AN: And the shoe drops.
Disclaimer: I do not own Helluva Boss. Spiroz and all characters in his universe belong to artist DaniDraws
If there was one thing Spiroz was glad about when it came to not going to this ball, it was that he didn't have to deal with his father's obsession with looking perfect. His father could be such a drama queen when it came to looking his best for himself and all his kids. Spiroz could remember when he had picture day at school when he was eight, and his Owl Dad had the servants spend four hours getting him all prepped and puffed up so that he looked like some Renaissance Era French Noble. That photo was still on the wall even after all these years, and Spiroz just wished he could burn it to ash.
"Right, I need more eyeliner. Blitzy, comb to your horns. Octavia, darling, you must wear a different jewelry set; it doesn't go well with your hair. Ugh, Loona! How many times have I told you to wash your fur twice? You know it's wilder than my weeds in the south gardens," Stolas shouted as he ran around trying to get everyone in order, but Spiroz, who was watching the whole thing in amusement.
"Is it too late to not go to this thing?" Loona grumbled as one maid combed her hair while another dusted off any lint on her black and white spider-web-designed dress.
"Why did you even want to come in the first place?" Octavia asked, wearing her usual navy blue and purple royal outfit when she went to court.
"Free booze."
"You're rich enough to buy an entire winery," Octavia said with a deadpan expression.
"Yeah, but it's free," Loona said with a shrug. "You must have lived in poverty to get it, Sis."
Spiroz only giggled at his sister's interactions before noticing that his Imp Dad wore a Hawaiian T-shirt, shades, swim trunks, and sandals. "Dad, why are you dressed like that?"
"Queen Charlie said to dress as you want, and since I know every other rich person is going to be dressed as their best, I'm going to dress up in something nice for the weather since it's been humid as fuck all month," Blitzo said as he raised his sunglasses and winked.
"I'm surprised Father allowed you to go like this?" Spiroz pointed out in confusion.
"I told him we'd do something special tonight in bed if he let me," Blitzo answered with a grin. "It involved a motor, ketchup, six lemons, a howler monkey, tons of chains, a vibrator, and-"
"I don't want to know! I don't want to know! I don't want to know!" Spiroz shouted as he covered his head to drown it all out.
Stolas, dressed in a classic black tux with his usual cape and hat, returned to the room and smiled. "Alright, then! We're all ready!"
"Finally," Loona said as she rolled her eyes. "Let's get this over with."
Stolas opened a portal and prepared to get everyone ready save for Spiroz, who would not be joining them. He knelt before his son and said, "We'll text you to let you know when we'll be home. Milton and Mitzy should be here soon, so feel free to do what you guys wish to do as long as it is reasonable. Are you sure you don't want to come? I promise it won't be like the past parties with Queen Charlie there."
"It's fine, Dad," Sprioz replied with a smile that made his Dad tilt his head. "What?"
"Nothing, just...you look...different..." Stolas whispered. "Your aura is a lot brighter these days."
"...Guess I'm just happier," Spiroz said as he thought about a particular girlfriend he would soon see.
"I guess so," Stolas said as he hugged his son and kissed him on the forehead. "See you soon, Starlight."
"See ya, kiddo," Blitzo said as he jumped into the portal, followed by everyone else.
"Thanks for agreeing to cover for me with the servants in the house while I'm away on my date," Spiroz said as he combed his feathered head in his room. The plan was to have the twins in his room to make it look like they were having fun while the servants would be fooled into thinking he was there with them. If they wondered where Spiroz was, they would say the bathroom or something. "How do I look?"
"You look fine, Sprio. You're just having one of your calm dates," Mitzy said as she handed him his cologne. "So how goes that anniversary gift you've been thinking of making out of the mananite you found?"
"Terrible. I can't think of a single thing," Spiroz moaned. "I mean, what do you give an angel for the anniversary of you dating each other?"
"A bible made out of platinum?" Milton asked.
"Crystals made from holy water?" Mitzy proposed.
"Come on, guys. Don't be thinking stereotypes," Spiroz moaned as he rolled his eyes. "Besides, Hedwig's idea of something cool would be seeing the entire mating season of Hell Dragons."
"Yeah, she kinda fainted when we showed her that documentary about the culture of Callicantzaros," Mitzy giggled.
"So yeah, I'm gonna have to think of something big," Sprioz muttered. He only had two weeks left until their anniversary, but that was for another time to worry about. Right now, he has a date. Opening a portal, he bid the twins farewell, and the twins looked at each other with smirks.
"You know, I'm happy he and Hedwig found each other," Milton sighed. "I've always been worried about him."
"I know," Mitzy said with a soft smile. "I haven't seen him this happy since we were kids."
"You think something is going to happen to ruin it?" Milton inquired.
"...If you just jinxed it, bro, I'm going to punch you."
Once again, Spiroz found himself in the woods where he and Hedwig always met. He sometimes found it more relaxing to be here than anyone else. Everyone in his family always had some place where they felt most relaxed and at peace. It was a family tradition at this point. His Owl Father and Octavia had their respective realms and planets they loved visiting for some alone time. His Imp Father went to his office where he had the quietness and proof that he had come far in life. And his sister always went to her favorite club. It used to be " The Hive," where Beelzebub and Tex, her old friends, lived. But...they disapproved of Spiroz, which led to a fight and her ending that friendship.
Another thing he blamed himself for since Loona missed them based on the photos she had of them. What was worse was that Beelzebub had supported Stolas and Blitz getting together, but having a child of their own had...been too much for her. Words were said, and the friendship between them was ruined.
Spiroz sometimes wondered if it might be best to leave Hell altogether. The woods here were lovely, and the human world was pretty cool. He could live here with Hedwig when they were old enough.
Come on, Spiro, He chided himself. You've only been dating for a year and are already considering living with her? You're only fifteen.
Yet, he couldn't deny that the prospect of living with Hedwig for the rest of his life was appealing.
His thoughts were soon interrupted by the sound of another portal opening. He smiled and turned to see the Heavenly tear open up. Hedwig came out, smiling, her pretty eyes glittering in the dark while her feathers looked enchanting. The two walked up to each other and gave a quick hello kiss with their beaks before pressing their foreheads against each other. No matter how often they did this, it never stopped being magical.
"So, how long do we have tonight?" Hedwig asked with a smile.
"The ball is most likely going to be for hours, so we got at least until midnight," Spiroz said as the two walked towards town.
"So what do you want to do?" Hedwig asked.
"What else? Ramen," Sprioz said with a grin.
"I know we're going to do that, but after it?" Hedwig asked.
"Eh, we'll figure it out along the way," Spiroz said as they marched forward with a cheerful smile on their beaks.
The ball was taking place in the grand royal palace in Dis, so naturally, the most elite in Hell were there. All of the Ring Lords. Practically every one of the highest Houses of the Goetia family. Members of the military. Celebrities and entrepreneurs. And, of course, Queen Charlie and her wife, Queen Vaggie. Loona hated things like this but had gotten used to it ever since her Dad married Stolas. However, she did hate all the "princess" lessons she had to learn. There was pride in Loona being the first Hellhound to be given a royal title in the Goetia bloodline due to Stolas and Blitzo's marriage, and any children of her own would inherit them as well. If she ever had any.
Loona couldn't help but frown upon seeing her sister kissing her boyfriend in greetings while her parents went to say hello to Lord Samael. She was glad that Octavia had finally found someone suitable for her, but she couldn't help but sigh while wishing she had a boyfriend. It was not fair. Both her siblings had found love, and she was still searching. It was like everyone she knew had found a perfect partner except her. Fuck, her little brother even found himself dating an angel, of all things.
Does the universe conspire to hate me and make me loveless? Loona wondered as she felt the urge to get a drink.
She had decided to quickly visit the bar to get a drink when she found a familiar set of faces nearby. She frowned and sighed upon seeing her two old friends, Vortex and Beelzebub herself, having a drink together while noticing that Beelzebub was pregnant. Again. What was this, child number three?
She couldn't help but be bitter upon seeing them and turned away to leave, but she winced upon hearing her name.
"Loona?" Vortex said as she paused and slowly turned around to see Bee and Vortex staring at her wide-eyed. "H-Hey. It's been a while."
"Yeah," Loona said as she looked away with her arms crossed. "About fifteen years."
"...You look good," Bee said in a quiet tone. Something you usually didn't hear from the Ring Lord of Gluttony and Hell's biggest partyer. Usually, Bee was loud and bold, but she was more of a whisper.
"Thanks," Loona said calmly before eyeing Bee's stomach. "So, boy or girl this time?"
"Twins, both genders," Bee said softly as she rubbed her stomach with one of her four hands while holding Vortex's with another and a glass of water in a third.
"Well, congratulations," Loona said as she tried to leave the area, but Bee grabbed her by the hand.
"Hey, can we talk?" Beelzebub asked, but Loona just shot the hand out.
"No," Loona replied.
"Look, I know we argued-"
"You told me my brother was an abomination," Loona growled as she glared at Bee and Vorex, who looked down in shame. "You told me that what happened was the most fucked up thing you heard and that my fathers should have thrown the egg away."
"...We were drunk," Vortex tried to say, but that wouldn't be a good excuse.
"You think that's a valid reason for me to forgive you?" Loona asked, holding her arms at the two. "I thought we were friends. I thought I finally had people who would always have my back, especially when you supported my Dads getting married. But I was wrong."
"Look, Loona, I'm not going to make an excuse," Bee sighed as she looked at the Hellhound with sorrowful eyes. "We fucked up. We said some horrible things and lost your trust and friendship. That hurt a lot. We both cared about you. I certainly did. You were one of the friends I trusted to be honest with me."
"But we're sorry," Vortex said with a grim look. "We're really sorry."
"Why should I believe you're sorry after all these years?" Loona asked.
"Because we know what it's like to be a parent," Bee answered as she rubbed her stomach. "My son. My daughter. And even these two in me? I would see all of Heaven and Hell shattered to protect them. I love them so much I would give up anything for them."
Sighing, Bee continued, "How is my love for my children different from Stolas and Blitz's love for their own? Yes, your baby brother wasn't made in the natural way. Yes, it is beyond all reasoning that it happened. But I realize it shouldn't make him less of a child."
"We're sorry it took us so long to realize it...and we hope you can forgive us," Vortex asked. "If you don't, we understand, but please believe us when we say we're sorry."
Loona frowned and stared at the two. She...she believed them. She really did. Vortex and Bee did not lie and always held their emotions on their sleeves. Still, Loona was hurt by them, and she wasn't a very forgiving person. Besides, even if she missed them, Loona didn't need them anymore. She had her family to support her.
Still, she missed hanging out with Bee and Vortex. She missed their parties, adventures, and just hanging out. And if they were sorry, was it wrong to not give them a second chance?
Loona opened her mouth but then closed her jaw in surprise as she saw another Ring Lord heading for her Dads. Asmodeus. Ring Lord of Lust. Fizzarolli's ex-lover.
Oh, shit this cannot be good...
The moment Blitzo saw Asmodeus, he was prepared for anything. With Fizzarolli, having been Asmodeus' past lover, dying at the hands of Blitzo's son, both he and Stolas made sure to have the entire twenty-six legions under their command on standby in case the Lord of Lust had tried to do anything to get revenge. However, not once had Ozzie tried to do anything to them. No assassins, no armies, not even himself unleashing his entire might upon them. It made Blitzo wary.
Demons never forget those who insulted or hurt them, and The Ring Lords could be vicious individuals who could spend years planning revenge before striking at you without you even noticing. Horror stories were told like crazy to remind everyone of the pecking order of Hell and to remind everyone not to fuck with the higher-ups.
Blitzo wasn't an idiot. Despite Asmodeus and Fizzarolii's attempts to hide the truth about their relationship, it was practically all but known the two romantically loved each other. It was one thing for Stolas to be in love with an Imp but for Asmodeus? The Ring Lord of Lust, whose entire sinful nature was supposed to be the opposite of love? It would be the biggest scandal of all time.
Asmodeus had a choice: his position or the love of his life. Perhaps there was another universe or timeline that he picked the latter, but here? He picked the former. Blitzo felt both pity and yet also satisfaction when it happened.
While a part of him was upset that his old childhood friend had gotten screwed like that over someone he did love, Blitzo felt personal satisfaction in knowing that his love with Stolas was stronger. Stolas was willing to give up everything to be with Bltizo and sacrificed so much to marry him. He chose the love of his life over his position. It didn't matter if Fizzarolli was more famous and successful than him. He knew he had won.
He just hoped he wasn't going to lose his life right now.
Stolas was already in front of Blitzo with a calm yet determined look in his eyes. Even if Asmodeus was stronger than Stolas, Blitzo's husband was still one of the strongest demons known. The flaming lust demon was smiling and dressed in his usual outfit as he walked over to Stolas and Blitzo.
"Oh, good evening, you two. I hope you are enjoying the ball so far?" Asmodeus asked in a polite tone that made both shiver for some reason.
"We're fine, Lord Asmodeus," Stolas replied. "And yourself?"
"Oh, fine. Been busy with a personal project that has just finished recently," Asmodeus said with a smirk. "It's taken quite a considerable amount of time to make it, but I hope to present it today and showcase it to all the rings."
"What's it about? Learning how to do a stripper dance with getting fucked by a dong the size of a baseball bat while sucking a lemon?" Blitzo asked, eyebrow raised.
"Oh, Blitzo. Fizzarolli was right." He leaned down and smiled at him, his flames increasing slightly. "You're not funny."
"...The 'o' is silent," Blitzo muttered but didn't once back down from his glare.
"Listen, Lord Asmodeus," Stolas said firmly. "About Fizzarolli's death. Our son-"
"Oh, I understand it was self-defense. Nothing more. I have no intention of attacking your son," Asmodeus said with a deep chuckle. "But maybe your son is not as innocent as you would believe."
"What are you talking about?" Stolas growled as Blitzo joined him.
"You'll see..." Asmodeus hinted as he slowly walked away, and both parents suddenly had a bad feeling something would happen.
"...Call Spiro," Stolas whispered. "Make sure he's okay."
"On it," Blitzo answered as he got his phone out.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the opening event is about to begin." A voice said over the room.
"Damnit, I'll just text him," Blitzo cursed as he quickly sent a message while following everyone into the main room.
Queen Charlie started the gala with a speech thanking the residents of Hell for helping her keep the peace between their realm and Heaven's. She talked about how the Hazbin Hotel system was working perfectly and that, thanks to their efforts, the overpopulation crisis of the past was officially over. This earned a lot of applause from everyone before Queen Charlie continued. Octavia, however, was doing her best to focus on Asmodeus. Her fathers warned her about what had happened moments ago, and she knew that The Lord of Lust was planning something.
It was all but known that, despite Asmodeus's denial of loving Fizzarolli, he missed and mourned for him. Hell, the entire wake, funeral, and reception was paid for by Asmodeus. There was no way that he wasn't planning something to hurt her family, especially her little brother. The problem was what?
"And now, to showcase our latest relations between Heaven and Hell, Lord Asmodeus would like to present his video," Queen Charlie said as she led the clap that introduced the Ring Lord of Lust. Asmodeus bowed before everyone and smiled as he took to the stands.
"My fellow demons. As you all know, things between Heaven and Hell have always been tense. Even with this new peace, we still stand on the edge of things going... out of control, " Asmodeus started as he smiled. "But recently, I have learned that one of our demons and one of Heaven's angels has recently developed into a new...type of relationship."
Octavia froze and felt all of her insides turn to ice. No...
"One that has been hidden from all of us save for a few who kept it secret. From even the very parents of the demon, I've observed."
Octavia turned to Loona, who was also panicking as they thought the same thing. How did he...?
"Is this relationship a travesty on demonic morals and obligations? Is this really what our children will be heading toward in this time of peace? Is it wrong? Is it right? I've decided to let you all decide...as well as all of Hell, as I'm going to be broadcasting it to every city and district in Hell, thanks to Overlord Vox's help."
Octavia was a fool. She thought Asmodeus would hurt Sprioz by wanting to kill him. Octavia never imagined he would not only find out about his relationship with Hedwig but also expose him. Octavia wanted to do something, but what could she do? She got her phone out and tried calling Sprioz, praying that her brother didn't have his phone on vibrate. He had to get home. Now. The moment all of Hell saw him with Hedwig, it would be chaos. Fuck, if their parents saw...
Oh fuck me, Octavia gasped as she looked at Stolas and Blitzo, who were confused about what was going on.
"And without further ado! Here is our little presentation! I call it Starlight Wings!"
The giant movie screen activated, the lights went out, and all was silent for a minute as the film rolled. Octavia knew these last few seconds would be the only peace she would ever know before everything went wrong.
A demon appeared on the screen. One was very well-known to everyone, including Blitzo and Stolas, who were confused about why their son was on the screen. He was reading a book in some woods in what appeared to be the human world. The video recorder was obviously hidden, and they freaked out internally, realizing that Asmodeus had been stalking their son. That was nothing compared to what happened next.
An angel appeared via a portal.
A female snow white owl angel.
Blitzo looked ready to shout at his son to get out of there when he froze, and his jaw dropped, as did so many based on what happened next. Spiroz got up, smiling, and hugged the angel who looked at him eye to eye...
...and then they kissed.
A split second later, all Hell broke loose.
The video was shown all around the corners of Hell, from Pentagram City to the boonies of Flaredia. Demons all over, both in public and online, watched videos and clips of Spiroz and Hedwig going on dates, kissing each other, showing their romantic relationship, and having fun. A demon. And an angel. Loving each other. Romantically.
There was disgust. Outright sickening disgust at such a thing as many covered their eyes or their children's eyes from what they saw. It was so horrible that some even intentionally broke whatever was showing the video. Then there was outrage. Many knew of the freak who was born of two same genders, but now this was more than just being born an abomination. He was a traitor. They were choosing to love an angel instead of his kind. Riots were formed, demanding that he face punishment for such a thing. Some outright wanted to find him and kill him for doing something so horrible and taboo.
Online was a shitstorm, with every online social media nearly crashing from the angry tweets, death threats, calls for punishment, and even outright censorship of this. Some even wanted there to be war. Many of those who had seen loved ones die from angels were the angriest. How could this demon love the enemy? The same ones that once came to their homes and slaughtered their loved ones for many years? How could he turn his back on the very people he was a part of for their ancient rivals?
Some were saying there needed to be new marriage laws. Others were saying this is what happens when society rots. Outright critics of Queen Charlie were saying this was a result of her peace with Heaven and that, in time, they would all see their children turn into degenerates like this. Former bullies of Sprioz decided to post their past actions against him or videos of embarrassing him or beating him up in the past. Usually, such things would get someone disliked, but they were called heroes and told they should have done more.
"Spiroz" was a name spoken with anger, hatred, disgust, shame, and blood lust. He had become the most hated demon in the entire realm in just thirty minutes.
All according to Asmodeus's plan.