Episode 26: Owls Heart-to-Heart
Flashback:
One late evening, at the Goetia mansion, Stolas is in his study performing his royal duties and opening his grimoire as he checks out the stars and constellations. Stolas suddenly hears the sound of the door slightly opening. He looks up to see the door is slightly opened.
"Hello? Is somebody there?" Stolas calls out, confused.
Stolas arches his eyebrow and is confused.
"Is anybody there?" Stolas wonders.
Suddenly, he begins to hear the sound of a baby talking. He looks down to see a little baby bird with black arms and legs with fluffy white feathers, and two pairs of red eyes. She is also wearing a one piece night sky blue pajama, decorated with yellow crescent moons. She is wearing the pendant that Amara has.
"Maribelle, what are you doing here?" Stolas wonders and picks her up.
He places her on his lap, "Do you want to spend some time with daddy?"
Baby Maribelle giggles and claps her little claws with glee. Stolas giggles as well.
"You are such a cheeky little owl," Stolas says, and taps her on her beak.
Just then, the door opens to reveal Stella walking inside with baby Octavia in her arms, and is wearing a one piece pink pajama decorated with white stars. Octavia is wearing a similar pendant to Maribelle. The pendant also has a gold base, with red in the center. It also has a large white star and small white twinkling stars. There is also a bright pink gemstone.
"Stolas, have you seen Maribelle, she crawled off again," Stella questions.
"She's right here, Stella," Stolas says, standing up and holding Maribelle in her arms.
Stella sighs, "Oh Maribelle, she is always crawling around the house while Octavia stays on the blanket playing."
"I think Maribelle likes to explore around the house. They're both a year old," Stolas says.
Stella sighs, "I suppose so. They may be twins, but very different from each other."
"It's expected since they're twins. Now then, I think it's time for the girls to go to bed," Stolas says.
"Indeed, it is getting late for the girls," Stella says, and hands Octavia to Stolas.
Sometime later, Stolas walks into the nursery to see the two cribs. And the room is decorated with constellations, moons, and stars. Stolas walks inside and gently puts each baby in their cribs.
Stolas leans down and kisses Octavia, "Goodnight my little Starfire."
And tucks Octavia into bed.
Then gently gives Maribelle a kiss as well Maribelle, "Goodnight Maribelle."
Once tucking them into bed. Stolas opens the music box and it begins to play music. The music is enough to put the two sisters to sleep.
Late into the night, Stolas and Stella are fast asleep in their bedroom. In the nursery close to their room, Octavia and Maribelle are also sleeping peacefully as the music box is playing from on the desktop. Suddenly, a pair of crimson eyes and a pair of yellow eyes appear in front of the window still. One of them raises its hand up and casts a spell on the window. Then, the window shatters into pieces as it falls to the ground, scattering across the room. The noise soon causes the baby owls to wake up and cry.
In the royal chambers, Stolas and Stella continue to sleep, but the crying from the babies ends up waking Stolas up.
Stolas grows concerned, "The babies…"
Worried, Stolas quickly puts on his robe and rushes to the nursery and quickly opens the door and becomes shocked to see frightening bat-like creatures. What's more frightening is to see, he almost looks like a human man, but has glowing crimson eyes, and long black hair that goes past his shoulders and pale skin, and sharp fangs with sharp teeth. He's wearing a black black vest button up with gold buttons. Underneath the vest is a white well dressed button up shirt, and a red bow necktie. He is also wearing a black suit jacket with small red stripes going vertical, and a gold button, and has metal spikes on the shoulders.
What shocked Stolas is to see that he has Maribelle in his arms, but for some reason, she seems to be asleep.
"Who are you?! What are you doing?! State your business!" Stolas demands in anger, and his eyes begin to glow.
The demon chuckles and says, "I've come for your daughter. Your little white rare Goeita."
This has Stolas in shock.
Then viciously glare, "You… you bastard! Why are you targeting my daughter?! Who are you?!"
"Try not to talk so loud, you'll wake up your little princesses," The demon says.
Then says, "My name is Orpheus, and your little princess is coming with me."
"I won't let you!" Stolas angrily says as his eyes glow and the magical aura begins to surround his body.
Before Stolas can do anything Orpheus commands, "Boys, you and I will take care of the prince."
Then turns his head, "Mirror. I appointed you to take care of the princess."
Shockingly enough, Mirror walks out from the shadows, "With pleasure."
Orpheus hands Mirror the princess and quickly jumps out of the window.
"No!" Stolas cries out, but Orpheus stands in his way.
"If you don't wish to have your family torn, "I suggest you remain where you are," Orpheus angrily says.
Just then, Stolas grabs Orpheus and says with a vicious glare. Soon, Stolas flies outside through the window and throws Orpheus hard into the ground. Stolas tries to fly after Mirror, but Orpheus soars toward and pounces on Stolas, sending them both crashing to the ground. Then, Orpheus uses some kind of powerful means to push Stolas back. Stolas dodges from the second attack. However, Orpheus has the upper hand and is able to speed behind Stolas and punches him on the back. Stolas falls to the ground and struggles to get up. Just then, Orpheus stomps his foot hard on his back and grabs the back of his head with his cold sharp fingered hands.
Orpheus evilly smirks and says, "Now then, let me see how your blood tastes. Hope you don't mind if I have a small snack before departing with your daughter," And gently licks his lips.
Suddenly with a click and a fire, Orpheus ends up getting shot from behind on his right shoulder. He viciously glares to see an Imp who is wearing a well dressed black suit with sunglasses. He is holding a rifle that is a dark burgundy color with white markings on it. The demon has short black and white striped horns and long silky white hair in a low ponytail.
Orpheus scratches in pure anger, but then transforms into multiple bats and vanishes and the blood that has been spilled is the only thing left of him.
The Imp rushes over and kneels down, "Your highness, are you alright."
"I… I think so… Alexander." Stolas answers, struggles, but is able to sit up.
Upset, Stolas says, "He… he took her… he and some Imp, Mirror, took Maribelle. I… I couldn't stop him…"
"Don't worry your majesty. I'll go after him," Alexander says.
"But this Orpheus seems dangerous. I have to go after him," Stolas says, struggling to get up, but is on the verge of collapsing.
"No Stolas, you need to rest after what happened and inform the other Goeitas. I'll go after him. After all, this isn't the first time I had to deal with those two," Alexander says.
And with that, Alexander rushes after them and doesn't plan on stopping as Stolas sits and feels pain in his body, and now feels deep sadness that he has lost his daughter.
Flashback Ends:
Stolas quickly wakes up in shock and rapidly sits up on his bed, still wearing the clothes from Ozzie's. He breathes heavily as he sweats cold sweat. He brushes his feather head with his claws as he lets out a deep sigh.
He covers his face with the same hand and mutters, "It… it's been years… since I had that awful memory… Oh Maribelle…."
Stolas lets out a sad sigh as he can't stop thinking about the daughter he lost years ago. His train of thought comes to a stop when he hears knocking sounds. He removes his hand and turns his head to hear the knocking coming from the balcony.
"Who could that be at this hour?" Stolas thinks to himself.
He then gets out of bed and approaches the balcony to see who it is. Stolas slowly opens the balcony and looks outside to see who it is. To his shock, his late visitor is Amara. Amara has her hands behind her back and slightly kicks her artificial foot against the ground. Stolas can see that she's feeling very uneasy.
"Oh, um, I, um, Amara… What a surprise. It's uh, rather late is it?" Stolas replies, obviously very nervous, unsure, and surprised to see her.
"Um yeah, it is," Amara says, and it's clear she's nervous and skeptical as well.
She sadly sighs and says, "Um listen, I know it's late and that you might still be a bit on edge about what happened in Ozzie's, but is it alright if I come in. I actually need to talk to you."
Stolas isn't exactly sure what to do, or to say to her, especially after what happened.
Then Stolas remembers what Blitz says to him, "You… you have to tell her… I think she has the right to know, and it's best if you tell her the truth after what happened. After everything she's been through."
Stolas remembers Blitz's words clearly, and has been stuck in his head. He knows that this is the best time, now that Amara is here, especially after what happened at Ozzie's.
Stolas fully opens the balcony door and says, "Yes, please come in."
Amara slowly nods her head and walks inside. Stolas then closes the door.
Once alone in the room, Stolas and Amara sit down on the bed, and are very quiet. They're not even looking at each other. They don't even know what to say, and can't seem to find the words to explain so.
Remaining calm on the matter, Stolas asks, "So um, do you need anything. Like something to drink."
"No. I'm good," Amara says.
"Okay," Stolas replies.
Stolas and Amara then remain silent. They both have a lot on their minds and what they want to say, but aren't able to get a word out. They're both about to speak up, but they still remain quiet.
Stolas sadly sighs and says, "Amara… we… we need to talk… about what happened at Ozzie's… not even just that… about everything that has happened."
"Um… I suppose…" Amara says. She sadly sighs and says, "I suppose you're right. That's actually why I'm here. I want… I want to know… the truth. About what Asmodeus said at Ozzie's about…"
"I suspect that's the reason why you're here," Stolas says.
"Yeah. I wanted to ask about what happened at Ozzie's…" Amara says with a nod.
She then asks, "Is what Asmodeus said it's true… am I really your daughter? Are you… really my father?"
Stolas lets out a sad sigh and slowly nods his head, "Yes… you are… What Asmodeus said it's true… You're my daughter… and I'm sure of it…"
Stolas then stands up from the bed and walks toward the couch and sits down.
"Of course, your name was originally Maribelle," Stolas adds.
Then Amara says, "And when I was adopted, my name was changed to Amara?"
"Yes. I suspected that," Stolas says sadly and lowers his head down.
Amara simply stands up and walks over to the couch and sits down next to Stolas, who reveals to be her actual father.
Stolas closes his eyes as tears begin to fall from his face, "I'm sorry to keep all of this a secret from you…"
"But why…? Why'd you never tell me that you're my dad…?" Amara asks.
"Because… I didn't know how to. You were missing for sixteen years and I… I've almost given up hope at this point," Stolas answers.
He then says, "But it's no excuse to keep all this a secret from you."
"Maybe now will be a good time to start," Amara says.
Stolas turns to Amara.
Amara says, "I… I really want to know everything that happened. What was my life like then? How and why was I kidnapped? How did you realize I was your daughter? Why did you never tell me about it? And what was my relationship with you, Stella, and Octavia? I want to know everything. I know it's much to ask, but…"
"It's okay. You deserve to know the truth. And…. I think it's time you knew the whole truth… about everything…" He sadly sighs and says, "You've waited long enough."
Amara waits patiently and remains calm for Stolas to explain to her the truth.
After taking a deep breath, Stolas begins to explain his story, "Well, as you already know, you are indeed my daughter, Maribelle Goeita Of course, that also means you're a Goeita Princess and Demon," Stolas says.
Amara slowly nods her head.
"Your mother and I were arranged since we were children to birth a precautionary heir to our family. So, it was a bit of a surprise for both of us when your mother laid two eggs. And soon, you two hatch approximately the same time," Stolas says.
"Approximately?" Amara says, confused.
"Yes. Octavia just popped out of her egg right before you did," Stolas says.
"So Octavia is the older twin, but like a few seconds," Amara says.
"I suppose that's one way to put it. When you and Octavia were born, I was very happy and I love you both from the bottom of my heart and will do anything to keep you safe and happy," Stolas says.
"What about mom…? I mean Stella…?" Amara asks.
"Well, your mother was okay with it? She was only glad that you two popped out when you did," Stolas says. Then mutters, "So she wouldn't have to fuck me any more."
"I see…" Amara says, sweating bullets.
Stolas quickly says, "Of course, I do my best to help take care of you. Still, you both were quite different when you were babies. Octavia was rather calm, quiet, and cheerful. You were cheerful as well, but also a bit adventurous. When you started to crawl, we knew that you would be a very curious, naughty baby. There was this one time, you crawled out to the backyard and you were quiet. I got scared and ran out after you. Turns out you ended up crawling to your mother who was chatting with her friends at the time."
"Wow. I was adventurous back then," Amara says.
"You were. Your mother thought you might be well, trouble when you get older," Stolas says.
"Trouble?" Amara asks, snickers.
"Well, she only thought that because you were trying to play with Andrealphus' tail one time, but you were still little at the time, and he didn't really mind. Sort of," Stolas says.
"Andrealphus?" Amara asks.
"He's… your mother's brother…" Stolas says, frustrated.
"I didn't know Stella has a brother," Amara says.
"She does," Stolas says, though he doesn't look very pleased to bring him up.
"I have to guess you two didn't have the best relationship," Amara says.
"That's one way to put it," Stolas calmly says with a sigh.
Then says, "But allow me to continue."
"Okay," Amara says.
"As I said, I love both you and Octavia and I will do anything to give you both a good life. Regretfully, I was incapable of that devotion. Sixteen years ago, two demons somehow snuck into our home, and reached the nursery you and Octavia were sleeping in. When I arrived, I saw a horrifying demon and an Imp was with him. The frightening demon was named Orpheus and the Imp was named Mirror. Orpheus seems to look like a human man, but I can tell right away that he's a demon. I tried to fight him, but he already gave you to Mirror and rushed off as I tried to fight Orpheus, but he somehow overpowered me. I think we would have bitten my neck if Alexander hadn't showed up. He left to pursue Mirror, and I haven't seen him since." Stolas explains in sadness.
Amara pays close attention to what happened.
Stolas continues, "Your mother heard the commotion so I had to tell her what happened. I was so upset that I decided to search for you, despite how injured I've been. Stella stayed with Octavia and sent the servants and guard to search for you and Alexander. I don't have a clear reason why he wanted you, but all that mattered was saving you and getting you back. So I've searched… and searched… I've searched for so long that I was on the verge of exhaustion. I tried for so long, and couldn't find you. I've tried to do whatever it takes, even asked my father to help me track the ones who did it, but sadly, we can't seem to sense your presence. It was like you disappeared from existence. So, we were forced to give up, fearing that we have lost you forever. So I had to do my best to take care of Octavia," and soon Stolas begins to shed tears from his face.
Amara feels like shedding tears as well.
Stolas wipes the tears on his face as he says, "When I met you and Roy along with Blitz and the others during the trip to Loo Loo Land. I didn't know what to expect. It was a bit hard to tell with your hat on so it wasn't entirely easy to see your face. However, when you dropped your hat in the Fun House and got a better look of you, I was beyond shocked. And then suddenly hope that you might be Maribelle, the daughter that I've lost many years ago. However, I felt that it might be too good to be true. And I just simply keep watching you when you come to the house, or when I go with you and Blitz. Then one day, at the arcade, when you told us what happened to you and your family, I did grow resentful towards those who harm you, even though you might not be my daughter. However, I was able to learn that you were my daughter."
"So then, how did you?" Amara asks, curious.
"Your pendant. I recognized the pattern right away. I know because I have given you and Octavia those pendants for your first birthday. I've also had a pendant similar to yours. The moment I saw that pendant, I realized that you were Maribelle. It's kind of ironic that you ended up finding your way back, even though you were working with Blitz at the time," Stolas adds.
"But if you knew back then, then… Why didn't you say anything to me? Why not tell me the truth?" Amara asks.
Stolas sadly sighs, "I don't have a good excuse for it, but it's because I was worried about how you would react to it. And after the trip from Wrath to visit your parents grave, I remember feeling so upset, so angry, of what happened, how you ended up losing your adopted family, and lost your left arm and both your legs. I felt that I've failed more as a father for being unable to be there for you when you needed someone the most. And after everything you've been through, I've worried for how you react, how you might take it. So I thought it would be best to get to know you more, before I was ready to tell you the truth. However, I took too long to tell you. I wanted to tell you, more than anything… I just… couldn't find the words. I felt like I'm weighing myself down or not being able to have the courage to tell you. I never stopped thinking about you, not even after sixteen long years have passed. I had so many chances and opportunities but was afraid to tell you the truth, afraid it might do you more harm."
Amara begins to shed tears and says, "I… I have no idea…. I have no idea you've gone through such pain and anxiety… I mean, I'm upset that you never came forward about it, but at the same time, I feel sad that I'm your daughter and have been around you without knowing it."
Then Stolas says, "You have every right to feel upset. I failed you as a father, failed to protect you, and were unable to find you. You suffered so much from the incident, and heard how badly you were hurt, both mentally and physically."
Then turns his head away in regret, "But instead of telling you right away when I learned the truth, I kept it to myself, and was afraid of how you take it, especially on what you've been through as a child. Regretfully, you've ended up learning the truth at Ozzie's. At least, part of it anyway. I… I was being selfish for keeping this for so long. I tried to make sure you don't get hurt, but you ended up getting hurt even more."
Then he hugs Amara, "I'm so… so sorry."
Amara doesn't really know what to sit. Instead, she reaches her arms to her father and ends up hiding him a little.
Amara then says, "It… it's okay… the truth is… none of it was your fault… and well… I was upset and confused to learn the truth. But the truth is…" then lets go of Stolas and looks at him with tears falling down her face, "I might have been always afraid… afraid that it was the truth."
"What do you mean?" Stolas asks.
Trying her best not to cry, "The truth is, what Asmodeus said to me… ended up… bringing me back my memories. It helped me remember what really happened all those years ago, when my parents were killed." She wipes the tears from her face, "When the demons invaded my house, one of them was mirror, my music teacher, and he's the one who shot me with that gun. I… I couldn't believe it because I looked up to Mirror and I was his best student. And… Orpheus was there as well. They… they told me…"
"Told you what?" Stolas asks, and he doesn't like where this is going.
"They told me that I was a Goeita demon. They told me that you and Stella were my parents. How Orpheus and Mirror stole me away when I was a baby, and one of your servants Alexander, who was my dad's friend, not only saved me, but took me to my dad to protect me, to make sure I was raised, away from him. And without a second thought, my parents raised me, raised me as their daughter. " Amara says, and continues to shed tears, "Even after what Orpheus said, after demanding my parents to give me to him, they… they refused… They said that I was their child, even if I was a princess, they agreed that Alex made the right decision so that I would have a safe life, and would die protecting me, to make sure I wasn't taken away by him."
Amara soon begins to cry as tears continue to fall and it won't be long before her tears dry up again.
She continues to cry and says, "My… my parents died… because they wanted to protect me and Roy! They died even though I was a princess and Orpheus and Mirror came for me! They died to make sure Roy and I were safe! I… I realized that the reason why I lost my memories was not only because the pain was too deep, and that I have strong guilt that I blamed myself for my parents death, but I was afraid of what Orpheus and Mirror said was true. I was afraid that I was a princess of the Goeita demons, that it was probably my fault that my parents died because of what I am. And I must have subconsciously repressed those memories."
This comes out as a shock for Stolas. He has no idea that Amara's mental scars were this deep, that the incident with her parents, and being told of what and who she is, how her parents died protecting her, would cause someone to suffer a mental breakdown. And understands why most of her memories from the incident were suppressed, it would have left her psychologically scared. What's more, Alexander, his servant, was a friend of Amara's adopted father, and brought her to them to keep her safe, without their knowledge of who Amara is. And yet, they loved and protected Amara till the day they died.
Amara finishes wiping the tears from her face and says, "Aaron made me realize that none of this was my fault. Even though I ended up believing that it was."
"What?" Stolas says, shocked.
Then Stolas places his hands on Amara's shoulder and pulls her to him, "None of this was your fault. Not at all. I agreed with Aaron. You did nothing wrong. Orpheus and Mirror are the ones in the wrong, for what they did to all of us, what they did to you."
He then hugs her again as he rubs her back with his hand gently, "I'm sorry that you've suffered so much. I promise I'll do whatever it takes to make everything right for you. I promise to never lose you again. That is, if you wish for me to be a part of your life… as your father…"
Amara lifts her head and looks at Stolas, "Stol… I mean dad. I know it's going to be difficult… I guess, I miss having my parents around, and I always wanted to know my birth parents for so long. And since I have some time to think about what happened, and what to do, I was wondering if you… if you can love me as a daughter and as me…and not just be associated with Blitz… please…"
Stolas smiles and says, "Of course I would. You'll always be my daughter, no matter what happens." then sighs, "I'm just sorry you came back after all of this happened in our family. It has been stressful."
"Did something happen?" Amara asks.
"Things have been complicated. Actually, it's been complicated for a long time. I decided to get a divorce with your mother," Stolas explains.
"A divorce. Does that have to do with the affair you have, or something else?" Amara asks.
"It's hard to explain. Your mother and I didn't have the best relationship," Stolas says.
Amara sadly admits, "I had an odd feeling that she doesn't seem to like you very much, but I didn't think your relationship was bad before the affair happened."
"It was, but I would rather not get into details. The point is, I couldn't do this anymore, and decided to officially divorce her," Stolas says.
"Oh, I'm uh, sorry to hear that," Amara says sadly, "I guess this night hasn't been good for all of us. Moxie and Millie's anniversary was ruined, Blitz was humiliated by Verosika and Fizzarolli, you were practically insulted by Asmodeus, and I ended up having my date ruined, and became a bit of a ereck after having my memories back."
"I suppose it was," Stolas says.
Then Amara asks, "So um, what's going to happen now. Now that you and I have everything out in the open between us, what do we do now? How do we go on from here?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Stolas says.
He then places his hand on Amara's right cheek, "You know Amara, you're really a Goeita, and a princess, so your life is going to get more difficult from now on."
"I'm kind of used to it. And I don't think I care anymore. I'm planning on living the life like I always do, even if I do have to understand that I'm a Goetia princess. And I swore to stop Orpheus and whatever plan he's up to, and avenge both our families for what he did to us. And also do my best to make the most the life Roy and I have," Amara says, becoming determined.
But then Stolas says, "About that, I was working if you and Roy don't mind, perhaps, you two would want to live with me from now on."
"You mean, you want me and Roy to move into your house?" Amara asks.
"Yes. I know it's a little to ask, but I would be happy if you can stay with me," Stolas says. "I promise to help make you and Roy comfortable."
"I know, but I don't want to give you any trouble," Amara says.
"Amara, it won't be any trouble at all. You're my daughter and I wanted you to feel safe. I know you can handle the dangers, but you have to realize that your life will become more difficult. It won't be long before word spreads that you're actually a princess. It might even spread to the rest of the Goetias family to learn that you're alive and where you've been all this time. Your life will be in more danger than before. And it will also reach Orpheus and might try to take more drastic measures to capture you," Stolas says.
Amara sighs, "I suppose you're right. But still, I can't just back down from this. I'm the one that he's after, and I know now more than ever that I have to be strong, for my friends, for my family, and for myself. But um, I guess I could use some help. Mirage knows where I live and it won't be long before Orpheus tries to attack my home too."
"I'm glad you understand it, but let me ask. Will you and Roy stay with me? I promise to do my best to be there for you and Roy. I'll do my best to make sure you both are happy," Stolas says.
Amara thinks for a bit and well, it's difficult, but after everything she has learned, everything he talked about. Amara knows what's best for herself and Roy.
Amara turns to Roy, "Alright, I'll stay with you from now on. I… um, do hope we can still be a family."
"We will always be family, even though we were distant from each other. No matter what happens you'll always be my daughter, and I love you as much as I love Octavia. I promise to never lose you again," Stolas says.
Soon, Stolas and Amara pull each other for one final hug. Amara feels a warm feeling that she hasn't felt in a long time, the love from a parent. Amara has found her birth family, and will do her best to make the most of the life she has. Even though it's going to get harder from now on. They'll have to make the most of it.
