Short 22: Goetia Roles and Intentions
Some time has passed, and today is the day Amara is being let out of the hospital. Now that her injuries have been mostly healed, and has been cleared of any blood loss. Before leaving, she decides to visit Stolas, her father in his hospital room.
"How are you feeling today? I heard that you're being released from the hospital this afternoon," Stolas says.
"Yeah. I'm planning on heading back to the Pride Ring, and after a little more rest at home, I'll be heading back to work. Although, when I told the others about it, they strongly suggested that I do some office work so I won't overwork myself," Amara says.
"I can imagine, especially for the smaller Imp, um, Moxxie, correct," Stolas replies.
"Yeah. He's the one who is more strong about it, after that, Blitz had to agree for me to do office work," Amara says.
Stolas chuckles, "I can imagine."
He then asks, "Has um, Blitz come to visit?"
"Not much… to be honest, I haven't seen him around," Amara answers.
"Oh, I see…" Stolas says, and saddens.
"Cheer up, I'm sure he'll come around eventually," Amara says.
"Maybe," Stolas says, feeling doubtful.
He then turns to Amara and asks, "Um so, has your mother called?"
"Well, she did call me once, but she mentioned how uh, idiotic and reckless I was, but she seems okay that I wasn't killed, but I can barely tell if she's serious or not" Amara says, sheepishly. "I mean, I understand that I haven't been her daughter for a long time, so I wonder if she was serious about it. When I talked about returning to your place after getting out of the hospital, she was actually against it."
"Well, I'm not too, um, pleased with the idea either. I don't want you and Roy to be home alone," Stolas says.
"I'll be fine," Amara says, "Back when I was a kid, after my adopted parents' passing, I had to be alone to watch Roy while Aunt Eda was working from time to time. And when I got to Imp City, I stayed in my own apartment with Roy before we moved in with you."
She sighs, "I told mom the exact same thing and she's still not onboard with the idea. In fact, she wanted me to stay with her brother at her place."
"SHE WHAT?!" Stolas exclaims in shock.
"Um yeah. She also mentioned her wanting me to meet her brother and to get to know him. She also mentioned about her wanting me to get over the uh 'Wrathian reckless and ruthless' lifestyle I have," Amara says.
Stolas narrows his eyes, "Well, she's going to have her work cut out when it comes to you. I mean, your mother and I are still getting to know you after all these years, but it sounds like she's trying to push you to be a proper lady in the Goetia family."
"How so?" Amara asks.
"Well, remember when I mention the reason for our arrangement," Stolas says.
"I remember. You told me that you and mom were in an arranged marriage to birth an addition or a precautionary heir to the Goeita," Amara says. Then sigh, "It's basically saying that both your marriage is so Octavia and I can exist."
"Yes Amara," Stolas says, "I don't want you to worry, but if well, if you and your friends haven't got here in time and were killed, my duties, possessions, my legion will be passed down to you or your sister or even both."
"Wait so if you're saying that if a Goetia Demon dies, an heir has to fill in the void to carry on their duties?" Amara questions.
"That is correct. Of course, the roles are usually passed down from parent to child, if something happens to me or your mother, you or Octavia will be taking our place to fulfill our royal duties," Stolas says.
"Sounds like being a Goetia is very complicated, and feels like your role in life was already set," Amara says. She then sadly says, "It must be very hard for you."
Stolas sadly nods his head in replies, and yes, being part of the Goetia family is hard for him because his life has already been planned since he's a child. His role, duties, marriage, his whole life has already been planned, so he doesn't have as much freedom as others.
Stolas then gently takes Amara's hand and says, "Amara…"
"Hmm…" Amara replies and turns to her dad.
"If your mother does convince you to stay with her and Andrealphus, I… I want you to be careful around them and watch over your sister and your brother. It's most likely that Octavia will be staying with them as well," Stolas says, showing concern. "And of course, Roy will be with you through everything."
"Um okay, I'll watch over them," Amara says.
Then notices the worried expression on his face.
"Dad, are you okay?" Amara asks.
"I'm alright, but I'm worried for you and Octavia," Stolas says.
He lets out a sigh and says, "I… I don't want to scare you or think ill of your mother, but I think it's right to tell you about what happened when I was kidnapped by Striker."
"What do you mean?" Amara asks.
"The truth is, your mother was the one who hired that cowboy to kill me," Stolas says.
Amara's eyes wide open in shock that white pupils appear in her larger eyes.
Stunned in disbelief, Amara asks, "Did… did she really…?"
"Yes. I'm afraid so," Stolas says.
"Then that means, mom was the one who hired Striker to kill you during the Harvest Moon Festival," Amara says.
Then sighs, "And I wouldn't be surprised if she sent Striker to attack me after that."
"Wait, what?" Stolas asks, shocked.
Amara then says, "We didn't mention that part to you, but after the Harvest Moon Festival, Striker was somehow in the area, and I thought he was trying to kill us, but he was really after me. But he ended up taking some of my blood."
This has Stolas stunned, "So that… that's how Stella managed to get your DNA for the blood test."
"Blood test?" Amara asks.
Stolas sighs, "Stella probably had Striker go after you to either take you or some of your DNA. After what happened at Ozzie's she told me that she had some suspicions of you being Maribelle when she saw you and had a DNA teston you. From what you said, I can only think she had him take some of your DNA when he attacked you."
"Fuck, this is all too much to take in," Amara says.
"I'm sorry Amara. I actually didn't want to tell you or Octavia this because I didn't want you to worry or think very badly about your mother. But, I feel that you will know the truth eventually," Stolas says.
Amara remains silent with a sad expression.
She then says, "I just can't believe she would do that. I mean, before I learned that I'm your daughter, I had this feeling that she doesn't like you that much, but… I didn't know she was bad enough to want you dead. And I'm guessing your uh, affair with Blitz is part of it, but it's not enough to kill someone over…"
"I'm sorry. The last thing I want is to cause you more grief and worries than you've already been," Stolas says, "But I just want you to be careful around her, and since now she doesn't want me dead anymore I fear what she could be up to."
"I think I understand. You want me to watch over Octavia and Roy, but at the same time, be cautious around mom," Amara replies.
"Yes, and I know it's much to ask, but is it alright to keep this conversation within the room," Stolas says.
"You mean you want this conversation to be our secret?" Amara asks.
"Yes," Stolas says.
"Okay, but I don't like this, I don't want to keep this a secret from the others, especially from Octavia. But it's understandable, Octavia will be shocked if she knows about what Mom has done," Amara says.
Stolas nods his head.
"Alright. I will be our little secret, but you're going to have to tell her, eventually," Amara says.
"I know," Stolas says.
Amara soon gets a notification on her phone and looks to see if Blitz has sent her a message.
Blitz: At front, move your tail feathers.
"Well, I gotta get going. I'll come by to visit soon," Amara says.
"Thanks sweetie, but remember to take your time. Even though you're able to leave, you're still recovering from your injuries," Stolas says.
"I'll be fine," Amara says and gives Stolas a kiss on the cheek, "Bye. Hope you get better soon."
"Goodbye and take care," Stolas says.
Amara gives Stolas one last smile before leaving the room. Once she's gone, Stolas face shows sadness, and concern for Amara. He knows that it's for the best that Amara knows the truth but is still worried about what Stella has plans for him, and fears this will involve his daughters. He can only hope Amara will be able to protect them, when he's unable at this moment. He can only hope they'll be safe.
After: Helluva Boss: The New Employee Episode 32