Lucius was very nervous sitting between his foster father and sister in the middle of IMP's van. Moxxie and Millie were sitting in the backseat while the Hellhound Loona sat in the passenger seat while, Blitz was driving rather fast and quite hostile. Every sharp twist and turn made Lucius shift into either Stolas and, Octavia.
"Can you soften your driving pace, Blitzy?" Asked Stolas putting an arm over Lucius seeing him shake so much. "We are not late. We left at the time I asked for you all."
"I just want to get there fast so we can get this over with! You invited us to this fancy shin dig of yours just so we can get at the free food and entertainment. But don't think for a second this makes us even for what you had that pinkish popstar agree to that involved me! She has it out for me and I will live that one down!" Snarled Blitz thinking back to the deal that was struck between, Stolas and Verosika. Not only will she have her concert in front of the Palace, but she had a special idea that would require, Blitz and he had no choice but to agree to it and that would certainly leave him with a sore ego and his pride once again in ruin.
"Calm down please. I understand. But do enjoy yourselves. Many of the guests consists of the sins from across the rings. Even some of the overlords were invited and his majesty I hear is gracing the party with his presence." Stolas explained which made Blitz nearly slam on the brakes on the highway they drove on and everyone in the van stared at, Stolas in surprise and shock.
"Dad? You don't mean?" Octavia gasped along with Moxxie and Millie behind him with, Lucius looking up in fear.
"Mmm-hm. Quite correct Lucifer will be coming." Stolas informed.
Loona chuckled in surprise. "That guy never comes out of the hole. Wonder what brings him out into the open?"
"Stolas…I umm…" Lucius shook fearfully. When he was told he was joining him into coming to a party hosted by his Uncle Belial who desired to meet, Stola's newest addition to his family he was told that many would be gathering to mingle and dance. Enjoy the delectables and fine service but the King of Hell would be there? The Fallen Angel. The Lord of all Sin that was someone Lucius did not expect to find out.
Stolas tapped on the boys shoulders comfortingly. "Now, now don't fret now, little one. The Spell will work as it has since you were returned home after the accident. Just remember what I told you. Be courteous. Mind your manners and speak as formally as you can. This is a grand occasion, and we must make your presence known. To hide you from my family will draw suspicion. I had to bring you with me, Lucius."
Lucius leaned into Stolas and Octavia couldn't help it and gave her little brother a warm smile. "Aww just relax. I have been to many of these. Most hardly pay attention. You could flee to the roof, and no one will notice your gone."
Stolas cleared his throat at her. "Need I remind you that you worried me sick that day?"
Octavia looked away shrugging her shoulders. "Ah, come on, Dad the party was so boring I just wanted to see the star above."
"Perhaps it was not festive but that was poor manners and a great risk to you my little Starfire. I worry about you." Stolas sighed dreadfully.
"Dad I am almost eighteen I can take care of myself." Octavia smiled proudly.
"Your still my daughter all the same." Stolas chuckled reaching over and brushed her hair back. She looked truly like a Princess in her regal attire. A Full black dress with stars around the top of the neckline with a few accessories while, Stolas wore his own regal attire. Lucius wore the clothes he was given as they would fit just fine for the party and, Blitz and the others wore their own suits and dresses. Perhaps not the most formal looking with a few cuts and holes but as a guest of a Goetia they would be allowed in despite the sub-par look about them.
Eventually after traveling across the highway and with a more high-speed moves and hard twists they came upon their destination a Palace far grander than, Stola's own. When they all got out of the car a regal looking valet Imp approached and offered to take the van. Blitz reluctantly gave him the keys and the van was driven to a lot across the street where most of the vehicles were a lot more sophisticated looking and more upkept than his own van.
Lucius was in awe of the palace. It glittered across the structure in various colors. He could hear the sounds of instrumental music playing coming from within. Across the windows on the higher story of the building, which had to stretch so far into the sky the lowest cloud touched one of the tips of the pointed tops.
There upon the fifth floor he saw many figures most of them bird like were standing in groups talking and some were moving around them appearing and disappearing out of sight dancing to the soft music.
Stolas smiled without a fear as this occasion would be joyful. He knew there were some figures up at that party he would not particularly like to see but as, Belial had to do its tradition to invite everyone of high standing and all Goetia who could make it, and no one ever missed a party of the brother of the King of all Goetia.
"Well, everyone!" Stolas clapped his hands together cheerfully. "Shall we?"
"Of course, your highness. This will be fun!" Millie exclaimed as she never got invited to a party filled with so much royalty and plenty of Hell's highest standing figures.
"Wait up, hun!" Moxxie stormed after his wife while, Blitz grimly followed with Loona taking time to look over her phone as they walked to the entrance while, Octavia stayed with her father and, Lucius followed so nervous about the party that he reached out and grabbed, Stola's hand making the owl chirp in delight. He grasped the boys hand letting him know he would be just fine. They entered the Palace with their guests already had handled their greetings with the servant who had to check their names on the guest list while, Stolas came in with his family and after a curtesy bow and checking off their names they headed to the elevator where the party was being held on the fifth floor.
As they walked towards the main elevator Lucius took notice all around. Much like Stolas's palace it was lined with many decorative artworks instead of family photos yet there were some that showed what looked to be a Peacock looking Goetia in one sitting on a grand throne cross legged and he had dark greyed feathers and wore a mask closely resembling a Victorian type but, Lucius could not be certain with red eyes much like his adopted father.
The three reached the elevator and entered it. Octavia pressed the button to the floor where the party was at. Stolas looked both eager and with some worry. He was bringing a mortal to the eyes of all of Hell. Overlords. His Extended family tree. The Hierchy of all of Hell itself. None except for those that knew his secret would know of, Lucius's true identity but no doubt this could turn into a very eventful night. But for the sake of his adopted child and his daughter he had to keep his composure. Lucius already was nervous enough as it was.
"Are we ready?" Stolas asked in a chipper voice trying to keep the spirits high while hiding his own nervousness.
"Yes, Dad." Octavia nodded and both of them looked at, Lucius who had a drop of sweat come down the side of his head.
"I guess so." He nervously said and, Stolas quickly wiped away the lone drip of perspiration from him.
"Relax, Lucius. Take a breath and ease yourself." Calmed Stolas and the boy did what he was told and with a release of a deep breath he calmed down but when the ding of the elevator sounded when their designated floor was reached he almost lost himself again when the two sliding doors opened up and the boys ears were blasted by the sounds of loud instrumental music followed by the sights of so many beings that he could not have believed it if he did not see it.
Walking out of the elevator with both his father and sister at each side, Lucius saw there were a tremendous number of Goetia all around. Standing in small groups or dancing in pairs in a large open area. Each of the Goetia were surprisingly different. They resembled many types of birds. Stolas and Octavia were owls but the masses that, Lucius could see there were a great mix. From Parrots to parakeets. Eagles, crows, magpies, flamingos, hawks. To even species that Lucius did not know the names of yet. All of them wearing very sophisticated and regal clothing. It was hard for the boy not to stare but one of, Stola's warnings were not to stare too much. It is suspicious as it is rude. Here he had to properly behave as best he could.
Around the room there were plenty of décor and enlightened walls and pillars. But one form of decoration that stood out was glowing ducks lined on the pillars and some hanging rubber ducks with a demonic look about them hanging from tiny chandeliers next to the pillars and some were little figures standing up around some of the tables filled with Hors D'oeurvres. Though some of them did not look too appetizing to, Lucius. Mice on sticks. Cooked rats. Almost made him want to puke but some other delectable treats were present as cakes and pies along with a few other delights that would appeal to a mortal boy.
Coming up beside Stolas in a small flash was a Goetia that stood taller than him. He wore the same mask as was in the pictures in the entrance below. Dark grey feathers could be seen over the few areas that his regal clothing showed. He had a furred top over his colored overcoat with cream-colored pants and sparkling legs. His Cape was mix of sapphire underneath while thulian outside it. His many tail feathers coming out from behind his waist that were a mix of forest green and jade with blue spots on the lower parts near the end of them with moss-colored tips.
"Stolas, my boy!" Hooted the Peacock in a poshed voice. "Oh, how wonderful it is to see you!"
"Uncle Belial. The Feeling is mutual!" Stolas smiled before being embraced by the larger Goetia peacock. His tail feathers rising behind him happily. If there was any of the Goetia he adored more it was, Stolas. The Most independent of all his brethren. No matter who most of the family things he was quite proud of his nephew who choose to live as he desired and not as what he was wanting to be by others over him.
Octavia smiled standing behind Lucius holding onto his shoulders. The Boy was surprised to see how Stolas nearly faded out from the embracing peacock. So tall and presumably powerful and how his face lit up when he saw him showed that he loved him very much and when the two family members broke away from their hug, Stolas stepped aside to let his Uncle see his two children.
"Octavia my dear. You look absolutely beautiful and well grown." Complemented Belial making, Octavia turn her head blushing. Certainly, her father could flatter her, but no one could do it better than her own Uncle.
"Oh…thank you." She giggled.
"I recall how you were so small you could fit into my hands like the precious little chick you were." Chuckled the Peacock.
"Uncle Belial you're embarrassing me!" Octavia awkwardly laughed but then, Belial's gaze turned to the boy beneath her.
"Well, well this must be, Lucius I heard so much about?" He exclaimed in a polite manner. "Welcome, little one. I bid you an honored welcome into the Goetia family."
Lucius cleared his throat trying to find the right words to say and only bowed low. "Hello, your Majesty. I am…honored to have been welcome to your party." Lucius tried to sound as formal as he could be was quite afraid he would offend him, but a feathered hand came from beneath him and lifted his head back up to have him look straight up to the peacock.
"No need for such formalities. Your are quite welcome. I am Belial and I am most delighted to have you grace me with your presence. I do look forward to when we can speak more privately. I do hear a great deal of the skin walkers of the mortal realm. How fitting that one has a way of being presented down here." He winked at Lucius showing just how his secret is known to him. "Fret not, little one. If anything, you're in the finest of hands. Now why don't we all have a toast to the newest addition to the family?" He suggested and an Imp server carrying a tray of filled glasses of wine came by and, Belial took two glasses and handed one over to, Stolas. They softly clagged their glasses together and took a gulp of the finest wine their resources could give them.
"Do enjoy yourselves I shall be around." Belial teleported away in mix of colorful sparkles, and he was seen across various groups of Goetia and guests. Blitz and the other members of IMP were around one of the tables of food one stuffing himself of the treats presented while, Moxxie and Millie were slow dancing while the Hellhound only laid against one of the pillars typing on her phone.
Stolas had to leave the side of his children to go mingle as expected of anyone of the Goetia to do but many eyes that found him only looked away with shame and partial disgust. Stolas's actions did not sit well with many of them and, Octavia found herself being spotted by many younger Goetia who admired the beauty she presented and already talked about how they may just have her hand in an arrangement that made the poor girl feel completely awkward about.
Lucius just didn't know what to do and walked on. He went past some of the groups that paid him no real mind but some in the far corners of the room were a few sets of eyes belonging to three spiteful Goetia that had it out for, Stolas.
One being Paimon the King of all the Goetia. He did not even bother to eye the despicable spawn that came from him. Once he held him in high praise until the day he disgraced the family by committing open adultery with the lower class of Hell and dishonoring his own name by renouncing the one he had arranged a marriage with to birth a precautionary heir. Though he completes his duties and has given to what was expected of the marriage it did not shadow his disgrace and he cursed his brothers kind nature for inviting one so dishonorable.
Another was the horrendous former wife of Stolas, Stella. Wearing a white dress with puffed sleeves and feather trimming with her nails painted outside of black gloves. She was very upset to once again eye that disgraceful former husband of hers. He had made such a mockery of their name that her own name was held by the many in low standard. Her reputation had been soured by, Stolas's actions. Their Divorce had sent a shock across the family name and now her own name is implemented in a poor way in their family history. Having been promised so much for her future she found her ex-husband a complete disgrace and only it got worse when he announced they were getting a divorce.
Seething through her beak with anger when she noticed the little Goetia that came in with, Stolas. She had heard he took in an orphan. All Goetia are born into nobility and royalty to have one lose their status and be cast out into the streets with the rabble was sign that their names and standing no longer matter and they can reside with the rest of the plebians that festered in the streets. For Stolas to further humiliate her now he took in a child that was not birthed from him made her crack the glass of wine she held in her hand. She wanted answers this instant and that brat that walked around cluelessly among the many guests would give them to her.
"You there!" Stella stormed passed the many guests coming up to Lucius who only just heard the shout only to see the stomping of heels coming closer and he turned to see a towering white dress belonging to what had to be, Stolas's ex-wife. Once she came up to him she folded her arms.
"Who are you, boy?" She snarled giving the child a dark look.
Lucius didn't know what to say but she was very frightening. He looked around but no one was paying any mind to him. Stella was growing impatient. "Answer me this instant! Who are you child?! Do not test me!"
Lucius shook in place that Goetia woman was very frightening. He could not even find the words to say his own name. But before he could do anything a familiar Hellhound came up from behind him and growled at, Stela.
"Leave the kid alone!" Demanded Loona having spotted the kid get cornered from out of nowhere. She wanted to leave it at that, but the kid looked too scared, and he would have been picked apart by that bitch that was always trouble for her fathers frequent feathered boy toy who he made the deal with that kept their business going with use of the Grimoire.
"This does not concern you flea ragged vermin! Step aside!" Demanded Stella catching the eyes of some of the Goetia around them.
"Make me!" Growled Loona showing her rows of sharp teeth at, Stela.
"You dare disobey me?! I shall…" Stela raised a hand but, Belial appeared between the two of them.
"What is going on here?" He bellowed staring down Stela his eyes glaring red at her in a bitter tone.
"This lower class dared to address me in a threatening tone! Getting between my business!" Stella proclaimed trying to get by, Belial, but he held up an arm blocking her.
"The Boy you cornered is an honored guest as is everyone here! You are welcomed too but I will not tolerate such behavior. You will keep your dramatics in place and the child, Lucius is to not be touched for he is, Stolas's adopted son now and I believe your divorce has been settled. There is nothing that should concern you. Now return yourself to your brother and do not cause this again!" Belial roared the last word, and his body went into a dark shadow which made both, Stella back away and even, Lucius. Surprised and terrified that one who was so nice to shift into something quite menacing.
Belial returned to his proper form and looked behind him to see Loona stand in place in front of the boy. He smiled and nodded as she nodded back before vanishing again appearing in other places. Loona turned around and, Lucius looked up at her admirably.
"Uh…thank you, Loona." The Boy said feeling rather embarrassed that he caused a scene but, Loona just chuckled.
"Don't mention kid. Try to avoid causing problems, yeah?" She replied and, Lucius nodded in agreement though he did not even try to do anything it was, Stella who came up to him with such ferocity that he didn't know what to do.
Stella had returned back to Paimon's side as well as her brother continuing to sip on his own glass but could not help but grin at his sisters arrogant actions once again getting the better of her. The Three of them began to talk keeping their voices low. What Stella had gotten at the very least was the name of the child and, Paimon having had enough of his despicable son's actions there could be a way to teach him a lesson in going against everything that was planned for him. He just needed to have him, and Octavia be out of the way and, Stella can do the deed when that child of fallen nobility is left without defense. Alone in the palace with meager servents it was too easy for anyone.
Lucius decided to head over to one of the tables with the many delectables upon them. Some of the cakes looked very pleasant all carved up on tiny plates with cheap silverware on them. Lucius gathered one plate for himself and took another. He had to return Loona's kindness by doing something for her though she protected him from someone quite fierce what would a piece of cake really do? But as he found her standing near the same pillar he saw her at before he gave her the plate and she finally had put her phone in her dress and ruffled the boys hair in gratitude and took the plate of sliced cake from him.
"Lucius! Can you come here, please!" Called Stolas from over a small crowd of the Goetia in front of him waving his long arm to him. Loona gestured for the boy to go to his father happily snacking on the cake which was quite good with a few wags of her tail.
Lucius quickly ate up his own slice as he made his way through the crowd. The Cake was one of the finest sweets he ever tasted. Again, the realm of Hell was surprising him more. From the meals in the palace to the sweets of this party how could Hell be anything like what all from the mortal realm ever thought it as? But it had to be for a reason he just hoped he would not find that out. Stolas had looked out for him as well as those he had met in recent days and now, Loona had just saved him from, Stella. He had more protecters than he first thought.
Giving his empty plate to a passing server imp he finally got to Stolas who smiled warmly at him though he heard from his Uncle what, Stella had attempted. He should have known that bitch of a woman would try something. He should have remained close to, Lucius. He could handle Stella's wraith, but the boy could be harmed far too easily by anyone let alone a Goetia.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Stolas asked though that question was foolish considering what happened, but he didn't want the child's mood to sour over an incident that was not his fault.
"I guess so." Replied Lucius. He may not have done too much but he did like the sweets and the party was lively.
"Good. Now then I want you to meet some very important individuals." He walked behind the boy and three humanoid looking demons were standing in front of him. They were not Goetia but almost human like. One Woman wore a long red dress with a white face with red circles on her white skinned cheeks with blond hair. The Other female who was a foot shorter than her had a smaller black dress with an X over her left eye and grey skin.
The Male of the three who stood taller than the others two even reaching to Stolas's own height was very frightful looking. Outfitted in a reddish attire consisting of a coat and underclothes with a bowtie and a monocle over his right eye wielding a staff that looked to be a microphone but what made him scary was how he stared at the boy with razor sharp yellow teeth with a smile that looked to be anything but friendly.
"Your majesty it is my honor to introduce to you my son, Lucius." Introduced Stolas and gently pushed Lucius forward before being called over by, Belial who needed to discuss some matters with him leaving the boy alone. The Tall man drew in the scent of the boy breathing in something all too familiar. It had been many years, but he never forgot the smell of someone…living.
Chuckling with a raspy radio voice. "Interesting." He said lowly looking at Lucius with pique interest. Quite a surprise one that even he could not have suspected to find in the pits of Hell. He wanted to learn more.
The Woman in the red dress smiled in a more gleeful manner kneeling to boy. "Why hello there. Pleasure to meet you." She greeted so excitingly that the shorter woman next to her put a hand on her shoulder.
"Calm down, babe it's just a kid." She chuckled. Anytime her beloved always saw something adorable she could not help herself.
"Sorry. I am Princess Charlie Morningstar. Who are you?" Charlie asked politely.
Lucius got nervous very fast. That was the Princess! Daughter of Lucifer? Not who he thought she would be. "I…I am Lucius your highness." Stuttered Lucius trying desperately to keep his composure.
Charlie only giggled. She seen a Goetia so flustered before. "Oh. What sweet little name." She complimented.
"Perhaps the name was to resemble one of myself perhaps?" Proclaimed a chipper voice behind him and, Lucius turned and was met by a short man in a top white hat with a white suit. He too carried a staff with an apple on the top. His own teeth were white and razor sharp with yellow eyes. With the same red circles on his own cheeks. If Charlie was the Princess then that had to be, Lucifer! The King of Hell!
Shaking fearfully, he tried desperately to steady himself but facing the very one who was the lord of sins. The Evils of all man! What could he do. Lucifer was admiring the décor taking a special interests over the ducks that hung everywhere.
"I must express, Belial and his good taste." She said with a smile before looking down at the shaking boy. "Is this kid okay?"
Charlie scooted behind him. "Its his first time meeting us, Dad. He's a little nervous." Charlie stepped in putting her hands on the child's shoulders having been told about him from, Stolas though he kept many details to himself which the tall red demon could easily see past those fabrications and now with the scent being clear now he too had a secret to keep.
"Aw shucks don't be nervous, kid. Nice to see a fun size bird among the bunch. Put it here kid." Lucifer offered his hand to the child. Lucius at first didn't want to do that. To shake hands with the supposed devil himself but if he did not that could bring about many consequences. He reached up and took his hand but, Lucifer suddenly went stiff. His eyes went wide, and the boys own eyes changed into a demonic form, and he quickly let go. The Boys eyes reverted back, and he wanted to get away.
"It was a pleasure meeting you all, your majesties." He exclaimed quickly before running out of sight in the crowd and, Charlie went to her father concerned.
"Dad are you okay?" She asked.
Lucifer only smiled at her. "Yes. I'm just fine just that boy there. Something about him." He scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"Something wrong?" Charlie asked next.
"Not particularly but something about that, Lucius fella. Something ancient and familiar but I cannot put my finger on it. We may need to keep an eye on him. Just for some information. But don't worry everything is fine. I was more worried you would kill me if I didn't get out of the house." He laughed and, Charlie laughed with her father. Always the one for dramatics but least of all he was there for her when times mattered the most she could not have anyone better for a father.
Lucius made it to one of the other food tables and hyperventilated. He didn't think anything more scary than his encounter with, Stella could top it, but it just did. He calmed down and looked at the other tables where noticed some of the others were not Goetia were all mingling. One looked to be a four-armed fox. One looked to have one main head with flames over himself with shadow heads within the blue flames. He even saw Verosika with a group of demons and she noticed him and waved over, and he sheepishly waved back.
He saw Blitz talking with a taller Imp that looked like a clown with what seemed to be robotic legs and arms. They were making balloon animals though when, Blitz created one it resembled that of something that was anything but an animal resulting in hysterical laughter from the taller Imp.
"Still can't do something simple after all this time eh, Blitz!" Laughed the Imp in a raspy voice.
"Well not all of us have it natural, Fizz! Maybe you can use this for your next little occasion with your rooster!" Blitz playfully shoved the odd-looking green balloon in his hands and when, Lucius figured out what it was he turned away so embarrassed but then a loud caw came over the entire room drawing the attention of every Goetia towards Paimon in the far back he had something he needed tell everyone of his sophisticated family tree.
Through only a series of hoots and cackles withs some chirps that could only be understood by the Goetia, Stolas looked deeply concerned by it when he came over to, Lucius.
"What's wrong, Stolas?" Lucius asked seeing the owl looked quite despaired.
"Tomorrow there has been a grand meeting as a situation requires us all. Stella is coming to pick up, Octavia for her share of time with her but you cannot come. Your far too young and we must keep up an appearance, but I cannot leave you alone on short notice. Blitz and his employees have a mission tomorrow! You need a babysitter, and I don't know who would be available on such short notice!" Stolas exclaimed fearfully. Its not that the boy was trouble, but he was still too young to be left without attention should something happen.
Suddenly appearing next to him that same tall red figure of a man that, Lucius saw with, Charlie. "I have heard your need of assistance. Might I offer mine?" He offered to Lucius shock. Something about that man had an evil about him. But Stolas did not notice the boys fear and he was desperate.
"Let us talk then, Alastor." Stolas replied and the Demon in front of him grinned broadly. This was an opportunity he was most delighted to take and come tomorrow he shall learn a great deal about the boy who was not as, Stolas was trying to claim that he was.