Ouroboros

by Uros Osium

What would fit a tale of a new beginning? Why, a recent end. For a whole bloodline on Earth, it was the end of it all. For the remains of a botched murderous spell, it is the beginning of a life among the damned. From blood anointed by the holy servants of God, to one tainted by the Fell spell destined to consume their living essence. (M Rating just in case)

13. Anima Magica - Chapter I

Year I - Act II - Anima Magica - Chapter I

Paperwork. So much paperwork.

Rosie had to admit there was one downside to gaining power and fame. All the office work she had to do was cutting away from her dress designing and true passion, outside her work as an Overlord and the carnage she sometimes could unleash. Even with those closest to her, those she could trust to a point, she didn't have enough time in the day to get everything done. Not now that she was having some people calling her about the humans.

Unsavory people.

"Valentino, dear." Rosie's voice and expression described perfectly how vomitive mentioning the moth was for Rosie. "I wouldn't send any of them your way if it could save Hell or help us conquer Heaven."

Paperwork was so much preferable to this. Rosie had been enjoying a simple morning, her tea, her pastries, and just a few forms she had to sign or deny. Nothing too important.

Then Valentino called and Rosie felt as if she'd throw up.

Even Cannibals had standards. And Rosie just couldn't stomach this perpetual fly in the wall.

"Oh hoh hoh hoh! Feeling daring, aren't we?" Rosie tutted as her face morphed into something ugly, just as ugly as the act of talking with that flesh dealer. "My good man." The stretch she had to take to call Valentino either of those was physically painful. "What do you think would happen if I asked any of them to go to you, hmmm?"

It was a shame, you know? Her telephone was beautiful. A marvelous creation of white and gold. Artisan piece, you could say. Without cable, unlike most of those still used around the Colony, it could be used anywhere, like a modern one, but this one had more than a hundred years on its back. Still, Rosie liked having it in her house, playing the part, giving it an air of something magical in the Victorian era. Something she found herself quite fond of when she was given such a gift.

And right now she could only wish to be far more detached because she wanted to slam it down so hard it would blow Valentino's eardrums a few regenerations over.

"Hah!" An undignified mockery of a laugh escaped Rosie, for once breaking decorum. "You think ANY of them would heed me on this? Look Valentino, I will do you one, and just ONE favor on this front, for I value our competition, the guile and ruthlessness of it all if nothing else. Because there is nothing else to value when coming from you." Rosie growled with an air of hate that had so much passion behind it you could cut it with a knife. "They all know who you are." And the atmosphere just grew heavier as she spoke. "They all know what you do and how you treat your people." With Rosie fighting back from turning into a monster every word along the way. "If they ever got close to you, they'd consider it a breach of Carlos' contract. On. Your. PART. They would summon Lucifer without a moment's notice to deal with you, Valentino, and my dear Carlos would willingly enslave himself further to our Lord's will just to get you out of the picture."

There was a moment of silence before the line picked up again. This time Rosie's face showed actual disgust. Valentino was nothing if not the scum of the Earth, and probably worse than that, to the point of being less than most beings of Hell. Actual slavery in the afterlife was often looked up as better than the things people like this wretch talking to Rosie could offer.

Hell, Rosie had been offered eons' worth of service to be far away from that disgusting man. She had taken those offers, of course, and that is how she had people she could truly trust. Fear is a good motivator, though, as Valentino often found out if he didn't break people 'right', it was equally good at making an enemy that could outlast everything.

"Let me stop you there, Valentino. And tell your friends to stop butting in." Rosie lost all the candid platitudes and niceties she had managed to smuggle into this conversation. "I am going to tell you this only once, insect." The Overlord's visage turned grim as her smirk grew feral and her teeth sharper, jagged. "We will remain at war so you and I do as we always do. If you approach them, then the Radio Demon comes in as well, perhaps even Lucifer if he thinks you have willingly acted against his law. Do not tempt me, Valentino. We both know I cannot win against you and your cohorts united, but that has never stopped me from stomping your little incursions. How many of your people are more afraid of being eaten alive time and time again than your anger? Take a page from my book, dead: Don't play with your food more than you need to, or, as you found out, it may be able to fight back."

Unvoiced went the fact that Rosie had been able to do more than just fight back before. Equally silent was the clear indication that, even without Alastor, Rosie would've been able to give Valentino a black eye if nothing else. Whether she won or lost was also not mentioned.

What was clearly stated was how Valentino may, or may not have had a chance at crushing Rosie before. Now? Now he was shit out of luck for sure, but Rosie was convinced she would've lasted at least another decade with this trio bothering her, with or without her extra influence now. The only difference? Now she could truly be smug about it and fear no retaliation beyond the usual. Lucifer wouldn't outright back her, but there was an extra layer of fear about the power of the Cannibal Colony now, not that such a thing had been lacking before.

"Fume all you want, dear." Rosie tittered for a moment, her form perfectly back to normal. "I know a member of The Order would be an incredible attraction. I am AWARE you'd even let them be, for they'd be your little stars whenever they decided to show up. But I can assure you that even the most lustful of them found you appalling, to say the least. So, had you not decided to become less… amicable, I would've gladly acted instead of spoken to you. Keep that in mind.."

That was a lie.

Rosie wanted very much to tell Valentino to choke on his whores' dicks, or force him. The only time Rosie would willingly touch the disgusting man. But a real dame would not be that crude.

"I care not, Valentino." Rosie turned terse as she fought not to break the phone's receiver in her hand. "My answer is final. You can 'sweeten' the deal all you want, it won't work. Even if I wanted to, and that is a massive big 'if', they all would consider you offensive enough, as I mentioned. None of them would make a deal with you in any kind of faith, good or not. You'd be lucky if the lot of them didn't try to kill you BEFORE my forces, or Alastor's magic, got to you. The both of us need very little coercion to go for your throat, you know this."

Now that was a fib. There were many reasons why going to fight against the Three Vs was the most crappy idea you could imagine. One being their resources, another their numbers, and the third being every other massive asshole that would take advantage of either Rosie or Alastor taking their attention away from them.

Valentino knew this.

He also knew that, just to spite him, Rosie and her friends would finish him off even if they lost everything in the process. It was all about the message, after all.

"Glad you see things my way." Rosie spoke in a false happy tone. "Hope you never have to see what the family may become, Valentino. Because even someone such as I, or perhaps Alastor, would find it far too gruesome to look at. A little bird told me just how unstable they are, and I can swear to you that one of them is sadistic beyond anyone else I know. Take it as you may."

When Rosie put the phone down she had to reflect on what she just said.

Rosie, a butcher in her own right, much like Alastor, had to admit the family under her care could turn a pack of rabid imps off with their monstros bloodlust. It was horrible what The Order had done to their people over the ages. There was no desire for it, just conditioning passed down, blood by blood, child by child, until it was grafted into their very being.

Unrefined and savage, to the point even she felt disgust.

For she would've loved to make them like that herself, to make them accept such nature, not have them primed for feral pack tactics by default. Call her warped all you wanted, but there was a reason behind Rosie's desires. For one? She would at least help them control those impulses. Much as most would say of Rosie, none of her crew were animalistic savages like The Order's warriors could be the moment a melee was started.

Or when they got too hurt.

Or when a fight was a loss.

Or any point when their conditioning kicked in.

Hell. Rosie would admit that even most feral demons in her realm were sometimes more human than some of The Order's warriors as soon as their senses left them. And sometimes the feral monsters around could make better conversationalists.

Her new friends hadn't been too happy to learn about this, and Pilar hadn't been able to fight her claims when brought to her.

Rosie let out a sigh. This had looked like such a good day too.

"My Lady." Evelinde's voice roused Rosie from her slump. The Cambion was at her own desk, sorting paperwork and taking care of the less important ones. "Why talk with that wretch of a man unless obliged to? Lucifer's word should've been enough for the cur."

Well, there was at least some sunshine to her days after the deal. Evelinde had returned to work for her with a smile far wider than Rosie had ever seen. Even Rosie's dressing down hadn't dampened the young woman's mood. Admittedly Rosie had toned down what she was going to do by a mile and a half, considering in the end Evelinde's actions had, as they always tend to, helped her greatly. And Rosie's admonition had reminded the humans that their own mistakes would be THEIR fault and not ROSIE'S to pay for.

Having Evelinde working with her as if nothing had happened was a welcome thing. Perhaps someone else would've been more effective at some things, but the young demoness' loyalty and dedication brought a good natured smile out of Rosie. It helped that she was constantly trying to one up someone else right now too.

"I agree." Leonor had been at the beck and call of Rosie for whatever small thing was needed after her arrival. Today she was at the door, as a guard, in a sense. "Dealing with Valentino in any way would make even Asmodeus retch. I have heard the Prince of Lust is of half a mind to erase that bastard's soul. If he hadn't attained Overlord status I am sure Lucifer wouldn't care. Even now I think he would hardly bat an eye if it wasn't because Vox is mixed in with such a disgusting entity."

In a month a rivalry had started. Evelinde versus Leonor. An interesting and most entertaining fight of cunning and guile to divide and then hoard Carlos' attention. Where Evelinde was obvious and traditional in trying to gain his affections, Leonor had been far more standoffish and apparently indifferent while trying to guide the young man towards things they both seemed to enjoy, only with her at the lead whenever she could do it.

Ironic that the one he spent most of his time with, was the imp.

Oh goodness, did that make Rosie laugh. Alastor? Not so much. Considering the young man had a 'type', and that he and Lucifer both extracted it from Carlos? That wasn't a surprising development.

But there were reasons for that. One? It was the attractive visuals, even if Rosie didn't share the young man's tastes. Two? They worked together in the mine that had been built rather quickly on the fourth floor.

Zana was far from a romantic type, or one that sought attention the likes of which Carlos was willing to give. After all, the young man wasn't sexually interested yet. It had been a month, just a month. A shock like this didn't go away this fast, much less after many of the family had to kill someone for her. Only those that hadn't gone into battle seemed to remain the same. Everyone else? They all, minus one, had shown… quirks.

In time, if they all got better after she showed them to a friend of hers able to talk through their defenses, then things would become more stable. By then, if neither Leonor or Evelinde had gotten through to Carlos, then Zana would be the one to get first dibs. Rosie had no worries there though. Evelinde was utterly determined at something more serious and involved than the Contract, and Leonor seemed driven to get Carlos to follow her lead in many ways. It would be entertaining if nothing else, and ensured the two of them would do their best in everything Carlos, or Rosie, commanded.

Leonor and Evelinde both shared a look as Rosie thought about it all. The two had their own way to fight, and only Zana seemed still interested in exchanging places in the future, with Leonor, either through pride or something else, having changed priorities to try and get ahead of Rosie's loyal Cambion. It made both girls try harder to win Rosie's own good graces too, so she wouldn't complain.

Yet.

Rosie didn't want either woman trying to kill the other after all. Carlos wasn't ruthless enough to wish harm upon either of them, not now, not ever. Rosie could appreciate that of the young man. Some niceties in Hell, while risky, were a good change of pace. But in a competition for a mate, sex partner or, worse yet, a true lover, demons were far more likely to maim or kill each other, and far less likely to care.

Did that sound cold? Possibly. Did Rosie care too much? Not at all. Did she worry it would come to that, Lucifer's law and threats or not, with the most likely outcome being a very self loathing human on her hands? Yes.

It had been very easy for Rosie to find out just how self flagellating Carlos could be with anything that even LOOKED like it was his fault when he wanted to do good. When he wanted to do 'bad'? Like the many little fights with his cousins that had, instead of gone down after arriving in Hell, instead gone up? Oh, when they screwed each other it was all fine. The problem was indeed if Carlos was trying to help, and instead hurt someone. Then he got into a rut and it would take hours to get him out of it, and he wouldn't allow himself to forget.

Heck, one time Rosie was the one to be displeased by something he had done. A little, stupid thing really, more so considering it had been just a month and the young man had been otherwise doing very well whenever she asked something of him. But that little thing? That had Carlos trying to make up for it while being utterly miserable.

The part of him trying to do anything she asked? Rosie liked that. The overbearing, self defeating and almost self mutilating the moment he messed up something that almost cut his arm off, the approach the young man took was NOT what Rosie wanted for a long term investment.

Perhaps this was why most demons just made deals with horrible people most of the time. Things were far easier to control and you usually didn't give a shit if those wastes of space keeled over dead.

"Lady Rosie?"

The voice of Evelinde brought Rosie back from her thoughts. The Cambion and her rival were both giving Rosie a curious glance.

Clearing her throat, Rosie spoke. "Yes, Evelinde?"

"You looked… distracted?" Evelinde ventured with a slight level of concern. "Should we prepare for Valentino-?"

"No, no. That wasn't it. I highly doubt the scum will come to us." Rosie chuckled at the thought. Valentino had FAR more pressing matters. Being hated by nearly everyone had its downsides, after all. "Just pondering about Carlos' 'little failure' for a second."

Leonor was unable to contain a particularly undignified snort. "'Failure'? He just couldn't keep it in when the 'tithe' came in."

The 'tithe' Leonor referred to was the many Sinners that 'volunteered' (AKA, sold) their living bodies to the Cannibal Colony. Getting your head lopped off before turning the discarded body into food was painful as all get together, or so Rosie had been told, but she did compensate them well enough after they regenerated.

You cannot always go out hunting, you know?

Granted the meat tastes… lesser, so to speak. Or perhaps it was just a mental thing? Whatever the case, it was a method Rosie had offered her people to ensure they wouldn't always have to go out and hunt, or buy from outside sources. The Colony wasn't fully self sustainable, but these people made it far easier. The number rose and fell from time to time, so it wasn't a foolproof way of getting things done, but of all things Rosie had tried, this was the most successful and nearly constant that had kept her people somewhat content.

Carlos hadn't exactly enjoyed the slaughterhouse.

It had been humiliating for the young man, but also a minor blow to Rosie's reputation. To have someone that couldn't hold their revulsion like that? Such weakness. Rosie did understand, she truly did, but still…

Luckily the ones there had been almost as understanding, for demons that is, but there had been ribbing and Rosie knew the event's tale had spread at least a little bit. It would've been perfectly fine if Carlos hadn't overhead Rosie mentioning that it would sting a little to have someone so 'soft'. Those words had prompted Carlos to 'try harder' for a short while until they sat down and talked His eagerness to please was something Rosie wished more of the people working for her had, coupled with the zero chance of stabbing her in the back, but she did need to curb down that self deprecating streak he suffered from.

"Speaking of which." Rosie hummed as she looked over some of the papers in front of her. "We have another tithe coming in, Evelinde. Apparently not all of them can make it at once however. Do you have the time to oversee their processing?"

Evelinde and Leonor shared a glance that made Rosie frown. What was the problem? Evelinde had never been against the idea, in fact she loved to see the process. The only reason Rosie regularly went to the slaughterhouse was to make sure the new meat knew how it all was to go down. So why was there doubt in her aide's eyes today?

"Boss." Leonor was the one to speak before she pointed at Rosie's side. "You really didn't hear that?"

While Leonor's behavior was not what the Colony was used to, her more direct approach was somewhat welcome. Although as soon as Rosie looked at her desk's side the embarrassment almost made her do something stupid.

There was a glowing piece of parchment there.

A direct missive from Lucifer. Something that came with fanfare even.

Just how out of it had she been, really?

"I need to smooth things out with the mortals." Rosie sighed with a small frown finding its way to her face. "I am suffering far too many distractions as of late." She then took the small page and read. A simple 'oh' face was her expression before she looked to the side. "I almost forgot."

"My Lady?" Evelinde tilted her head, Leonor and her sharing a glance and a question. What could it be?

"Day one of the new month, my dear." Rosie got up, foregoing the rest of the paperwork for today. "Prince Stolas and the youngest humans are to have a meeting and discuss magic."

A look of realization befell both women. On one side Evelinde seemed elated and curious, on the other was Leonor with a look of disdain. Well, if nothing else it showed Rosie what both women felt when it came to the Goetia.

"I can oversee the processing of the Sinners, boss." Leonor was far too quick to offer. "Don't know if we'd be required to be there, but I prefer not to get anywhere close to those birds. Having the Prince that close last month was more than enough for a while."

Evelinde sneered at the shark. "Don't you want to rub elbows with the rich and powerful? Technically speaking they should hold a modicum of respect for you now, my dear."

"Modicum my ass." Leonor spat back. "I had enough of those snobs when working for my last boss. You'd be surprised how many of them go to Greed to ensure someone else is maimed, usually monetarily wise, though some also wanted a more physical, and permanent, message." The shark woman made a face. "Most of those I have had the displeasure to meet are slimy, conniving and disgusting rich assholes that wouldn't work a day in their lives if it didn't have to do with magic, political intrigue, or just screwing someone up to show they are better than everyone else. Unless Prince Stolas proves to be otherwise, or I need to be there for whatever reason, I would prefer to leave the Goetia to rot well and far away from me."

Rosie hummed at the tirade. "Seems you feel strongly towards the nobility, don't you?"

"I just dislike their general snobbish personalities." Leonor shrugged. "Zana is the one that just dislikes the royals in general. Apparently the one to hold the festivals back in Wrath until the torch was passed was…"

"A massive 'cunt', yes." Rosie filled in, allowing a simple curse past her lips. It wasn't so much a surprise as it was her general sneer. Apparently she was aware of who it was. "Let's say Prince Stolas is the one to hold that position now and while… not exactly the most charismatic when doing it, he is far more liked, perhaps even loved, when compared to his predecessor."

That seemed to mollify Leonor. "Well, that seems like a good first step. Still, since I'd prefer to take that last task off your hands so you can go and notify Carlos and his kin."

Evelinde arched an eyebrow her way. "Not interested in accompanying him, even if this particular Prince is less of a 'snob', as you said?"

"I'd be distracting him." Leonor admitted with a grimace.

Rosie understood quickly enough. She would be uncomfortable and make Carlos worry on her behalf. As much as the young man had made an act of this just being business, he had been as attentive of the three demonesses as he had been of Rosie's own commands. Fastidiously so.

That young man was going to be an easy target for everyone if he didn't get his shit together.

"It shall be a shame to leave him alone." Evelinde was far happier than Rosie, and it was easy to see why. "I shall accompany him then."

Leonor sneered her way, fangs in clear display. "Just make sure the damn birds don't do anything stupid. It'll be enough of a bother when one of them comes to live with us."

THAT made Evelinde's mirth die down.

"Of course." She said with none of the previous happiness at having taken a step forward while Leonor had to take one back. "Hard to forget… We shall have to welcome his soon to be 'wife'."

Time for Rosie to intervene. Both women seemed about ready to murder someone.

And in this case it was worse that said 'someone' was going to be a new inclusion to this troupe.

"There are a few things that require my presence. The tithe shall be first." Rosie took that particular page and a few more, then ordered them in a file. "Leonor, you shall oversee what you can until I have sent Carlos and his family Prince Stolas' way." The shark woman nodded before Rosie turned to Evelinde. "Dear, you will act as my eyes in that household. Make sure nothing happens to any of them. Lucifer wishes the family well and while outside of my sphere of influence as they will be, he will ask for my own input if something were to happen to them. If something also happened to you there…"

"Lord Lucifer may consider only the Goetia responsible, as his own Contract would be violated twice." Evelinde gave a quick nod. "Of course, my Lady."

"Thank you, dear." Rosie finally got up. "Well, let's get moving. It is early enough that all this activity may make me forget about Valentino's call. Chop, chop!"

---

"Welcome, lady Rosie."

"Hello, Manuel. I hope everything has been going well since my last visit?"

It was remarkable how a simple curse, much as it had taken many assurances on her part for most everyone in the family to accept another curse cast on them, could make things so simple. Curses weren't only things to harm people after all. In the case of the family's lack of English? A curse of decay could easily be modified to make certain things age faster, which speed up certain processes if done RIGHT.

If done wrong it would've caused nothing less than cerebral death. But Rosie made sure the person she selected was both experienced enough and 'motivated' enough to not mess things up.

Now, a month after their arrival, the family as a whole could at least understand English pretty well. Speaking it was another matter altogether. Only a few had managed, if they didn't master it beforehand, and Manuel was, for his age and very little desire to learn another language, a fast study. Considering the man had a small library within his very own room (which, luckily, had suffered no damage after his house landed here), it was simple to assume he just sucked up information at a fast pace, so long as it interested him or was of vital importance.

"Everything is alright." And right now Manuel, always armed after that first day, something Rosie considered smart enough as she looked at his rifle resting on the old man's back. "Though Pilar still complains about the speed on her own project."

Rosie had a few words about Pilar and where she could stuff her demands, but they went unsaid. She would not besmirch her own reputation by rising for such a simple bait. Although everyone that had talked to her about the humans had admitted that, of all members of The Order within reach, they all seemed intent on killing that old crone. Pilar had done everything in her power to rile up every demon, Sinner or hellborn, that had been employed in the cathedral that was to be her home.

Whatever Lucifer had planned with her, Rosie just wished it could be done with as quickly as possible. Considering the people she had 'under her roof' as it were? Not likely.

"Well, certain things take time, and you can't fault any of us for shying away from such a place." Rosie defended with a sly smile. "Having to recreate a sacred work like that? Even Lord Lucifer had to press for 'willing' workers."

"I can see that." Manuel didn't smile back, but his tone meant he understood Rosie completely. That, and he had gained a great disdain towards the woman that was now almost despised within his family. "At least buildings like this one were made pretty fast. I wish people worked that well on Earth."

It wasn't exactly hard, nor was this edifice all that impressive. A simple 'gate' to receive whoever was to come to what was nothing but the project of a town of sorts.

And the 'gate' was where every name was noted.

Three rooms; the entry hall, a room for interviews and another to hold the information of those living within the Tower. Manuel, as the more hard-boiled member of the family, was, in a sense, the de facto 'mayor' as it were. Rosie generally was there with him when they went over anyone willing to both live and work within the tower, but ultimately she allowed him the final say.

She had to say that he was not half bad, and far more reasonable than she expected. The only problem they had was Lucifer giving her a call. Angels wouldn't mess with the Tower, but allowing too many Sinners within would probably still attract Exorcists during the Extermination. So he recommended having the number under three digits if possible. If the family survived their first year it wouldn't do to have the place crawling with murdering pieces of shit after the fact, after all.

"Sadly I haven't had as much time as I'd like to check on things." Rosie broke away from such horrid thoughts and came back to the Tower itself. "Everyone has been served so far? Are all of you comfortable?"

"Everyone without a house got one at least. As for comfort? We are doing alright, cannot complain, really." Manuel nodded. "Both my daughters got a place for them and their families, so did my son and both of Pilar's daughters that didn't come here with a place of their own. I was told they are a work in progress, but better than nothing." The older man thought for a second. "Carlos' place is a damn mansion though. There are a few rooms, but I guess Lucifer thought his place needed to be huge considering his… plans."

Rosie looked to the side, a blushing Evelinde, cheeks black due to her blood, looking away. "I doubt whatever space our dear Lord is giving your grandson will be occupied soon."

"Perhaps." Manuel gave a shrug, clearly not that bothered. Either that or he hid it well. Then again, he was a grandfather, and likely wanted to see new generations of his family at some point. "So long as the kid isn't abused again, I don't mind. Evelinde seems to have been doing well by him, even Leonor too, though she is a bit pusy far as I am concerned. Haven't seen much of Zana and him beyond working at the mine and a few meals together though." He gave the cambion a small smile that Evelinde returned with a beaming expression. Clearly she was happy that at least most of the family was welcoming of her "So if things keep going this way, I am happy with whatever comes of it."

"So do I." Rosie's own smile widened. All the better if the patriarch was on board. Speaking of which… "By the way, are they working right now? I received a missive mentioning it is time for Carlos and his to finally visit Prince Stolas."

"Ah." Manuel made a quick sound of understanding. "Yes, the magic stuff." He made a pause as he considered something. "Rosa is still allowed to go, right?"

"Three to one in her family. She will have to help somewhat sooner or later." Rosie was nonchalant in that regard. "I see no reason to impede her. So long as it is not the truly rude young man, or your son's other children… No offense to you, Manuel, but I would've hoped your son would wake up after such an event. Only one of his kids seems to have their head right."

Manuel could only sigh in exasperation at that. "I expected him to get his act together, Rosie, I really did." The old man shook his head as he turned to walk the two ladies through the door. "But in any case, most of them are on the fourth floor."

Rosie thanked the man as they walked into the wet, cool air of the first floor, the element of Water. "Most of them?"

Manuel nodded. "Little Marcela, Rosa and Akiko are around here." He pointed at the coast. "A few creatures had been showing as of late. Rosa wants to learn about them, Akiko has been using them for target practice after one tried to come ashore and almost bit Rosa, and Marcela is doing her best to sketch them out of boredom." He shook his head with a chuckle. "Most of the family is curious, so they remain there when they have no lessons to keep learning. Some are wondering if we can eat them, but I suppose that comes with the territory now."

"Is that right?" Rosie couldn't help but send a look towards the sea. Creatures from Envy were already coming over? Perhaps from Greed? Then again, very little survived Greed's waters anyway. "Then could you fetch the girls for me? I have yet to check the mine personally as it is. I'd like to confirm some of the reports I have."

"Sure, I see no problem with that. Any excuse to stretch my legs." Rosie could only grimace at the sound of old bones popping in place. Manuel was a sturdy man, but he was still old, and the sound itself brought hunger more than anything to her mind. Manuel didn't seem to notice as he spoke again. "If you are lucky you'll catch them singing."

"Singing?" The Overlord gave the man a look. "Why sing?"

Manuel shrugged. "Dunno. I was NEVER that happy when I had to work in the mines for a year after my military service. The guys that volunteered and my grandkids? Apparently they find it funny considering the minerals come back stupidly fast."

Rosie made a face. "That is no reason to sing."

"Agreed." Manuel just offered a smirk. "I think it mostly has to do with the pit they found. They sing before making use of it."

Now that was something neither Evelinde nor Rosie had heard from, and the young Cambion was the one to voice the question. "Pit? I never saw a pit when I came over. Nor was I told about such a thing."

"It is at the bottom, near what should be the base of that mountain." Manuel hummed a thought. "You'll see when you get there. I doubt anyone knows how the damn magic works here at this point and I am not going to try to explain it myself." He gave a wave and headed towards the coast. "I'll bring the kids around to wait for your return. Take care, ladies."

Both women shared a look as the man left, then began walking towards the next set of stairs. There was little reason to wonder when they could see what Manuel meant.

On the way Rosie checked the construction. A few simple dwellings for the humans were close to the entrance, with the ongoing cathedral close to the forest and a small set of even more simple accommodations just a ways away from the family's housing project. Demons, Sinners and humans living close together like this wasn't an easy project, and Rosie had to be very careful with whoever she thought of sending their way. There had only been one incident, but Rosie had been very close to failing on her end of the deal with that one.

At least Carlos had opted to do her a favor and ignore the event, considering no one had been hurt and all Rosie had to do was clean house with that particular idiot and his two cronies. Shame on that regard, the man had been plenty useful, and the two women that hunted alongside him had been eager and ambitious, but apparently far too stupid to be of any real plan.

If nothing else that was a plentiful meal.

Now, a slight way away from what one day could maybe grow into a proper village, or a small town, depending on whether the family survived this ordeal or not, was another unfinished project: Carlos' manor.

Why a manor? Because as Rosie's little retainer, he deserved it. Or, to be honest, because she thought it pertinent to give him the opportunity to prepare for the future. Considering Lucifer's Contract, sooner or later he would need the space. And applying basic logic to what was to happen this month, Carlos would, in a sense, outrank her if only by proxy. Disgraced Goetia or not, his soon to be 'wife' would most likely make demands. And while the bird would also be bound to Rosie, at least in part, with the Overlord remaining on top per previous deals, Rosie was not so stupid as to think the damn fallen noble wouldn't try to make her life miserable if she felt slighted.

Those peacocks had nothing if not patience, boredom and spite.

For now this was a small community that, ignoring the humans, had barely thirty odd, perhaps forty damned souls in it, most of them hellborn. A start of a safe industry for Rosie's growing power, and a place of rest and relaxation once it developed further. With time Rosie could see this growing into something important indeed.

"It is a shame they didn't agree to the aesthetics, my Lady." Evelinde had a look of nostalgia when Rosie turned to face the Cambion, just as engrossed with the view as she was. "All this greenery is nice, I'll admit. But the houses…"

Calling them 'blocks' would be apt, but Rosie didn't mention it. "Give them time. It has been only a month. We are already working as fast as can be without bringing much spellcasting to the mix."

"Of course, Lady Rosie." Evelinde still let out a humm of disappointment as she looked at the residence she had been sharing with her companions. "Still, a girl can dream."

"Oh, you do that a lot already, my dear." Rosie chuckled as Evelinde opened the door leading upstairs. "Just remember to be grounded when needed and we'll be fine."

The two next floors had little else to add.

The lushness found in the floor of 'Wood' was vast, but no one had opted to live under Enomoto's rule right now. While the place was beautiful, with a bounty of flowers and plants Rosie made a mental note to catalog at a later date, see what was useful or not, including the many fruits and other possible edible or poisonous flora, the traditional Japanese man had made it a simple requirement to adhere to his rules if anyone wanted to stay in his floor. Rosie had seen no problem with it, since he promoted duty and honor (although the later she found rather stupid, not so much if it meant loyalty to her however), but no demon, much less Sinner, had chosen to remain.

The third floor was attuned to 'Fire', and, much like the second, no one had chosen it. It wasn't the sweltering heat, or the large animals Zaid had mentioned seeing in the distance, animals that fit the description of those found in Wrath, that pushed people away. It was the fact that the fires seemed still slightly untamed, if far more subdued than before. At first it looked like they had set up a pattern and safe areas could be found, because this fire managed to even bother imps and other native demons that should be resistant to it. Considering the possible casualties, Rosie had chosen not to allow anyone to settle there, which seemed to suit Zaid and his family just fine.

Now, the fourth floor, imbued with the element of 'Earth'? That was different. Not when it came to housing, mostly when it came to working. Because the mine was used to bring Rosie profit and most of those that sided with the Overlord used the physical labor within as a way to develop muscle.

One of the two bat siblings, the female, was there, next to the entrance. A reinforced shed that contained many of the more 'delicate' tools, mostly explosives, being her domain.

"Oh? Boss? What are you doing here?" The bat looked surprised, waving at her 'new' Overlord more as a reflex than anything else. "I didn't know you were coming for a visit."

Rosie returned the wave with a quick nod. "A quick checkup, yes. We need to get Carlos and his cousins. Are they working, Hecate?"

As it turned out, sparing both brother and sister had been a boon for Rosie. While the sister, Hecate Brown, was good with explosives as promised, making some of Rosie's ventures she had planned far less expensive and dangerous, her brother was useful in other ways.

Rosie did not exactly fancy prostitutes, nor did she like them in general, at least not much. She respected the profession somewhat, as it was a necessary evil despite what human puritans may think. As such, the white bat, Ashley Brown was his name, was plenty useful in getting the population of this place to de-stress.

Honestly, Rosie would've preferred that not being the case, but she couldn't complain. Many of those that came to work at her newly opened mine, the new citizens under her control, were largely outsiders she had wanted to swipe from other Overlords, but none were interested in the Cannibal Colony, nor could she get their services without their contract involving copious amounts of violence and threats. Rosie generally didn't work that way, and fear as the only motivator was a recipe for disaster anyway.

Still, the only unpleasant thing Rosie had to consider was building a whorehouse at some point. Hecate had a rather respectable work ethic and was very much mindful of what her explosives could do. If Rosie had to stake a wager, she'd consider the woman problematic, but more fitting of Purgatory, if it was still around. Dangerous, yes, but not evil. Her brother was close to a nymphomaniac that worked the streets not out of greed or pleasure, but need, and while pleasant whenever Rosie had talked with him, she preferred him at arm's length, if not further away. At least both of them were welcome, and safe, here.

"Yeah, they are probably getting ready to stop." Hecate, covered in soot and probably having been busy with crafting all morning, did her best to clean her wristwatch to take a look. "It is about twelve. By now they have been at it for about four hours so… Give or take a few minutes they should finish this shift."

Evelinde gave a quick nod. "Since we started mining everyone gets up at half past seven at the latest and starts working at eight, my Lady. Although until the 'bottom' was reached the first shift was longer."

"Yeah, funny how Carlos didn't want to push everyone at first." Hecate chuckled, the bat woman Sinner's long muzzle and general physiology making her chuckles come out as an echo Rosie could sincerely hardly disassociate from a bat's chirp. "The man loves explosions, though. In fact nearly everyone down there does. I doubt we'd been this fast without him and his cousins going crazy with bombs."

Rosie could only give the woman a reprimanding look. "Weren't this a purely magical construct yet to settle down properly, all your actions would've buried this mine under tons of self regenerating ruble." The Overlord could only let out a sigh. "At least all you did was make this go faster than intended. But no more recklessness like that, am I understood?"

Hecate snorted. "Yeah, tell that to the idiots in the mine." She motioned for the other two women to follow her. "I mean, with Carlos trying to do everything he can? It would probably bring him low for a bit."

That bit made Rosie wonder. "What do you mean?"

"The bottom pit seems rife with materials, my Lady." Evelinde provided as the group of three walked through the snow, heading to a mechanical contraption that wasn't there a month ago. "They use explosives to make it 'spit out' various minerals. The magic expert you sent us said it had to do with how the Tower was dominated by the way of magic used by the Chinese and their alchemic beliefs."

'Contraption' would be a good name for the elevator. Other than Hector's repaired home and what little it brought with itself, or the shack where the tools gathered, the metallic surface that was the elevator, permanently devoid of snow unlike the rest of the flat surface the mountain provided, was not exactly expertly made.

Rosie hadn't expected a masterpiece anyway. Something rugged, capable of working day and night, with the power and toughness needed to haul tons of minerals, was all she expected. That much she got, so no complaining on her part, although she expected something better once the mine got enough people to man everything and this effort became more serious.

"Ah, as Lord Lucifer mentioned." Rosie nodded. While most of Hell was dominated by the 'standard', meaning the Cristian, faith and its ways, not all magic and dominion was ultimately held by the progenitor belief, as Alastor's voodoo magic could attest to. "I would need to study their arts more in depth, it seems."

"Mr. Enomoto offered to contact some of his ancestors, my Lady." Evelinde offered as they made it to the machine. Clearly she had far less trust in this DIY elevator than Rosie did, but the Overlord just knew how much pride the machinist took in his creations. That, and she was sure he would do his utmost, if he didn't want to be chow. "Apparently he wasn't lying when he told you that his family line DOES have some demon blood in them. It seems it is something The Order seems to allow so long as it is subservient to Heaven and overpowered by the Primordial blood of humans."

Rosie felt the need to snort in derision. "Hypocrites as always." Comment aside, the idea of bringing someone that knew about this could come in handy. "But did he mention who it is? A name or something?"

"All he mentioned was him being a blue Oni, from Wrath." Evelinde hummed as she tried to recall. It had all been mentioned in passing during one particular lunch they shared together at Manuel's home. "Son of a more common red Oni from the same Ring and Rokurokobi from Lust."

"Hmm, an odd mix. I don't particularly mind so long as this individual can give us any worthwhile information anyway." What went unsaid had to do with how rare it was for different theologies to mix together. So long as no one in her turf made a fuss, everything would be a flat gain for Rosie. "Now, what is taking so long?"

Hecate lifted a hand. "Just a sec." Then finally made the elevator move. "Making sure no one was in the way. We still need to move some walkways and stuff. Every level is roughly thirty meters high and it is all a mess until we get it settled."

Rosie nodded. Rushing this hadn't been ideal, but there were many reasons for it. One of them was the need from Valentina, her husband and her son to do something. The woman was already the most prolific visitor to the psychological expert she had all but taken away from regular duties to ensure Valentina began calming down, but both husband and son got very nervous horribly fast the moment they didn't have anything to do, and helping construction seemed to help very little.

With a sound more like a beast from hell (which was fitting enough) about to die (that part not so much, but Rosie ignored it), the machine began to move. The start was rocky, but it soon began its descent in a far too smooth of a fashion for something that looked hastily cobbled together.

Ignoring Evelinde's clear sounds of displeasure at riding this machine again, Rosie looked forward to the sights she had been told of. Surprisingly, considering her doubts on the matter, it ended up being largely true. This mountain WAS full of beauty inside.

It wasn't riches beyond imagination what she saw, but it was plentiful.

Some simple, common gems came first. You'd think that'd be important, useful, or just precious, but no. In Hell you could have many things, and jewels were aplenty. Greed was in Hell's nature, and the semi precious stones Rosie saw were as worth of her notice as dirt beneath her feet. They served very little purpose beyond extremely simple mana batteries or perhaps reagents, if not simple decoration or, maybe, the main part of the most subpar magical implements beyond the aforementioned energy storage.

Suffice to say the copper and lead found around the surface and, far away, in walkways carved from the natural stone of this mountain, were more useful. Also harder to get, as that stone had to be chipped away day in day out to ensure the wound in this place would not heal itself back up and close the hole once more. To see scaffolding everywhere, both trying to reach the uncovered veins and supporting the structure, roughly from twenty five to thirty meters in height in some cases, allowed Rosie to feel ever so slightly calm. It wasn't needed considering the magical nature of the place, but even Hell's borked up physics could use some help here and there.

Torches illuminated the area with a gloomy undertone, only brought up in many sparkling colors thanks to the veins of mineral and jewels around as the elevator went past the first level of the walkway, the topmost area of the mine. Rosie could admit she was satisfied with this first glance, as the promise, while not spectacular when compared to the most well known mines of Hell, was at least encouraging.

Then she began hearing voices, instruments. Music was afoot.

Rosie paid attention. What were they? One, two, three… Six, six different instruments? Drums for sure. Trumpets? Horns? Trombone? That was as far as she went, thinking of more possibilities as the elevator kept going.

As soon as the second level of the mine came into view, a few emerald veins now decorating the walls with a rich green glow, Rosie heard the voices. Dozens of them, all singing in perfect unison, with Hector, as overseer of the mine, leading them all first, then a throng following his wake.

Brothers of the mine rejoice!

Swing, swing, swing with me.

Almost forty different voices echoed within the mine, rubble and dust falling from the walls as the slow growing stone cracked under their power. But the song did not stop, nor did the sound of picks, now claiming her ears, ever grow lower.

Raise your pick and raise your voice!

Sing, sing, sing with me.

The next level came into view, red overtaking green as rubies began to appear in very small quantities. Worthless as they were, but with a month's worth of harvesting? Then add in the small veins of silver that began cropping the walls and Rosie's smile could only grow. Perhaps it was the music, perhaps it was the image of an ever expanding expedition into this small, magical space, but she could only see the possibilities grow.

Down and down into the deep

Who knows what we'll find beneath?

Diamonds, rubies, gold and more

Hidden in the mountain store.

Sadly, as the third level came into view the song did not fit as she'd wished. Diamonds were nowhere in sight, though bismuth made an appearance, and a few nuggets of gold could be seen so sporadically that Rosie considered them inconsequential. Still, the deeper they went, the more that came into view, and Rosie couldn't help but see how Evelinde had relaxed her stance, nodding ever so slightly as the music picked up once more.

Born underground, suckled from a teat of stone

Raised in the dark, the safety of our mountain home

Skin made of iron, steel in our bones

To dig and dig makes us free

Come on brothers sing with me!

At last Rosie saw one of the many demons working within the mine. One of the many of her kin, but from a much poorer background. A burly man, tall and strong instead of the more usual thin and svelte bodies that even the males of her species tended to have. The man had a large load of silver in a huge bucket, with more pieces of ore falling as he cracked the stone, incredibly precise and spirited swings of his pick at hand. Singing and with a smile wide in his mouth, the demon grabbed the bucket and began to walk; a decisive gait, and spirited step, following the song.

I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole

Diggy, diggy hole, diggy, diggy hole

I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole

Diggy, diggy hole, digging a hole.

Imps were to be the most plentiful, after all they were the fastest to volunteer to come here. A small population of perhaps twenty, almost thirty, had been the ones to claim first dibs and work in the mines. It was more drudgery than most wanted, but the fact that only humans would be above them seemed to make the imps much happier. Something that only became even more apparent when the month kept on going and the imps appeared to settle in very well, if you ignore Pilar's constant nagging and a few of the humans not wanting much to do with them.

A group of six was singing and hitting the walls of the fourth level of the mine. Few changes Rosie could notice, at least beyond more dense mineral nodes, many of which had already been stripped. Sadly it was mostly the less useful materials being even more prominent, but the appearance of minecarts full this early only supplied Rosie with hope for more. The mine was starting to become more and more bountiful, which only spelled good things.

The sunlight will not reach this low

Deep, deep in the mine

Never seen the blue moon glow

Dwarves won't fly so high

To the fifth level they went, and now another small group of imps was jumping into wagons. Silver and a few buckets of gold were their price as they began their trip downwards, the previous group soon joining them before Rosie's kindred was seen walking down a rough walkway carved into the wall of the mountain. A shorter way than following the rails, but one that placed you close to the ever regenerating walls. Rosie had to commend the demon and his lack of fear, although the song seemed to give a boost of confidence that many wouldn't have otherwise.

Fill a glass and down some mead!

Stuff your bellies at the feast!

Stumble home and fall asleep

Dreaming in our mountain keep

Deep veins of iron and some crystals began to show out of nowhere as the sixth level rolled over. Far too deep for Rosie to consider them natural, much like everything else around here. The number and richness was comparable to what came before, so Rosie hardly cared when he saw a third group of imps, and a few other demons she did not linger too long on, drinking happily as the song ran its course. After all, and as much as she didn't want those she paid to do nothing, they all carried buckets and even backpacks full of minerals.

It made Rosie smile to see that, if nothing else, the people she had tasked with doing this were actually doing their jobs. Many had to push their workers around to the point of using violence. If songs, alcohol and a more relaxed attitude worked, then she would allow things to go on. Carrot and stick as they were. Hopefully for them, she wouldn't need to bring out the stick at all.

Born underground, grown inside a rocky womb

The earth is our cradle; the mountain shall become our tomb

Face us on the battlefield; you will meet your doom

We do not fear what lies beneath

We can never dig too deep

Two more levels went by, the song picking up speed as they went. As they neared the ninth, with the tenth, 'ground level', seen over the rails of the elevator. The mine had grown deep and dark despite the illumination, with at last rare, and very minute in quantities, materials came about. From obsidian to diamonds, platinum and more. Even some demonic materials, found only in Hell, were seen in such minuscule amounts that Rosie could blink and miss them.

But this WAS worth it at last.

Many things burned through these materials. Some of them would be truly consumed, no trace of them left behind. Pound for pound most of what Rosie had seen, even these rare materials, would not bring a fortune now… but she had time, and these materials would come back. Some of those, over the many months Rosie knew for sure that the Tower would stand, she knew would bring her a tidy profit. More so if some of the stuff could be put aside for her own use. Alastor would surely bring the more esoteric materials to show their true value, if she were to part with some of them of course.

It also brought doubt, however. As the ninth level came into view Rosie could see that most demons were now quickly marching in lockstep towards the bottom of the mine. This did not distract from the ongoing platform they seemed to be constructing. It was as if someone had decided that they would start making a small citadel, for she could see the beginning of something, something she had not been told about.

I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole

Diggy, diggy hole, diggy, diggy hole

I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole

Diggy, diggy hole, digging a hole

I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole

Diggy, diggy hole, diggy, diggy hole

I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole

Diggy, diggy hole, digging a hole

Frown slowly replacing her smile, Rosie opted to walk towards the edge as the music seemed to grow sad. Then, as the last word was spoken, the voices stopped as the music grew in its melancholy.

The elevator made it to the bottom. A platform, rising ever so slightly above the congregation Rosie saw herded around a large hole in the ground, held the elevator in place. From there Rosie, Evelinde and Hecate saw four of the humans; Carlos, Gonzalo, Enrique and Jamba, all of them next to the impette, Zana.

Said voluptuous demon had a solemn expression, if with mirth, on her face. A bundle of dynamite was held on hand, the woman quickly igniting it. A short run later and, in tune with the music catching its lowest point, the woman jumped into the hole.

A second.

Two.

Then an explosion and a tremor.

The music picked up once more as the fiery glow of lava enveloped those present. The song brought power and mirth once more as droplets of molten rock and the most rare materials to date, including a few small, but still useful Asmodean Crystals in its raw, unempowered form, fell around the magma vent.

Born underground, suckled from a teat of stone

Raised in the dark, the safety of our mountain home

Skin made of iron, steel in our bones

To dig and dig makes us free

Come on brothers sing with me!

Zana, with a grin and looking as if she had just taken a dip in warm water, shook off what clung to her body, clothes clearly fine. It was obvious the woman had made sure to heat proof her ensemble, what with the most likely constant explosions, fire and other hazards she had to survive through as a mechanic in the pride ring.

Crafty little thing she was. And lucky, as well as very close to fire. Magma would still affect many imps and other demons. Still, Zana seemed perfectly fine, flicking a few globules of the burning semi liquid around, cleaning her body of the stuff, as the four cousins surrounded her.

And, in the spirit of the most festive song, she was grabbed by four sets of hands. The humans happily carried her above them as the song neared its conclusion.

I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole

Diggy, diggy hole, diggy, diggy hole

I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole

Diggy, diggy hole, digging a hole

I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole

Diggy, diggy hole, diggy, diggy hole

I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole

Diggy, diggy hole, digging a hole...

Treated as a queen as the song came to a close, a few members of Carlos' family came to gather the small pieces of minerals, gemstones and other demonic materials that had been brought outside of the deepest reaches of the mine. Whether there was a better way to do this or not, Rosie had to admit it was quite the spectacle. Everyone seemed in high spirits as they piled the bounty that likely was not only of today, but the last few. It wasn't enough to make anyone rich, but Rosie couldn't help but crack part of her previous frown as she saw many a crate filled with many minerals, even a few pieces of interest.

This was a good show, a good start. But, much like everything else concerning the mortals that had landed on her doorstep and she had taken in as hers, it was only a project. It promised things to come, yes, but Rosie needed to nurture them to ensure they gave her all they were worth.

And you know what is part of that nurturing process? Ensuring their growth did not escape her grasp.

Rosie achieved that effect by walking down the ramp that led her away from the elevator. The metallic echo, now that the mine was silent, clued everyone about her presence as her heels made the previously cheerful atmosphere feel a few degrees colder, perhaps even freezing when compared to the heat the magma had brought to everyone around.

An Overlord's presence wasn't meant to do that. In fact every Overlord made people react a particular way. With those like Alastor or the three Vs? Fear was common. Sir Pentius? Usually laughter, although the fool could be dangerous. Cherry Bomb? Many tended to flee from her, the desire to regenerate from a bombing incident no less unpleasant than being eaten. As for Rosie? It depended greatly, after all, she was far more reasonable than most.

But when she frowned, as she did now, it meant something.

"I have to admit I did like your little musical." Rosie spoke, the silence on the mine making her voice echo clearly, being heard everywhere as demons left and right parted to let her approach the group still holding Zana up. "The impressive height of this excavation in less than a month, the metals, the beauty of it all, and the power it brings, may not be the greatest in Hell… but you all bring it to ME." She took a last step, barely a foot away from the four cousins, glaring at Carlos. "But not everything was mentioned. Such as the metallic surface that is being erected above us. I thought 'I' was the one in charge, dear."

Truth be told, Rosie knew whatever this was, wherever the idea of the thing above had come, it wouldn't be there to screw her over. Distrust was strong, even when the one she was showing distrust towards was not only Carlos, but Evelinde. Her little aide clearly knew about this, as a glance her way told her the moment the Cambion looked away.

At least Evelinde had the decency to look as if she had been caught with the hand in the cookie jar. Despite clearly being intimidated, both him and everyone around him, Carlos only looked tired. As he should, really, for he had not one, not two, but three curses on him. All of them agreed with Rosie beforehand.

A month wasn't enough to lose as much weight as Carlos had. He was still chubby, flabby even, but he had gained a better form. There was still a way to go to get there, perhaps another month or two, but Rosie was beginning to see it. She could see the strong young man he had grown to, until he got hurt. The only thing she had doubts about was how his body was holding. There was a reason why no one else had been as eager, or willing, to allow more curses on them. Heck, Rosie knew how risky it was, even for propper demons. Hell, Sinners could end up truly crippled if the correct curses were cast on them. Beneficial or not, this kind of magic was not meant to work without some sacrifice.

A curse was still a curse.

Only reason Carlos agreed was Rosie promising him it'd be alright. Considering she had gone out of her way to ensure no one else was around, for Leonor, Zana, and even perhaps Evelinde, would've quickly told the young man Rosie was full of shit on that one, Rosie knew Carlos likely doubted her. The only reason the young man went along with it was trust in Rosie, or that she'd make up for it if things went pear shaped.

The Overlord was just lucky everything was (or at least it seemingly was) okay after the fact. Although she knew that wasn't the case. The curses would eat at Carlos on the inside, burning his reserves, creating pain and quickly building up from the foundation upwards… with all limiters off. It was pure chance, and probably his years of practice, that allowed Carlos to more or less gauge his limits correctly even with this imposed 'help'. So long as he didn't get hurt, it should mean the curses wouldn't go out of their way to make it worse and give the gig up. Thank Satan that Rosie hadn't joined hands with one of the more impatient family members.

But tiredness was only the surface though. Rosie saw everyone sweating, done with work and clearly ready to sit down. Carlos? The idiot young man was in pain, Rosie was beyond experienced when it came to expressions that hid it, more so if she caused said pain. There was experience there, but at this point stopping him would give the gig up, and Rosie was sure that, had the young man gone overboard, he'd tell her. Or at least that is what she hoped.

For right now what she needed was him telling her what had been going behind her back.

"It is a bunker." Carlos managed to say at last. There had been some trepidation there, but he opted to come clean. "We had a discussion back when we began to dig down."

Rosie gave him a look that just said 'Really?'. "A bunker you say?"

"Okay, so it was a bit of a fatalistic conversation." Carlos ended up admitting with a groan as the humans finally let Zana down. "Considering what is coming for us at the end of the year, we thought having an easily defensible position was the best option. Worst comes to worst, you may use it if we are gone."

The Overlord could hardly give Carlos a more deadpan look. A thin lipped smile, more of a line, marked her face as she let out an exasperated sigh. Perhaps the intentions were good, in fact they most likely were, but these people were idiotic, really.

"I doubt the Tower is going to become a permanent fixture in just a year, Carlos. In fact I highly doubt it will become a thing forever unless you kill the woman responsible for its appearance and claim it for yourselves. Making it a permanent construct in Hell would take no less than a decade, from what Alastor told me, and it is likely that it would be much longer a wait than that." Rosie thought it would've been obvious that such magic took far too long to truly set down. Then again, humans weren't as used to magic of this magnitude anymore. "I appreciate the gesture but I would prefer to be involved in these things. This is all time and resource consuming for something that may never see use."

"Sooo… don't we make the harpoon guns then?" Zana blurted out, more at the humans than Rosie.

Of course Rosie found the mention curious. "Harpoon guns?"

"Well, you know how Exorcists tend to shrug off small weapons fire and a lot of things not of heavenly origin? I am sure everyone knows that a big enough wack still does the job, and melee seems to be far more deadly against them. Not that anyone is insane enough to do it if they can run." The imp summarized, more for the humans' benefit than anyone else. "Simply put: Whatever mumbo jumbo and armor they design, it is meant to keep up with the times. But a lot of modern personal armor is not meant for old stuff. Ironic, I know. Knives, arrows and other such things seem to go through it easier, probably because so few people use them nowadays that Heaven doesn't care to defend against it much. So, how about a javelin like projectile? I know a few daring Overlords that tried something similar in the past and they-."

"So do I." Rosie cut Zana mid stride. "And I remember, clearly in fact, how they succeeded… and how the angels turned on those poor saps, cutting them down to pieces. Be it hellborne or Sinner under their command. Thousands that should've been left alone dead in exchange for two Exterminators skewered and six wounded. Such an accomplishment." Thus Rosie saw humans and imp alike deflate. "But since the family will be attacked no matter what, at least having something extra could help. Just… I don't think you will have enough of this done to be of any use this first year."

That much was true. Proper defenses against Exorcists weren't exactly easy to make. In fact most of them were destroyed long before they were completed. Cursed and dark materials, magic spells and powerful rituals, all paired with runes and more means of defense were the bare minimum when it came to a proper safe area during Extermination. Even Alastor, one of the most magically gifted Sinners of her time, had to thread carefully during that time of the year.

"Maybe." Carlos seemed determined though. His own mortality seemed the furthest thing from his mind the moment Rosie looked him in the eyes. "But if it will not be ready for this year's event, then it will be at least functional next year. Reinforced the next. Perfected in three more." He crossed his arms. "I don't plan on going anywhere, my Lady. And this will be an iron fortress deep under our home for when the time is right. A place for anyone to be safe, you first of all if that is your wish."

Rosie liked that. The young man was determined, he would push forward. And he'd do everything in his power to ensure he, and his family, lived through this.

And 'everything' Rosie could work with. More so when she felt a warm feeling trying to overcome her the moment Carlos all but offered her the first spot, were this project ever to come to fruition. She was sure that even Evelinde was glowering at her after such an offer, her loyalty superseded by a good dose of envy.

It had the right effect on more people too. Perhaps the demons around her didn't truly respect the human, after all he was just a human, and a flabby one at that, but he had confidence. A confidence born of hate and a desire for vengeance that hadn't grown any weaker since Carlos made a deal with her in fact. This, if nothing else, seemed to draw the small gathering to the young man. From Hecate on one side to Evelinde on the other, the imps and other demons, and even his family, everyone looked as if the young man's drive had convinced them.

He would survive, and so would his family. Heaven and Hell could throw everything his way and he'd fight it. Whether he succeeded or not wasn't important. The important part was him not losing his fire.

And speaking of Evelinde? She was salivating, and Rosie could understand why. Perhaps Carlos had yet to return to form, but this month was getting him closer to what he once was and the Overlord could understand her aide's thirst. More so if you stop to think of her unlucky streak, how much she had dreamed of a relationship that could, just *could*, work, and just how near impossible it was for Carlos to try and hurt her. The young man didn't have it in him to even think of doing that, not unless Evelinde herself did something to hurt him or his loved ones, making the two an almost guaranteed thing in Rosie's eyes.

There was a draw there though. Rosie would not lie. The young man was trying; he was exercising, he was working, he wasn't giving up and he was giving the girls all the attention he could afford. That alone was far more than Rosie had seen in most relationships in Hell. Considering she was part of this, in the sense that Carlos gave her all he could per their deal, and he was willing to make sacrifices, not only because it was his duty, but because he wanted to make it up to her considering the risk she had taken. Rosie would admit there was a spark of envy there.

But envy did not get you what you wanted, not by itself. She was here to do a job and that was all she cared about. All that needed to happen now was for Evelinde to regain focus and have Carlos ready to do his part. Making Prince Stolas wait too long wouldn't end well, no matter how easygoing a Goetia he was.

"Dear, close your mouth. You will flood the place." Rosie used a single finger to push Evelinde's mouth shut. Funny as it could be, it was unbecoming of the Cambion and gave Rosie a bad image by proxy. "Now, I appreciate your confidence and offer, Carlos, and that is the only reason I will allow this to go on. And, since that business is cleared up, I think it should be clear to us that a more immediate concern is to be addressed. In fact I'd like for all of you to take a shower and get ready before that. None of you are as you should be for today's event."

Gonzalo took a step forward. "What ya mean, boss Lady?"

Rosie wished she had her fan around to bonk the young man on the head. "Do you all remember Lord Lucifer's words? It is a new month. Today was the day you young ones were to begin magic practice, to see just how far your gifts could go."

"Oh, I remember." Enrique snapped his fingers in realization. "That owl guy. Stolas, right? Lucifer said he was a Prince or something, and that he wouldn't screw us over if he was our teacher."

"More or less." Rosie would consider that a win. At least Gonzalo seemed to remember, somewhat, once Enrique brought that up. "Prince Stolas is one of the more easygoing Goetia around, although many would describe him as… eccentric. That is not to say he won't be a monster if he needs to be, much like any other demon. Just remember." She made it obvious enough that paying attention was important. She waited for every mortal around her to look her way. "Do not make him, or his wife, angry. Much as I dislike Lady Stella's bouts, her wine drunk antics, and the poor manners she displays for a lady of her stature, they are powerful creatures. No Overlord could protect you from them and only Lord Lucifer's orders will keep you safe. That is not to say they will keep you in their HOUSE. If either of them throws you out, then you shall be barred from their grounds and that'll be it."

Jamba hummed in thought at that. "The big man wouldn't force them to take us back?"

Zana snorted. "You think Lord Lucifer would give you another opportunity like this one? I mean, if Carlos allows him to squeeze more concessions and rules on that Contract, sure." She made a face after a quick thought. "The Goetia may not have power over Lucifer, but they can be a huge headache. Lucifer loves to have fun, not paperwork, so if doesn't want to deal with something, he won't."

"Dear Zana is right." And Rosie was quick to agree. "Do not test the Goetia. They may be way below Lucifer in power, they are still minor compared to the Seven Sins, but they have much sway as the nobility and great administrators of information and magic. The Lord may have given him an order, but he can easily tell him it was a failure for a myriad of reasons and he would accept it, more so if it gives him a chance to renegotiate the Contract." She pointed at the four with a hardened gaze. "It is my recommendation that you do not give anyone a chance to lord over you." Though that made her smile. "Other than me, that is."

"We won't." Carlos stopped all jokes the moment Rosie made that comment. "We'll be on our best behavior, I swear."

Of course. She shouldn't joke about that topic. Really, it was not wholly a joke, but Carlos should relax, at least slightly, when it came to her commands. One of these days he would do a stupid and she would get angry for real, then he'd find out where the limits were.

"Let's hope it ends as you say." But for now Rosie relented. "Evelinde has volunteered to go with you. Zana?"

"Pass." The imp grumbled. "I have no interest in visiting a Goetia's home."

Rosie clicked her tongue. Leonor was right about the imp, of course. "For no reason whatsoever?"

"Unless I have a task to do there? You didn't order me, so I am not needed there. I am here in the mines to find certain components and because I like the music and the explosions. Besides, I still have a few of those vehicles you wanted me to tune up. At least until you procure more pieces and other things I need I have time to get some stuff here. Your little fleet of cars is still far too much for what you had stored and what little time I had for them considering I am technically meant to spend some time with Carlos every day too." The imp shrugged in indifference. "So unless something like the whole of Hell freezing over comes to pass…"

Zana flinched when Carlos laid a hand on her shoulder. She threw him a glance, the young man offering her a small smile, but while it seemed to calm her, until now, souring mood, it didn't seem to dissuade her. That was alright. Perhaps in time she'd convince the woman.

After all, visits to Stolas' place would continue for a long time, unless Lucifer ordered otherwise. Magic, even for truly attuned individuals, took a long time.

"If something comes up, I may go." Zana ended up relenting, but only just. "Otherwise? Not gonna happen. I won't go there without a reason."

Rosie let it go. There was nothing to be gained, but in a way she had expected for Zana to have the smallest of interest. If things went as well as possible, and that was a massive if in this case, then Stolas could, maybe, have the smallest smidge of curiosity and try to show the imp some magic. That, for imps, was a big thing, because other than disguising themselves, a rather easy and simple cantrip, magic was not exactly in ample supply among the widest population in Hell. If Zana learned magic, though, thanks to Rosie by proxy, it'd be a small debt, but a debt nonetheless.

Anyway, it wasn't important enough to push. "I suppose that is enough. With that said I recommend all of you get ready. I am sure Prince Stolas won't mind it if you stay for lunch. Considering there are ten possible apprentices it will take some time to test all of you."

Carlos nodded, with the rest of the humans around, which Rosie now noticed included Ernesto and Ander although neither seemed to have been there for physical labor. Javier was now leaving a huge load of what seemed to be simple, rough gems next to the many crates too, probably having been busy while the little song was going on. Whatever the case, everyone was accounted for.

Once Carlos took a look to ensure everyone was ready, he gave a nod. "We are ready, my Lady. I am sure the girls will be waiting for us by now."

"Good." Rosie clapped her hands together, marking this as done. "I will have four cars ready in half an hour. The Prince shall expect you in an hour at most. Do what you have to do and take what you think may be useful. But please: Do not carry your weapons. I'd prefer if neither Goetia thought of ever defending themselves at the most inconsequential of excuses, just in case."

It was stupid to go anywhere unarmed, true, but Rosie wasn't going to risk it. Displeasing Stolas would be bad. Pissing off Lucifer would be worse. Better show a sign of goodwill and go as is.

The humans at large frowned, even Carlos, but in the end they relented. Good PROPER first impressions and all that.

---

It took far longer for everyone to be even mildly presentable, and that was a huge stretch. No one had even bothered to get decent clothes, in fact any spares they had they had bought from outside Rosie's little domain. As thankful as they were to her, none of those in the family, save for Evelinde now that she was attached to Carlos, found the Victorian age an acceptable guide for a dress code. Well, perhaps Marcela, but that was it.

So to say the group was rather eclectic in appearance, with most of their previous tastes very much alive somewhere in Hell, thus having their usual ensemble with minor differences, would be underplaying it. It would be equally insufficient to explain just how nervous Rosie had been when she told her crew to carry them to the Goetia palace.

Ten mortals, with all but two of them in plain clothes, and one Cambion that was perhaps the only one with decent attire. Rosie could see her reputation ruined already.

But she still did it. There was not much time left anyway.

Carlos opted to ignore the mental image of Rosie's anguish at their lack of decorum and general care. To be honest, this was one of the things he couldn't care for any less even if Rosie begged him to. Considering they were going to try magic with who know what kind of result? Yeah, he'd consider it a success so long as no one lost an arm, or their head. Clothes could burn for all he cared, though.

"Everyone ready?"

It was most certainly not his intention, but Carlos' voice cracked a bit. Far from strange, considering that most of the time the family had stayed near their new home and had very little interaction with Hell. The most significant appearance had to do with the butchering of the tithe, and Carlos still felt queasy at the thought.

Right now the family was in front of the opened gates of the Goetic manor, a small palace on its own, with two imp servants next to the gates, sending them grimaces. Of course they would. Why wouldn't they? After all, these imps served someone important and, while usually subject to abuse in these positions, they had more clout than most of their kind, servants as they were.

Carlos' cousins, and his sister, didn't seem to take kindly to the sneering, but all of them, from the most nonchalant to the most outgoing and carefree, seemed equally nervous. They didn't know what to expect, or what to do. Even Evelinde herself was a bit out of it. The Cambion had never been around a Goetia, and while Rosie was a powerful woman on her own, she was still below in the pecking order.

Today was an important day indeed.

So starting their walk with Carlos nearly tripping was, perhaps, not the best start.

A chuckle ignored and composure regained, the near dozen strong walked to the doors of the manor, allowed the bell to ring and waited. And waited…

And kept waiting.

It was likely a few seconds, perhaps half a minute, not really all that much considering how busy the estate likely was. But still, most of the mortals, and certainly Evelinde, had expected for another servant to be ready to attend the door. The two imps outside certainly had been tasked with waiting for almost fifteen minutes after all.

So imagine the group's surprise when it was Stolas, in a bathrobe, the one to open the door. He grimaced and, much to the surprise of everyone involved, except Evelinde Ander and Ernesto, he sported something fairly visible on the owl's white face: a black eye, his left, with a clear backhand print on it.

"Well, hello there!" Stolas, in his far more common and flamboyant approach, did his best to welcome the humans. "I truly thought you would take a bit longer and… pick something else to wear. But no matter! Welcome to my little abode."

There was a moment of silence before Gonzalo, being Gonzalo, decided to act up. Everyone that could see what Stolas so clearly presented was far too focused to do anything, with both Enrique and Ander busier looking back and forth to try and understand what was wrong to notice what was about to happen. The only one that could've done something was Evelinde, had she known what to expect.

Because the moment Gonzalo waved a simple 'hi' Stolas' way, he had to open his mouth.

"It seems your wife is faster than you. I gather you didn't dodge in time?"

Yeah. You know what? Fuck a proper good first impression. Carlos couldn't even begin to guess why he hadn't done as everyone always did in the family when it came to meeting someone new.

Shut Gonzalos' mouth.