Chapter 17

Mordekaiser

Mitna Rachnun

"This is an interesting development." Said Mordekaiser as he gauzed upon a portal that showed where his son was, which was in Shurima. A desert-like land that Mordekaiser was making plans on conquering upon his inevitable return to Runeterra.

Mainly desert, the land, according to those spirits that held some knowledge in Shurima's past, used to be home to a vast empire that, at the time, was one of, if not the, most powerful empire in Runeterra. However, for reasons lost to them, it fell and Shurima became the land that it is now. An interesting story, but that was a long time ago. Perhaps in the past Shurima was strong, but now it is weak. A handful of tribes, villages, and cities that were spread all across the desert region. Some having fell to time itself. Others to beasts of horror and others have become little more than vassals to Noxus as the expansive empire strives to expand even further across all of Runeterra. All that would have normally caught Mordekaiser's attention, but not at the moment. No, his attention was directed to the fact that his son was in Shurima right now. For reasons that he has no knowledge of at the moment.

Before being informed of where Moxxie was currently, Mordekaiser had been observing Keira attend to the testing of the first batch of Niskaru. While she was technically overseeing how they perform, she was also doing out of her way to help her niece, the Will of the Blades, Xan Irelia, in helping a group of Ionian refugees escape from Noxian-controlled territories.

A bit annoyed at this, Mordekaiser nonetheless permitted the small detour. So long as Keira accomplished her goal of seeing how the Niskaru perform and what needed to be improved, the Iron Revenant will allow this minor detour of hers. Observing Keira, Mordekaiser was watching intently that he didn't notice the metal crow approaching him until it screeched a message to him. A message concerning his son.

Needless to say, Mordekaiser stopped focusing on Keira and instead focused on what his son was doing. Hence what he was doing right now.

Staring at the portal that showed him his son, his wife, his employer, and that Goetia noble that he wanted his son to observe and take what he can from his book, Mordekaiser couldn't help but wonder why they were all in Shurima. Better yet, how did the know of Shurima, let alone Runeterra, to be here?

His first thought was that his son betrayed him, but that was brushed aside quickly. If his son had indeed betrayed him, why are they in Shurima and not his death realm? Better yet, why isn't an army invading this very moment, led by Lucifer himself? No, something else was the cause for them being in Shurima and he wanted to know why.

As he observed his son, Mordekaiser silently ordered a few of his best warriors to prepare themselves to help his son and his…allies should they require it. Just in case it was required.

Moxxie

Shurima

It was official, Moxxie hated the desert.

Although since taking residence in Hell and taking up his job in I.M.P., Moxxie had seen plenty of different biomes and environments in his life, some to his taste and others not so much, he had never actually been to a dessert-like environment. So he was actually kind of excited to go to the desert that Octavia decided to go to after ditching her father and the Imps at Loo Loo Land.

Now, though, after spending some time in the desert, Moxxie can safely say that he never wanted to go to another desert again.

For one, the heat was damn near unbearable. He, Millie, Blitzo, and Stolas were only in the desert for about five minutes in search for Octavia and already their clothing was sticking to their bodies due to all the sweat they were making. Well, Millie and Moxxie were. Stolas and Blitzo were fine because of a spell Stolas cast when he noticed how unbearable the heat was. He didn't extend that protection to him or Millie because Stolas believed firmly that it was their fault that Octavia wasn't stopped from leaving back at Loo Loo Land. If they haven't stopped to play games and just done their job as bodyguards, none of this would be happening right now. Hence, the predicament Moxxie and his wife were in.

Now that first thing alone would have made Moxxie hate the desert, but the fact that there was nothing but soft and messy sand everywhere with no sign of civilization in sight made him hate the desert even more. And the sand in the place. For fuck sake. Blitz wasn't right about most things, but he was right about the sand. It was not only irritating when you step on it but if you fell down in it like Moxxie did when he got to this desert, you could literally feel every single speck of sand that managed to get inside your clothes and touch your skin. And it got everywhere on his body. Millie promised that they'll take the time to get rid of every single speck of sand that managed to find its way onto his body when Stolas decides that they can rest. But until then, he'll have to endure it.

Speaking of Stolas, the Goetia was wringing his hands in worry and distress. The reason was that he couldn't find Octavia's exact location in the desert. Nor can he track her in any shape or way. Even with the power of his book. That fact alone completely made Stolas worry for his daughter.

His grimoire was a powerful magical artifact, passed down to him by his father, the great King Paimon of the Goetia Family, and was something of great power. To have that be unable to find his daughter despite its power. It was…unthinkable. That made him believe that either Octavia was taken by some being of incredible power, perhaps one surpassing his father and perhaps even Lucifer himself in power, or Octavia was purposefully keeping herself hidden from him. Stolas wasn't sure which was worse. He needed to find his daughter and get her away from this horrid place. This horrid, hot, and honestly unpleasant place.

As he was thinking about his daughter and an idea of how to find her, Blitzo spoke up to Stolas.

"Stolas, I know you want to find your daughter as quickly as possible, but we all need to take a rest." Said Blitzo as he looked at Stolas leading the Imps to Satan knows where in this fucking desert. Even with the spell that Stolas cast on him, Blitzo can still feel the fucking heat of the desert. Plus, the spell didn't do anything against the sand that was everywhere around his legs. It wasn't as bad as Moxxie, who had sand all over his body after that fall, but what sand got under his clothes was starting to get irritating. "This fucking sand is getting everywhere, not to mention it'll probably be fucking good for both Octavia and us if we take a second to rest." Stolas was about to argue against that when he considered Blitzo's words.

As much as Stolas hated to admit it, it wouldn't do much good if they found Octavia in trouble or in need of saving and they were too weak to do so. Plus, they had no idea where Octavia was. Going in circles or just wandering around this desert wasn't going to help in finding his daughter. They needed to make a plan.

Even though his parental instincts were telling him to press on, to continue to search for his daughter, and to not take any sort of respite until she was in his arms, safe and sound, his logic ultimately prevailed and Stolas spoke up.

"Very well." Said Stolas with some reluctance. "We'll find some shelter, but only for a brief respite." The Imps were all relieved to hear that. Even if it was only for a little bit, any respite was welcome for them. So, they all searched for a place to relax and get whatever sand that got past their clothing off their bodies.

Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long to find a place. Within a few minutes, they found a cave that they can use. Not only did it provide safety from the desert heat, but it also gave them a chance to relax in a relatively comfortable environment, safe from prying eyes. Thus, they went inside.

Upon entering, they noticed just how dark the cave was. Realizing this, Stolas cast a simple spell and a small light appeared above him, illuminating the cave. Surprised with how deep it was, Stolas could see quite far along due to his eyes, Stolas decided to make camp in the first sizable room they came across. Partly because there was no point in exploring the cave and partly because it'll lead them back to the search for his daughter much sooner.

Making a makeshift fire in the middle of the room, Stolas told the Imps that they'll only take a break for five minutes. After that, they'll resume the search for his daughter. With that, Stolas walked to a stalagmite and used his magic to slice the top part off before sitting on the makeshift chair. The Imps, meanwhile, were sitting on the ground of the cave. It was cold and a bit uncomfortable, but it was better than being out in the blistering heat. Thus, they went to work on removing the sand that got attached to their skin.

"God fucking damnit." Said Blitzo as he took off his boots and turned them upside down to get the sand out of them. Needless to say, he was stunned with just how much sand got in them. "What the fuck man? This is why I fucking hate sand. It always finds a way to get on your skin. Like an STD or Moxxie's cooking. Or whining."

"What does my cooking have anything to do with this, sir?" Asked Moxxie in annoyance, both at the jabs at him and why Blitzo decided to bring his cooking skills into the equation. Before Blitzo can make another jab at Moxxie, Millie spoke up.

"Man, that desert was hot." Said Millie as she took off the suit she wore when they went to Loo Loo Land as Stolas didn't give them anytime to change, revealing the white undershirt she had on. "First time ever going to a desert and I can't say I want to do it ever again if this one is an example of the norm. Places are much too hot for my tastes. And I'm from Wrath."

"Not to mention all the sand as well." Said Blitzo as he poured sand out of his other boot, which was also a sizable amount like his other boot. "Like seriously, what the fuck is this? Does the sand here not have anything better to do? Why are they always getting past our clothes?" Both Moxxie and Millie didn't have anything to say to that as they got to work on removing the sand from their clothes and body. As he did so, however, Moxxie wondered why this place was so familiar to him. He didn't know why, but he felt like he should know about this place, even though he never went to a desert before.

As he was thinking this, Millie decided it was a good idea to speak.

"Sorry about your first time at Loo Loo Land was so crummy, sweetie." Said Millie with a small smile on her face, causing both Blitzo and Moxxie to look at her. "I mean, Loo Loo Land is supposed to be a fun and magical time with family. Instead, we got dragged into saving a runaway into a place we had never been before. A place, I might say, sucks. Quite a shitty first impression, huh?" Moxxie stopped removing his black suit and looked at Millie with nothing but kindness in his eyes.

"None of that is your fault, honey." Said Moxxie as he took his wife's hands in his own and squeezed them tightly. "Sure, it wasn't the best first impression I had, but I had plenty of those before and they're kind of expected in Hell. I mean, I had a bad first impression of I.M.P. when we first started and look at us now. We're employees of that company and love it. Despite its flaws."

"And because I'm a pretty good boss." Said Blitzo with a cocky smile on his face.

"Yea, that's the word I use." Mumbled Moxxie before continuing to comfort his wife. "In fact, I probably would have loved that place despite its bullshit prices on everything. Why? Because you love it and there's very few things that I won't do for you. Plus, who knows, I just might find something I like about Loo Loo Land if we go there again. Provided its on our own time and we can afford it, of course." Millie let out a big smile at that.

"Oh, Moxxie." Said Millie as a tear went down her face after hearing her husband's words. Much as she wanted to fuck him right then and there, they really should focus on getting all the sand off their bodies. Thus she gave him a small peck on the cheek before telling Moxxie they should get all that sand he got from his fall quickly before Stolas decides to make them leave early. With that, the two went to work on removing all the sand they accumulated up while traversing the dessert. A small smile on his face at seeing such a lovely dovely moment between his employees, Blitzo covered the affection he had for them with a jab at Moxxie, to which Moxxie yelled out his name in annoyance, before leaving to check up on Stolas.

Walking up to the Goetia, Blitzo was surprised to see him all depressed and downtrodden. Seeing this, Blitzo spoke out.

"Hey, what's got your tits in a bind, Stolas?" Asked Blitzo, causing Stolas let out a sigh before looking at Blitzo.

"It's my daughter, Blitzo." Said Stolas sadly. "I just don't understand what made her do what she did. She never acted like this before. So, I don't understand why she would pull this kind of stunt. Quite frankly, I'm scared Blitzy. Scared not only for my daughter's safety, but also fear that I have lost the bond that I had with her when she was but an owlette. You have a daughter, Blitzy, surely you understand my position. Right?" Blitzo, upon hearing that, was silent for a few moments before speaking up.

"Yeah." Said Blitzo with a somber tone, deciding on being honest to the Owl. "Yeah, I can understand. Listen, Stolas, I'm not the best when it comes to emotional advice, but maybe you need to have a talk with your baby girl. No bullshitting or anything like that. Just a straight talk to talk with her. You know, figure out what's wrong and how you can fix things with her. Because, I'm going to be frank, going to a theme park while you got these…issues wasn't the best of ideas if you want to fix your relationship with your daughter. Or whatever is wrong with you and her." Stolas took in what Blitzo said, thinking it through. After some thought into it, he realized that Blitzo's idea had some merit. Perhaps all that was required to connect with his daughter wasn't a trip to Loo Loo Land, but rather a simple talk with Octavia. Would certainly be cheaper, not that particular fact mattered to Stolas in the slightest, and less time-consuming than going to that stupid theme park.

Perhaps a simple talk was what was needed to mend his relationship with his daughter. Perhaps all that Stolas needed to do to rekindle his relationship with his daughter was just talking with her.

Before Stolas can tell Blitzo about the feasibility of his idea, they both heard Millie screaming out. Turning to Millie, the two spotted Millie and Moxxie around…a tail?

"What in Satan's name is that doing here?" Asked Millie as she looked at the massive tail that was slowly moving around her and Moxxie. The tail was clearly reptilian in origin with green, leathery scales and skin, but it was quite big. Like really big. Bigger than it had any right to for any Earth lizard. As far as the Imps knew anyway. The reason they think it was an Earth lizard was because they thought they were on Earth. This was due to the lack of red skies, the normal looking sun, and the general lack of gloom and general life threatening things that were typically found in Hell's deserts. Heaven didn't have any deserts in it, plus this place was way too despondent to be part of Heaven. Hence, they must have been on Earth. Right?

"Well, I'm no expert on Earth biology, but shouldn't this tail be more…you know tan since its in a desert?" Asked Moxxie as he poked the tail, causing it to react to the touch by standing up a bit before going down again. "Just so it can blend more in the environment?"

"Moxxie, we ain't got time to touch earth lizards." Said Blitzo as he made his way to his employees. "Do that on your own time. Better yet, don't. I don't want to imagine you touching Earth lizards in places other than the tail." Moxxie, hearing that, looked annoyed at his boss and was about to say something when they all heard a loud growl. A growl that sent all the Imps, even Millie, into shock. They then watched as the tail retract back to a deeper part of the cave and they heard the sounds of loud thudding followed by growling.

Everyone then watched as a set of yellow eyes suddenly revealed themselves, causing Stolas to light up the cave room more, revealing the owner of the eyes. Needless to say, none of them were particularly thrilled with what they saw.

Towering over everyone by at least five feet, a giant humanoid crocodile like being marched towards the Imps and demon noble, looking none too pleased with what he saw.

Wearing little more than a loincloth, arm and leg braces, a chest plate, and finally a silver headgear with emerald on top of it, the crocodile like being wasn't dressed for the desert outside, but it seemed that he didn't care about that at all. Rather, he seemed more focused on the Imps and Stolas, eyes filled with something that the residents of Hell knew all about. Rage. Before anyone could say anything, the crocodile monster being let out a roar before charging at them with a massive, two-handed jagged axe that was easily held by just one of his monstrous hands.

"Massive alligator coming at us!" Yelled Blitzo as he watched the crocodile thing charge at Millie and Moxxie, making a loud roar that echoed throughout the cave. Moxxie let out a scream of terror at the bulging mass of muscle that came barreling towards him and his wife before jumping out of the way of the beast. Unfortunately, the beast somehow anticipated this because the monster grabbed Moxxie with his tail before grabbing Millie with his free hand. The crocodile let out another roar before beginning to slam Moxxie into the ground. It then flung him away to a wall, where Moxxie hit the wall face first. Millie screamed at this and was about to grab a knife and show the crocodile what happens when people harm her man when he slammed her to the ground, knocking the wind out of her, before tossing her away towards Moxxie, where she slammed into him just as he got up.

"M&M!" Yelled Blitzo as he saw this in horror as the massive alligator thing took down his best and only employees without any issue. Angered by this, Blitzo was about to pull out his classic pistol when Stolas got right in front of him and starred down the lumbering beast as it made its way towards them, rage still clear in its eyes. Then without warning and before the alligator monster could swing its axe, Stolas' eyes opened up wide and a bright red glow emitted from all four eyes. The alligator thing was then turned to stone when it looked into Stolas' eyes, just inches from Stolas and Blitzo. Stolas had just used his petrification stare, a common thing amongst Goetia nobles. Useful when a Goetia noble doesn't want to get their hands dirty or if they wanted a statue of someone just because the petrification was a useful tool for members of the Goetia family.

Huffing at the brute that he just turned to stone, Stolas looked at both Millie and Moxxie getting up, both groaning in pain, before walking towards them with Blitzo in tow.

"Well, it seems that I should have hired this brute over you two if this is any indication of your skills." Said Stolas as Millie helped Moxxie up, concern was written on her face. "Honestly, how the fuck did you two manage to get beaten up so easily by this thing?" Stolas pointed at the now stone statue of the crocodile-like being before going back to ridiculing Millie and Moxxie, not noticing that there were cracks starting to appear on the statue. "If this is any indication of your skills, then its no wonder you failed to do an adequate job in guarding me and my via back at Loo Loo Land. For fuck sakes if Blitzy wasn't your leader then I would have you all slain and fed to my plants for all this incompetence."

"Hey, c'mon Stolas," Started Blitzo upon hearing that, defending his employees from their current employer's words, not noticing that the statue had more cracks appearing all over it by the second. "Moxxie may be a fuck up in almost every way possible, but he's still someone under my employ so I kind of need him alive. Plus, he's sort of a packaged deal with Millie, my second-best employee and my best fighter, who also, I might add, is extremely protective of her weak ass and daddy's boy husband. So can you lay off them for a bit. At least until we find your daughter."

"Weak ass husband? Daddy's boy?" Asked Moxxie upon hearing what Blitzo just said to him, unsure if he should feel relieved at Blitzo defending him and his wife from Stolas or offended at his insults towards Moxxie.

"Well duh, Moxxie." Said Blitzo with a smirk, still not noticing the cracking statue. "I mean not only do you got weak and baby hands, but you also let Millie do whatever the heck she wants with you in bed. I know that for a fact." Upon hearing that, Moxxie glared at Blitzo and was about to yell at him when he noticed the statue and couldn't help but gasp.

"Uh sir." Said Moxxie nervously, getting a really bad feeling with what he was seeing. "You might want to take a look back at the statue."

"Why?" Asked Blitzo before thinking up of a retort. Smirking at the retort he was going to use, Blitzo then began to use a baby voice to piss Moxxie off. "Is little man Moxxie scared of the big alligator that's been turned into stone? News flash, Moxxie, that thing is permanently stone. No way that thing can do anything to us. Just like you in the bed with your wife. Always relying on her to start the…"

Before Blitzo can finish his insult to Moxxie, the sounds of stone breaking followed by a barrage of pebbles and stones raining down on both Stolas and Blitzo.

"The fuck was that?" Demanded Blitzo before turning around to see what just attacked them, only to be shocked at what he just saw. Standing before both him and Stolas was the massive alligator like being, glaring down at them with rage. In fact, he seemed to be angrier than before if that was even possible.

"That's not possible." Said Stolas in shock. His petrification stare was foolproof. Only beings of great power can free themselves from petrification without outside assistance or through the Goetia that did the petrification in the first place own volition. For this being to free itself with no assistance at all showcased its power. A good thing to know if it weren't for the fact that the crocodile thing looked like it wanted to rip Stolas and the Imps limp from limp for what they pulled.

Roaring out in rage, the crocodile backhanded Blitzo into a wall before grabbing Stolas by the head. He then proceeded to smash Stolas into the ground several times, creating sizable ditches each time he used Stolas as a makeshift club, before finally slamming Stolas into the ground one final time, creating a massive indent on the floor. Removing his hand from the Goetia noble, the reptilian monster looked at Stolas. Upon seeing that he was still breathing and conscious, but dazed, the monster raised his left foot and was about to bring it down on Stolas as hard as he could when he was suddenly stabbed in the neck by a knife. The knife didn't even penetrate his skin but the sudden attack caused the beast to miss Stolas' head by a few inches.

Roaring out, more in anger than in pain, the crocodile being looked behind itself to see Millie and Moxxie stabbing him with two knives, stabbing him repeatedly in the same area, trying to make him, at least, bleed. Roaring out in anger, the beast grabbed the two Imps by the neck. Wrenching them away from his body and forcing them to look at him straight in the eye, the beast finally spoke.

"Insolent whelps! I'll make you both suffer for this!" Yelled the crocodile in a deep, masculine voice, stunning both Millie and Moxxie at his ability to speak. They had never thought that the beast was capable of speaking. Unfortunately, they didn't have much time to contemplate this new development as the beast opened his giant maw moved them towards it with the express intent to eat them. Just before he could take a giant bite into both Imps at the same time, the giant crocodile thing was suddenly hit a beam of golden light from his right flank that sent him flying. The force was so sudden that it caused the crocodile being to let go of both Moxxie and Millie, who thankfully managed to avoid his maw and landed on the ground. Roughly, but that was nothing compared to nearly being eaten by a giant crocodile man. Shaking their heads, the two looked around for what caused the bright light. Needless to say, they were shocked to see what it was.

Standing some distance away from everyone was a golden bird-like being of such beauty and majesty that it should be a crime yet neither Moxxie and Millie were complaining much. Especially when it looked like that bird was their savior if the spear, which was pointed at the crocodile thing, in his hand was any indication. Lowering their spear, the bird-like being then spoke.

"Arise, my warriors." Said the golden bird in a majestic, but powerful voice. Then, before Moxxie's and Millie's very eyes, the sand that they threw out began to rise to the air and gather towards each other, forming half a dozen pillars of sand. Then, once this was done, the pillars began to form into half a dozen men in golden armor and faceless heads. Once the sand was finished forming these men, said men then suddenly had golden eyes that burned bright with power. They then marched straight towards the crocodile being, who was starting to recover from the sudden attack. Just before he could, however, several chains of sand appeared from nowhere and began to enwrap the crocodile. They soon turned into golden chains that held firm against the thrashing of the large crocodile beast, who at this point recovered enough to began trying to escape from his confinements. Stunned to see such displays of power, the two Imps then watched as the golden bird walked towards them. As he got closer, the two Imps can see just how tall he was. Not to mention how awe inspiring he looked as well.

Towering over even Stolas in height, the golden bird man spoke.

"If I may be so bold." Said the bird man in a calm yet commanding tone. "You are the Imps that my friend's father is so fascinated with. Or at least under the command of that Imp." Upon hearing that, both Millie and Moxxie were shocked at what they just heard. Did this guy know about Stolas' daughter and where she was? Before they could ask anything, the bird man spoke again.

"If you desire to know where this man's," The bird man then pointed at Stolas, who was starting to get, having recovered from the hits he took from the crocodile beast, and was looking at the golden bird in shock. Both at his appearance and his mention of his daughter. "offspring is, then you will all accompany me to my beloved city. It is there that you will understand everything relating to Miss Octavia. Come." With that, the bird man began to leave with the sand constructed soldiers following suit, dragging the crocodile beast with them, who was currently still trying to escape from his confinements. The Imps and Stolas, meanwhile, were struggling to understand what just happened. Blitzo, meanwhile, got up from the hit he took and began speaking.

"We showed that alligator something, right guys!" Slurred Blitzo, still dazed from the beating he took. Walking over to both Millie and Moxxie like a drunken Imp, Blitzo praised his employees for saving them from the alligator thing before passing out again, leaving the two Imps to look at their boss, wondering what to do. It was Stolas, however, that gave them their answer.

"We're following that man." Said Stolas in determination. He knew about Octavia and where she was. That meant he was their best lead in finding his daughter. With that in mind, he went after the golden bird with Moxxie and Millie following close behind. The two Imps carrying their boss around.

"That bird said we're going to a city, right?" Asked Millie as she ran after Stolas. When Moxxie nodded in confirmation, Millie spoke up again. "Wonder what that city is like?"

"If the desert is any indication, probably a shitty place." Said Moxxie, whispering it to Millie so that he doesn't offend the golden bird with what he said. He never met this guy before, but Moxxie knew when to shut his mouth and his mind and gut was telling him to not offend the giant golden bird. Even though he was suspecting the worst of the bird's city.

Later

Golden Bird's city

"Holy fucking shit." Said Moxxie as he looked upon the massive city that he was overlooking from a massive spire in the inner parts of the city. Both Millie and Blitzo, who had recovered from his injuries, couldn't help but nod dumbly as they looked upon the golden bird-man's city, which he called The Sun Disc.

Upon exiting the cave, Stolas confronted the golden bird man, demanding that he bring them to his daughter. The golden bird man, rather than be angered at the demand, simply nodded his head before conducting some sort of magic that summoned a massive sandstorm that engulfed him, his soldiers, the crocodile beast, the Imps, and Stolas before anyone can do anything. One moment, they were engulfed in a sandstorm of great intensity and the next they were in a massive golden room fit for a king and his family. Even more miraculously, not a single speck of sand was on their clothes or body. While the Imps and Stolas were amazed at what they just witnessed, the golden bird told them that Octavia will soon be arriving for them. In the meantime, he suggested they get comfortable and bask in the greatness of his city. Needless to say, they were basking in it all right.

"For once, Moxxie, we agree." Said Blitzo as he looked at the massive city that was the Sun Disc. "Like for Satan's sake, this place makes even the richest of palaces or cities in Hell look modest. I mean, look at all that gold down there. Golden statues. Golden towers. I think I even see some golden houses too. Where the fuck do you get all that gold?" Before anyone can answer that question, the golden bird man spoke up, having stayed behind to tend to the Imps and Stolas while his soldiers left to deal with the crocodile man.

"That is the power of Shurima." Said the birdman as he looked at the group of demons. "Take a grand view, demons. For this city is not only the future prosperity of Shurima but it is also the future prosperity that I hope to bring to the world. A world that is in desperate need of such prosperity."

"And you think that you can do that?" Asked Blitzo skeptically. "New's flash, birdo, but plenty of would-be heroes or leaders tried that before, and guess where that's got them and the world." The bird man, upon hearing Blitzo's insulting tone, tilted his head before speaking.

"The only reason that I am permitting you to speak to me in such a way, Imp, is because I believe it is in the best interests of my friend to see the Imp that has caused her much distress in her own home. Distress that is permeated and allowed to fester because of her own father." Said the golden bird, distaste and disapproval clear in his voice. Stolas, upon hearing that, couldn't help but be offended at the words of the golden bird. Standing up from the, admittedly comfortable, seat he was sitting on, Stolas glared at the golden bird and spoke.

"Now see here, you golden miscreant." Said Stolas as he glared at the golden bird with both anger and annoyance. "You don't have any right to criticize me at all. Not only do you lack any proper knowledge about the situation of both my house and immediate family, but you also lack any connections with my family. Not to mention you are a complete stranger, who thinks they have the right to criticize those he barely knows regarding their families. So tell me, what right do you believe you possibly have that makes you think to criticize me regarding family matters."

"My right as a friend to your daughter." Said the golden bird simply, looking at Stolas with bright blue eyes, the golden bird's voice was filled with disapproval and disappointment at Stolas. "One that she goes to regularly to speak of how disappointed and hurt she is regarding her parents and their failure to nurture her and provide her a safe haven in her own home." Stolas, upon hearing that, grew angry at the golden bird and was about to unleash his demon form when he heard his daughter.

"He's telling the truth dad." Said Octavia as she made herself know. Standing at the entranceway to the room, Octavia glared at her father before making her way inside. Seeing his daughter, Stolas calmed down, relieved to see her safe. That relief, however, went away, when he noticed that she was glaring at him in anger. "I've been seeing him for years. Speaking to him about my problems. About home and how much its not really a home anymore. And it's all your fault, dad." Stolas, upon hearing that, looked hurt at what his daughter was saying.

"W…what do you mean, Via?" Said Stolas, hurt clear in his voice. "Have I really hurt you?"

"Yes, you did." Said Octavia as she walked right next to the golden bird man and grabbed his arm. "Ever since you began fucking with that Imp, my life at home has been nothing but complete misery. You and mom always fighting, ignoring me whenever I enter the same room as you two. Never caring how I feel or my opinion is on things. Always focused on arguing between yourselves instead of me. And then there are the countless times I've tried to capture your attention and you both either outright ignore me or just say they don't have time for me. Even if it's something as simple as just a talk about life or what's going on between you two. And now you pull that stunt at Loo Loo Land, despite me telling you I didn't want to go in the first place. For fuck sake's Dad, you even brought the fucking Imp that's the cause of all my misery as a bodyguard. Then, to top it all off, you focused more on flirting with him and being a damsel in distress over spending time with me! Me! The whole fucking reason we were in Loo Loo Land in the first place! Just…argh!" Octavia then began to hug the golden bird's arm even harder than before, something that actually hurt Stolas in seeing for the hug was something akin to a daughter hugging her father for comfort rather than a friend hugging a friend for comfort. And each word that Octavia was saying about him was crushing Stolas' soul. But what she said next hurt him more than anything Stella had ever thrown his way or spat at him.

"For Satan's sake, Dad, Azir rules an entire city and is making plans to make an empire yet he does a better job at being a father than you, who doesn't do much except throw parties, argue with his wife, and fuck an Imp." Said Octavia, glaring at Stolas with tearful eyes. Upon hearing all that, Stolas couldn't help but take a few steps back, his eyes wide in shock at his daughter's declaration. Once her declaration sank in, Stolas eyes were brimming in tears, hurt that his daughter seemed to favor this stranger, this Azir, more than him. The Imps, meanwhile, were awkwardly looking at each other, unsure if they had any right to be here. Blitzo, however, was listening in intently on the conversation, an unreadable expression on his face.

For a few tense moments, there was silence. Soon, it broke when Stolas spoke up.

"Via." Said Stolas, voice choked with hurt and pain. "Why would you say such things? Why would you prefer this stranger over your own flesh and blood? What actions have I done and what actions has he done to make you choose him over me?" Octavia looked at her father angrily before telling him how she first met Azir.