Lucius was accommodating well living in the Palace under the watchful eye of, Stolas. The Boy though still stricken to the interior of the Palace as he was not ready to go out into the streets of Hell yet. The Spell that kept his true self from being shown to others that had not yet to see him for what he was held up well as tested from those that came to deliver anything. But Stolas knew that the boy had much to learn about the denizens of Hell. The Cities that made all the rings. The Differences between the Hell born and the Sinners those that had committed themselves to the sins of mortal life and were cast down to Hell for their deeds even those that had lived good lives but had either lost themselves to committing a horrible or even justifiable deeds did not excuse their actions and thus found themselves falling into Hell as soon as they were dead from age or an unfortunate deed or action.
The Palace as grand as it was Lucius wished that Stolas would soon let him go out to see what is outside the walls. To go past the gate to see exactly how the city outside and its people lived. Stolas had assured him they would do that together soon. But only when he is with him, and they will where the danger would be the most less even for Hell itself.
It had to be soon for the party they would soon go to which, Stola's uncle had graciously invited him and his two children, Lucius had to eventually learn to be sociable.
The Boy, however, was patient as the Palace was open to him to explore and, Stolas personally took care of all his needs. If there was book he would like to read he would provide and even read it to him. Though a book that would be suitable for a mortal child to hear about. The Television was more than sustainable for entertainment for, Lucius. Amazingly the TV could pick up the mortal channels where programs from the living world could be watched. Even many of his favorite programs could be seen which delighted the Child. One show that was a concert of a favorite singer of his took the stage by storm and enchanted the audience with her smooth voice and her outfits gleamed in the lights that put her in a grand spotlight.
To see that Singer make the entire audience stand at attention and watch her as she walked up and down the stage with her talented voice and her songs that to, Lucius made him feel warm and safe. The Pop star became his favorite among all musicians. Her songs gave him a sense of safety and uplifting enchantment. Unknowingly due to youth he had no idea what her songs truly were meant to do for the audiences that flocked to her concerts and parties.
Octavia grew more accustomed to Lucius living among them. He was very polite and respectful. Always knocking and awaiting her answer to enter. He was so curious about her own likings that she showed her fascination over the stars like her father. She shared her own tastes in music. The Books she liked to read and the taxidermy's she collected of creatures that, Lucius never seen or heard of before they frightened and intrigued him at the same time.
Stolas couldn't be happier. His new son was getting along quite well with, Octavia. She was becoming more happy than frightened when he first introduced him, and the boy was more proper than he first imagined. He listened and obeyed. Followed the rules he had set for, Lucius and he was adapting well to the palace life. He knew he could not keep the boy inside forever and he did promise to take him out before the gathering at his Uncles but what would be a good time for that? Once he crosses that threshold there was no going back from it.
When the Evening was coming and the full moon with the pentagram over a dark red sky loomed there was a knock on the palace door. Lucius was about to head to the kitchen as dinner came around the time. "Oh? That couldn't be another delivery?" Guessed Lucius as he went to the door. By now he was completely confident in the spell working to keep his mortal form hidden. He had nothing to be afraid of. When he opened the door beating one of the palace servants to the task at hand it was, Blitz with an unhappy expression on his face holding the Grimoire in his arm.
"Hi Blitz!" Smiled Lucius by now he knew a great deal about Blitz. It seemed he ran a business that involved the mortal realm, but he did not know exactly what it was but all he knew that it somehow required, Stolas powerful magic book where the very spell that enchanted, Lucius came from.
"Hey, kid." Sighed Blitz knowing it was that time of the month again and, Stolas at the top of the stairs looked down at the imp with a lovingly expression on his face. "Why hello down there, Blitzy!" Giggled the Prince and, Blitz scoffed setting the book on a stand by the doors.
"Alright, lets get this over with!" Grumbled the Imp. He was not one to really fuss about this time of the month as that was the deal and it wasn't a bad one, but it didn't mean he had to like it as, Stolas had far too much in his mind to do which they could never do in one night.
"What's going on?" Asked Lucius while Blitz slowly walked up the stairs where, Stola's watched him with hungry eyes but his gazed quickly turned on the boy. He was too young to know what the purpose of, Blitz's visit on the full moon was all about.
"Blitz and I have a meeting. He has come over by my request as he and I have to discuss certain topics on the full moon every month." Answered Stolas giving, Blitz a not-so-subtle wink making, Blitz scoff. Lucius was confused about it.
"A Meeting?" He asked confusingly scratching his head.
"Yes, little one. And we will need some privacy on the matter, and I must ask you to keep away from my quarters for a time. The Servants will make supper soon. Why don't you go watch your programs and I'll be down soon to tuck you in bed in a few hours." Stolas said before quickly making haste to his room while, Blitz followed slowly. He hoped this time things would be simple and not completely out of hand as they usually would but when the two-left sight of the boy, Lucius went to the living room to watch his programs as was told by his adopted father.
Lucius kept to his programs enjoying the entertainment the cartoons provided, but while watching he could not help but hear the soft sounds of grunting and feeling a soft rock on the floor shake the couch. It was coming from upstairs but what could be going on? It seemed the meeting between Blitz and Stolas was going rocky but from what, Stolas had said about, Bitz is no matter how fierce or rebellious he seemed he was a touching Imp and charming but that to, Lucius meant he was pleasant and sincere.
When the last of his cartoons were finished it was time for dinner and, Lucius eagerly went to the kitchen but before he could get any further he took notice of the Grimoire. The Book that had countless spells and incantations that his adopted father used and that of, Blitz using at his request which seemed to be in his possession more often than, Stolas even after he had talked about that its needed a great deal for his own duties, but he has allowed, Blitz to use it for his own company for a great deal.
Curiosity getting the better of him than his hunger for supper Lucius went up to the book. "I wonder how many spells are in the book? Couldn't hurt to look." He figured as he took the book and flipped it open while humming one of the songs he adored from his favorite popstar. The Moment he opened it the pages flipped to his surprised. They were flipping at a high speed while a blue aura came from it and stopped at a page far in the middle of the book.
Though scared from the book suddenly glowing and flipping to a page deep within it, Lucius continued to hum the tune and calmed himself. Perhaps it was just gust of the air vents that made it flip so many pages. But as he continued to hum the aura surrounding the Grimoire suddenly enveloped him. Before he could do anything he vanished completely disappearing in a glimmering puff and the book fell to the floor collapsing with a heavy thud alerting the Prince who had just finished one of his sessions with, Blitz. Hearing the familiar sound of the only book that could make it when it was dropped, Stolas stormed out of his bedroom flying down to the entry way in a dark form before reappearing at the foot of the dropped book wearing his robe.
"How did…" He queried but looked around to see none of his servants were nearby and, Blitz came running down the stairs wearing only black shorts and his coat. Just as he got to Stolas side and saw the book on the floor it didn't take him long to figure out what happened.
"See! I told you! I fucking told you, Stolas! What did I say?!" He shouted only for Stolas to turn at him with a sharp glare his eyes looking so infuriated he almost turned, Blitz to stone with his sharp gaze.
"This is not the time, Blitz!" But Stola's anger quickly went to worry. How could he not have told, Lucius about the dangers of the grimoire. It was not a book one should tamper with, not unless they understood its power. One false move or an unclear saying could trigger a spell. If he was gone then that meant he had to have accidentally used a teleportation spell. But that could have taken him anywhere. Picking up the book that landed on top of the page where the spell had come from he saw that his assumption was correct. A Teleportation spell was used but the spell would take someone to their hearts desire.
"What did Lucius like so much?" Stolas moaned in frustration. The Child had many likes but what were they? How could he have not known something that should have been simple knowledge by now?
"Why are you asking me?" Spat Blitz. "He's your kid now! And we're both about to be fucked hard namely you!"
Stolas wanted to shout at Blitz again. But he was correct in his own way of putting it. Lucius could be anywhere. Either back in the mortal realm or worse in hell and if the situation was not bad enough which he did say to, Blitz using another spell would dissipate the current spell. Lucius's spell that made him appear as goetia would be gone and should a demon see him…Stolas did not want to imagine the outcome or the fallout. He had to figure out where, Lucius was taken and fast and desperately tried to think of what little he knew of the boys likes.
Lucius gasped as he felt a great many things all around him. They felt soft and some were pointy which pricked him making him yelp in pain. But unfortunately, that alerted the many that were just outside of door that was only light from the bottom and the sides.
"Looks like your popular than you let on, toots." A Male voice cackled in amusement. "But me and Cherri here would be glad to partake!"
"Yeah, V! Be a nice change of pace for once and I can provide some real pyrotechnics better than the squalls you have doing for your shows!" Laughed a female voice with hands clapping together in delight. "Badda big and boom! Your Video will be a bang!"
"Oh, trust me it will! I thought bringing in some talent from Pentagram City will help it out. And I can't think of anyone better that stirs up the town more than you too!" Another female voice was heard but to, Lucius in the closet nearby it sounded so familiar but when he moved through more clothes he got caught on some of the sleeves and the outfits that hung about and got tangled in the mess and fell down after hitting the wall and fell to the floor.
"Tex!" Yelled the familiar voice. "Can you handle that stalker? I got no time for another one and how did he get in here passed you? Are you slacking on the job?"
"No! I have been out here the whole time. Nothing gets past me, Verosika. I'll take care of it." A Male voice sounding gruff and dog like answered before the sound of stomping feet could be heard getting close to the closet.
Did Lucius hear the name Verosika? Could it actually be…but his thoughts were interrupted when the door swung open revealing a tall and muscular hellhound that looked menacing and fierce growling with sharp teeth showing. His left eye was scarred, and his fur was black with a tattoo showing a figure of a wolfs gnawing head.
Lucius screamed in terror and tried to back away only tripping over the pile of cloths he got tangled in backing up to the wall. "Please don't hurt me!" He whimpered shielding himself but, Tex was caught completely off guard. He may have only one eye, but he could still see well enough that in front of him was not a demon of any kind. It was a mortal! A Child! But that couldn't be right. How could a child be in Hell?
"Tex what's taking so long?" Scoffed Verosika standing up from the mirror she was sitting at taking time to apply some make up. "Get the stalker out of here I got a video to shoot soon!" She walked past the two guests in her hotel suite walking up to the Hellhound who was her personal bodyguard.
"Uh…I don't think that's a stalker." Tex answered slowly backing away from the closet. The Kid whimpering inside was no threat at all to him or anyone around. In fact, it was the kid that was in the most danger.
"What do you mean? How could…oh!" Verosika went to the closet and looked inside to see the child at the far back in it cowering. Questions immediately surged through her mind. How did a mortal and a child no less end up in the closet of her hotel suite?
"Please…please…" Sniffled Lucius so afraid for his life he didn't even look ahead shielding his face while the two guests in the suite looked inside and the taller one gave, Verosika a rather sour look.
"Whoa now! Hey babe! I am a lot of things but anything with underage I am not! If that is part of your video don't expect me to partake!" He huffed but, Verosika gave him a resentful glance.
"No, he is not! And I am not like that either, Angel Dust! I am a succubus but even I and my kind do not consort with anyone too young!"
Angel put up his upper pink gloved hands in relief. "Well, that's good. Glad you're not like that. There are plenty of types here in Hell but what is the kid doing in your closest?"
"We shall find out!" Verosika said before looking back towards the boy who still was too frightened to even look. His fears were warranted for all the right reasons but if she was going to get some straight answers she would have to get the child to realize he had nothing to fear from her or the others. "Hey in there! Don't be scared. We're going to hurt you." She assured in a calm and sweet voice.
The Voice sounded a lot more familiar to Lucius now. But it couldn't be the same voice could it? He had heard it plenty of times. He slowly opened his eyes and saw four figures looking at him from the closet door. He noticed the Hellhound giving him a gentle smile and giving an apologetic look to him. Lucius saw a woman that had only one eye with an x-shaped pupil with white skin. She seemed to give a friendly look though she too was curious. It had been far too long since she seen a mortal along with the taller one that looked quite surprised himself. His body seemed to be made of fur with fluffy hair that went from the front to the back of his head.
It seemed the tall one resembled that of someone outfitted in Drag. Not that Lucius had any problem recalling a drag show story time in school. It was awkward but amusing but he dare would not say anything. The last thing he wanted to do in the presence of any demon was offend them to where they could harm him horribly. Stolas had warned far too often what happens in Hell. But the last person he looked at was the demon with two black tipped horns on her head.
She was obviously female with a very short mini dress revealing part of her chest and with a pink fur coat around her. The Outfit looked as familiar as the woman's voice. "Who are you?" Asked Lucius still worried for his safety.
"Verosika Mayday. And these are my associates, Angel Dust." She pointed to the tallest demon who gave the boy a smile and wink. "Cherri Bomb!" Verosika pointed to the smallest demon who smiled kindly at, Lucius. "And Tex my bodyguard." Gesturing to the Hellhound behind her.
"Hey kid! Sorry for the scare." Tex apologized.
"Wait…Verosika Mayday? The Popstar!" Gasped Lucius completely baffled. Taking a closer look at her. He seen her plenty of times on TV, but she was human! She's a demon?! Stolas had told him about how some demons can traverse to the mortal realm without the use of his book as they had duties and responsibilities on Earth as he did. But Verosika Mayday is a demon? He just couldn't believe it.
"The One and only!" Snickered the Popstar. It surprised her more that the boy knew about her. Sure, she was popular with teens and adults and plenty of the denizens of Hell but an underage child? That was both flattering and rather peculiar.
"Oh my!" Lucius realized that he had been teleported straight to the one who created the best music he ever listened to. The Star he thought it would be impossible for him to ever see. He was meeting her for the first time, and he had intruded upon her! "Oh no! I am so sorry! I didn't mean to be in your closet! I just…I" The Boy was lost for words. Taking notice of the mess he made of all her clothes that were once hung lying in a mess on the floor. He had violated her personal wares. He was in deep trouble!
"Oh, don't worry at all. Please come out of there. Let's get you more comfortable and we will talk." Verosika smiled offering her hand towards him. Lucius cautiously reached out to her, and she graciously took it helping him to his feet and gently pulled him over her clothes all in a messy pile.
Lucius felt ashamed over what he did. Some way to meet his icon just to make a fool of himself and a complete mess. "I am so sorry, Mrs. Mayday. Sorry I ruined your clothes!" But Verosika only smiled at him leading him to the bed and helped him up on it sitting him on the edge.
"Its alright. Now if you would kindly tell me how did you get in here?" She asked politely putting a hand over his shoulders. She did need some answers as a mortal in Hell is unheard of.
"It's a long story." He replied realizing that the spell that made him appear as a Goetia had to be gone. The way they talked and looked at him obviously it meant they knew who he really was. He had ruined the secret. Stolas undoubtably would be furious at him.
"Do tell, kid." Angel Dust persisted kneeling down next to the boy. This was a peculiarity, but the boy seemed to be polite and kind. Far different from those he knew in life. Tex and Cherri Bomb remained where they stood but they listened on to what, Lucius had to say. Knowing he could not possibly lie about anything, Lucius told his story to the four demons. From his horrible upbringing to the point where his own adopted parents attempted to kill him, but he was saved by Prince Stolas who brought him to Hell to take care of him and his recent accident by opening up a book he should not have looked at brought him to the suite and dissipated a spell that made him appear as a demon and not a mortal hence why they see him as such.
The Four of them looked at Lucius differently now. Each one of them felt horrible for the child. So innocent and pure that those worthy of the eternal suffering tried to snuff him out like that. He also talked about how, Verosika's music made him feel safe and secure. Lifted his spirits and gave him some semblance of hope. The Popstar was surprised by that. Her music had a far different effect for older audiences, but the boys truths gave her an uplifting feeling herself. Once the story was finished it was Verosika and Angel Dust who took the most pity on him.
"Aw shucks, kid. Sorry to hear all that. Come here." Angel Dust wrapped the boy in his four arms and hugged him. "Don't worry about them. Seems ya got someone better."
Once the hug ended Lucius smiled at Angel. "Thank you, Mr. Dust."
Angel and the others laughed. The Boy certainly had manners. Something none of them were used too. A Good change of pace. "Ah…no Mr. kid! Its Angel to you!" Angel playfully ruffled the boys hair making him laugh.
"Now then…I think its best I get you home before anyone else notices you. Would you like that?" Asked Verosika.
"I would, please. Sorry for all this trouble." Apologized Lucius but Verosika only brought him into a hug next.
"Don't worry about that. Anything for you." Chuckled the Succubae holding him close letting him know that he is among friends. If he had ended up anywhere else surely he would have been in big trouble but here he was among demons that don't dabble in the lowest of discords even for sinners or hell born. "Well, I am glad this happened. And I appreciate your comments on my music."
"Your music is the greatest!" Beamed Lucius. "It always lifted me up when I was feeling sad or down. Your songs cheered me up a lot and its easy to see why so many flock to your concerts. I only wish I could have gone to one."
The Others around him looked away and snickered trying not to be obvious but, Verosika's concerts were not exactly a place for a boy his age. But the flattery was so much for the Popstar she couldn't help but blush at the sweet comments the boy made and knowing her music helped him through some heavy times. She had to make a dream of his come true.
"We shall see about your wish soon. Let's get you home. Ever been in a limo?" Asked Verosika. Lucius gasped in amazement as he never was in those cars before but that meant they would go out in public, and he could be seen.
"But would anyone see me? Aren't we in a hotel and far away?" Asked the boy in concern.
"Don't worry, Sweetie, Tex can get you to the car without anyone seeing you and the windows to my limo are tinted no one will see. Let's get you home to the Prince." Tex came over and hosted the boy up into his arms making yelp from the sudden lift. He fit so snug into his muscular arm he felt rather embarrassed, but the Hellhound gave him a grin and all around him all smiled. Lucius was a delightful little boy and they all would keep their mouths silent about the mortal child being in Hell. A Small touch of a pure heart seeped into their own hearts. It would be a true shame should anything happen to him. Best for now to get him back to the one who had brought him down to Hell in the first place before anyone else could see him. One that would not stay so quiet as they would.
"This is hopeless!" Blitz growled as he stomped around the foyer. Stolas had spent hours trying to figure out all of, Lucius likings. But each time he tried to go where the boy could possibly be there was nothing and no sign of him anywhere. Blitz and Stolas had reclothed themselves as the situation was dire and, Stolas had appeared again without, Lucius.
"No luck?" Asked Blitz and, Stolas shook his head taking his hat off and gripped it tightly in his grasp. He was worried sick for Lucius more than himself. True he would be in tremendous trouble but for the boys sack he was worried a lot more. He was his son now and brother to his beautiful Starfire. So innocent and pure. Should anything happen to him how could he forgive himself.
His worries were turning into anger. Anger at himself for being so foolish. How could he have not warned the boy about the dangers of the book. He has been a curious one and it should have been obvious that he would want to see more of the Grimoire. His feathers began to ruffle, and his body started to turn black. Blitz cautiously backed away knowing full well what was happening to, Stolas. He only seen it happen once but to see it happen again frightened him a lot.
Just then there was a knock on the door causing, Stolas to ceased in angered transformation and returned to normal. He went to the door opening up to see none other than the popstar Verosika Mayday appearing before him.
"Greetings your, highness!" She graciously bowed to him but, Blitz from behind the Prince saw her, and his expression went sour.
"What the hell are you doing here?" He grumbled.
"Yes. This an unexpected surprise but what brings you here, Mrs. Mayday?" Asked Stolas trying not to look to upset right now. He was in no time for visitors especially one that was quite famous.
"Just returning someone home." Smiled Verosika before stepping aside revealing Lucius standing behind her.
Stolas gasped in surprise and relief grabbing the boy embracing him and spinning him around. "Lucius!"
"Stolas!" Cried Lucius as they both embraced for a few moments which, Verosika only smiled more. The Trip from the Pentagram city was a joyous one. Lucius got to be with her the whole time, and they talked a great deal about her music. His favorites among her many unique songs. Her performances that amazed him the most. And the ride itself was fun despite some things she had to shield his eyes from. He maybe in Hell but some things he should not see just yet.
Blitz was somewhat relieved to see, Lucius back but to see his Ex meant that of all people it was her that, Lucius must have teleported to. How could a kid like her music?
After the Prince was finished hugging the boy he continued to hold onto him. Lucius knew right away what he had to be thinking. "Stolas…I am so sorry." Apologized Lucius.
Stolas only squeezed him into him again. "I am just relieved your okay! And I am not angry with you. This is my doing. From now on I will tell you what you can and cannot look at without my supervision and guidance."
Stolas then looked at Verosika. Obviously she knew the truth, but it was only her at his door and not other demons by the hundreds and he had not received any calls for explanations. She did not tell a soul. "You have done me a tremendous service. How can I possibly repay you, Mrs. Mayday?"
Verosika folded her arms and kept an adoring smile towards the boy. "Well since you put it that way. I do have a request. I would like to use the front of you palace for a concert. Your all cordially invited, and I want Blitzo there to partake. I have an act that would suit the little clown!" She asked pointing straight at the Imp she has hated since the day he walked out on her leaving her to pay everything along with dealing with debt when he had maxed out her credit cards.
"Oh no! No way! You can kiss my little red…" Blitz retorted but Verosika put up a finger.
"Ah..ah! No foul language in the presence of children, Blitzo!" Warned Verosika playfully. "What do you say, your highness?"
Stolas knew this was a grim situation. A Demon of high popularity knew his secret. Should he deny her it may defile his secret and they all would suffer the repercussions. He looked at Blitz giving him a pleading look. He didn't like to beg but this was the only way they were all going to keep the secret going.
Blitz growled in great anger. He knew that succubus would do something like this. He saw it coming a mile away. He walked over to, Stolas and after the Prince set the boy down and went to talk to, Verosika, Blitz yanked him by the neck down to his level.
"You will owe big for this, Stolas! I swear to you I am going to get you back on this one!" Warned the Imp and, Stolas could only chuckle slightly.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." He winked to the Imp before standing up after getting, Blitz to release him.
"Very well, Verosika. Come inside please. We will make the arrangements." He welcomed and the Popstar eagerly came into the Palace while holding onto, Lucius's hand. This will be fun, and she will not only get some form of payback on, Blitzo but she would make the boys wish come true. Anything for a fan and to repay him for his own gracious company that he gave her on the ride all the way to, Prince Stolas palace.