The King of Hell could not shake the fact that something was off about that Lucius boy when he met him at, Belial's party. That all too familiarity he felt when he touched him. Something that familiar yet he could not put his finger on it was driving him quite crazy since he returned to his home. He had to dive in on the books he held from the ancient past. All that he still managed to have after so many years. Some had nearly worn out so much the words were faded. Some were missing off his shelves in his library having given them away to those that were in need of the knowledge they possessed to carry on their duties and oaths they swore under him.
With all the overlords and the Sin's of Hell ruling over their perspective rings they each were their own embodiment. They carried out what their ring had desired them to be to an extent even beyond what most would think but for the Ars Goetia they were a far different form of demon. Their own history dates back to the early years of hell when it was formed after, Lucifer was cast down from heaven.
Looking through some photo albums while sipping on tea Lucifer smiled at seeing the photos of him standing with, Paimon and the first of the mighty Goetia. When they formed it was clear they possessed a talent at maintaining order and studying of the many ordeals and events from Hell and the mortal realm. Even scooping out events that may or may not happen. With such power to deal in such grand affairs they were one of the very few that Lucifer entrusted to govern themselves. Anything they were to handle could be worked out amongst themselves or with any of those they were associating with. It was not often when they would have to call upon the King of hell to assist them in any problems they encountered.
The Goetia had powers so ancient and vast that their abilities were near incomprehensible. It was to stand as reason why they are respected highly. Feared tremendeslouly. And should any demon have a chance to use them as ransom. Make a deal to make use of their power. Be in a spot of their hierarchy. Or to have them in their pocket to use at their own expense. It was something any demon brave enough would exploit but any attempts have always been known to end tragically for any offender that tried.
But the Goetia's powers though it from the cosmic manipulation and time perception. To use of spells from empowered spell books and scrolls. Among so much else Lucifer just could not find anything on what he felt with that adopted son of, Prince Stolas.
Closing the photo album in frustration he knocked off a rubber duck outfitted as a scholar on his table, Lucifer rose up putting his hands over his face. He had been looking through the documents and family hierarchy of the Goetia, but nothing was coming up that described what that boy was.
"What are you boy?!" He spat out loud throwing up his hands in frustration. It was not often that he was without an answer to a question. But this was throwing him off. That Child seemed to be so innocent yet what he had saw in that boy. What he felt it shocked him tremendously. He did not show it at the party and lied to his daughter that nothing was wrong, but he just needed some answers. But it was proving much more difficult to find than he realized.
That power he felt was incredibly ancient. No Goetia had power such as it. Even the mighty Paimon had nothing compared to that and surely no chick hatching from any of their many family's could just be born with a power that could rival even the highest figures of Hell. Maybe even more? But without anything to find answers on in his own palace, Lucifer was temporarily at a loss slumping back down on his chair and sipping the rest of his tea.
"What to do? What to do?" He asked himself rubbing his face thoughtfully. That power that Lucius had seemed to be unknown to the boy. And did the rest of the Goetia know of that power as well? Lucifer for the first time in so long felt a sense of fear. A Fear that could be accurate should the answers he sought ring true. But that child did not seem to be much of a threat. He walked amongst his peers just anyone else would. Some treated him equally and others not too much. Typical family gathering. Even he and his daughter were not quite always being equal when it came to many things, but nothing ever got in the way of their love for each other.
Then it struck him. The Goetia! Prince Stolas! That was it! Surely that odd prince of the family whose one of the many sons of Paimon had to have an answer. He knew that that owl adored his reading. His study last he recalled on a formal visit had books galore. His Library was bigger than his own and the fact that, Lucius was his son then that meant he had to have descriptions. Family history. Documents. Anything that could explain to Lucifer the strange power he felt in the boy that was beyond what any Goetia would have.
Grabbing his staff and adjusting his half he looked over himself in a mirror to see that he was presentable. One should not go to those who are of sophistication to be unwell to the sight. He knew how the Goetia were. All too well as he knew so many throughout the countless centuries it was a wonder that, Lucifer could remember most of them despite the frequent changes that hell always faced as the years went by.
Lucifer appeared in front of the door to the palace of Prince Stolas. It certainly looked quite different in the years since he paid it a visit when a different occupant was living in it before it was given to, Stolas himself and the family he was caring for. Though if what he heard at the party was true it seemed there was a great deal of trouble in the family that caused a separation. A Cold reminiscent of Lucifers own separation from his wife looking at the ring he never took off his finger sadly. Only ever left to wonder where did his beloved go?
Knocking on the door it was opened up in seconds but instead of seeing Stolas it was an imp butler far shorter than the King looking up to see it was someone completely unexpecting to find knocking at the door.
"Your Majesty!" Pringles the head butler cleared his throat stood at attention and bowed quickly to the King of Hell. "Please forgive me! I was unaware you were paying, Prince Stolas a visit."
Lucifer put an assuring hand. "It is fine. We made no schedule. I came to talk with him on a matter that is troubling me." He walked inside with the Butler welcoming him in and all the staff saw the house was being graced with the presence of their King. Hastening in their duties after bowing to Lucifer they had to work twice as fast to ensure the palace was upkept enough for Lucifer's presence.
He looked around but the Prince was nowhere to be seen. Usually when his presence was known every high lord or lady, and figure of power would be eager to see him no matter if they was there for business or a formality or something other than that. "Where is Stolas?" He asked looking at Pringles expectingly.
"My lord is currently away attending to a conference to the Greed Ring, your Majesty." Answered Pringles. "He was informed that his lordship Mammon requested an audience with him and by orders of, King Paimon, Prince Stolas had to attend. He has taken his son, Prince Lucius as well. He is representing the Goetia family in a possible financial investment." The Butler explained which Lucifer snapped his fingers upsettingly. Seemed he came at the wrong time.
"If you would like, your majesty you may stay and wait for, Prince Stolas's return?" Suggested Pringles and Lucifer smiled politely. "That would be delightful. I shall wait for him in his study. I need to take a look through his books."
"Of course, your majesty. Right this way please." Pringles bowed again and gestured to a hall that would lead them both to where Stolas keeps his books and perform many of his duties and his studies of the cosmos.
When Lucifer went down the hall with the Butler up at the top of the stairs just watching from the corner, Octavia was utterly shocked to see that the King of Hell was in their house! She had gotten bored and was going to retrieve a snack and a drink as she listened to some music she downloaded on her phone but the moment she saw, Lucifer at the bottom of the stairs she kept herself out of sight and almost chirped in shock. It was a very rare occurrence for someone like him to just appear anywhere if it was uncalled for. What could he possibly be doing there?!
She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. She hoped that it wasn't something serious. Could it be about Lucius her adopted brother? Did the King know their secret? Was her father or even herself in trouble? She didn't know. But she had to do was inform her father about this in hopes that either he would have explanation or maybe he could do something before, Lucifer could do anything to either him, her or even, Lucius.
In the Greed Ring Stolas was not having a pleasant time at all. In fact, he felt like his feathers were going to molt by the time that Mammon would stop his rambling. Having no choice but to follow his fathers wishes and see about a future financial investment that supposedly was being offered by the Sin of the Greed ring.
By taking Lucius with him it would have helped the boy by seeing the other rings far outside of the one they were residing in. He kept him close with him the whole time for the boy was in for quite a surprise on how the ring depicting all those that valued coin and trinkets or their reputation above all else. What they all suffered and died for their own egos or the need to fill their pockets with endless among of coin or cash or even both. It was a horrible sight for the boy when he noticed how places looked so hideous and worn down. Stolas had shielded his eyes from anything that was not for a children's eyes to see but it still bothered the boy that how can a place that from what he heard had some of the richest people in the realm yet so many places looked quite terrible. Nearly toppled buildings. The Streets riddled with garbage. And a lot of demons he noticed were sitting or laying around in raggedy clothes. It made no sense at all. How could there be people living like that when there were plenty of folks around that held vast amounts of money that they could do something about it?
Lucius had been carried inside the grand casino where Mammon's office would be. Stolas was told he was there for a conference, but it seemed all that he was looking at where demons trying their best score big on the many games that undoubtedly were rigged by the orders of, Mammon. The richest and most scheming of all the lords of Hell he had all the money anyone could ever have but it would never be enough for anyone. Despite so many successes he just wanted more.
Stolas had been led to the penthouse but due to the nature of the business that would be at hand he left the boy in one of the suites that were being attended by the many robots that belonged to Mammon. Made out of the likeness of the Lord of Lusts recently proclaimed partner, Fizzarolli. They looked and acted like the clown used to be before he quit his job being, Mammon's top money maker.
With no choice Stolas left his son in the suite while he would attend the apparent meeting now. Stolas was utterly appalled by the sights of statutes and statuettes of, Mammon everywhere he looked. Holding money in his hands. Playing a rock guitar. The Ego on the sin of greed was incredulous. What could this possible business transaction be all about? He met plenty of egotistical maniacs over the years but, Mammon was someone else entirely.
When he got to his penthouse office to see him the sin was busy being attended by many of his robo Fizzi's. Despite hearing how Asmodeus had cut ties with him and no longer makes dolls, toys and robots made out of his partners likeness, Mammon still had factories worth of them in his possession which he had been putting to use in anything he could make money off of still and there was no reason to let them rust when they had their uses for him as well.
The Recent winners or just the replacements of Fizzarolli that went by the names Glitz and Glam were finishing up their practice for their new master. Though they were quite talented Mammon preferred his old employee. The Best money maker her had in centuries. The Contest he hosted was just to make him shine brighter and the top of his moment did he dare to insult him tremendously by quitting after his best show ever.
"How was it, boss?" Glitz the glamorous mohawk styling fish like demon asked their overlord. When Mammon had to take them in just to try and recover from his losses the twins were almost suitable, but nothing could ever replace his best money maker whom he would never forget or forgive what he did and would somehow find a way to make him, and sugar daddy pay for humiliating him.
"Is it hot, Master?" Glam with the jester like mini skirt swung her hips hoping that the practice show they did for their boss would be good enough to go on stage below to sway and entertain the costumers so much they would shower the stage with money and bring more to attend and gamble amongst the casino itself.
Mammon watched the show and though it would fetch plenty of eyes and possibly good money nothing would ever replace his former favorites own. But he had to make do. "Yeah…yeah. Good. Now get your ass's downstairs and shake them. I want my quota's to be overflowing before the nights out!" Ordered Mammon and the twin's nodded and bowed and hurrying out the office brushing past the tall owl without even acknowledging him.
Stolas shook his head disapprovingly. "How rude!" He spat as he entered the office turning his attention towards, Mammon who was now being attended by more of his Fizzi robots. Offering him food. Fanning him and holding up tablets and his multiple pieces of paperwork. All of which was meaningless to him. Nothing has been the same since the contest. He barely even noticed that Stolas was in the room.
"I am here to oversee a possible transaction you have discussed with my, Father." Said Stolas in a high voice acting proper for meeting between him and the lord of greed itself.
Mammon only growled slumping at his desk. "You know what the problem is, Stolas?" He spat.
"What problem?" Asked the Prince taking a seat offered to him by one of the robotic servants in the office.
"People are ungrateful! And some others just seem to ruin a good thing!" Shouted Mammon slamming his heavy fists on his table nearly breaking it in two.
Stolas frowned. This was not going to be a proper meeting for a transaction at all. He should have known that Mammon was going to be difficult.
"Sire? Can we?" He tried to ask but then Mammon threw his hands up in frustration.
"First my rip off of ol' Luci's Lu Lu World goes up in flames which cost me a fortune and now no one's calling for a rebuild. A Good investment got flushed away and went swirling! Then my precious boy. Raised him like the son I didn't want cuts out from me! Me! ME! Can you fucking believe that princey?" He was shouting so loudly the windows around nearly cracked at, Mammon's bellowing.
"I tell ya! Mark my words I am going to get him and giant cock of a man back for this! I am going to make them pay for what they did to me!" Mammon turned in his chair facing a wall behind him seeing a picture of, Asmodeus and Fizzarolli holding each other looking quite happy. "Fuck you all! I swear I will!" He held up two middle fingers at the picture putting on a sinister smile. Stolas, however, only put a hand over his face irritably. This was not going to go as he hoped.
Mammon turned back around and smiled at the owl. "But in some good news I think that Ex of yours might suit me better. She's my kind of gal! I think she may just drop to her knees for me. Sorry you and the swan didn't work but hey your loss my gain, right?" He laughed but Stola's eyes went wide.
He hoped he didn't hear what he thought he just did. Was Mammon considering to date Stella? And for him to call her a swan would not be a suitable name for her at all. There were plenty of other names worthy of her but none of them would be good. He could only hope that Lucius was having a better time than he was.
But the boy was having a lot of trouble. That blasted robo Fizzy was hounding him at every turn. Asking him again and again what activity they could do together? Paint? Puppet show? Drink and Eat though why would a robot even do that? He could not move from one spot without being picked up and put back in place by the robot.
"Wanna have some fun?" The Robot asked again waving its arms all around, not letting, Lucius out of its sight.
"For the last time no!" Cried Lucius. He was so tired of that blasted robot. It would not let him do anything! He has not left the same spot where, Stolas put him when he had to go to his meeting. The Robot was driving him crazy. Every step he took it lifted him up and put him and danced around him offering suggestions of fun activities but anything with it would not be. He just wanted to sit down but even that was not being allowed.
"Come on! Let's laugh and play!" Chortled the robot but, Lucius tried to move again but the robot lifted him up once more and, Lucius's anger had built up extensively to where his eyes turned red.
"LET ME GO!" He screamed so loudly that without realizing what was happening a fiery shockwave came from him and the robot was blown into multiple parts falling to the floor sparking in pieces until they dissipated along with plenty of the room where, Lucius had stood. The Boy was standing back on the floor breathing hard trying to think on what happened. Did he just destroy the robot? Did he just cause an explosion in the room that destroyed much of it?
He felt so scared that he dropped to his knees. Quite frightened by what he had done. How did that even happen? Was it because of a spell that may have read by accident if he did in the Grimoire? Was it something due to the spell that shielded his mortal form? He didn't know but it scared him immensely.
Mammon and Stolas heard the explosion and the King of the Greed ring first appeared in the room to see that one of robots of Fizz was in pieces but there was greenish red aura around the Goetia boy. He had some power in him. That could be useful though. Might just recuperate his losses with such a display of power.
"Hey kid that was quite something!" He applauded and Lucius saw Mammon. He was quite scary looking, and he realized he may have just made him angry for the destruction of his robot and suite.
"I am so sorry, sir! I didn't mean…" He tried to apologize.
"Forget it, boy! Well don't you ditch your daddy and come with me. With that power of yours we can make millions in many departments. Make us both rich and quite famous too! What do you think?" Mammon suggested coming over to him and went behind him taking his shoulders. "Come on kid! I'm offering you a good deal here!"
Lucius didn't like the way he talked. He lived with Stolas. What more did he need? He had a good father figure and a great place to live. Already he got to meet many others and even enjoyed a concert of his famous singer. There was nothing more he wanted.
"No, thank you. I want to leave now with, Stolas." Asked the boy and Stolas appeared in the room and was completely shocked to see the destruction. But when he saw Mammon try to make the boy make a deal with him that's when he knew this business transaction was completely folly.
"I heartilngly agree. We are taking our leave now!" Stated Stolas coming up to his son and taking his hand.
"Oh, come now! He can be the next figure of an entire brand. That will make good publicity and business us. Come on little buddy! You don't want your daddy to get between fame and fortune would ya?" Asked Mammon stomping in front of the two and looked down at, Lucius. He ducked behind Stolas in fright but now, Stolas was becoming angry. No one dares to scare his own.
"I made my point, Mammon! And clearly he has made his. Now if you will excuse us we are leaving! And don't call me for anything again!" He shouted his face temporarily changing into his full form but calmed down and retrieved his son from behind him and carried him out though something was troubling over what just happened. He was only a mortal and he had not taught him any spells, yet he just caused a small explosion around him and his form unharmed. This was something he didn't expect and would have to look into while he needed to tend to his boy being so scared over the ordeal.
Mammon was infuriated. Again, being denied another opportunity that would make him richer and gain a figure that would sell his brand out. "You dare deny me, birdy boy! You will regret saying no to me! You too, boy! You could have had it all! But now your going find out what happens when you don't take a deal!" Yelled the Sin of Greed but when Stolas heard that threat he turned his head around and stared at the sin widened his eyes and shot out his petrification spell which turned the sin into stone, but it worked only for a few seconds giving the owl time to leave with his son and, Mammon burst out of the stone imprisonment. "Not exactly rock hard! He will pay dearly for that one too!" Grumbled the Sin disappointingly.
Stolas had left the casino going to his vehicle to leave the ring. This was a complete waste of time but then his phone beeped, and he took it out to see it was a text from his daughter. He smiled as hearing from her made things better but what he read in the text shocked him greatly as he settled in the car with, Lucius. "Driver! Take us home quickly! I have a very important guest to attend to!" The Car sped off and Stolas hoped that the one visiting him would not take an offense for him not being there to greet him when he arrived unexpectedly.
Lucifer had gone through the impressive records that filled Stola's study and finally he found what he was looking for in the Grimoire. A Piece of the Eldrich entity. Something he recalled long before his exile from heaven. A Time before even man or most of the universe was created by his brethren. There was an entity that tried to bring chaos and complete disorder to creation. When the Angels were creating life it dispelled it and brought many of what they made to horrifying conclusions.
For such abominable actions the Angels themselves had captured and exiled it to the farthest corners of the universe where nothing but darkness would be its only companion. Despite it being where it cannot hurt another living soul there were rumors that its influence on the living and even the ascended or the damned could hear its voice echoing in their minds to cause chaos.
Looking through the Grimoire Lucifer saw himself floating through the cosmos and into the dark reaches and could see a pair of red eyes staring at him. It was not often he felt fear, but those eyes pierced through him, and he felt he was going to scream in terror.
"Your Highness!" Pringles the Butler called making Lucifer drop the book and yelp in fright and quickly shook his head adjusting himself turning to the butler giving him an awkward smile.
"Yes?" Chuckled Lucifer awkwardly feeling rather embarrassed he was caught frightened but least the imp didn't see his face.
"His Majesty Stolas has returned." Informed, Pringles and Stolas walked into the study standing tall and bowed low to, Lucifer.
"Your most gracious majesty. I dreadfully apologize for my absence. I was attending to a matter given to me by my father, but it was a waste of time. If I had known you were coming I would have prepared a banquet and made sure my home was in order for your arrival." Apologized Stolas and Lucifer quickly put the Grimoire back before Stolas could see him when he raised his head back up.
Lucifer only smile putting up an assuring hand. "Oh, that's just fine. I thought I would stop by and pay a visit. I was rather fascinated by your child at the party. I thought I could meet him in a less formal place." He explained hiding the fact of his true reason to visit.
"Oh? Well then perhaps we may sit and talk?" Suggested Stolas. "Would you like some tea, your highness?"
"That would be delightful, thank you." Lucifer agreed and the servants of the house. Immediately attended to their master and King. Both were given tea as requested and they sat on a long table and talked about their lives. Most of the talks consisted around their children. Lucifer's daughter was a good topic as she had been working extremely hard on her hotel project. Ever since the latest extermination her drive to redeem sinners has grown and he has come to support her dream fully.
Stolas's own opinion of his children were quite high as well. Octavia was becoming a promising and sweet young adult and, Lucius was behaving well. Learning the ropes on being a proper Goetia but allowing him to be just as independent as his daughter was. Unlike most he wanted his children to have lives of their own while guiding them the best he could. Though he still wanted to avoid saying that Lucius was not quite a Goetia as many believed.
Lucifer listened in and he was satisfied to know that another loving father is looking out for his children the best he could. He was saddened that unlike Stolas he did not truly be there for his daughter when she needed him the most at times but now he is part of her life more than ever before.
"Seems Paimon is putting you through quite wringer, my friend?" Pointed out Lucifer after Stolas explained how his duties are requiring him to be in many places as of late losing valuable time with his children.
"Unfortunately." Agreed Stolas sipping his tea. "I have just returned from a very disappointing meeting with Mammon. Seemed he wanted my son to be his next prodigy. I would not allow him to be exploited like that!"
That sounded quite familiar to Lucifer as his daughter seemed to be driven by a certain Radio Demon. He did understand he was not there at the start of it all, but no one drives a wedge between him and, Charlie.
"And more poor news I have to return to Gluttony again soon for a meeting with some overlords. I may have to call upon, Alastor again to babysit my son." Informed Stolas and, Lucifer almost spat out his tea.
"Oh, forget him! Why don't I look after your boy?" Offered Lucifer. "Id be happy to look after him until you return from you trip. I'll even personally talk to Paimon after to see if he can lay off overloading you like that. He may be a stubborn coot, but he will not disagree with me."
Stolas gasped at that. "Would you, my King? That is a very generous offer. I don't know how I will repay this!"
"Think nothing of it. My Daughter speaks highly of your son. I am sure she will delighted to see him again." Smiled Lucifer and secretly he did not want Alastor to take the boy again. This was a chance to get one over that smiling freak that dared to mock him when they were first introduced.
"Then I happily agree." Beamed Stolas standing up with Lucifer walking over towards each other and shook their hands agreeing to the deal.
"Wonderful! Now where is that boy of yours?" He asked and Lucius was standing at the door of the study. He was still rather afraid over the incident in the suite and wanted to talk with his father, but he only just made it to the door to hear that he was going to be babysat by, Lucifer himself.
"Stolas? I really don't know about this." The Boy shook nervously. First he caused a bad accident and now the King of all of Hell will watch over him? He didn't know what to think.
Lucifer only smiled kindly at him walking over to him tapping his staff on the floor playfully.
"Oh, don't worry at all boy. Despite what you may have heard I can be quite fun. Charlie will say the same. Would you like to see her again too?" Offered the King holding his staff in both hands and made a playful dance gesture making a funny face almost getting an amused look from, Lucius.
"She was very nice. I would, Sir." Lucius agreed but he was still unsure about it and almost fell to his knees when, Lucifer put a hand on his shoulder.
"Wonderful then! We shall return soon. Say goodbye to Daddy." The King said and, Lucius looked at Stolas who smiled at him assuring he would be just fine.
"Be good now, Lucius. Have fun. I'll see you soon." Stolas waved at him and, Lucius waved back though he was still unsure all the same but then he disappeared with Lucifer in a puff of red smoke disappearing out of the palace and out of sight of Stolas who was very confident in, Lucius behaving and that the King will treat him fairly but now he had to again take his leave for what would be another unpleasant meeting with overlords in Greed that would no better than the sin who ruled over it.