Stolas was looking forward to this night. He heard from Blitz that he received something rather surprising in the mail. Too often at times it was just random junk. Letters of thanks from his clients or overdue bills but one particular envelope he got was a random invitation. As per their talk hours ago Blitz had explained to the Prince that he along with two of his chosen could partake in a special contest hosted by the nefarious company known as Vox Tech.
Vox Tech! The Cooperation responsible for all the latest technology's that are spread around every ring of hell. For years it has been a rising business. The more tech that was learned from Earth the more the company gained from its CEO, Vox. Not only did he manage a rising technical empire, but he hosted dozens of shows that brought him popularity and great admiration by hell's populace though some hardly ever wanted to bother with the overlord that was at times far too much for that plasma screen head of his.
However, some would think there was no denying that Vox ran his empire along with his two associates. Their group known as the V's was a group that was both admired and feared among all. To work for them meant a binding contract and it's a question of how useful one is to them should their careers be promising or that they would be quickly disposed of. But to a few that managed to achieve stardom thanks to the V's it would usually come at a great cost that only those with slight sparks of goodness left in their hearts would realize the great mistake they made though their situation is virtually hopeless.
But on this day the invitation was to a game show hosted by Vox himself. Big prizes to be given to the winners! Blitz always being one to go for a quick cash grab was eager to grab his two employee's and was courteous enough to tell Stolas he will be making an appearance on the show though he didn't care if Stolas would watch it or not. But unluckily for Blitz, Stolas was going to watch his precious little imp show on tv and to try and gain the prize through whatever the trials would be. Certainly, it would be quite an enticement! Perhaps even to build something up for when the next full moon will be. For which Stolas always looked forward to that special night even though the last time it was rather poor due to the curiosity of a little boy whom Stolas blamed himself for not telling him more about the Grimoire and that its not something he should simply look at without magical guidance.
It was almost nine o clock at night and normally it would be time for one child of the palace to be in bed but tonight Stolas would allow him to be up a little more if he would watch a program with him? Lucius certainly agreed to that term. To be able to stay up a little more would be nice. And of course, Stolas had asked his daughter to join them too. It would be best to have another time together as a family that would be a lot better than their poor trip to the restaurant that was anything much of a good time considering the unfortunate pair of patrons they met inside along with a unpleasant Envy demon whose business had recently been shut down by the order of Prince Stolas who had eagerly signed the papers calling for the immediate demolition of the establishment that put his two children in harms way.
Stolas was walking into his theater room used by him should there be a program or a film he desired to watch in the best quality and with the most comfortable seats and the servants on standby should he or any guest with him desire a drink or a snack they would provide.
"Come along the program should be on momentarily!" Stolas called to his children with a glee in his voice. He was more excited for the program as his voice clearly stated. Lucius followed Octavia in who didn't look too happy to join but anytime her father wanted them to do something together it wasn't like she could say no. She only wished at times it would be something she would want to do but for her father she would make an exception. Least he was trying to spend time with her and even with, Lucius too. The Boy behind her looked rather tired but he was trying to stay awake. He didn't get to stay up too often, and he didn't want to miss the opportunity to see why he was being allowed to be up past his bedtime.
"Dad!" Sighed Octavia rather unhappily. "Do we really have to watch this show of yours?" Via knew exactly why her father choose the specific program. Anytime he could see Blitz in anything, it always seemed to get his feathers all ruffled up in excitement. She didn't know rather to think it was disgusting or cute in a laughable way.
"Please Via, dear! I know our previous time at sharing a meal in the gluttony ring was…eventful. But please allow me to have you join me in this. I will take you wherever you like tomorrow!" Said Stolas giving his daughter a rather pleading look his red eyes twinkling with hopefulness.
Via looked away from her fathers gaze. He always knew how to push her buttons. Sometimes she would swear he is no older than she was maybe even less than the boy next to her. "Alright! I would like to get to a few stores. I want to get a few new things for my room." Octavia stated.
"Done!" Stolas beamed running up to his daughter and embraced her. "Anything for you my owlet!"
Octavia chuckled and hugged her father back. Stolas was a lot of things, but she never doubted his love. There was a time when she did, but she could never think that anymore, not after what had happened in recent months or even when, Lucius became a part of their lives.
"Thanks Dad." Smiled Octavia releasing her hold on her father. Lucius watched them happily embraced with a smile and though he looked eager for the show ahead it was clear that he was far from being used to staying up.
Stolas looked down on him with a loving smile. "Well little one are you ready for the show?" He asked.
"I am…" Beamed Lucius though a yawn came from out from him right after he said that. Stolas only grinned perhaps it was too soon to let him stay up, but he gave his word he could and what kind of father would he be if he went back on his word? He broke too many promises already across his life and due to that it almost shattered a lot he has including the relationship he has with his daughter and times with others too.
Some of which he could not care less about losing. A Wife that never was much of a one or even someone worth even trying to talk with about being more respectful and caring or the reputation with those that constantly looked down on others simply because it was what their races were. It never mattered to Stolas. All he ever wanted was for everyone to be happy. And most of all have a family that he could be proud of and to look out for as they grew up.
Stolas was happy with Via but with Lucius part of his family he couldn't be happier despite some very unforeseen circumstances that have landed him in hot water with the King and some others all due to the boy possessing something from the ancient past that he had yet to decipher. There was a lot to discover, and he needed to find out but for now all he wanted was to spend more precious time with his family and what better way than to see his precious imp and his employees on a television program? It should be most rectifying!
"Now then everyone! Shall we take our seats?" Suggested Stolas. They all went to the long couch in the far back of the theater room. Big enough for all of them to sit on. Stolas sat on one side while Lucius was lifted up to the center by him while, Octavia took her seat the boys left. With Stolas on Lucius's right side, they were all ready for the show.
The Imp servants came up to the three with trays in hand. Bowls of freshly made popcorn with melted butter in little pouring cups. Sweet cider and water in glasses along with the head butler, Pringles presenting the remote to the large screen television on the far side of the room.
"Thank you Pringles." Stolas said to the butler who smiled at his master. It was not his place to say it, but he admired his lord. Many of his fellow imps had it rough living amongst the royals and tending to their needs and desires often being the ones to endure a multitude of hardships but, Stolas was the fairest of them all. He only hoped he would remain that way for years to come.
"Let's see what my Blitzy can do!" Grinned Stolas and Octavia rolled her eyes never getting use to the fact at how much her father was infatuated with, Blitz while Lucius sat back on the couch shaking his head and patted his cheeks trying to keep awake for the show. The Screen flickered on, and the head of a smiling flat screen television appeared with a booming voice.
"HA HA HA! BROUGHT TO YOU BY VOX TECH!" Bellowed Screen man cackling madly making Lucius yelp in front leaping out from his spot and landing on, Stolas lap his bare feathers cushioning his fall and, Stola's robe helped him ease but caused him to spit out his drink.
"Lucius?!" Stolas gasped in surprise and Octavia watched the boy jump couldn't help herself putting a hand over her mouth and giggled. That was far too funny! She could not hold that in.
Lucius breathed trying to calm down and Stolas took him off his lap and settled him down back on his spot while the servants got to work cleaning up the mess.
"That scared me!" Wheezed Lucius and Stolas put a comforting hand over him.
"There, there! Its just some melodramatic television." Assured Stolas seeing some of his cider spilled on his robe. Lucius realized what he had done and whimpered.
"I'm so sorry!" He apologized.
"Its alright." Replied Stolas giving the boy a smile and Octavia once she finished up with her quiet laughing turned back forward watching the tv, but her father gave her a playful stern look. He knew she was laughing, and she just shrugged her shoulders. It was funny! Least no one was hurt from it.
"Coming at you from the CEO of Vox Tech corporation!" Vox announced wearing a thin layered tuxedo with a mini top hat. An Audience applauded the host of the show as a title screen appeared on next.
"This is Audacious Manifest!" The Screen flicked with a colorful title blew in a series of neon lights with Vox reappearing in front of it. "Here chosen contestants from a lucky send out are cordially invited to partake in a series of games from quizzes and courses in order to obtain tonight's lists of prizes given to you by yours truly!" Vox bowed and the audience around applauded.
"I want to thank you all for trusting me to give you all entertainment! As here at Vox Tech you can trust us! Trust us. Trust us." Vox cyber eyes went into a temporary swirl almost hypnotizing Lucius, but he almost collapsed from sleep and woke up again.
The Show then appeared upon a large platform and standing on three podiums light on by spotlights were three familiar imps. "Here are our lucky three contestants tonight!" Presented Vox holding a microphone in his hand with an arm out to three imps.
"These three answered my letter and having graciously came to join in tonight's episode to try and get the latest prizes!" Vox stepped over to the imps with his face never losing its sinister smile he walked over to the shortest one that looked rather nervous.
"Hey little guy! Where you from? What's your name?" Asked Vox holding the microphone down to Moxxie who looked rather shy.
"Why I am..." Moxxie started but was silenced when the microphone was taken away.
"Yeah…fine cool! Whatever!" Scoffed Vox as that imp was as interesting as a blank screen. Moxxie looked glum folding his arms and Millie was not pleased that her husband again was being ignored before he could even speak as, Vox went up to her next giving her an impish grin.
"And you little lady! Who might you be?" Asked Vox.
"I'm Millie and that's my husband you were speaking to!" She pointed to Moxxie as the crowd awed in delight.
"Well folks everyone needs love! Too bad it comes with attachment when there is plenty of others in the sea, but I guess to some they only want one! Boring am I right?" Asked Vox addressing the audience and the they all laughed.
Millie growled at the mockery, but Moxxie gestured to her not to do anything rash. Vox was one the most powerful overlords in hell. He didn't doubt his wife's skill, but he did not want to risk the wraith of any overlord.
Vox then turned to the tallest imp of the three though he stood only half as tall as the host of the show. "And you my good sir! Who might you be?"
Blitz stood proudly with his hands on his hips in fists. "Names Blitz the O is Silent!"
"Ah! Welcome Blitzo!" Beamed Vox and Blitz growled.
"I said the O is silent you god…mmm!" Blitz was silenced by the floor suddenly opening up below his and his employee's feet and they all fell through a trap door sliding in the pit below.
Vox and the audience laugh as the camera's caught the shocked faces of all the imps. "Now that's what I call a drop in character folks!" Bellowed the tv host and back in Stolas theater room both the Prince and his children were equally surprised by seeing Blitz and the others fall through slides tumbling down rolling over each other hitting side after side as they fall through an open gated door straight into a large room filled with all sorts luxurious accessories and doorways.
"Welcome to the Escape rooms! Where the best of minds will be tested with their cunning and clever thinking! Though I don't think there is much to expect from them am I right folks?" Asked Vox on screen and the audience laughed as everyone watched on various screens in the grand room watching as Blitz and the others got to their feet looking around in surprise and anger.
"Oh, come on! Really?! This kind of game?! This is a bunch of bull!" Growled Blitz looking around seeing nothing but fancy looking ornaments and accessories that reminded him a lot of the inside Stolas palace.
"Come on, sir! This won't be so bad." Moxxie smiled dusting himself off. He enjoyed a good game that required him to use his mind at times. An Escape room certainly was a good one.
Millie, however, was just as annoyed as Blitz was. "Here I thought we were just going to answer questions! How in the hell we supposed to figure this out?!" The PA system then screeched on causing the trio to cover their ears trying to shut out the painful noise.
"That's something you all have to figure out! But do it fast! As the rooms hold plenty of surprises that would certainly deny you from reaching the goal of making it back on set but don't worry it won't hurt. Not as much as I think anyway!" Vox laughed and back on set the audience laughed too.
"Let the games begin folks! And remember the prize is five thousand in cash and a one-day VIP pass to, Valentino's club! Certainly, a night's stay would be enough to fulfil all your darkest fantasies! Let's watch the show and remember there are no rules! Only to escape as soon as possible. Let us begin!" Cheered Vox with his arms wide and he cackled in laughter. The Prize was certainly good, but no one had yet to claim it. This Game show was rigged up nicely. Imps were certainly the dumbest of all of hells demons. They only had the brains to know how to put on their clothes but to see them fail over a trivia and under pressure made good entertainment.
The Room below began to fill up slowly with gas that Blitz could smell instantly. "Oh, great! As if this room wasn't fucked up enough! It has gas too?!"
"We got to get out of here!" Millie clawed at the walls but through the colorful wallpaper were made of steel. They were not going to get out that way as the gas hissed above them as the audience on the set watched with enthusiasm and humor. The Contestants looked clueless and quite helpless as Vox stood up watching the screens with a dark look on his face. This was going exactly as it should. They had yet to figure out the first clue and within a minute the gas will overwhelm and knock them out. Certainly, death would be more suitable but in light of the show that requires humor and contestants that would come for a chance he had to use non-lethal methods.
"Come on! I am starting to get high in here and not in the good way!" Shouted Blitz sensing the gas was starting to mess with his senses as he scurried around trying to find a way out, but the doors were locked and despite toppling over so much it was, Moxxie that was paying attention to the details of one door that had a keyhole with carved picture of Vox on it. It was the only door that had one.
"That's odd?" He said to himself sniffing the air silently agreeing with his boss that the gas would soon overcome them in a minute or two. He noticed a large picture on the wall that had Vox on it giving a teasing thumbs down and that's when an idea came to Moxxie.
Quickly going to the picture, he picked it off the wall tossing it down and found a key on the back of it. "Here! The Key!" He beamed proudly taking it and ran for the door and quickly unlocked it. He opened it up to reveal a staircase. "Guys over here!" He called over to Blitz and Millie.
"Moxxie! You did it!" Shouted Millie in glee running to her husband and kissed him on the lips.
"Finally, Mox! I was afraid you never had a brain to use other than for those crappy musicals!" Complimented Blitz thought it was more of an insult.
"Hey!" Yelled Moxxie but Millie pulled him along following Blitz who stormed up the stairs and they all coughed out what little of the gas got into their systems to the surprise of the audience and even, Vox. Very rare does it happen that anyone makes it out of the first room.
"Well…that was a surprise wasn't it folks?" Vox chuckled trying to not sound disappointed but there were a couple more levels left.
"But let's found how they progress? Two levels ladies and gentlemen and let me tell you they are a doozy! All brought to you by Vox Tech! Trust us to give you the best of entertainment!" He laughed waving to the audience and giving a thumbs up to the camera letting all who were watching the program a dark look. Millions were watching and it was giving him more power through the eyes of the media. Once again, proving how the modern times were putting the past to a permanent rest. Now if only he could get rid of one certain pest that clung to the ancient ways of entertainment that was long overdue to be put down for good.
Blitz and the others burst through the doorway that led to the next level but just as they did the door slammed shut behind them. "Now where are we?" Groaned Blitz but then there was a loud stomping nose in the chamber that was large and rounded with multiple pillars. The Ground shook and as lights flickered on lighting up the entire chamber there was a massive hell hog. Large enough that it could fit multiple imps between its jaws. It spotted them and snorted menacingly and charged at the three.
"Millie! I thought you left the farm stuff behind you!? Yipe!" Blitz grabbed Moxxie and they moved left and, Millie dodged right just before the hog could hit them, but it turned after Blitz and Moxxie as they screamed in terror with the hog chasing.
"There you go ladies and gentlemen! A Hell Hog straight from the ring of wraith! Vox tech spares no expense! Can they escape before the hog tramples or maybe eats them? I am afraid we forgot to feed the beast today. Maybe they won't taste too terrible?" Chuckled Vox as the audience laughed watching the screens seeing Blitz and Moxxie running for their lives as the hog chased them gnashing its jaws with drool coming from its teeth.
Stolas back in the palace watched with horror while Via looked at him concerned. Lucius had his hands over his eyes peering through the cracks of his fingers thinking something bad was going to happen to the three imps.
"Sir! This is your fault! You signed us up without even asking for our permission in the first place!" Screamed Moxxie.
"Hey! Sorry I wanted to do something fun with you two!" Blitz retorted as the two ran around more pillars narrowly avoiding the gnashing teeth of the big hell hog.
"You call this fun?!" Cried Moxxie giving Blitz and angry look but failed to realize where he was going and collided head first into a pillar knocking the wind out of him and he collapsed onto the floor his head spinning along with his eyes.
"Moxxie?!" Cried Blitz and he ran over to him standing over the nearly out cold imp. The Hell Hog was right upon them and Blitz stood protectively in front of Moxxie but then Millie came out from behind the hog and leaped upon it. She came down hard and fast upon its head and punched it straight in the eye. It squealed in agony as it tried to kick her off but she head on as it leaped and twirled trying so hard to shake her off but, Millie head firmly and got to the other side of its head and punched it in the eye there causing the creature to wail in complete agony and, Millie leapt safely off of it landing by, Blitz and Moxxie.
The Hell Hog squealed in pain and ran in the opposite direction and being blinded by the female imp it struck a pillar going so fast it caused the pillar to break apart and fall upon it burying it into a pile of rubble.
"Grab Moxxie, Mills and let's split!" Ordered Blitz seeing there was another doorway through the chamber passed some of the pillars. Millie carried Moxxie from under his waist and legs and they all ran for the door with Blitz opening it up to reveal more stairs.
"Oh, come on!" Groaned Blitz impatiently and stormed up the stairs with, Millie following with Moxxie in her arms.
Stolas breathed a sigh of relief that the imps mostly Blitz was okay and, Via just sat back on her chair and Lucius smiled glad to see that his fathers friends were just fine but when the screen turned back on, Vox on the set again he was once again disappointed and frustrated but quickly changed his tone.
"Oh, aren't they clever! But the final level is never one take lightly! Might as well call it wrap and get a snack for they will be perfect size to fight between a sandwich." He chuckled seeing the group make it through the door that came up from the floor. The Imps had gotten to the last level but the door on the floor slammed shut again but then the walls in all four directions began to close on them.
"Oh, for the love of Satan! What the hell is this now? Is this earthly eighties film crap?!" Shouted Blitz as the walls were coming in fast. They were as good as done for should the walls reach them.
"What are we going to do?!" Millie yelled trying to push one wall back, but it was too much even for her. Moxxie who finally got himself back to his feet when Millie put him down again glared at Blitz.
"Might I point out again, Blitz this is all your fault?!" He shouted but then Blitz had enough his employee.
"Now look here Mox! I am tired of your blaming me for everything!" He grabbed him and shook him madly so much that his own body shook and flying out of his pocket was a small grenade he still had on him from their latest mission on earth that took them to compound where a survivalist who had killed people trespassing on his land was and, Blitz had helped himself to all the earthly weapons now that no one would use them.
The Clinging of the grenade alerted the two to the small explosive device and the two of them quickly got an idea looking at each other with crude smiles. Moxxie picked up the grenade and, Blitz pulled the pin. Moxxie flung it above them to the ceiling and it exploded after a couple seconds blowing a hole in the ceiling just under the set and when the walls came close enough, Millie grabbed her husband and boss and jumped between the walls until they came above them and settled right back on the set where they were dropped from.
The Audience and Vox all stared at the three imps in complete disbelief. Vox had rigged all of the levels to be virtually impossible to escape including the last one. Blitz folded his arms slyly at him. "I think we earned the prize?" He asked in a sing song voice.
Vox then flickered and frazzled as he was enraged that his set was ruined, and his game show made a mockery of but as the one rule stated he had no choice but to give the three imps the prize handing them the bag of money and the ticket inside it.
"Well…that's our show. Good night everyone and remember coming to you from Vox Tech. Trust us to provide." The Show ended and went to commercials and back in the palace Stolas applauded for Blitz and his employees. He was genuinely happy for them all.
Via just sat back in her seat not realizing she had something laying in her lap. "Well…that was different." She admitted but when she looked down she saw Lucius was asleep and laying upon her lap softly snoring. "Uh…Dad?"
"Yes?" Stolas replied looking at her but then noticed the boy in her daughters lap. Sleeping soundly. Seeing his daughters face was so adorable he could not help but put his hands together in delight.
"Aww…how cute you two look." He giggled but Via's cheeks flushed.
"Dad!" Octavia wheezed but she couldn't help but smile.
"Seems it was too late for him to stay up. I'll take him to his room." Stolas reached for Lucius but Via shook her head and carefully wrapped her arms around the boy and got to her feet as carefully as possible.
"I'll do it, Dad. Then I'm going to bed too." She smiled at him and Stolas reached and stroked her cheek affectionately.
"Alright then. Good night Via. I love you and your brother too." Stolas said softly.
"Love you too, Dad." Replied the owlet carrying the sleeping Lucius in her arms carrying him to his room.
Once she reached the boys room taking a good look around remembering how it once belonged to her in her youth she sighed at the happy memories when her father would come and comfort her and play with her there. She undid the blanket on the back and settled, Lucius on the pillow and covered him up.
She was about to leave but noticed a picture was sitting on the nightstand. It was a rather poor-quality picture made from pencil and crayon but what Via saw on it surprised her and made her heart warm up.
The Picture was a human boy namely Lucius holding hands with a owlet with her name above it. Another sign on next to her name said, 'Big Sister.'
Via put a hand over her mouth and sniffled. The Boy thought so much of her that he truly considered her family. She looked back at the sleeping child who turned over in his sleep letting his face be seen.
Grabbing a pencil, she added a sign to the little picture above the human boy in it and marked it 'Little Brother.'
"Good night Lucius." She smiled at the child. She had many doubts at first about him but seeing how much he admires her as much as her father it seemed he was part of this family more than ever now. "Good night…little brother." She said softly before taking the picture and settled it on the boys hand and quietly left the room hoping in the morning when he wakes up he will notice his artwork had been added onto and he will get the message that a certain owlet adores him too.