Lucius was rather hungry he had to admit. He had woken up to a world beyond his comprehension. He was in Hell. But it was unlike anything described in the labels of the Church or read in the Bibles. It almost as modern as the world he came from. He fascinated, confused and concerned. So many questions surged through his mind but with his stomach grumbling his thoughts were on what was he going to eat? This is Hell perhaps the food could be quite gruesome which may dismay his appetite.
Stolas chuckled as the two walked up the stairs back to the Palace. "I'll have my cook something worthy of your mortal stomach, little one. How would you like a quick trip to the greenhouse before supper?" Asked Stolas and, Lucius looked up at him with a tiny smile.
"I would like that. Thank you." The Boy agreed but just as they reached the door it opened up to reveal Octavia. But this time she was wearing a far different attire than she was before. Her shirt was replaced with a long sleave dress that showed a galaxy moving in the slightest within the dress. She wore a black star glazed crown with a red ruby upon it.
Stolas and Lucius were caught completely by surprise. The Prince marveled at how beautiful his daughter looked. It was a long time since she wore anything other than her normal choice of wardrobe.
"Why Octavia! That Dress looks marvelous! You shine well my precious little, Starfire!" He hooted in delight and, Octavia's cheeks flushed at the comment while, Lucius stared at the dress in complete awe. He was seeing an entire galaxy. It twinkled in the red sky around them. The Lights from the house allowed it to gleam. He was in Hell but how could something from the domain where everyone who did evil in their lives were damned to go have something so marvelous.
Stolas took notice of the boy looking at his daughter and chuckled playfully poking at the boys cheeks. "Now, now, Lucius don't stare too much it is improper to do so."
Lucius shook his head and realize he was indeed being rude. "Uh…I'm sorry. But that is beautiful! I never seen such a dress before. How could it be made?" Asked the Boy fascinated trying not to stare again but it was difficult.
"Through the finest tailors and seamstresses along with the magic of the Goetia." Answered Stolas turning his head back to his daughter. "Now then what is the occasion, Via?"
"Dad, I am going with Loona to the Gluttony Ring. Remember? She invited me for a party which you agreed that I can go with her to?" Replied Octavia feeling frustrated that again it seemed her father has forgotten another thing. Loona had once talked to her about cutting her father slack about his rather forgetful nature and messing up. He had proven that he cares so much about her which she had no doubt but his nature of forgetting things revolving around her were still rather upsetting.
Stolas red eyes lit up. "Oh! That was tonight! I am sorry." The Sound of a vehicle came driving into the roundabout in front of the palace. A Taxi with what had to be a shark like demon driving it. Lucius looked at the being in fright, but it seemed the driver was more afraid of him and the two Goetia by him along with the Hellhound in the backseat wearing a red dress with a pentagram on it.
"Hey, Feathers you ready to go?" Called Loona the white and grey Hellhound adopted daughter of, Blitz waved from the open window from the backseat. She took a quick look at, Lucius standing besides, Stolas. The Human boy that Stolas brought down to Hell with him. Short and meager like the child that he is it was a wonder to her why, Stolas would do such a thing? It confused her as much as it did her adopted father. And having seen his picture from Blitz she saw past the spell that made him appear as another Goetia Royal.
"Yeah!" Octavia called back and gave her father one last look along at, Lucius. Her worries were easily seen on her face. Could she even be around her father now? Now that he has now doing something really reckless. His Affair with the Imp, Blitz was already a trying ordeal that has caused a great amount of drama in the family. Far as she knew it was the reason her mother and, Stolas split up and always were screaming and yelling at each other for years on end. She loved her Father, but she still held it against him that it was his fault he ruined a perfect family. Unaware that her mother was not truly the person she thought she was.
"Do have fun and be back at the appropriate time, Dear." Stolas hugged his daughter. She was growing up so fast. A Time when he used to sit her on his lap and sing her sweet lullabies and tuck her into bed. He missed those good days. To him she will always be his Starfire. The only good thing to come out of a horrid marriage that he could only wish he could tell his daughter about.
"Hope you have a good time." Lucius said, not really knowing where she was going. He heard Via say Gluttony. But that was a Sin if he remembered correctly. How could she go to something that was merely a subject? Again, more questions came to him.
"Thanks." Responded Octavia moving past them and headed to the Cab and once inside without taking a moment to spare the car sped off out of the roundabout of the Palace and out of both, Stolas and Lucius sight. Stolas sighed sadly as he wanted to have a family night between them all, but he already had allowed his daughter to go, and she was dressed up. Who was he to suddenly disallow her?
"You okay?" Asked Lucius seeing Stolas look sad, but the Owl looked away for a moment getting a hold of himself before turning back to the boy with a smile.
"Oh, I'm fine. Just lecturing myself for being a fool to forget about my daughters own plans. But you will have more time later to know about her. Now come along I would like you to see some of my favorite hobbies." Stolas offered his hand and, Lucius took it, and they headed back into the palace.
The Cab had reached the Gluttony Ring within a short time dropping off the Princess and her best friend Loona in front the club where the embodiment of Gluttony reigned and used her club to indulge all of Hell's people to lavish and entertaining parties that could satisfy anyone even the lowliest of Hell's cretins.
Once out of the car Loona was about to head inside but noticed that Octavia was remaining where she stood. "Hey, feathers you coming?" Loona said coming back over to her friend noticing her distressed face.
"Yeah." Sighed Octavia. She never got out too much and the troubles at home plagued her mind. Loona easily picked up on her shifting emotions with a quick whiff from her nose.
"Is it about the kid?" Loona asked putting a hand on her shoulder.
"What is going to happen now, Loona? Just when I think my, Dad can't do anything more crazy he goes to such a length. What will happen to him? To me? And that boy. I don't know. I don't know much of mortals other than my unsatisfying trip to the human world. But I know they don't belong her until they die. And if he is meant to be my brother does that mean I am going to be replaced? Does my Dad not love anymore? I…" Moaned Via as she was very distressed over this. She hoped by coming with Loona to a party would clear her mind but that was before her father brought a mortal to their home and declare him part of the family.
"Hey." Loona patted her shoulder gently. "If one thing about your Dad is true he would never replace you. If he is willing to blow out our doors. Traverse L.A. Get wrapped up in a crappy sitcom and blowing it up all just to find you no doubt he would never do a thing. And, hey I am just as concerned as you are. I admit this brings a lot down here but who knows maybe the kid might not be so bad. Just keep an eye on him and you said in your texts he seemed rather nice. But enough of that lets get you into the spotlight now." She wrapped her arm around Octavia and took her into the club with dozens of patrons from Imps to Hellhounds were all relishing in a grand party. From Drinking games to gossiping and to their loud cries of merriment toasting to the one who hosted such a grand festivity who came down from the large disco ball in ceiling when she noticed a familiar face enter her club with a rather special guest with her.
"Well, hey there, Loona!" Waved Queen Beelzebub flying down to the entrance with her boyfriend the Hellhound Tex eagerly taking the hand of his one and only. They cuddled into each other as Loona looked on with some jealously. She had never truly let go of her feelings for Tex, but she understood that she had no chance with the Queen of Gluttony in his hand.
"Hey!" She waved back at them trying not to be envious of her two friends relationship.
"Well now is this the Goetia Princess I have heard so much about?" Asked Beelzebub flying around the young owlet taking a quick admiration of her attire. "Looking fabulous there, your highness! You bring out a cosmic look for the party! Excellent! Everyone!" Beelzebub fly up and over the many guests who looked at her with admiration as she magically made all manner of sweets and treats dropping them into the awaiting hands of the guests. "Let's welcome the Princess of the Goetia. Her royal highness, Octavia!" She howled loudly and every Hellhound in the club howled in a grand welcoming for, Octavia who only blushed when her name was said with such high praise.
"Come on, girls lets go have some fun!" Tex gestured to the crowd behind him offering both, Loona and Octavia solo cups filled with soda. Best they both stay clear of the heavy material this night. Should a figure of high standard have too much at her young age it may lead to some trouble. Loona smiled gratefully and gestured to her friend next to her to follow her into the crowd. Octavia was quite shy about this, and her worries were clear but perhaps this place would offer something to get her mind off her troubles at home. Queen Bee did give her a grand welcome and everything they could have to eat and drink in the club would be provided and she would be with a good friend. Maybe this night would be more than what she needed and joined with, Loona as they headed for the dance floor and the moment they stepped on it, it did not take long for them both to start dancing to the beat of, Queen Bee's talented vocals that brought everyone to their feet and they all tapped and cheered for their favorite person in all of Gluttony.
Lucius liked the Greenhouse very much when Stolas took him through the Palace and into the gardens where his greenhouse stood. One of the biggest he had ever seen. But the plants were something of a menace and rather frightening. Almost every plant had a mouth to it. From giant fly traps to Cobra lily's that hissed and strike out like the living snakes. Was Stolas out of his mind growing and caring for plants that required meat when water and potting soil no longer could sustain them.
Even worse when one of the plants tried to snap at him. Mouth wide open and its toothless maw was ready to scoop up the mortal boy. Had Stolas not been by his side and snatched him away just before the Plant could grab, Lucius between its jaws, Stolas had a few choice words for the plant that in his own way of saying misbehaved in a very poor manner. Lucius was part of the family and the house now. Every one of the plants from the words of, Stolas's mouth heard his decree and silently passed along the message. As for the plant that tried to eat the boy he was denied his meal for the night for its rash actions.
Lucius, despite the near miss of becoming a plants dinner was very surprised that, Stolas talked to the plants like they could listen and understand. In a brief sharing of his knowledge of gardening all plants can understand a person. Especially one that shows great care towards them and in return they provide a great deal for the one that has given them life through dedicated work.
It was rather fascinating for the boy. An Owl. A Demon to actually do remedial work? It wasn't just him. All of Hell has its classes. Its own people. Sinners come from the Mortal Realm banished down to Hell for the misdeeds they lived and served in their days of life now they are eternally exiled to scratch any form of living where only time is never on their side. Should they live on its only due to craftiness or usually working for overlords and royals. Only ever so few manage to stay alive in the bowels of what is known as Pentagram City where all sinners go.
Lucius could not even begin to comprehend what little he was told. Hell, amazingly was so different. He wouldn't know where to begin when he would figure out what question to ask next. But his stomach had grumbled louder and now, Stolas figured by now his cooks had finishing cooking supper and he took, Lucuis to the dining hall where two plates awaited both the master of the house and his newest son on a long table filled with empty chairs. It looked to be as if only Stolas and his daughter was living in such a grand structure. To Lucius guess that could be lonely. To have so much but no one to really share it all with. Even if Stolas had a daughter it still seemed to be a rather big place, but such remarks would come later as, Stolas helped the boy to the closest chair to, Stolas own.
"I trust you know how to use utensils?" Asked Stolas as he took his chair while, Lucius looked at the rather delectable meal in front of him. A Small well-done cooked steak. Mashed potatoes with gravy. Peas and a glass of milk? His expectations once again fooled him.
"I do." Replied Lucius having not had a decent meal in so long. The only thing that ever was quite edible was the schools cafeteria but even that food had a poor taste to it but with his parents neglecting him at home it was fortunate enough to make a sandwich.
"Go ahead and eat. Unless your belly has been playing tricks on you this past hour." Chuckled Stolas happily going at his plate. His Cooks were some of Hell's finest and unlike most of his own brethren he would compliment them. Good service should always be appreciated. Stolas watched Lucius carve at his steak and ate the first bite of it. The Boys face melted at the taste of the meat cooked at medium rare. His eyes wide and nearly dropping his utensils.
"Oh? Is the food not to your liking?" Asked Stolas concerned. Mortals certainly had a different taste in the food they ate. Hell's residents ate partially the same but there were those that preferred to devour the living.
"Its delicious!" Moaned Lucius eagerly carving another piece of the steak and ate it along with a scoop of the potatoes and peas. "This is the best meal I have had in a long time! Its so good!"
Stolas grinned taking a napkin to his beak. "Wonderful. I cannot have the newest edition to this family to starve. I shall pass your praises to the cooks."
"Will you, please? They deserve it. I have not had anything this good in a long time." Asked Lucius eagerly digging into more of his meal. Every bite felt juicy and sweet and clear. It was very delectable.
"Of course. Now then I…" Stolas was interrupted when, Pringles the butler came by carried a regal looking wired phone on a tray.
"Pardon me, Sire but his majesty, Belial is on the line for you." The Butler held the handset phone close and, Stolas eyes went wide.
"Well, this is an unexpected surprise. I have not heard from my Uncle in a while." Stolas hummed happily. Most of the Goetia hardly bothered with Stolas. He was just one of the countless of their royal family who had to adhere to their duty but thanks to, Stella he was a laughing stock among his family. The Butt of every mockery and joke. Long years of putting up with his ex-wife's cruelty and being shunned by many for it all that, Stolas could ever do was bare it for the sake of his daughter but there was one Goetia that always treated him fairly if not teaching him too always be himself. Don't change who he was for the sake of duty. Carry on what he is meant to do but always remain the loveable and charming chick he was many years ago to who he is now.
Taking the phone from the plate he brought it up to his ear. "Hello Uncle."
Lucius continued to eat his food and drink his milk but watched as Stolas talked on the phone happily. He would play with the wire while talking with his apparent Uncle on the other side of the line.
After a couple minutes of talking Stolas's eyes went wide and looked shock. "How did you know that?!"
The Boy looked concerned when Stolas happy mood shifted so suddenly standing up from his chair but relaxed in it when the one on the other side of the line told him something that made him be at ease. "Oh…I thought you would be angry about this?" Stolas asked wiping some sweat off his feathered brow. His Uncle was always and understanding one but perhaps what he did now might make him change his mind about his favorite nephew but thankfully that was not the case.
"Well certainly! The Spell so far has held up well to the common folk. I would be delighted to come and bring him with me. It would be a joy for him to meet you and the rest. In a couple weeks? That sounds fabulous! Thank you, Uncle. We shall see you then." Stolas finished his talk and hung up the phone and, Pringles carried it away.
"Who was that, Stolas?" Asked Lucius finishing up the last of his milk sipping down the final bit of his milk and wiped his face with a napkin. His Parents foster parents may not have taught him proper manners but the school he went to did and he had tried his best to always show that only for it to have him be laughed at for being so uppity at times.
"That my dear boy was, King Belial. Brother to my father, Paimon. And my Uncle. He rules his side of the Goetia family. His Parties are something to behold. From what I hear his own rivals that of Gluttony's own. Which I do hope my daughter is having a pleasant time." Explained Stolas looking up at the ceiling seeing the Galaxy sculptures hanging from it. How he adored the astrology that he had learned since his youth. How he would share such pleasantries with, Octavia in her time. Now he could do the same thing with Lucius. "Are you finished?"
"I am." The Boy replied rubbing his stomach feeling so satisfied. That meal was the best he had.
Stolas smiled adoringly. The Boy's face was just as cute as, Octavia's in his age. Looking upon the astrology clock that hung on the wall he saw already it was going into the later hours of the evening.
"Well then now that your full I shall prepare you a bath. You must be clean immediately before you retire to the room I have prepared for you. Come along now. I shall assist with that." Stolas stood from his chair and walked over to, Lucius and helped him from his chair while the servants immediately set out in cleaning the table of its dirty dishes and polishing the long table.
"Assist me with what?" Gasped Lucius when Stolas brought him up to his arms with a eager look on his face and, Lucius was very concerned about this as they left the dining hall.
Back in Gluttony, Octavia was having the time of her life. She couldn't remember when she danced so much or drank and eaten so many sweet foods or high caffeine ridden cocoa and sodas. Some of which topped off with a mountain of whipped cream riddled with chocolate bits and candy bars.
Partaking in many games from limbo to guessing games and even brought a new game of naming the planets by color since many claimed they could see all forms of color in their drunk states.
But the Princess never left the side of Loona who gave anyone who tried to get far too close with the Goetia shooed them off with a warning growl and, Tex and, Bee most of the time stuck around them. Whatever Octavia asked for the Queen of Gluttony was happy to provide her star guest. Not often did she meet a Goetia that was down to party like most those her family tended to look down upon. So up struck in traditions that they don't know what their missing.
"Having fun, sweetcakes?" Queen Bee asked Octavia as she provided her with another glass of hot cocoa with whipped cream and candy toppings. Octavia drank a sip and smiled at her thankfully.
"I am! Thank you all for this. This is just what I needed." Said Octavia gratefully to the three that provided her with a night that had taken all the troubles off her mind. Especially Loona who was the one who invited her for this outing.
"My Pleasure! Your always welcome anytime. You along with Loona are my favorite people! Now come one this party is about to get even more wild!" Howled Queen Bee taking off again with her insect like wings checking over the party to make sure every guest was satisfied, and should there be anyone that could cause an issue with her party then she would quickly handle them. If there was one thing she hated, which was a rarity for someone like her she did not like anyone who could bring ruin or a problem to her parties.
"Feeling better now, Feathers?" Loona asked sitting with Octavia at their table with, Tex close by chatting with some of the guests. Loona couldn't help but still look at, Tex. Such a strong, handsome and kind Hellhound who never allowed a job to come between his personal life. Oh, how she envied Bee for catching his heart. How couldn't she? She was an entire novel of everything one would want and need, and she could provide both of that.
"Yeah I am. I admit I am still worried about everything but at least I know have a place to go to calm down." Admitted Octavia enjoying the sweet taste of her cocoa and nibbles upon it catching some cream on her beak.
"Not to worry. I got your back through this." Assured Loona as she drank some of the stronger contents in her solo cup and they carried on through the night enjoying all the provisions provided by Queen Bee.
Lucius could not remember a time when he was so embarrassed as Stolas was carrying him to the bedroom he had been preparing for him at his request. Lucius had the occasional accident. Dropping his meal in the cafeteria. Slipping and tripping while surrounded by many. Falling off a chair or stand when he stood on it wrong but the bath that, Stolas gave him would have been a lot more pleasant as the water was warm. The Soaps, shampoos and oils smelled of fresh fruit and fragments. The Tub itself was big and regal surrounded by drapes that showed star constellations with many lit candles all around. The Bath would have been perfect as dinner but what was bad about it was, Stolas gave the boy a bath.
He had taken him to his personal bathing chamber and to the boys embarrassment he provided the bath in every way. Having allowed him the dignity to undress while not looking to step into the tub but then, Stolas removed his robe and got on his knees and gave, Lucius the most awkward bath he ever experienced.
He cleansed his body of every stain and spot. The Soap and the Shampoo did more than make him smell good it actually cleansed him entirely of any pimple, blemishes and boils. And Stolas had scrubbed Lucius clean with rags and sponges that the boy did not know either to feel grateful or so embarrassed?
Stolas was gentle and somewhat appropriate through the whole endeavor. He only did most of the boys body while humming a gentle tune through his beak when he did. Lucius had to admit that how he was cleaned felt genuine and sincere. Stolas bathed him as if he was truly taking care of his own child. But Lucius wondered was he even worthy of such treatment still? He was very grateful to Stolas and all that he was providing. But what made him so special that this Prince would risk a great deal for him? No one in the boys life had gone so far out of their way for him before? A Demon from the depths of Hell itself had taken more pity him than those above in the living world.
When the bath was finally done Stolas had dried the boy off with a towel taking care not to look where he should not. He understood that mortals always felt a sense of dread for someone seeing them without anything on. Stolas had seen plenty in his life already nothing to be ashamed of at all, but he understood the boy still had a great deal to learn of and do he would take his time with him.
After he was good and dry a servant brought in a pair of silk pajamas for the boy. Lucius hastily put them on. The Pajamas felt so warm and loose. Beyond anything the boy wore from above. Hell, continuously was showing him, it was unlike anything ever explained to him and to all mortals. He wondered just what else was in store but when a yawn had escaped his lips it was time to put him to bed and, Stolas cradled him in his arms carrying towards one of the most familiar rooms in his palace.
One of the many bedrooms in the Palace but this bedroom held great significance when he opened the door reveal it once belong to, Octavia when she was around, Lucius's age. Many of her toys and the pictures of her drawings were still stappled to the wall along with a few portraits that showed her and, Stolas happily playing together. Stolas heart warmed at the welcome sight. A Reminder of the few good things that came in those lonely years. His Daughter meant everything to him and unlike himself he would make sure she would grow up living a life that he never got to have.
"This will be your bedroom from now on, Lucius." Cooed Stolas as the boy in his arms looked around it with sleepy eyes but made out a fun-loving owlet in many of the portraits and drawings.
"Is this your daughters room?" He asked through another yawn while, Stolas moved the blanket on the bed back and settled the boy on it. Though the room was not used in years, Stolas had his servants keep it clean and upkept as the memories room held deserved all the attention.
"Yes. But it is yours now. We shall accommodate this room more to your liking later. For now, you must sleep. You've had a long day and now its time to sleep, little one." Hooted Stolas softly pulling the blanket over the boy and gently rubbed his temple.
"Good night, Lucius. May you sleep well and dream pleasantly. You shall have another busy day tomorrow. Rest well, son." Stolas kissed Lucius's head and quietly stepped out of the room taking the door and slowly shut it.
"Good night, Stolas. Thank you." Lucius called back but as soon as the smiling face of the Prince vanished behind the closed doors the boy soon fell asleep on the most comfortable of beds other than the one he slept on prior. Life had taken a true turn for him now and all he could wonder what would happen next.
Stolas sighed happily as the boy meant a great deal to him but looking at his phone in his robe the time for Octavia to be back was nearly at its hour. He was about to call her to make sure she was alright heading for the main entrance of the Palace but just as he reached the balcony on the second floor overlooking it did, Octavia enter the palace having been returned by another cab dropped off by, Loona but her feathers were all but covered with so much colored confetti it seemed the galaxy upon her dress was more of a rainbow which amused, Stolas.
"Hello Octavia!" He called down from the balcony getting her attention. "Did you have fun, my owlet?"
Octavia looked up at her father and smiled. The Troubles with life still mattered but for now she had to say a truth. "I did, Dad! Thank you. Its good to be home though." Stolas was happy to hear it holding his hands together adoringly. If his daughter was happy then so was he. Hopefully in a short time she and, Lucius would make happy memories as well together.