to Charlie and Vaggie before making his way to the exit.
"Same to you!" Charlie waved goodbye while Vaggie watched the earl exit the hotel with an uneasy look. The second Raum had left her sight, Charlie sputtered out a subdued exhale. Vaggie anxiously approached Charlie, her head still facing the doorway that Raum had left. This entire conversation left her quite trepidatious to say the very least. On one hand, she certainly trusted him to a much greater degree compared to Alastor. However, knowing the power that Raum holds and the knowledge of Malphas's actions, had her on the fence.
"Are you sure he meant everything that he said, Charlie?..." Vaggie spoke up, looking her lover in the eye. Charlie took a minute to appropriately respond, she reflected on what transpired at the courthouse and that shameful look in Raum's eyes by the time it was over. Despite never truly believing in redemption, Raum didn't hide his true emotions beneath a smiling mask. Wearing his feelings on his sleeve like a badge of honor.
"I'm very positive that he's true to his word, Vaggie." The Hotel Owner assured her girlfriend with a small yet optimistic smile. "After all, it's not like we're dealing with Alastor here."
"Awwww, What's the matter, Charlie?..." The Radio Demon's grainy voice buzzed into the room, alerting both demonesses to his unwarranted presence. Charlie nearly jumped out of her skin while Vaggie was quick to draw out her spear, her eye frantically darting from all angles in search of the cannibalistic radio host. Little did both know, Alastor emerged from the shadows underneath them and appeared behind them, both demonesses unaware of his presence.
"Do I simply not entertain you anymore?" Alastor jeered, spooking Charlie and Vaggie to a further degree. The two spun around, Vaggie hitting the grinning demon with an irate scowl.
"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!?" Vaggie cursed, her face taking up a reddish hue. "Were you fucking spying on us!?"
"Why yes, yes I was!" Alastor confirmed shamelessly, continuing to chip away at Vaggie's short temper as Charlie held onto her shoulders as to prevent Vaggie from running the risk of lunging at the overlord.
"Pedazo de mierda sonriente, What the fuck is wrong with you!?" The moth-like demon rebuked, Alastor merely responding with a heartless chuckle.
"Now, Vagatha, there's no need to be so quick to judge. After all, I'm not the only prying eye who took an interest in this get-together~" Alastor said before pointing at a doorway that was adjacent to the right-hand side of the room. Confused, Charlie and Vaggie directed their attention to where Alastor was pointing, and curiously peering his head from the doorframe was Oogar.
"What the- OOGAR!" Vaggie yelled frustratedly, the caveman pulled himself out of sight when his parents took notice of him. "Hey, don't think you can walk away from this. You get back here right this second!"
The Mammoth Demon gave out a low whimper before he came marching back into the room with his head hung in regret. Upon reaching his adopted mother, the caveman got down to his knees and lowered himself so that he would meet his parents at eye level.
"Sorry mama..." Oogar apologized, bowing his head in shame. "But Oogar didn't know if Crow Man wanted to hurt Mamas. Oogar scared he may hurt you is all..."
"Oogar, sweetie, I know you want to protect us but what did we talk about?..." Charlie spoke out in a gentle yet firm tone of voice, grabbing onto his hand while calmly caressing the giant's wrist to assure him that she wasn't upset.
"No... eavesdropping..." The caveman replied with a disheartened sigh. "Oogar still remember what happened. When... he hurt you."
"...I know you're concerned but it's going to be okay. As far as I'm aware, Raum means us no harm. In fact, he's here to help us!" Charlie inspirited her son, patting him on the hand. Vaggie joined in with her lover in comforting her son, skidding her fingers through the fur on his forearm.
"We'll be able to handle it, big guy. Don't you worry about a thing." Vaggie said with an assuring smile, easing the mammoth demon's worries.
"That is until you're unable to handle it!" Alastor rudely interjected, prompting a glare from both Vaggie and Charlie.
"You stay out of this!" The Hotel Manager chided, the deer-like demon's sharp-toothed smile widening as a result.
"Just needed to make absolutely sure that we didn't have our heads too far in the clouds otherwise we'd be reaching the moon by now!" Alastor exclaimed, proceeding to burst into a fit of boisterous laughter much to the ire of the ragtag family.
"Hey, no need to feel glum about being nosey, Oogar! I'm doing right now as a matter of fact!" A shrill voice of Niffty suddenly rang through the room, catching everyone present in the room off guard. Without warning, the cyclopean gremlin poked her head out from beneath the couch, dawning a cheeky grin.
"Wha- I- Are you serious!?" Charlie exclaimed with bewilderment while Niffty crawled out from underneath the sofa. The cleaning lady proceeded to shake off any dust bunnies that had gotten onto her hair or clothes.
"Okay, is EVERYBODY hiding in this this fucking room right now?!" Vaggie exclaimed. On perfect timing, the pendulum door to the grandfather clock in the corner swung open, and out fell Angel and Husk.
"Ow! Fuckin' hell..." Husk grumbled to himself before noticing everyone else present in the room. "Uuuh... Hi?"
"Let me guess, you two were also listening in on the conversation?" Charlie sighed with a pout, putting her hands on her hips. Angel and Husk shared the same blank expression before they glanced at one another.
"What conversation?" The winged demon asked, raising a red brow.
"Yeah, Husk and I were makin' out. What's goin' on here?" Angel casually dropped, Husk's eyes widened while his wings unfurled out of embarrassment.
"NO. WE. FUCKIN'. WEREN'T." Husk shouted, his face now redder than a cherry tomato.
"Hey, nothin' to be ashamed of. After all, I don't lick pussy..." Angel snickered with imprudence, attempting to stifle his laughter. Husk knew full well where the spider demon was going and didn't like any of it.
"Don't you fuckin' dare-"
"THE PUSSY LICKS ME!"
"THAT'S IT! I'M GONNA KICK YOUR FUCKIN' ASS, COME 'ERE!" Husk shouted with seething rage while Angel ran off with a smile, laughing like a lunatic in spite of Husk chasing after him with the intention of wringing his pencil neck.
"C'mon, no need to be sore, Huskyboo!~" The spider demon taunted, bolting it out of the room with the feline hot on his trail.
"I'LL SHOW YOU SORE WHEN I HAVE MY FOOT WEDGED UP YOUR ASS!" Husk shouted, his threat unintentionally arousing the spider demon. As the two left the room, Niffty skittered over to the doorway.
"Hey, wait up, Husk! I wanna join in on the action!" She exclaimed before eagerly pulling out a machete, eyeing the blade with a disturbing grin while her singular pupil shrunk.
"Niffty, you're not allowed to stab anyone affiliated with the hotel! We've been through this..." Vaggie chimed in.
"But I-"
"NO BUTS! PUT DOWN THE MACHETE THIS INSTANT!" The moth-like demon firmly demanded, the cleaning lady whimpering with defeat as she reluctantly sheathed the blade right back into her pocket.
"Okay..." Niffty sighed, her eye glancing to the side. However, an idea came to the one-eyed demon's mind, one that made her vicious smile return as she pulled out a pair of huge metal gauntlets that were twice her size. "...Though no one told me I couldn't bludgeon them~"
"NO!" But it was far too later for Vaggie as Niffty hurried off, giggling like a lunatic. Almost immediately, Vaggie sprinted after Niffty with Alastor quickly following behind, eager to see where this ordeal was going.
"I smell entertaiiiiiinmeeeeent!~" Alastor sang, Charlie and Oogar were now the remaining demons standing in the lounge room.
"Okay, looks like I'm going to have to stop them from breaking something..." Charlie muttered with annoyance. "Let's get Remember that we still have that reading session tonight."
"Wait, before mama go... We can trust, Crow Man? Right...?" Oogar fearfully asked with a worried look in his eyes. Charlie seemed hesitant to give an answer but she managed to push her uncertainties aside.
"It'll take some time getting used to but I can assure you that Raum means well. It's worrying, I know but it'll be okay, son." The hotel owner guaranteed, giving her son a soft hug to which he lowered himself to return the embrace. The caveman made extra sure that he didn't snap his mother's spine with a monstrous bear hug.
"For now, we got bigger things to worry about..." Charlie before the sound of porcelain breaking and Angel screaming reverberated from the hall. "...And that's one of them, let's get going, Oogar!"
"Right! EMERGENCY HUGS ON THE WAY!" Oogar bellowed before peeling off alongside Charlie so that they may stop this scuffle and hopefully prevent a bone from breaking or a boot going up someone's behind.
Raum's Palace...
The front gates opened themselves to Raum, allowing access to the main foyer of his palace. His many servants and guards welcomed his presence with a respectful bow, to which he replied with either a silent nod or a quick bow. Waiting for him at his palace's entryway, Yasuke knelt before his master.
"Welcome back, Lord Raum." The oni saluted.
"Evening, Yasuke." Said the earl, stopping to bow before his head guardsmen. Raum continued on his way with Yasuke following behind, today had taken a lot out of the Goetia and now he planned on retiring for the night.
"How was your walk, my lord?" Yasuke asked.
"It was... fine." Raum replied with a hint of apprehension. "Though I'm quite debilitated so I'll be helping myself to some much-needed rest."
"Very well then, but before you go to bed, your brother came by to deliver a gift to you." Yasuke said, stopping Raum in his tracks. He had almost forgotten the text that Stolas sent him a while back, though he was now intrigued at what his brother had in store for him.
"Here." Yasuke said before pulling out a wicker basket that was filled to the brim with various Japanese candies, confectionery, and self-care products for feathers. Raum was quite surprised by this gift, to say the least as he took the basket from Yasuke's hand.
"Ah, thank you Yasuke. I'll be sure to let Stolas know that I am thankful for his largesse." Raum said with a small smile before continuing down the hall. "You may be excused now."
"Rest well, Lord Raum." Yasuke bowed once more before leaving his master to his own devices. Returning to his quarters, the earl slid the door behind him before resting the basket on the nightstand right beside his bed. Raum sat himself down on the mattress, taking in a deep breath. Reflecting on everything that had happened today. He knew there was much work that needed to do, however, Raum didn't intend on wallowing in self-pity for the rest of his days.
Right when he was about to call it a night, Raum noticed two letters that were attached to the gift basket's handle by a ribbon. The grand earl reached forth and untied the ribbon's knot before inspecting both letters, one was from Stolas and the other was from his niece, Octavia.
"Dearest Brother, I very much hope you enjoy this present Octavia and I had made for you. You won't believe all the trouble we went through just to find the right feather moisturizer! We both wish you the best for you and remember, we're always there for you to talk to. - With love, Stolas."
"Hey, Uncle Raum. Hope you like the gift. I don't think I've ever told you this but you're one cool uncle. Keep being cool or whatever. - From, Octavia."
Upon reading these notes, Raum couldn't help but smile while a single tear ran down his eye. Despite no longer having a son, he knew that there were people that still had faith in him.
And he would very much return the favor.