"HELP ME!" Screamed an eight-year-old child. His Bedroom door was locked. No matter how hard he turned the knob wouldn't budge and the only other way out was the bedroom window, but heavy flames already engulfed the dresser and the curtains. The Room was being consumed quickly and the smoke was heavy. The Boy could barely breath with the smoke consuming everything around. Oddly he could feel a burn with the room becoming so hot, but the smoke started to make him choke. He coughed heavily but the air was dissipating fast. "PLEASE LET ME OUT! MOM! DAD! SOMEONE PLEASE!" Wailed the child but those that were supposed to care for him only remained in the lobby of the apartment below. Their scheme was coming into play now and with this action they will became rich off the burden that was placed towards them thinking that by gaining that orphan years ago would give them money but instead they lost what little they could ever had trying to care for that worthless brat that meant nothing to them. His only real use will show once the insurance kicks after his demise in an unfortunate accident.
Meanwhile across from the apartment a small business organization from the bowels of Hell itself had just finished their latest assignment. A Client had hired the Immediate Murder Professionals to kill a small-time drug dealer who had stabbed him in which sent him to eternal damnation. Having lost his life to someone he once called a friend and partner it was time for him to share the same fate and the only group that could offer a form of vengeance was I.M.P. A Group of Imp's that made it their career by taking vengeance on the living curtesy of those who wanted revenge on those that did them wrong when they were still alive.
Usually, the Imps did their job quickly and efficiently. When Demons come up from Hell rules stated they must be in disguise for a mortal to see a Demon would cause a great stir on Earth but with I.M.P no one ever lived to say anything the moment any of them would be seen would be the very last and they could only hope it was a simple bullet to the head or something more excruciating as one them always enjoyed doing.
But this time the three were accompanied by the one who was the sole reason the little company could come to Earth on a daily basis and fulfil their job. If it wasn't for the beneficial relationship the head of the company had with them their business would never see any real form of success. And not only did one of the many princes of Hell desired to see how the little imp he adored so much do the job he used his sacred grimoire for with a small spell from the book he cast the imps human disguises that allowed them to walk among the mortals just like them.
Admittingly the disguises were flawless. Each of them looking like a human version of themselves without tails and horns and demonic eyes they were allowed entry to the abandoned structure where their client made his drug lab. Under guise they wanted to do business with him the head of small drug manufacturer eagerly accepted business and the form of payment in a black briefcase was offered but the moment he opened it up it was a bomb that blew his body into a thousand pieces and the ensuing blast caused the lab to go up in flames. The Cohorts attempted to kill the disguised Imps and the Goetia Demon but, Blitz and, Moxxie were quick to pull out their own firearms and gun down their attackers and, Millie the wife of, Moxxie preferred a more hands on approach with a knife she quickly dispatched their foes a lot quicker than her boss and, husband could gun them all down while, Stolas the tallest among them watched delightfully especially towards, Blitz admiring his marksmanship and tenacity that could only match his skill in bed that in just a few days as the bargain was they would share a night of passionate fornication.
Once every cohort was dead and the drug lab ablaze along with the target in nothing but a pile of bits and pieces ready to be incinerated by the flames created from the chemistry set ablaze from the rigged briefcase it was time to return back to Hell where another successful mission was to be celebrated and the client could be informed of their success.
"I must say it was quite thrilling to see you on the job, Blitzy!" Teased Stolas seductively ruffling the hair of the disguised Blitz as they stood outside in a dark alleyway which the little Imp only gave him a glare.
"Hands off, Stolas! None of that till later!" Objected Blitz only to get a teasing smirk from the Goetia Owl in disguise. Millie only giggled at the sight while, Moxxie stood by inspecting his pistol giving it a quick wipe with a cloth getting rid of the blood that was still dripping off of it.
He took notice behind him that the building was starting to be engulfed in flames. They did their job but a little too well this time.
"Pardon me, sir." Addressed Moxxie towards Blitz. "Shouldn't we leave now?"
"Right you are, Mox!" Pointed Blitz affirmingly at his employee. Taking out his phone he dialed the number for his Hellhound Daughter back in their office in Hell.
Stolas stood by continuing to gaze upon the Imp that meant everything to him. He couldn't wait for the full moon to come. So much they would do together made his neither regions engorge. How enticing it was to think about having, Blitz inside of him or gnawing upon his feathered form or having him strap him down for something more. Anything could go on during their monthly get-together and he would savor every moment especially the taste of the little imp.
But while he waited for Blitz's daughter to send a portal their way to bring them back to Hell something caught, Stola's ear. The Flames in the building beside them were cackling loudly with a few minor explosions but that noise was little compared to what he could hear. It sounded like a…child in distress. He made the voice was frightened. It was a boy afraid of dying but that wasn't coming from the building he just left it was coming from another close by. Mortals once again proving just how sinful their world was, which is why thousands of them always found themselves in Hell day by day but something about this screaming child he was hearing there was something familiar yet different. Stolas couldn't think of it but something in his demonic heart told him that he had to investigate this.
"Blitz why don't you and your employee's leave without me ill return my own way soon." Suggested Stolas before within a shadow red form he vanished, and the shadow flew around the burning building before any of the Imps could even ask the Prince what he was doing.
"What was that about, Sir?" Moxxie asked Blitz only for his boss to scratch his head confusingly.
"Ah! What do I know, Moxxie?" Shrugged Blitz as a portal appeared in front of the imps. "Drinks are on me tonight!"
Stolas in a shadow form flew quickly across the buildings trying to pinpoint where he could hear the voice of the child continue to scream in terror, but the screams were dying away. Listening in Stolas heard coughing followed by a choke. He gasped realizing the child was seemingly in great danger.
Following the last bit of the child's voice he saw in a single window of what had to be another run-down complex of the human city they were in there was room completely engulfed in fire. There was no fire rescue around the building or did, Stolas hear anything that would alert of a blaze. Even he knew that the mortals had devices that alert of hazards like fire. Peculiar why there was nothing around to alert about the flames? With no time to lose he flew straight into the flaming window easily breaking through the glass and emerging into the enflamed room. Standing in the middle of the room in his regal outfit in his demon owl form the Prince looked around seeing everything was melting away. His four red eyes quickly scowled the room and then saw the child he was seeking.
Huddled into a corner with flamed burning all around him chocking on the thick black smoke that filled the room he turned around pressing his face as close to the floor as possible trying to breathe in what little air was left.
Stolas was shocked by the sight, not only was the child not burning away only with little bits of his clothes, but he was not in any harm from the fire. It appeared he was immune to flames but that was not possible. No mortal could survive direct contact with fire. Only demons from Hell, hell born, and sinners alike could be immune, but this child was mortal. Not dead or a demon on Earth a mortal child and he still was dying from the flames that have nearly consumed the room in total eventually they would move on to the building around and just like the one, Stolas had left it too will ignite and the occupants would die from the flames or the structure collapse.
The Child's air was nearly gone now, and his vision was blurry. He could barely make out something tall and glowing red sockets wearing some form of regal attire with a big top hat and a long cape looking at him. Far as the boy could make out it was a person in the room with him.
"Please…hel…me." Pleaded the Child before he fell unconscious the air was all but gone now and if he remained in the room any longer either heavy smoke would end him, or the structure would give way and he would be doomed to perish.
"Poor thing!" Cooed the Prince running over and gently picked up the child cradling him in his arms. Taking a closer look at him the child was a boy between the age of six and eight. He had dark black hair and slightly opening his eye he saw emerald, green for a moment but then his pupil turned around. Stolas almost dropped the boy in surprise. It was not a normal red in the eye color it was a red of demonic. But this child was mortal no doubt but something of him was not of this world. So many questions went through the Prince's mind, but the answers would have to wait he had to save this child. It would be a tremendous risk, but this child needed help and the only way he would have a chance at surviving would be in the one place he could think of.
"Don't worry, little one your life will not end this night." Stolas assured walking towards the locked door of the room and with a simple wave of his hand the door blasted off and, Stolas walked out of the burning room with the boy in his arms and with one final wave a portal appeared before him, and he entered with the child just as the flames began to spread in the structure and those within would be at the mercy of the fury of the fire. So many lives lost over a simple act of greed.
The Child slowly rose up as he could finally breath clean and rather fresh air. His head was spinning, and his body ached. He put both his hands on his face still able to feel his skin. He didn't hear anything at all. Nothing sounded like it was falling or cackling. Last he remembered he was in his room and the fire was upon him, but it was silent now and before he fell unconscious he recalled seeing a figure.
"Finally awake!" A Calm voice said. "That is good for a moment you had me worried."
The Boy shot his eyes open realizing that he was not in his room but a different room. It was huge too. He saw a study with rows of books on shelves. To a balcony to his right that went out into a stary red sky but why was the sky red?
"Who's there?" He called out only to turn his head slowly realizing he was laying on a large bed with a canopy above it only to see a creature sitting down on one knee to his left looking at him with red eyes but there were four eyes instead of two. He yelped in fright and fell to his right, but a long arm reached out and grabbed his shoulder gently.
"No need for fear, child. I am not going to hurt you. On the contrary it was I that brought you to my Palace. I assure you your safe here." The Creature said very softly giving the boy a kind smile with a beak. The Boy couldn't believe what he was seeing. It looked to be like an owl but so much taller and slim but wearing clothing that made him look like some kind of royal, but then again did he see him before?
"I…who…how?" Stammered the child but the Owl put a finger on his lips.
"There now, little one. First take a deep breath." Stolas said putting a hand under the child's chin. The Boy did what he was told taking a long steady breath and released calming his nerves, but he still was unsure if he was safe or not.
"What is your name, Child?" The Owl asked next.
"I.. I'm Lucius, sir." Answered Lucius still rather afraid but the Owl smiled standing up before sitting on the bed.
"Lucius a delightful name." Chuckled the Owl. "I go by many names, but I am Stolas Goetia Prince of the mighty Goetia family. It is wonderful to make your acquaintance."
"Prince? Goetia?" Asked Lucius starting to feel that this red eyed owl was trustworthy but then he remembered where he saw those eyes before. "It was you! You saved me from my bedroom!"
Stolas nodded. "Yes, quite." He confirmed. "I heard your cries for help I came as soon as I heard your pleas, but I must ask how was it that you were trapped in that room? I find it curious that a fire would start in a child's quarters of all places."
Recalling what had happened made the child sick. "It was…my parents. Or my adopted parents I mean." He answered gloomily.
Stolas cocked his head in surprise. "Your adopted parents? Pray tell, little Lucius how did you fall into such atrocious hands of uncaring individuals?"
"I remember growing up in an orphanage until I was adopted when I was four. I was given to them thinking they wanted me. I wanted parents so badly, but they were not what I ever wanted. They were horrible. All I ever heard from them was that I was just a mouth to feed. They would…" Lucius tried to explain but the words were starting to vanish on his lips. Seeing the boy become distressed, Stolas offered his hand.
"Come here, Lucius its alright." Offered Stolas and, Lucius crawled over to Stolas sitting next to him and the owls long arm wrapped around him protectively. "Go on. Continue your story."
Taking another deep breath while Stola's arm around him felt remarkably comforting. For once he wasn't being harmed or led on. Something about this Prince seemed off yet he was showing him more kindness than he has been given in recent years.
"No matter what I tried I was not good enough them. I tried to do good in school. My teachers taught me to be respectful and caring. I even was tried a cooking class so I could make my parents meals to surprise them in the morning or do something nice in the evening. But I never was thanked or praised. I got good grades, but it was never any good. If I broke something I always was hit and sent to my room. I never got anything from them. I just don't know what I was doing wrong." Whimpered Lucius feeling tears starting to come to his eyes.
Stolas's heart grew with sympathy and rage. These despicable cretins that given a child to care for mistreated him like that?! How dare they! He tried to do good and make them proud but to them anything was nothing. It seemed they hated the child who did nothing wrong. He had not sinned against them, yet they found his mere existence in their lives the worst sin of everything. He pulled Lucius into him letting him rest against him.
Lucius could barely hold himself together resting against Stolas. He could feel the soft feathers within his clothing feeling as if he sleep upon them he was so soft. A Tear fell from his eye and, Stolas took notice of it.
"Aww…there, there." Stolas cooed in pity taking his long thumb that looked quite sharp, but he wiped away the tear took the boys chin and raised it up to let him see his eyes. "Stay your tears, Lucius. Those that you were with were not your parents. They did not have any right to even be called guardians. They will answer for their actions but for now I have much to attend to. Right now, I ask that you remain in this room you've been through a great deal. Rest for now and when I return I properly discuss with you what the future will hold."
"Sir…I…am I in trouble?" Asked Lucius fearfully but, Stolas took the boy and settled him on his lap and hugged him close.
"No little one. Not at all. I in fact intend to give you all the care you need." Smiled Stolas feeling his heart settle with warmth and, Lucius couldn't help but rest against, Stola's chest. He didn't believe anymore that this Owl meant any harm. He may be telling the truth. "For now, again I must ask you remain in here and rest do not go out on the balcony and rest up when I return I will explain everything, and I promise you the life you had is over and a new one shall begin. Can I trust that you will listen?"
Lucius remained where he was resting against Stolas's chest. He was rather unsure about all the requests. But what choice did he have? He didn't even know where he was right now. Everything was very mysterious but if he was in a safer place and away from his abusive foster parents maybe he had something better to look forward to and this, Owl may be able to help him.
"Yes, sir ill do what you ask." Replied Lucius and, Stolas smiled. He sensed no deception in the child. Already he seemed to be well in mannerisms. Most hardly had any of that even in the human world. This child was different among the masses. But the future will be bright for him the best Stolas will be able to give.
"Good boy." Stolas held Lucius and stood up turning around taking the blanket on the bed pulling it back and settled, Lucius on it pulling the blanket back over him. "Rest now, Lucius I will return soon. May you dream well." Stolas gently stroked the side of, Lucius cheek with the back of his fingers smiling lovingly at him before turning walking towards the bedroom door and left not before giving, Lucius one final look before gently shutting the door behind him.
Lucius laid on his back staring up into the canopy above. He could see all sorts of star patterns and constellations all lined up showcasing them wonderfully slowly spinning in a near hypnotic pattern. It was a wonderful sight and, Lucius never saw anything like it before. The Owl seemed to be a lot more than what he saw at first. Who or what was he exactly? And where was he at? But for now, he had to do what he was told. Taking a moment to get comfortable on the bed which was a lot more comfortable than the plain mattress he had, and the blanket applied a gentle warmth unlike anything he had before, and the pillow was so big his head barely made up a portion of it before he eventually fell asleep.
In front of the Palace of the Stolas met with, Blitz and his daughter Octavia that he had already informed over his action of bringing a mortal child to Hell.
"STOLAS ARE YOU FUCKING CRAZY?!" Screamed Blitz holding his arms high with an enraged look on his face. "OF ALL THE CRAZY THINGS YOU BRING A KID DOWN HERE!?"
"Calm down, Blitz!" Said Stolas knowing that this was coming, and his daughter gave him a rather disturbed look as well.
"Dad this is insane! Do you understand how many violations and rules you are forgoing for bringing him here! And to our home of all places? "Fretted Octavia the young teenage owlet and daughter of the Prince. Normally at times her fathers actions hardly disturbed her and the occasional spat between him and her mother she just ignored through loud music but a mortal in Hell is unparalleled and could cause a great deal of trouble.
"I understand your both against this but I had to do it. The Child was in need." Defended Stolas.
"So what? It's the human world what don't they do up there? Shit happens to everyone even little shrimps!" Blitz complained only to get a glare from the Prince.
"Thank you kindly for your input, Blitz." Stolas retorted unamused. "But he is not just any mortal child. I sensed something about him. Flames did not harm him as they should. No mortal possesses such a trait. I sense there is a lot more to him than that. And given to what he had told me of his upbringing he needs a better place to stay and to discover what his capabilities truly possess. As of right now he shall remain with me. I am asking a lot but you both have to assist me in keeping his being here a secret."
Blitz growled in frustration. He had done a lot of crazy things before. Some more insane than others. Bending a lot of rules for his own sake. Now he was going to risk his neck for the sake for a mortal when he kills mortals for a living? This was beyond the word but without Stolas and his grimoire his business would suffer.
"Alright, alright but this blows up in your face don't take me down with you then!" Grumbled Blitz turning around stomping to his van outside the gate of, Stola's estate.
Stolas nodded gladly at Blitz before looking at his daughter. She looked away with worry on her face. "Are you sure about this, Dad? What if he causes problems in the house?"
Stolas put his hands on his daughters shoulders. "He won't, Via. I will make sure he is both behaved and comfortable. I just ask that you help me with him. Treat him kindly and assist in his care. He's had a very troublesome upbringing and now that he is he will need a lot of help. Think of him as a brother you never had." Stolas teased fiddling his hands over, Octavia's little beak making his wince from the slight tickle.
"Alright dad." She sighed still unsure about all of this.
"Thank you Octavia." Stolas thanked hugging his daughter close. She hugged him back though she still worried over this entire situation. A Mortal in Hell will cause a tremendous stir and having one live in the very house she does she didn't know what was to become of life now. It already was hard enough.
After she released her father she headed back into the Palace she needed to unwind with some of her favorite music leaving, Stolas by himself in the front of the palace.
"Now then." Stolas waved both of his arms opening a portal back in the mortal realm. After hearing of what happened with, Lucius it was time to pay a visit to those that were the cause of his misery and near death.
"This is excellent!" Cried a man so big that he barely fit through the hotel room door. The Hotel was expensive and once thought impossible to afford to stay in but the life insurance they were given since the apparent 'demise' of their child they now had more than enough money to live off of.
"I told you dear!" Giggled the man's wife so skinny that her new clothes she bought with her money showed off quite well. She had plenty of admirers, but she was loyal to her husband who worked tirelessly to make ends meet in the describable city that offered more to the criminal scum than the hard-working folk. Having an adopted child should have been a good way to gain money but instead their years were twice as hard and having to adhere to the needs of a brat who did not do anything to make them escape the festering sewer of a city they lived in was nothing. Why did he cook meals with what little they had when they had to ration when he could have done something more productive?
"See what happens when you listen to my ideas now we can have all of this!" Laughed the woman launching herself onto the queen-sized bed.
"Yeah that was a good plan, toots! Your best one ever! We got rid of that thorn and his only use saw it to get us enough money to get out of here and live somewhere more warm and sunny! If I never see another dope corner dealer it will be too soon." Bellowed the large man holding onto his gut laughing loudly. Their Insurance scheme worked without a hitch. Putting a light candle on, Lucius dresser and tipping it onto some scattered papers was the perfect cover. The Room locked up and the destruction of the building after disallowed anyone to find anyone that was left in that structure. Far as anyone is concerned the child was just one of the many unfortunate losses and now the two were rich enough to afford all they desired without having to do much effort.
"Sunny sounds great, honey. But how about I give you something warm?" She teased taking her shirt off revealing two massive bosoms covered in a bra that hardly sheltered them.
"You better be a volcano babe its going to take a lot to warm me up!" Snickered the man as he approached his wife already his pants showing just how eager he was to celebrate their newfound riches with a pleasurable night that was well deserved but just as he reached his wife crawling over her and about to begin with a kiss the lamp on the nightstand suddenly blew out leaving them in near darkness.
"What the hell?!" The Man gasped rolling off his wife. But then the Television on the dresser in their front began to shake.
"What's going here?! I'm calling the concierge!" The Woman reached for the phone but then it flickered and popped in a tiny spark making her yelp in fright.
The Two huddled together wondering if this was some elaborate prank but the Tv still shook until an image appeared upon it. Four glaring red eyes stared at them.
"You dare. You used a child for own gain?!" A Dark voice filled the room. "He was in your care, and you made him a pawn in your scheme?"
"Who said that!?" Shouted the Man getting up from the bed but then a fist appeared in front of his face knocking him back onto the bed.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" Cried the Woman holding her husband who exclaimed in pain with his nose broken.
"You mortals are the lowest! No one should ever harm a child. You will burn!" The Dark voice exclaimed before feathers poured out from the tv and a figure began to form in front of the bed. The Two humans screamed in terror as a monstrous dark being resembling the form a giant bird made of darkness and black feather screeched at them menacingly.
The Humans screamed in absolute terror when the creature launched at them with its massive beak tearing into their flesh ripping them apart bit by bit. The Two couldn't escape as their body parts were torn off and tossed around or devoured the monster. They only had barely little of themselves left but they still had life in them though the pain they were in was beyond words. Blood spewed all over the room painting the floors and walls red with their blood.
The Wife was the first to leave her body and soul was Hell bound but the creature snatched the essence in his beak before the man was next. With only one arm and leg on him he tried to make it to the door of the room, but a dark wing pinned him down.
"Please." He managed to wheeze through the great pain he was feeling but the four red eyes from the monster showed no remorse or pity only rage before he bit hard on the mans head crushing it before snatching the soul of the man in his beak.
"You will suffer for your transgressions mortals. No one takes a child only to use them for themselves. You think you know what you are in for? I will see your suffering endured for this. You will not be sinners of pentagram. Something worse for you both!" After that the monster vanished and by the time security of the hotel finally got through the door after all the screaming was heard nothing was left of the room but a massacre of the two occupants that were so horribly managed everyone who saw the scene could not stop themselves from vomiting at the sight and the room forever then was a crime scene that would never be solved no traces of the killer responsible only a cold case that will haunt the hotel and keep anyone from ever checking into it again. No one would want to stay a place where two people were slaughtered like livestock and the unnamed killer remained at large.