The scene opens on a playground in Hell, where imp children are seen playing. At the bottom of the screen, the words "12 YEARS AGO" appear, signifying this takes place in the past.
Under the tree in the playground, 4-year old Lincoln is sitting alone. His clothes, which were a simple orange t-shirt and black jean shorts, were torn and scuffed with dirt. Lincoln glances over and sees a group of imp children snickering to themselves while pointing at him, likely making fun of his homelessness. He just looks away and buries his face in his knees, when a shadow suddenly appears over him.
Octavia: *off-screen* Hi.
Lincoln glances up from his knees in surprise, seeing 5-year old Octavia in front of him, smiling at him.
Lincoln: Uh… *lifts his head up* … hi? What are you… what are you doing here?
Octavia: *smiling* You look like you could use a friend.
Lincoln: … Oh, I see. Did those guys *points to the snickering imps* set you up to this?
Octavia: *tilts her head* Set me up? No. *her head tilts back to normal* I came over here because I want to play with you.
Lincoln: *surprised* R-Really?
Octavia nods, causing Lincoln's tail to slightly wag. Octavia then grabs his hands and pulls him to his feet, noticing his scuffed up outfit.
Octavia: Oh, hang on. *she holds her hands up as they flicker pink for a bit* Mmm, come on…!
Her hands keep flickering pink, until she manages to hold the glow long enough to send it to Lincoln, causing his clothes to fix themselves and get clean.
Lincoln: *surprised* Whoa! How did you do that?!
Octavia: It's some of the magic my Daddy taught me! He knows a whole bunch of spells!
Lincoln: That's so cool! *smiles* I'm, uh… I'm Lincoln, by the way.
Octavia: *smiles* I'm Octavia.
Lincoln: Wow, that's… a really pretty name.
Octavia giggles as she takes Lincoln's hand and leads him to the playground.
Cut to a brief montage of the two playing together. They went on the swings, rode the seesaw, and played a game of tag. Octavia also turned the imps that were picking on Lincoln to stone and "accidentally" knocked them over, leaving them in pieces.
The montage ends as Lincoln and Octavia fall on their backs, giggling.
Stolas: *off-screen* Oh, Via!
Octavia and Lincoln sit up and look over, seeing Stolas walking up.
Octavia: *smiles* Daddy! *runs to him*
Stolas chuckles as he kneels down and picks up a laughing Octavia.
Stolas: There you are, my little star! *stands up* It's time for us to go home now!
Octavia: *a little sad* Awww, why?
Stolas: Because the Extermination happens in a week. We don't want to be outside when those nasty monsters appear, now do we?
We go back to Lincoln, where the mention of the word "Extermination" caused his eyes to shrink in terror and his face to turn a deadly white.
Cut back to Octavia and Stolas as the former glances back, only to full on look back in shock and concern as she sees Lincoln's fur standing up as his breathing and heartbeat begins to increase rapidly.
Octavia: *concerned* Lincoln?! *jumps down from her father's arms*
Lincoln: *starting to sweat as his pupils shrink more and more* E-E-E-E-E... Exter... E-Exter...
Background flashback; Lincoln is cowering in the sewers as screams of anguish and agony ring out from above him.
Lincoln: *flashback ends as Octavia runs up to him* I can still hear them... *tears start to spill down his cheeks heavily* No... stop screaming...! *curls up into a ball and starts whining frantically* ST-STOP! STOP SCREAMING!
Octavia: *concerned* Lincoln?! *grabs his shoulders and gently shakes him* Lincoln?! What's wrong?!
Stolas: *shocked and concerned* Oh dear…
Lincoln: *looks up at Octavia with his face drenched of tears* I CAN STILL HEAR THEM SCREAMING IN PAIN! *his tail starts fritzing up* MAKE IT STOP!
Finally, Lincoln throws himself over Octavia and hugs her tightly, crying hard over her shoulder.
Concerned beyond belief, Octavia hugs the crying Lincoln and gently rubs his back.
Stolas: *walks over and kneels down to them* Young man...
Lincoln: *looks up at Stolas, whimpering and sniffling* Wh-Who...
Stolas: My name is Stolas. I am Octavia's father. *he puts a hand on Lincoln's shoulder, his expression turning grave* You've... lost your parents in an Extermination, didn't you?
More tears form in Lincoln's eyes as he shakily nods at Stolas.
Lincoln: *sniffling* I lost them last year… *wipes his tears* Th-They hid me in a sewer to save me… b-but… they didn't make it… th-they… they were killed… a-and all I could hear was their… their… their screams…!
Octavia could only gasp in horror.
Octavia: *puts her hands over her mouth in shock* Is... Is that why you were all dirty? You didn't play in any muck or grime?
Lincoln: No... *sniffles* I'm... I'm homeless…
Octavia: Oh my Satan… *hugs Lincoln tightly* I'm so sorry, Lincoln!
Lincoln: *sniffles* I-It's not your fault, Via…
Octavia: *looks at Stolas with glimmering eyes* Daddy, can't we do something? I don't want Lincoln to die!
Stolas: *nods* Agreed. *looks at Lincoln* Lincoln, come with us. *Lincoln glances at Stolas* We'll let you hide out the Extermination with us.
Lincoln: *eyes widen* Wh… What…? Y-You will?
Stolas: Certainly! We have more than enough space for you! And besides, Via seems to have grown very attached to you.
Octavia: *nods with a smile* Absolutely! You'll be safe at our house!
Tears started to form in Lincoln's eyes again, but these were not tears of sadness, but joy.
Lincoln: *wipes his tears as he begins to smile* Th-Thank you… thank you so much…!
Stolas: There's just one complication. *Lincoln looks confused* You can never, *cut to slight close in of his face* ever, *another cut* under ANY circumstance... *final cut, which just shows his narrowed eyes* ...let my wife see you.
Lincoln: *cut to show him looking confused* And… why's that?
Stolas: She's not very… accepting… to people like you.
Octavia: *sighs* Yeah. Mommy's really mean. And she can get pretty nasty.
Lincoln: *slightly intimidated* I'll… keep that in mind.
Stolas: That being said... *takes Octavia's hand* Come, Lincoln! We live this way!
Lincoln: *blinks* R-Right! *he starts to follow Stolas and Octavia out of the park, walking next to the latter* Um... how bad is your mom?
Sudden cut to Lincoln and Octavia hiding in a bush, the former's eyes wider than dinners as the latter looks really annoyed. Stolas can be heard yelling at someone off-screen.
Lincoln: *stunned as he whispers to Octavia* Oh... THAT bad?
Octavia just nods.
Stella: *cut to her looking angry* It cannot take you that long to bring Octavia from the park!
Stolas: *scowling* You're not her schedule holder, you fucking witch! *quickly glances at Octavia and nudges his head at the mansion*
Octavia: *takes the hint and grabs Lincoln's hand, whispers* Come on.
Octavia pulls Lincoln out of the bush as they run to the back door of the mansion, while Stolas and Stella continue their shouting match.
Cut to inside as Octavia opens the door, pulls Lincoln in, and shuts the door behind her as she sighs in relief.
Octavia: We're in...
Lincoln: *looks around in amazement* Whoa...
Behind Lincoln and Octavia is a wide-view of a lavish entryway with very fancy plants and furniture.
Lincoln: You live here?
Octavia: *nods* Uh-huh! It's because my parents come from royal families.
Lincoln: *surprised* So you're an heir?
Octavia: Yeah. *looks down with a sigh* But I'm not a happy heir.
Lincoln: Why not?
Octavia: Because Mommy's always so strict and controlling on how I have to behave. Whether it's how I have to sit, how I'm supposed to speak, or even just how I dress.
Lincoln: *gasps* That's not fair! Can't Stolas do something about that?
Octavia: Not really. He and Mommy are always yelling at each other.
Lincoln: Are they always like this?
Octavia: Pretty much, but the only time they got along was when they took me to Loo Loo Land.
She points to the large portrait on the wall, showing her, Stolas and Stella at Loo Loo Land, looking happy like a proper family.
Lincoln: Loo Loo Land? Isn't that the fair in the Greed Ring?
Octavia: Yeah. That place is really fun! Except the... *shudders slightly* Clown there…
Octavia's eyes widen as she hears the front door opening.
Octavia: *whispers as she grabs Lincoln's hand* Quick! Up to my room!
She runs off with Lincoln following behind. As they are about to enter the room to the stairs, they peek out and see Stella furiously grumbling and muttering to herself, but thankfully not looking in their direction.
Stella: *as Octavia and Lincoln quietly sneak to the stairs* Stupid fucking useless sack of shit. Of all the people for me to be married to... Ugh, he pisses me off so fucking much.
Octavia and Lincoln quickly but quietly run up the stairs and to Octavia's room, where they shut the door behind them, panting.
Octavia: *catches her breath* We made it...
Lincoln: *concerned* Are you sure that I'll really be safe here?
Octavia: Oh, she hardly ever comes up to my room. We're more than safe here. And in the chance she does come to my room, just hide under my bed.
Lincoln: *relieved sigh* Okay, good…
Lincoln takes a moment to look around Octavia's bedroom, seeing the decorative stars, the large bookcase, and the telescope.
Lincoln: Wow, you really seem to like space.
Octavia: *smiles* Yeah, I do. It's because Daddy works with astrology, and also prophecies involving the mortal realm.
Lincoln: The mortal realm? Where the humans live?
Octavia: Yep. He said there's something special about that world's stars.
Lincoln: Really?
Octavia: Yeah. shrugs But he didn't say what.
Lincoln: I'd like to see them myself.
Octavia: Well, maybe someday. But I can show you something equally special tonight.
Lincoln: Really? *his tail slightly wags with excitement* What is it?
Octavia: Meet me on the roof tonight.
Cut to Hell's sun that slowly fades into Hell's moon in the purple sky.
Pan down to the roof of the Goetia mansion as Lincoln climbs up, seeing Octavia already there.
Octavia: *pulls him up* You weren't seen, right?
Lincoln: No, I wasn't.
Octavia: Good. *starts to lay on the roof*
Lincoln: What did you want to show me?
Octavia: Lay down and look up.
He does so next to Octavia, and gasps in amazement. In the night sky were some stars, connected in a glowing shape of an Imp.
Lincoln: *amazed* Whoa...
Octavia: *smiles* Pretty cool, huh?
Lincoln: Yeah... What is it?
Octavia: That constellation is called "Geddon." It's short for Armageddon.
Lincoln: It's beautiful.
Octavia: And this is just the start. There's a whole lot of constellations like this.
She points at an axe-shaped constellation.
Octavia: That one's called the "Big Killer."
Lincoln: "Big Killer", huh? Is there a "Little Killer"?
Octavia: Actually, yeah. points to a smaller axe-shaped constellation* Right there.
Lincoln: Wow...
Octavia: *points to a monster constellation* And that one's called "Ghoulitus."
Lincoln: These are really incredible, Octavia. You really know your stuff.
Octavia: You can thank Daddy for that. *there is a beat for a few moments* Hey, Lincoln... I know this may sound touchy, but... What were your parents like?
Lincoln's expression drops a bit as he looks away, small tears beginning to form in his eyes. Octavia notices and moves closer to him to console him.
Octavia: *worried* Sorry... I didn't mean-
Lincoln: *makes a sad smile* It's okay. I'll tell you. *Flashback: a younger Lincoln is seen playing with his mother* I never knew my parents that well, but my mom? She was sweeter than any Imp could possibly be.
Lincoln's mother smiles sweetly as she boops Lincoln on the nose, making him giggle as his tail wags.
Cut to show the younger Lincoln reaching for a jar of cookies on the counter, but struggling because of his small size. He suddenly gets picked up by his father, who looks at him sternly as Lincoln gives a sheepish grin... until his father smiles and holds up the now open cookie jar.
Lincoln: *speaking from the present as his past self excitedly wags his tail as he and his father both eat some of the cookies* And my dad normally was very serious and stern, but he had his fun and trouble-making moments.
Octavia: *speaks up off-screen* Sounds like you had really great parents.
Lincoln: *lets out a small chuckle* Yeah. They were the best.
Fade back to Lincoln and Octavia.
Lincoln: *looks down and sighs* I miss them so much...
Octavia looked at Lincoln with sadness, so she took his hand gently.
Octavia: Hey, don't worry. *Lincoln glances at her* No matter what, I'm gonna make sure my best friend never goes through something like that again.
She gives Lincoln a smile.
Octavia: I can promise you that.
Lincoln stares at Octavia in surprise, before slowly smiling at her. Cut a shot behind them.
Lincoln: Thanks, Via.
It pans up to the starry night sky, then fades to Octavia's room as Octavia closes the window and locks it, then closes the curtains as the words "1 WEEK LATER" appear on the bottom of the screen. As the words disappear, the door opens as Stella looks in, completely uninterested.
Stella: *uninterested* Is your window locked, daughter?
Octavia: *annoyed, but hides it* Yes, mother.
Stella: Good. *walks off, leaving the door open*
Octavia peeks out her room and sees Stella walk off out of sight. Octavia then closes the door and looks to the bed.
Octavia: She's gone.
The blanket moves as Lincoln's head peeks out.
Lincoln: Alright… but I'm just… I'm gonna stay under here…
He sinks back under the bed, surprising Octavia. She goes to say something, but that's when a loud siren begins to sound as Octavia gasps. It was the siren that signaled the beginning of the Extermination.
Instinctively, Octavia pulls up the blanket and looks under the bed. Her heart drops as she sees Lincoln curled in a ball, covering his ears as tears form in his eyes as he whimpers.
Lincoln: *whimpering and voice shaking as his fur slowly begins to stand up* Pl-Please no… Please…
Octavia crawls under the bed and kneels next to him, gently petting his head to try and calm him down. But Lincoln continues shaking in fear, not even noticing Octavia trying to calm him down.
Octavia's eyes suddenly light up with an idea as she crawls out from the bed and then runs out of the bedroom.
Cut to Stolas' bedroom as Octavia sneaks in and goes up to the bookshelf, looking all the way to the top shelf. Her eyes are locked on Stolas' Grimoire, and she gets a determined look. She begins climbing the shelf, getting all the way to the top. She then pulls on the Grimoire, struggling and grunting a bit. On the third tug, she pulls it out and is sent flying backwards with the book, but thankfully lands on the bed. She sits up and shakes the fall off, before carrying the Grimoire out of the room and back to her room.
Cut back to Lincoln under the bed as Octavia crawls back under, setting the Grimoire down and flipping through it quickly and finding a page that has an illusion spell. She taps it, causing the page to glow as that glow then spreads up to around them.
Octavia: Lincoln… *Lincoln, through his shaking, glances at her as she continues petting his head* I promise, everything's gonna be okay.
Octavia then begins singing the same lullaby her father sings to her when she has a nightmare.
Octavia: It always seems more quiet… in the dark
Lincoln looks up and notices the glow spreading, surprising him as his whining stops.
Octavia: It always feels so stark… how silence grows under the moon
The glow changes to show a starry night sky
Octavia: Constellations gone so soon
Shooting stars fly over the two as Lincoln stares in amazement.
Octavia: I used to think that I was bold
I used to think love would be fun
Now all the stories have been told… Except for one…
She wipes Lincoln's tears. The young Hellhound then notices a glow off-screen and looks.
Octavia: As the stars start to align
I hope you take it as a sign that you will be okay
A giant, pink colored star shines brightly as planets orbit it.
Octavia: Everything will be okay
And if the Seven Rings collapse
A meteor flies over the two as the passing winds blow their hair gently.
Octavia: Although the day could be my last, you will be okay
Lincoln feels sleepiness taking over as he yawns and lays his head on Octavia's lap.
Octavia: Everything will be okay
Octavia closes the Grimoire as the book stops glowing.
Octavia: And when creation goes to die
You can find me in the sky
The illusion dissipates as the bed returns to normal.
Octavia: Upon the last day
She smiles as she softly pets the sleeping Lincoln on the head.
Octavia: And you will be okay
Fade to show Stolas walking up to the bedroom door.
Stolas: *knocks on the door* Via? Are you awake?
He gets no response, so he opens the door and peeks in. He doesn't see Octavia or Lincoln, so he enters to look around for them. He bends down and lifts the blanket to look under the bed, seeing Lincoln and Octavia asleep together, both on their stomachs. Lincoln's tail was even covering Octavia like a blanket. Stolas smiles and uses his telekinesis to gently pick them up and pull them out from under the bed without waking them, then sets them down on the bed and covers them with the blanket. He then silently exits the room, closing the door behind him.
Outside Stolas' mansion. The words "6 YEARS LATER" appear on the bottom screen for a moment, then disappear. Snowflakes gently fall from the reddish skies as the massive doors swing open with loud bangs.
Stella: *inside* Out, you fucking vermin!
A dirty 10-year old Lincoln is thrown out of the mansion, landing on the cold ground with a whimper of pain.
Stella: *her shadow looms over Lincoln, off-screen* Don't EVER *cut to her glaring at Lincoln in disgust* let me catch you in this mansion again, you lowly mutt!
Octavia: *inside* No, Mom!
11-year old Octavia runs outside, past her mom and up to Lincoln.
Stella: *scowling as Octavia starts to help Lincoln up* Octavia, step away from the poor wretch!
Octavia ignores her as Lincoln gets to his feet, but he stumbles a bit because of how hard Stella threw him.
Octavia: *concerned* Are you okay?!
Lincoln: I... *groans a bit* I think so...
Stella: *storming over* Do NOT ignore me, daughter! *grabs Octavia's hand and harshly pulls her away from Lincoln*
Octavia: NO! *thrashes to try and get to Lincoln again*
Stella: *harshly hands Octavia over to some of the Imp servants* Take her inside while I deal with this pest!
Octavia starts to scream as the servants carry her inside.
Lincoln: *worried* Via! *attempts to run over, but Stella slaps him in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground again*
Stella: *towers over Lincoln as she harshly grabs him by the hair and lifts him up* Listen here, you little mutt! Consider yourself lucky that I'm feeling generous enough to not kill you right now! *leans in and whispers to Lincoln* But if I ever see you again, then you better pray to Satan that-
She suddenly stops as she remembers the date, and looks at the watch on her wrist. A twisted grin appears on her face as she realizes... today is the day of the Extermination, and there's only one hour until it begins.
Stella: On second thought... *grins at the terrified Lincoln* ... I think those Exorcists are going to do my job for me.
Lincoln: *his pupils start to shrink in horror* E-E-E-Exorcists...?! Oh, no... nonononono... Pl-Please! Please don't!
Stella throws Lincoln to the ground, earning another pained whimper from him.
Stella: *leers over Lincoln, grinning with malice* Run... *Lincoln looks up at her with tears forming in his eyes* Run away... and never return.
Beaten, dirty, and fearing for his own life as tears run down his face, Lincoln turns and runs from the Goetia mansion, running through the gate and far, far away to what Stella believes will be his death, a thought that makes her grin all the more malicious.
Stella walks back inside, dusting her hands off like she just threw some trash out (which, in her eyes, she did), as she slams the door shut and locks it. Octavia breaks out of the servants' grips and runs upstairs as tears run down her face. Stella just rolls her eyes, clearly not caring how Octavia is feeling now.
Stolas: *walks into the room and notices Stella's look* What's got you so excited, Stella?
Stella: *confidently* Not that it's any of your business, but I just kicked some mangy mutt out of this palace.
Cut to Stolas as his expression changes from one of annoyance to utter horror, all four of his eyes widening. Stella walks off calmly, like nothing's happened. Stolas' expression contorts into rage as his eyes flare red, his teeth clench, and his fists tighten and glow red.
Cut to Octavia's bedroom as the poor girl was crying into her pillow, her sobs muffled through it. The door peeks open, and Stolas looks in, worried to see his daughter crying.
Stolas: Via? *walks over and sits on the bed*
Octavia's sobbing continues, breaking Stolas' heart. Just as he goes to put his hand on her shoulder, the Extermination siren begins to play. Octavia looks up in pure horror as she rushes to the window, pressing her hands against it. In the skies of Hell, a glowing white portal opens as the Exorcists descend, and the screams of unlucky demons ring out.
Octavia screams out in sorrow as she falls to her knees. Stolas closes the curtains, then kneels down and hugs his daughter as she sobs even more into his chest. A tear runs down Stolas' face as he tightens the hug before it fades to black.
Fade to the Wrath Ring as the words "4 YEARS LATER" appear on the screen. A portal opens as Stolas, Stella, and the now 15-year old Octavia step out. Octavia has her earbuds in and is behaving more like her present day self.
Stella: *disgusted* Ugh. The Wrath Ring always disgusts me.
Stolas: *unamused* Then why did you insist on coming here?
Stella: To keep an eye on you, you moron. *turns* I'm going to go find a decent place to sit.
Stella walks off as Stolas quietly scowls, then walks in another direction with Octavia following in boredom. The two approach a well-made stage being decorated by some of the Imps, impressing Stolas as Octavia doesn't even look.
Stolas: My, my. The stage looks absolutely marvelous for tonight. *smiles* You fellows do great work.
Staff Imp: Nah, the thanks goes to Lincoln. He's the one who made the plans for this whole thing.
Stolas: Oh, I suppose I should be thanking- *eyes snap open as he looks at the imp* Wait... did you say... "Lincoln"?
Staff Imp: Sure did, Your Highness.
Stolas: Is he... by sheer chance... a Hellhound... with white and gray fur... and orange eyes?
Staff Imp: That's right! Do you know him?
Stolas: *starting to look joyful and relieved* Do I know him? Do I KNOW him?! *swipes the headphones off of an uninterested Octavia so she could hear*
Octavia: *looks at Stolas in annoyance* Hey!
Stolas: My little Via used to play with him when they were kids!
Octavia: *now confused* ...What?
Stolas: Via! This nice imp just told me that Lincoln is alive!
Octavia takes a second to process this, and her eyes slowly begin to widen.
Octavia: *in disbelief* ... Wh-What?
Brief flashback: she and Lincoln are seen laughing and playing inside the Goetia mansion, then the next scene shows Stella throwing Lincoln out. Back to the present. Octavia's face starts to twist into a stoic look.
Octavia: … Do you know where he lives?
Staff Imp: Well, he don't live here in Wrath, but... *points past Octavia* ... he's stayin' over at Joe and Lin's farmhouse over there for the festival.
Octavia's head turns around 180 degrees to look where he's pointing. Cut to show Octavia is looking at the Rough n' Tumbleweed Ranch.
Staff Imp: *off-screen* Their daughter Mildred took him in a few years ago. Saved the pup with just a minute before the Extermination began.
Octavia: *looks back and nods* Thank you. *starts to run towards the ranch* Dad, come on!
Stolas: Hold on, Via! *runs after her*
Cut to the ranch as Joe and his sons (Zeke, Deke, Teke, and Eke) are loading a truck with large barrels, when Joe happens to see Stolas and Octavia approaching.
Joe: *surprised* Hey, now. Are those-
Octavia and Stolas both stop next to the truck, panting a bit as Eke loads in the last barrel.
Stolas: *coughs slightly* Little bit out of shape...
Joe: Your Highness?
Stolas: *catches his breath and clears his throat* Apologies for showing up like this, but we were wondering-
Octavia: *gains her breath* Where's Lincoln?!
Zeke: *peeks over the truck, seeing Octavia* Oh, you must be that "Via" gal he ain't stopped talkin' about!
Eke: He spoke mighty nice things bout you!
Deke: *snickers* Sometimes, his talkin' turns to gushin'.
All the uncles snicker as Octavia looked flustered by Deke's comment.
Octavia: *a barely noticeable blush forms on her cheeks* Huh...?
Joe: *turns to the house and calls out* Lincoln! You got two visitors out here!
Lincoln: *from inside the house* Coming, Gramps!
Octavia looks to the house as the door opens and a figure steps out. Her eyes widen and begin to glisten with tears. Stepping out of the house was, sure enough, 14-year old Lincoln. Orange eyes and all, while wearing Wrath Ring appropriate clothing.
Lincoln: Who's here- *notices Octavia and Stolas as his eyes widen* Gramps...?
Octavia: *tears start to spill down her eyes, happily* Lincoln...! *starts to run towards him*
Lincoln: *shocked* Octavia?! *Octavia tackles him into a hug* Oof!
Octavia: *crying into Lincoln's shoulder* It's you! It's really you! I thought I lost you forever after that screeching bitch kicked you out!
Lincoln, relieved to see his best friend again, returns the hug with a soft smile as he gently runs a hand through her feathery hair.
Lincoln: Believe me, Via. I thought I was gonna die too.
Stolas: *walks up with a chuckle* It's very good to see you again, Lincoln. And in one piece too.
Lincoln: *stands up with Octavia still hugging him* It's nice to see you too, Stolas.
Stolas: You have no idea how much we missed you.
Lincoln: Given that Via hasn't let me go and probably isn't planning to, I think I have a good idea of that actually.
Stolas: That's just the start of it. The poor girl hasn't smiled once since that day.
Lincoln: *concerned* Whoa... *glances at Octavia as she finally breaks the hug* That bad?
Octavia: *looks down* I thought my best friend was dead... how could I smile after that?
Lincoln: *gently puts a hand on Octavia's cheek* Well... *Octavia glances at him as he smiles at her* ... he's not dead. And he's not leaving you ever again. *wipes her tears* That's a promise I never plan on breaking.
Octavia smiles back at him, smiling for the first time in four years.
Millie: *inside the house* What's all the commotion?
Everyone looks back at the house just as they see Millie, Lin, and Sallie May walk out.
Lincoln: *smiles* Just reuniting with some old friends, Mom.
Millie: *sees Stolas and gasps* Your Highness?!
Lin: Well, now. You really are friends with his Highness!
Sallie May: *chuckles* Kinda thought you were pullin' mah tail with that story.
Lincoln: *laughs lightly* Sure. *faces Stolas and Octavia* Via, Stolas, meet the woman who saved my life. *puts his arm around Millie* Mildred, my adopted mom.
Millie: *smiles* Call me "Millie" for short.
Stolas: *smiles as he shakes Millie's hand* A pleasure to meet you, Millie.
Octavia suddenly hugs Millie, much to her and everyone else's surprise.
Octavia: *whispers* Thank you... thank you for saving my best friend...
Millie smiles as she hugs Octavia, patting her back.
Millie: You're welcome, sweetie.
Lincoln: And this is the rest of my fam! *cut to each family remember as he introduces them, from the grandparents* Grandparents Joe and Lin... *to his aunt* my Aunt Sallie May... *to his uncles and my four uncles* Zeke, Deke, Teke, and Eke.
Millie's Family: *all simultaneously* Howdy!
Stolas: *smiles* It's very nice to meet you all, especially since it seems like Lincoln's finally found a truly splendid family.
Lin: Trust me, Linc here's been a big part of our lives. And we're just so damn proud of him.
Eke: He's a darn good helper!
Sallie May: *locks Lincoln in and noogies his head playfully* And he's super fun!
Lincoln: *laughs as he tries to get out of Sallie May's grip* Hey, come on! Let me go!
Sallie May: *grins* You want out, ya gotta fight for it! You know that!
There was laughter ringing out as Lincoln broke out of his aunt's grip after a brief fight.
Lincoln: *sighs and dusts himself off* So, how have things been for you guys these few years? Did you finally dump that ugly hag yet, Stolas?
Stella: *off-screen, angry* THERE YOU IDIOTS ARE!
Stolas: *he and Octavia both frown as he deadpans* ...I wish.
Everyone turns to see Stella storming into the ranch, then looks disgusted as her heeled boot steps in a mud puddle.
Lincoln: *he starts to scowl* Oh, no way...
Stella: *furiously shakes the mud off her boot* What are you two doing in a mangy place like this?! We have business- *sees Lincoln, and her eyes start to slowly widen* to... *her right eye twitches* attend...
There is a heavy beat of silence as Lincoln and Stella stare at each other for what feels like the longest time. Then, two screens clash with a close-up of Lincoln and Stella's faces, both instantly forming looks of rage.
Lincoln and Stella: *angrily point at each other* YOU!
Stella: *angrily* YOU'RE THAT FUCKING MUTT FROM 4 YEARS AGO! THE ONE I THREW OUT!
Lincoln: *growling* I'M HONESTLY SHOCKED SUCH A SHALLOW WHORE LIKE YOU ACTUALLY REMEMBERED ME!
Stella: *angrily* I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU NEVER TO SHOW YOUR FACE TO ME AGAIN!
Lincoln: *snaps back* TOUGH SHIT, BITCH! MY FAMILY LIVES HERE, SO IF YOU DIDN'T WANT TO SEE ME, THEN IT'S YOUR FAULT FOR COMING HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!
A reddish aura starts to form around Lincoln's body as his growling gets more savage. Millie and her family gasp at the sight of the aura before she quickly wraps her hands around Lincoln's necks and rubs his head gently.
Millie: Whoa, whoa! Lincoln, breathe! Just calm down!
Lincoln: *through gritted teeth as the aura spikes a bit* I DON'T WANNA CALM DOWN!
Stella: *scoffs with a smirk* Of course some lowly imps took you in. *Millie glares at Stella* They're just as low as mutts like you. No one else would be dumb enough to let a stupid dog in their home.
Lincoln's growling gets more vicious as his teeth begin to sharpen and his eyes flicker red.
Sallie May: *grimaces* Oh, this can't be good.
Octavia: *concerned* Lincoln...?
Stolas: *looks worried* Oh my...
Lin: *glances at Stella, hisses through gritted teeth* If you know what's good for you, you're gonna stop spittin' insults right now.
Stella: *scowls* Don't tell ME what to-
Joe: *snaps at Stella, cutting her off* WILL YOU FUCKIN' SHUT UP ALREADY?!
Stella looks shocked and disgusted, before storming past Lincoln and Millie towards Joe in rage.
Stella: How DARE YOU speak to me that way! Do you have ANY IDEA who I am?!
Joe: *snaps at her* I don't give a hog's ass how important you think you are! I ain't about to let some screechin' bitch walk on MY property, and talk shit to MY grandson!
Millie: *rubs Lincoln's head comfortingly* Shhh... It's okay, Lincoln... Just relax...
Sure enough, the red aura fades away from Lincoln as his teeth and eyes return to normal. He slumps over, panting.
Millie: *concerned* You okay, sweetie?
Lincoln: *looks at Millie while panting* I'm okay, Mom... I'm good... Phew.
Joe: *to Stella* Now I suggest you get the FUCK OFF MY PROPERTY... before I end up throwing you out with a heap of lead through your brains!
Lincoln's uncles all crack their knuckles as Sallie May reaches for a knife on her belt.
Lincoln: *stands up and readies his claws* You heard my grandpa. *tilts his head in slight innocence to his family* Oh, and you guys remember Mom was telling how she found me alone in the streets before the Extermination 4 years ago? *points at the furiously scowling Stella* Yeah, this hag's the reason why. She kicked me out of Stolas' mansion and left me to die!
Millie's Family: *eyes widen in pure rage* WHAT?!
Stella: *scoffs* So WHAT?! He's useless! He doesn't amount to anything in this life!
Millie slowly stands up, her right eye twitching in absolute fury.
Millie: *in a dangerously calm voice* ...Stolas... *draws out her giant ax* ...Hold me back.
Millie screams out in rage as she lunges for Stella, Stolas quickly executing his order and holding Millie back by the waist she rapidly swings her ax at Stella while snarling.
Millie: *snarling and growling* FUCKIN' SOULESS, SCREECHIN' CHICKEN! I'LL CHOP THAT FUCKIN' HEAD OFF, HANG IT ON MY WALL, THEN CHUCK WHAT'S LEFT INTO THAT FUCKIN' VOLCANO! RAHHHHHH! I'LL FUCKIN' KILL YOU!
Octavia started to cover her ears from all the fighting, shuddering and breathing heavily.
Stolas: *thinking while holding Millie back* This is getting quite ugly... and ridiculous...
Through his own anger, Lincoln notices what Octavia's doing. His anger is replaced with concern as he goes over to her.
Lincoln: *he gently grabs Octavia's shoulder* Via?
Stella: *notices* Get away from my daughter, you plebeian!
Octavia: *a low growl escapes her throat* Don't. Call. Him that.
Stella: *surprised* ...I beg your pardon?
Octavia calmly walks towards Stella, her hair casting a shadow over her eyes. The fighting and arguing stops as Octavia is now right in front of Stella.
Octavia: *in a low tone* I said... Don't. Call him... *she suddenly glares up as her eyes flare pink and she screams* A PLEBEIAN!
Octavia raises her hand and swings it forward, slapping Stella across the face hard enough for the sound to echo across the ranch. Millie's family look on with dropped jaws, as do Stolas and Millie. Lincoln's eyes were practically bulged out of their sockets as his jaw fell open.
Stella slowly raises a hand to her face, touching the burning slap mark on her face with complete shock.
Stella: Did... *starts to glare at her daughter, seething with fury* Did you just SLAP me, Octavia?!
Octavia: *glaring back in rage* Are you stupid or are you stupid?! OF COURSE I JUST FUCKING SLAPPED YOU!
Stella: *enraged* HOW DAR- *gets cut off as Octavia slaps her again*
Octavia: LISTEN HERE, YOU SCREECHING BANSHEE BITCH! *slaps Stella again before she can speak* DON'T INTERRUPT ME! LINCOLN IS MY BEST FRIEND, AND IF YOU'VE GOT A PROBLEM WITH IT, TOUGH SHIT! YOU MAY HAVE GIVEN BIRTH TO ME, BUT THAT DOESN'T GIVE YOU ANY RIGHT TO CONTROL MY LIFE! AND IF YOU EVER TRY KILLING LINCOLN AGAIN… *her eyes blaze fully pink* … THEN THAT'LL BE THE LAST MISTAKE YOU EVER MAKE IN YOUR PATHETIC, SATAN-AWFUL LIFE!
Stella, with another large slap mark on her cheek, stared back in utter shock, as did everyone else. Lincoln's flabbergasted eyes were on Octavia as a faint blush appeared on his face.
Stolas: *smirking* … Aw, snap.
Joe: *in a stunned silence, before he looks at his wife* … I like this one.
Lin: *also stunned* You ain't the only one.
Stella: *sputtering to try and respond* You… you dare… you can't just-!
Millie's battle axe suddenly stops just inches from Stella's neck. Millie is glaring daggers at Stella, snarling like a wild beast.
Millie: *through her snarls* I suggest you get the fuck outta here before I chop that screeching beak off your face like I promised!
Stella: *coughs out before glancing at Stolas* St-Stolas, do something!
Stolas: *sighs* "Honey", could you shut up for one second?
Stella: *taken aback* WHAT?!
Stolas: *still smirking, glances at Millie's family* Well, it was lovely to meet you all, but I think I better take this birdie to chill out. *walks out of the ranch while dragging Stella off by the collar* Come on, "dear". I do have a moon to show everyone.
Stella: *struggling and yelling as Millie lowers her axe* STOLAS, YOU FUCKING IDIOT! ARE YOU SERIOUSLY GOING TO ALLOW-
As Stella's screaming gets drowned out, Lincoln walks up to a panting Octavia.
Lincoln: I… can't believe you went and stood up for me like that.
Octavia: I already thought I lost you once, Lincoln… *faces him as she smiles* I was not going to risk that again. No matter who gets in the way.
A smile forms on Lincoln's face as his tail starts to wag, before he hugs Octavia. Octavia's eyes widen for a moment as her face gains a slight red tint, before she smiles and returns the hug.
Lincoln: *whispers* Thank you, Via... That means a lot.
Octavia: *whispers to him* You're welcome.