Locked Away

by SqueakyButton

Summary:

Not heading the advice of his council, King Lucifer Morningstar sets out on a what is expected to be a short trip.

Years later, acting regent, Sera Flynn, offers to reward a convicted felon for the king's safe return. Having run into a familiar face once before, Alastor ventures to find the man. He and his companion Rosie teach their new friend Samael the ways of royalty, as the man started to remember odd details about his past.

Chapter 1: Prolouge

- - 7 Years Ago - -

“Daddy, do you have to go away again?” The blonde princess gave a tiny plea as her father tucked her into bed. 

“I’m sorry, my Little Dappling. These meetings are very important for us. I’ll only be gone for a couple of days,” Lucifer leaned down to kiss his daughter’s forehead. Lucifer looked into her large green eyes as he sat beside her. “But I always come back, don’t I?”

Charlie curled into his side. “You do, Daddy.”

He chuckled as he stroked her hair. “You remember what to do when these trips come up?”

“Yeah, lemme get it.” Charlie crawled over her father to dig in her nightstand. Her little fist held the trinket up in victory. “Got it!” she grinned, moving to sit on his lap. She held a golden bracelet with a single charm of half an apple up to his face. “Here it is, Daddy.”

A warm chuckle left the man’s chest while gently taking the charm in his hand. “That’s it. When you’re feeling down, look at it and know I’m thinking of you.” His other hand reached beneath his collar to take out a golden chain with a matching charm. 

A squeal came as she snapped the Apples together making them whole. “Daddy’s little Apple!” Her eyes admired the charm in its entirety. 

“Right. When the business gets so boring, I take it out and I start missing you.” He took the two halves apart and scooped her in his arms. “Then as the King, I tell them ‘My daughter, Princess Charlotte, needs me! I have to go now.’ before hopping on my horse and riding all night back to you.”

A boisterous laugh came as he gently tossed her back on the bed. Her little feet kicked up before lying back down. “And then I see you at breakfast- yawn then we spend the day just playing music and dancing.”

“Those are my favorite days, Kiddo.” Lucifer tucked back in bed as he placed the keepsake beside her bed. “I’ll be back before you know it.” With a final kiss on her head, the king dimmed the lamps. He carefully stepped out of the room careful to not wake the sleeping princess before placing a hand to the door. "This is for her. If I want her to grow and be proud of me, this has to be done." He pulled back his hand and ran his fingers on the side of his head. "The sooner, the better."

Adjusting his cuff, he started the march to the vestibule. One of the servants packed the carriage as the driver readied the horse. He stood to bid his regent and acting governess a small bow. 

The taller woman, a regal figure with off black hair kept pushed back from her pointed face. Her dark hands clasped in front of her squeezed as she looked to the carriage. Grey eyes show a deep worry as her facial features remain collected. She took a deep breath to address the king. "Your Majesty, I beseech you, reconsider your departure. If not for the wellbeing of your people, then for Her Highness." 

A single pale hand was held up to stop her. "Lady Sera, your concern is well intentioned. But I’ve delayed  this appointment enough. Any longer can hinder any progress made." He gave her an assuring smile as he took her hand in his. "I will take care. Soon enough I will return and have you still doing my work," he gave a hearty laugh. 

She gave a polite chortle at the notion. "Forgive me. Even after all these years, it seems like I am still acting as your Governess." 

The younger woman, a blonde with wild hair and an even more wild personality just grinned. While she wasn't Lady Sera's ideal choice, the King and Princess Charlotte took a liking to her instantly. There was an infectious air about her that drew everyone in. "Relax, Sera, I'm in high demand! But no one can keep me from Charlie!" 

"Lady Beatrice, Please-" 

"Lady Bea," she interrupted. 

"Lady Bea, please maintain a modicum of decorum while in the presence of His Majesty," Sera scolded. "Yeah, fine, Lady Sera. I'll make sure the Princess's education keeps her well distracted on your trip.”

Lucifer gave a nod as he bowed. "Very well. I trust you to do your best. The Princess needs-" he covered his mouth as he tried to contain his laughter. "I can't do this with you, Bea."

Bea followed suit much to the chagrin of Lady Sera. "I know. But you can trust me; I'll take care of Charlie." 

Lucifer wiped a tear from his eye. He loved how much Bea cared for Charlie and could make her feel loved. "Of course. I'll expect an update when I'm back," he took her hand and bowed to her. 

Turning to his eldest friend, Lucifer saw the familiar lines in her forehead. But he took her hand and kissed the back softly. "Madam, please rest easy. Should anything happen, you'll be the first to know." 

The professionalism she held broke as she held the man's hand a moment longer. "Forgive me. I still see the young prince instead of the King. Travel Safe." 

With that, he stepped away from both of them and followed the guard. The small carriage was only manned by the driver and foot soldier. It was better to travel with the minimum number of people possible. 

With the door closed and a final wave the journey began. Once far enough away from the castle, Lucifer changed out of his royal clothes to a more common outfit. Now, he just had to wait. 

The sight of the moon caught his eye. It was larger for this time of year. Brighter, too. Part of what Sera mentioned earlier in the day played back in his mind. Something about robberies and mysterious deaths happening in the country. But then again, she was one that believed in superstitious nonsense. 

"I have listened to one too many stories of hers. She's got me believing there might actually be some form of vigilantism," he thought to himself. Though making a story in his mind would be a fun story when he returned home. The idea played in his head as he drifted off.

The night faded as the early lights of dawn rose. A young man hiked to an intersection, pulling his hooded cloak closer. Alastor cursed under his breath as the sound of hooves filled his ears.. It would be foolish to be caught now. He quickly ducked into a ditch, pressing himself flat into the dirt.

Once the sound faded away, he let out a deep breath. He wiped beads of sweat from his face, trying to steady his pulse. Carefully, he prepared himself to climb the mound to continue his journey. He took one step in the grass, tripping before landing back at the bottom. He held his head, spots filling his vision. He shook his head to look for what he tripped on. A curved wooden piece stuck out by his foot. It was fortunate he missed the fragment when he initially jumped. 

He scanned the area around him as the sun rose. A carriage laid against a tree, wheels broken and door barely hanging on. There was an accident; that was obvious. Likely the work of the rumored mercenaries. Alastor stood, investigating the wreckage. The horses were stolen, the carriage ransacked. This could have been days old or just recent. It was hard to know for sure. 

He would have left it alone but this could be a good opportunity. Looking at his bloodied clothes, there could be some luggage he could pilfer. Anything that would be preferable to being discovered like this. He walked around the tree and happened upon a morbid sight. Two uniformed men laid in mud and dried blood. So much for looking for anything inconspicuous. Though he did look inside one of the windows, looking for any spoils to salvage. Maybe there was something hidden they missed. The man worked on enough carriages to know how cautious the wealthy were. Pulling back the curtain, he discovered the passenger on the floor. 

“Well, waste not, want not. Sorry, my good man but whatever is here will be put to good use,” He expressed his condolences. With one step inside, he took a closer look at the seats. As he moved to inspect the sides, he heard the distinct soft cough. It was raspy and faint, but it was there. Alastor snapped his eyes to the man below him. One first look, it was easy to overlook but there was a distinct rise and fall of his chest. He was alive!

Alastor froze like a deer listening for predators. The man would be dead soon enough. It was no fault of his. His fate would die on the side of the road with his fellow man. Yes, that would ease his conscience. He moved to step out of the carriage when there was another cough. “Please…”

Alastor looked below and grit his teeth. His luck was growing worse by the second. He would have left but with a plea, he remembered his personal code; Don’t kill the innocent. Leaving him knowing now would be the same as killing the stranger himself. “I hope I don’t regret this…”

With careful effort, Alastor managed to lift the man over his shoulder. Once he was out, Alastor laid him on the grass. There were several cuts on his head and arms; nothing that looked life threatening. This passenger must be a young man, based on his stature. “Lucky for you we’re on a busy road. If I move you closer, someone will eventually find you.” 

While Alastor didn’t expect any response, he was surprised to see the young man struggle to open his eyes. 

Dark blue eyes stung with the light. There was only a figure with tanned skin, dark hair and glasses. He raised one hand with great effort. Alastor took the hand out of instinct. He gave a comforting smile as the dark blue eyes watched him. “I’ve got you.” 

“Thank you…” was all the man said before falling unconscious. At least there was still fight left in the man.

Chapter 2: Deal with the Devil

Summary:

Current Regent Sera Flynn was running out of time in her search for HIs Majesty. An act of desperation turns her to the worst criminal being held in the the royal prison. He is said to be the most cunning and devious but out of options, She arranges a meeting.

Notes:

Hello, my denizens of Hell!

I hope you're ready for another slice! This is a shorter one but it leads into a much longer next chapter.

Now sit back, relax and let Dear Ol' Squeak take you on a ride.

– Present –

The ticking clock was the only sound in the royal office. The current regent, Lady Sera Flynn, just stared, transfixed, at the newspaper headline. Until this very day, she wasn’t aware how much the citizens scrutinized her rule. Even those held in the highest regards were not immune to criticism. Their opinions laid before her in black and white. Large print read “ROYAL CONSPIRACY?! RUMORS SWIRL AS KING REMAINS UNSEEN!” Lady Sera read the article several times over since the paper arrived. 

Civil unrest grew in the last few years since His Majesty, King Lucifer, went missing. He was such a prominent public figure during his reign that his absence was felt throughout the land. Try as she might, Sera was not as charismatic as her predecessor. The people often inquired about his return to which she actively avoided answering. 

But answers and time was running out. It was only a matter of time until neighboring powers took notice of his absence. Soon enough she would need to proclaim the king dead. Every maternal instinct knew it was far from the truth. The day after Lucifer left played constantly in her mind. 

-7 Years Ago-

Sera was halfway through eating her lunch in the sitting room. 

There was a knock and a call from the other side.“Excuse me, Madam Sera. But there is a visitor here. He says it’s regarding an urgent matter.” 

“Come in,” she allowed. A vile knot formed in her chest. 

The officer bowed to the Lady as he removed his hat. “Forgive the sudden intrusion, Madam, but I’m afraid we have disturbing news. Late this morning, one of my officers passed the remains of an accident. We found the bodies of two men bearing the royal insignia on their personages. The passenger inside is nowhere to be found.” 

The voice faded as he continued. Suddenly it was as if she were underwater. Every other sound was muffled and the thumping of her heartbeat was all she heard. Two men dead…. The king missing. She must have gone catatonic as the officer waved a hand to reclaim her attention. “Forgive me,” was all she managed to utter.

“I know this comes as a great shock, Madam. But before we launch an investigation, we need to have positive identification on the missing person,” He gave her a moment to compose herself. 

“His Majesty, Lucifer Morningstar.”

With the cooperation of all the palace resources, the search would remain confidential. After several leads and months of work, the ones that came in possession of the King’s clothes were arrested. While they were still incarcerated to this day, they remained adamant they did not know the King’s whereabouts. 

Sera would insist that every available hospital, shelter, even any religious sanctums for signs of the monarch. With each search, the end result remained unchanged.

All out of options, it was time to subvert legal limitations. She would enlist the aid of a well-established and dangerous personage. The risks this decision posed were great but there was too much at stake. 

-Present Day-

Alastor shifted in his seat as his chains were attached to the ground. The female soldier stood at the door as her superior officer began to pace. A gravelly voice read the prisoner profile aloud without formally acknowledging him. “Inmate 1906. Name: Alastor. No known last name. Alias: Bloody Buck, the Cloven Criminal. Is that correct?” 

Young man shrugged at the introduction. A haughty smirk grew from hearing the name. “Is that what the papers dubbed me? Not exactly the moniker I would have chosen. It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.” He proceeded to pick at invisible dirt under his fingernail. “Though, I suppose the editors need an alluring headline.” The prisoner leaned forward, staring directly at the folder. The thought crossed his mind if all of his crimes were listed. Judging by the meager folder it was improbable.

The uniformed officer snapped the folder closed as he tossed it on the table. “You are quite the smart-ass, you know. Anyone ever tell you to shut up?”

“Hah! Quite the opposite! I’ve been told I have the voice of an announcer or even for radio.” Alastor replied, looking the man up and down. Intimidation would be his strong suit. He had the pompous attitude of many uniformed men promoted by nepotism. Possibly never face any real combat in his life. Those holding real power didn’t flaunt it blatantly. 

The dark eyes shifted to the female officer. She was almost a living statue with how still she stood. There was an unwavering strength within that came from years of hard work.. How she became assigned to this - buffoon- was beyond him.

“Hey, listen up!” The loud shout at the other called back to Alastor. “Were you even listening to me, dipshit?”

“Hm, not at all!” He answered honestly. “I was merely waiting for this ridiculous meeting to begin.” 

The man straightened his stance and crossed his arms. “How do you know it hasn’t?” 

“Simple, my good man. There is still an open seat across from me. If it really were only us, you would be in the chair.” He pointed to the female officer. “Judging by the increased security outside and the need for the most polished and capable soldier being present this is someone important. Finally, I know I am not due for parole which means this is someone with great influence.” The look he gave the dumbfounded officer grew into a diabolical smirk. “Am I correct?”

There was a moment of silence as the officer composed himself. Yeah, Well, shut up! You don't need to know anything! You’re just-”

“That’s enough, General Adams. There is no need to draw this out any further.” The metal door squeaked open as the final party joined them. 

Alastor lifted the corner of his brow. ”Interesting. An audience with the current ruler. This can be useful,” he thought to himself. 

General Adams gave a salute as the woman sat down. “Afternoon, Lady Flynn.” 

Sera looked to Alastor as she laced her fingers. “Greetings, Alastor.”

“Salutations! Pleasure to meet you, quite a pleasure!” He gave her a grin as he rolled his shoulders back. “Now, what can I do for you?”

Chapter 3: Its A Deal Then?

Summary:

With enlisting the aide of a known serial killer, Lady Flynn and Alastor review the terms of this conditional release. Alastor is not a fool to agree to help without payment.

Will Sera convince his to help on this rescue mission?

Notes:

Hey Squeaky Readers! Sorry this update is so late. Life got on the way with deadlines, family issues and having to make ends meet. But I have the next few chapters in the works!

I hope this serves as an offering worthy of you! I'll see you next time!

Sera eyed the felon across from her. She read his reports multiple times since his incarceration. Everything about the person before her was nothing like she imagined. He appeared really put together on the surface. There was something about the look he gave that just confirmed there was more to this individual. “Before we begin, I must stress that this matter remains top secret. Should you deny this request, measures will be taken to ensure your silence.” Sera spoke solidly. “Circumstances have forced us to use… unconventional means.”.

The corner of Alastor’s mouth twitched slightly. A business proposal with threats of brutality! How utterly enthralling. Who was he to deny learning more? “Well, My Dear, I’m afraid you have the wrong man! As I’m sure you've read, I’m a butcher of man! A mindless serial killer with no rhyme or reason! Good men and women avert their gaze from me on the streets. Citizens live in fear of not knowing if they will be next. How can I possibly be of help, Good Lady?”

“Lady Flynn will do, Sir.” Sera pushed the folder before Alastor. “This folder consists of all your misdeeds that landed you in prison. The ones the public has access to.” She reached into her bag and revealed another one. “What I have here are records of several more crimes over the past decade,” She explained, pushing the open folder for Alastor to read. “Our investigations uncovered several operations of human trafficking that have suddenly ceased, violent bank robberies where the money was never recovered, various moneylenders whose names cross into your reports. Including the murder of a known alcoholic that has ” 

Alastor’s eyes darted to the folder then her. For the first time that day, his smile dropped. So they did have an extensive file on his crimes. “Right to the chase. Consider me invested in this little escapade! Who is the target, My Dear?” 

She nodded sharply at his response. “Contrary to what you might think, this request requires the use of your intellect. We have a person of interest that is missing. We are asking you to locate and escort him home.”  

“Well, that’s a lot less fun.” Alastor chimed. “My Dear Lady Flynn, there seems to be a misunderstanding. You see, I’m not some errand boy you can send to play fetch. Assassinating a political figure and taking the blame; I’m not opposed to that. I know where I stand with all this. So, if you don’t mind, I much rather enjoy being sent back to-”

“This man is King Lucifer Morningstar.” she interrupted. “He left on a political mission nearly a decade ago. We have not had any word from him since he left.”

Now they were getting to the meat of the conversation. The stakes were higher than he could possibly grasp. A dark chuckle left his mouth as she gave him the details. The notion she wants to let a serial killer into the world was ridiculous. “You… you must be desperate t-to come to me…” his hand wiped a tear from his eye. 

The woman set her elbows on the table, closing her eyes. “I assure you, we spared no resources in locating him. All our efforts came up empty. We’ve done what we can. Now we are in need of someone of your ‘talents’ to continue the search.”

Once he caught his breath from laughter, Alastor relaxed into his seat. “Have you considered the possibility that his Majesty is dead? A decade is a long time to be merely missing.” 

“The thought has occurred to us. But in checking the morgues and funeral homes across the nation, no one has matched the King’s description. There have been no ransom demands and Now we are running out of time.” The woman took a shaky breath. Her pale blue eyes looked to her hands as she squeezed them together. “Citizens around the nation have looked to the Morningstar family since this country’s inception. Never in the history of our nation has anything like this happened. We look to them to run this nation and protect all its citizens. Since his disappearance, unrest has gotten worse and I fear we may be on the verge of a revolution.”

Alastor’s face dropped at the history lesson. If she planned on appealing to the loyalist in him, she was far off. He was familiar with how patriotic the citizens can be. But with blind faith, it was easy to turn a blind eye to those all around. One could slip through the cracks without any indication. “I assume you have another reason besides the history lesson?”

The woman kept her eyes fixed on her hands. “Her Highness, the King’s daughter will soon come of age. Once that happens she will be named Princess Regent. This will, of course, be a large gathering of visiting nations and the Royal Family is expected to make an appearance for the ceremony and ball. The celebration will be heavily publicized and an opportunity to still show the Morningstars are strong.”

He raised an eyebrow as he listened. “May I ask, Lady Flynn, If you are the one that is currently ruling, why not wait until after? Surely this Princess can fulfill the role. I understand the need but why now?”

She shook her head. Her shoulders dropped as she thought back on that night. “I wish it were that simple. During his absence, I have done my best to act as ruler and guardian to the princess. My name has been besmirched assuming vile reasons for my command. All that I can stand. However, as I watch her grow into a woman, I can tell she is hiding her pain.” For the first time since the meeting began, she looked at Alastor's face. The strong facade she carried faded in this moment. “But I cannot rest knowing that young lady will not see her father. The man I have known since his birth. Even if he were dead, I would handle that knowing he was back. It's the unknown that weighs on my mind, you see.” Sera covered her mouth with one hand, choking a sob. 

To Alastor, she looked like a mother grieving. And that's what she was. It was clear she came to plead for more than political needs. 

“Excuse my behavior.” She said, dabbing at the corners of her eyes. “I beg you one final time to consider-”

“I’ll do it,” He cut her off. “I’ll agree to this task.” 

Sera gave a curt nod. She took out a handkerchief to dab her eyes. “Forgive my moment of weakness.” Within a second, the stern look was back on her face. “Since you have accepted this mission, we are willing to compensate you for the efforts. Though do not mistake this as an opportunity to flee the country. Should you attempt to deviate or fail to perform regular check-ins with myself or General Adams, you will be found and executed immediately. As well as any comrades you are found with. Do I make myself clear?”

Alastor did so much as flinch at the threat. He already agreed to finding the man. Additionally,  this would be his last chance to visit her. “Why, of course, Dear Lady Flynn. I do have some conditions of my own. In addition to being sponsored for my travels, there is the matter of my personage after this ordeal is over.” He leaned back, elbow relaxing in his seat. 

“Name your price.”

“Deportation. Given I have been locked up in a cell for the last number of years, it wouldn’t do me good to go back to rotting away! Yes, I believe leaving the country under a new identity would be the best.” 

There was a beat of silence before a snort came from the corner. The General shook his head. “Yeah right. Scumbag. Like we’ll ever agree to that!”

Sera held up her hand to cut him off. “Done. But once you leave the country, you will no longer be a citizen. Should you require aid once you set foot off our land, you will be denied. Any crimes you commit outside these borders will be at the mercy of the ruler. No leniency will be given.”

Alastor shrugged at her words. Nothing would hold him back once. He would make his own way in the world. “Provide me with enough money for a year and transportation, and you will never hear from me again. 

Another beat of silence before looking at her hands. “Agreed. We will draw up a contract and have it prepared by morning. I suggest you rest. Your search begins tomorrow.” She stood from her chair, taking the files from the table. 

“Ah, One more thing.” Alastor chimed in. “I have no interest in politics so a photo of the man I’ll be looking for would be most helpful.”

“Of course.” She reached into her pocket pulling out a photo.

His eyebrows shot up at the photo. Blond hair, a slim stature and a strong face. The young man he saved all those years ago… could almost pass for the king.

Notes:

Hello, friends! This is a story I have been working on for a while! It is loosely based on one of my favorite movies Anastasia. I hope you like it. I'm gonna try and update every other week as I wanna be far ahead and work on other fics as I go.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Locked Away